Ebay problem -- Am I wrong?
XanaduNow
Posts: 1,718
I won an auction from a UK seller on January 25. The seller charged me GBP 3.50 (roughly $7) for S/H. I made PayPal payment the next morning (January 26). The item hasn't been received yet. Yesterday I sent this message to the seller:
"Hi, I was just wondering if you could provide me with any info on the shipment? I still haven't received the item. Thank you.
Arthur"
The seller responded:
"Unfortunatly youvchose to pay for surface mail which can take 4-6 weeks"
My issue is that I won a separate auction from a different UK seller on February 4 (PayPal payment made on February 7). Seller charged me GBP 2.00 (roughly $4) for S/H and the item was received on February 12.
I suppose I may be unfamiliar with international shipping methods to/from the UK. Is this normal? Is this irregular? Am I wrong for thinking that I got hosed some how -- be it the price or treatment?
I'm a little on the pissed side right now. Not because the item isn't here yet (as long as I get it, I think I'll be happy) but by the seemingly BS answer I got from the seller. You think this is a case of a seller who just dopesn't know how to properly ship?
All input is welcomed. Thanks guys.
Arthur
PS. I purchase a lot from other countries and usually the shipments are received between 5 and 10 days after payment is made.
"Hi, I was just wondering if you could provide me with any info on the shipment? I still haven't received the item. Thank you.
Arthur"
The seller responded:
"Unfortunatly youvchose to pay for surface mail which can take 4-6 weeks"
My issue is that I won a separate auction from a different UK seller on February 4 (PayPal payment made on February 7). Seller charged me GBP 2.00 (roughly $4) for S/H and the item was received on February 12.
I suppose I may be unfamiliar with international shipping methods to/from the UK. Is this normal? Is this irregular? Am I wrong for thinking that I got hosed some how -- be it the price or treatment?
I'm a little on the pissed side right now. Not because the item isn't here yet (as long as I get it, I think I'll be happy) but by the seemingly BS answer I got from the seller. You think this is a case of a seller who just dopesn't know how to properly ship?
All input is welcomed. Thanks guys.
Arthur
PS. I purchase a lot from other countries and usually the shipments are received between 5 and 10 days after payment is made.
0
Comments
Steve
Collecting:
Brett Favre Master Set
Favre Ticket Stubs
Favre TD Reciever Autos
Football HOF Player/etc. Auto Set
Football HOF Rc's
$7.00, the seller should have used Air, regardless of your "choice."
The seller obviously views his shipping-fees as a profit center.
Air is fast from the UK. Usually less than a week.
Surface = BOAT. Usually 3 to 5 weeks.
There might be customs issues, too.
Also, west-bound mail (coast-to-coast) has been delayed by recent
weather in the US.
There are just as many shipping-gougers in the UK as there are
in the USA.
Seeking primarily PSA graded pre-war "type" cards
My PSA Registry Sets
34 Goudey, 75 Topps Mini, Hall of Fame Complete Set, 1985 Topps Tiffany, Hall of Fame Players Complete Set
I am glad you paid with PP.
Did he tell you what day he shipped it?
"My concern is that I won another auction from the UK 1 week after I won your auction. The seller charged me GBP 2.00 for shipping and I received the items 5 days ago. What is the difference between the two shipping methods that yours would require an addition 3-5 weeks and cost more? Thank you.
Arthur"
Still waiting on a response. I've been charged under GBP 1 for shipping before and gotten it within a week. To be honest, there may have been multiple shipping methods offered for varying costs, I didn't see. Usually, the UK seller's are pretty cut & dry. They charge X ammount and send the item out right away. I checked the auction page again and it just lists a charge of GBP 2.50 for shipping within the UK. This message is under the "Seller's Payment Instructions:"
"Non UK Buyers please Email for P&P, as cost even by surface are often quite upsetting"
Admittedly, I didn't email. I just paid what was listed on the invoice. My fault, obviously. I still don't understand how one seller can get items to me within a week for less $$ and this guy charges more for 4-6 weeks ground?
Arthur
What's this guy's feedback look like?
Any comments from US buyers?
If you can post his name.
does it apply to such a sale (out of the country)?
I'd be certain to file the complaint within their alloted time.
PP 45 days
Positive Feedback: 99.5%
Members who left a positive: 634
Members who left a negative: 3
All positive feedback received: 687
Ironically, the latest feedback on his page is "Speedy Gonzalez Delivery, thanks very much"
That is, of course, UK to UK. I'm leaning towards a neg once I receive the items but I want to wait until I hear back from the seller in regard to his explanation of the discrepancies in shipping methods and costs. I don't understand why it would cost $7 to ship an envelope from the UK to the US and have it take 6 weeks.
Arthur
Looks to me like he is pocketing 5.00.
Steve
If you don't receive it in that time frame, file it with paypal. You have 45 days to file, but I wouldn't wait that long to file it.
I have never had an item take that long.
Use this tool and see what his negs are???
"there are two shipping methods to the USA
( my description does require non UK bidders to email for price before bidding you did not)
Yes two methods one is airmail which rakes about 1 week and has one associated cost the other Surface with another.
You where given a choice surface or Air.
you chose surface hence the time
I must admit at the time I though it strange for such a small item and cheap cost, but you are the customer and I do as I am requested."
?????
Does he understand that I just explained to him how someone else charged me $3 less and got it to me within a week?
My response:
"Yes sir, you are correct. I did not email you prior to bidding about the S/H costs and I didn't realize I had a choice in the two methods. On those accounts, I am at fault. I honestly did not see that I had a choice in shipping methods and just PayPaled you the money on the invoice. My next question is this: why would other sellers be able to ship me an item from the UK within a week for almost half what you charged me and you charge double for sending it ground? Are you just pocketing the extra money you charged me for S/H?
Thank you very much for your time and responses.
Arthur"
Arthur
Ok, now post the seller's name.
Like it has been said MANY times before -- figure out ALL s/h issues BEFORE bidding -- especially on international transactions.
edited to add: This is part of being an intelligent consumer.
<< <i>sounds like it was spelled out in the auction. It is a bit high, but many eBay sellers in the US make more profit that this on their s/h fees. The guy's obviously not a crook; be patient, it will arrive.
Like it has been said MANY times before -- figure out ALL s/h issues BEFORE bidding -- especially on international transactions.
edited to add: This is part of being an intelligent consumer. >>
I may have misunderstood so I want to be sure. Are you saying that it's okay for a seller to gouge on S/H as long as the consumer isn't intelligent enough to spot it before hand?
Thanks
Arthur
Don't worry about it, your covered. The feedback seems pretty good, but you can never tell.
Give it another week and file it with Paypal, if you don't get it.
<< <i>
<< <i>sounds like it was spelled out in the auction. It is a bit high, but many eBay sellers in the US make more profit that this on their s/h fees. The guy's obviously not a crook; be patient, it will arrive.
Like it has been said MANY times before -- figure out ALL s/h issues BEFORE bidding -- especially on international transactions.
edited to add: This is part of being an intelligent consumer. >>
I may have misunderstood so I want to be sure. Are you saying that it's okay for a seller to gouge on S/H as long as the consumer isn't intelligent enough to spot it before hand?
Thanks
Arthur >>
Arthur, I charge $4 s/h for domestic shipments when I sell in eBay. If people don't like it, they can move on; I could not care less.
Did you really have to "search" for it? eBay is fairly user-friendly. It may have taken an extra 10-12 seconds to evalute the seller's STATED methods??
I think $7 for international shipments is fairly high but I would not consider it "gouging."
I think that if some people spent the time shopping around that they did on whining about things when they could have easily been prevented, it would be better for all parties considered.
You act like the seller is acting fraudulently......please tell me how things have changed since before the auction ended per the seller's terms?
One issue we do not have here is what day the item was shipped?
Hell, Paypal gives the seller seven days to ship it.
Did the seller ever give you a date when the card was mailed to you?
////////////////////////////
A $5.00+ profit on S&H - in this instance - is gouging.
The seller saved a few cents of the $5.00 by using a boat
to ship a card that could have gone Air Mail and still preserved
his $5.00.
The seller is a cheapskate, who counts pennies at the expense
of losing excellent customers.
<< <i>"I think $7 for international shipments is fairly high but I would not consider it "gouging." "
////////////////////////////
A $5.00+ profit on S&H - in this instance - is gouging.
The seller saved a few cents of the $5.00 by using a boat
to ship a card that could have gone Air Mail and still preserved
his $5.00.
The seller is a cheapskate, who counts pennies at the expense
of losing excellent customers. >>
You're wrong. But -- if you think you have case -- contact eBay on behalf of the disenfranchised buyer and see what they're willing to do. I may be wrong, but I'll bet not.
EXCELLENT POINT!!!
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>sounds like it was spelled out in the auction. It is a bit high, but many eBay sellers in the US make more profit that this on their s/h fees. The guy's obviously not a crook; be patient, it will arrive.
Like it has been said MANY times before -- figure out ALL s/h issues BEFORE bidding -- especially on international transactions.
edited to add: This is part of being an intelligent consumer. >>
I may have misunderstood so I want to be sure. Are you saying that it's okay for a seller to gouge on S/H as long as the consumer isn't intelligent enough to spot it before hand?
Thanks
Arthur >>
Arthur, I charge $4 s/h for domestic shipments when I sell in eBay. If people don't like it, they can move on; I could not care less.
Did you really have to "search" for it? eBay is fairly user-friendly. It may have taken an extra 10-12 seconds to evalute the seller's STATED methods??
I think $7 for international shipments is fairly high but I would not consider it "gouging."
I think that if some people spent the time shopping around that they did on whining about things when they could have easily been prevented, it would be better for all parties considered.
You act like the seller is acting fraudulently......please tell me how things have changed since before the auction ended per the seller's terms? >>
I suppose I can find solace in the fact that I didn't purchase the cards from you so at least they won't be trimmed.
Arthur
Now what did all your whining really accomplish????????????
<< <i>I suppose I can find solace in the fact that I didn't purchase the cards from you so at least they won't be trimmed >>
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behalf of the disenfranchised buyer and see what they're willing to
do. I may be wrong, but I'll bet not. "
////////////////////////////
The seller hides his fees from international buyers.
Thus, there is no way to report him for fee-circumvention
during the course of the listing. I have NO reports of EBAY
ever acting on such an issue after a listing is completed.
That is why one must always ask the S+H price, b4 agreeing to
the deal. Additionally, one can usually assume there might be
a reason that the S+H quote is "by request;" a huge red-flag
for a serial burn-artist.
When EBAY cracked down on the Chinese sellers of fake coins,
they did so on the basis of excessive S&H violations. Now, the
same sellers are selling the same fake coins, BUT buyers must
"request shipping quotation." These sellers are still charging
$100+ to ship a fake coin, but EBAY remains blissfully unaware.
Hiding fees from a buyer is reprehensible.
I will retract all previous comments if this is the case.
"( my description does require non UK bidders to email for price before bidding you did not)"
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
That is the typical ploy of foreign-national EBAY sellers, who
engage in gouging Americans on S+H.
Obvioulsy, most international sellers do not engage in this conduct.
<< <i>Quote From Seller:
"( my description does require non UK bidders to email for price before bidding you did not)"
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
That is the typical ploy of foreign-national EBAY sellers, who
engage in gouging Americans on S+H.
Obvioulsy, most international sellers do not engage in this conduct. >>
Anytime I've ever bought anything internationally on eBay where this statement was made, I:
1. Moved on, suspected trouble.
2. Emailed the seller and asked for a quote; if the quote was "gouging," I moved on; if it was fair, I bid; if I received no answer, I did not bid.
Simple.
eBay is full of sellers who prey on unsuspecting buyers -- buyers must be proactive in making wise buying decisions.
Why is this such a controversial point?
Seeking primarily PSA graded pre-war "type" cards
My PSA Registry Sets
34 Goudey, 75 Topps Mini, Hall of Fame Complete Set, 1985 Topps Tiffany, Hall of Fame Players Complete Set
<< <i>Exactly!!!
Now what did all your whining really accomplish???????????? >>
I'm not sure at what point in this post you interpreted by messages as whining. I simply posed the issues and asked for feedback from fellow board members. If you reread the itial post, my question was "Am I wrong?"
I, personally, have no problem admitting fault or when I'm wrong. All of my correspondence with the seller has been polite and inquisatory. I've thanked him for his time and for his responses.
There is no mention of international rates listed in the auction. As previously mentioned in this thread the auction requests INT. buyers to email for costs. I did not. That was my mistake. But, my problem -- or issue -- does not stem from the cost of the S/H. I saw the cost on the PP invoice and paid the invoice. My issue stems from a seller over-charging for a service I was unaware I was receiving (the ground shipping that would take 4-6 weeks).
Arthur
Why is this such a controversial point? "
////////////////////////////////////////////////
All of the cautions you advise are, of course, correct.
BUT, it is not OK to scr*w "unsuspecting buyers."
The "buyer beware" stuff is antithetical to what EBAY claims to be
about: "A trust-based community."
Each time a buyer gets scr*wed on EBAY, there is one less buyer
for you and I to sell to. Additionally, the shafted buyer tells his
pals and they avoid the venue, too.
It is in the pure self-interest of every reputable seller to speak-out
against uninformed/uncautious buyers being scr*wed by evil sellers.
<< <i>maybe it's in this thread what the item was but I have to agree, $7 for shipping something from the UK does not seem like gouging to me, particularly if the item was insured, and depending on the weight, he may have lost money on shipping. Sorry if I missed all this info in the thread. The main issue is did he actually ship the item and why is it taking so long and what Arthur can do to find out where his item is as far as I am concerned. >>
Cravetopps, I've received items (an envelope, like the one I'll be receiving from the seller) from the UK via AirMail within a week for $3. My question is, why was I charged $7 for ground shipment that takes 4-6 weeks?
Arthur
<< <i>
<< <i>sounds like it was spelled out in the auction. It is a bit high, but many eBay sellers in the US make more profit that this on their s/h fees. The guy's obviously not a crook; be patient, it will arrive.
Like it has been said MANY times before -- figure out ALL s/h issues BEFORE bidding -- especially on international transactions.
edited to add: This is part of being an intelligent consumer. >>
I may have misunderstood so I want to be sure. Are you saying that it's okay for a seller to gouge on S/H as long as the consumer isn't intelligent enough to spot it before hand?
Thanks
Arthur >>
jmbkb4, you haven't answered this question yet. Would you?
Thanks
Arthur
I would not even agree that $7 for shipping something from the UK seems like a case of overcharging, to be blunt. I would have been upset about the length of time to arrive, but not because of the shipping cost.
Seeking primarily PSA graded pre-war "type" cards
My PSA Registry Sets
34 Goudey, 75 Topps Mini, Hall of Fame Complete Set, 1985 Topps Tiffany, Hall of Fame Players Complete Set
/////////////////////////////////////////////
Because the cheapskate saved a few cents, and does not care
if you ever buy anything from him again.
Hey, Is there a reason you won't post his ebay name?
<< <i>Hey, Is there a reason you won't post his ebay name? >>
Yes. I am absolutely still allowing the possibility that I am, in this whole thing, wrong. If that is the case I don't wish to draw negative attention to the seller. I believe that, for now, is fair.
Arthur
///////////////////////////
No.
Ok, Thank you. I don't see you in the wrong. Hell, you want to know where your item is and why it's taking so long to get to you.
Do you have a shipping date?
<< <i>sorry to be contrarian here, but how do we know Arthur was "overcharged"? Did the item weigh 800lbs? Was it insured for $300? I don't have the answers and again, if I missed this stuff, I apologize profusely.
I would not even agree that $7 for shipping something from the UK seems like a case of overcharging, to be blunt. I would have been upset about the length of time to arrive, but not because of the shipping cost. >>
Cravetopps, it's a letter-sized envelope. The weight does not exceed standard shipping weight, no additional fees would be incurred due to weight.
On one hand, I actually agree with you on the charge. I've purchased dozens upon dozens of items from the UK and have paid GBP 3.50 before. That was, however, for AirMail. It almost seems to me that the seller somewhere offered the opportunity to purchase AirMail (I never saw it) for additional fees and since I decided (unbeknownst to me) to not select to pay those fees the item was shipped ground, out fo spite.
This is an assumption and could very well be incorrect on my part.
Arthur
"Thiose first two points which you so easily conceed and then forgget are the mains points.
You should have a level playing field when bidding you did not as p;ostage costs for you where an unkown. This situation is exactly why I state a postage payment up front, if you had asked they you would not now be arguing about it. And could have adjusted your bid stratagy accordingly
the second point you did know about the two prices they wjere both offered on the invoice.
Lastly (and I cannot comment on another ebayers overheads)is due to several things mark up ( or as you put it ' pocketing the extra money ' has to be even what ever extra I charge for uk must be equal to USA.
That said packaging ( however small) and tape travel to the post office ( which maybe miles away)
and of course the extra paypal ( money from USA costs more and price is higher due to higher postage)etc
I know I am probably talking my self into negative feedback but the fact are the facts .
Time and time again overseas buyers do no request postage and then bleat aboput it after winning.
Regards
Tony"
I responded:
"Thanks for your response Tony.
I have no problem with the GBP 3.50 I was charged. I'm just unsure why it was shipped ground. You mentioned that the choice was available to me. In all honesty I never saw it. I'm still trying to discern why your costs are so much larger than others from the UK.
Could you tell me the date my item was shipped and any tracking info there might be?
Thank you.
Arthur"
I'm starting to think that this has been drawn out too much. I never intended this thread to grow this large. Thanks everyone for your responses. I'm sure the item will arrive eventually.
Arthur
ah cuz u made it into one?
arthur btw was not whining, he simply was asking for advice.
Steve
Steve
Once again, for the record, I am not upset/angry/disgusted over the cost to ship to me. I just didn't realize I was being charged that much for ground shipping (4-6 weeks) when it could be AirMailed for a fraction of the cost.
I definitely didn't intend to spend this much time on it. The following inescapable points are true:
1.) I did not see the choice to purchase AirMail for more than the charged GBP 3.50. 100% MY FAULT
I doubt I'll leave a neg. Just wish I had my item. From the seller:
"There, unfortunatly, is no trcking available for this type of postage.
It was dispatched on 27th Jan.expected arrival not before end of feb.
Tony
I will search my invoices sent for a copy"
Arthur
yeah i noticed in his reply he made no mention of the diference in costs.
Steve
I didn't read the other replies but this is pure bull. I bought an item from England and it took less than a week by regular mail. I bought an item from France and was "shocked" when it arrived in 3 days from end of auction by regular mail. Couriers like UPS are quick as well especially to & from the UK, one of our biggest trading partners.
<< <i>"eBay is full of sellers who prey on unsuspecting buyers -- buyers must be proactive in making wise buying decisions.
Why is this such a controversial point? "
////////////////////////////////////////////////
All of the cautions you advise are, of course, correct.
BUT, it is not OK to scr*w "unsuspecting buyers."
The "buyer beware" stuff is antithetical to what EBAY claims to be
about: "A trust-based community."
Each time a buyer gets scr*wed on EBAY, there is one less buyer
for you and I to sell to. Additionally, the shafted buyer tells his
pals and they avoid the venue, too.
It is in the pure self-interest of every reputable seller to speak-out
against uninformed/uncautious buyers being scr*wed by evil sellers. >>
storm888:
Please do not confuse "buyer beware" ethics with "buyer prepare" common sense. Buyer beware deals with items purchased and of course is absurd -- we are buying over the internet to faceless individuals. But it is the buyer's obligation to research all things as fully as possible -- one of which is to evaluate shipping.
IF the seller "gouges" on shipping, and the buyer finds this out after winning the auction, there are still a few options:
1. Tell the seller to reduce shipping or else you will not pay.
2. Pay and never bid on those items again.
3. Contact eBay for assistance.
I advise against #3, obviously!
BTW storm888, I always look forward to your replies on this board -- I think you are one of the most level-headed people on here. You never post "fluff" but always do so with consideration.