Proper etiquite for "on approval" coins
erwindoc
Posts: 5,286 ✭✭✭✭✭
If you send coins out on sale with an "on approval" return policy, and the buyer changes his/her mind, who should pay for return shipping?
0
Comments
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
<< <i>Unless there is an agreement beforehand, or a general written policy to follow, I would suggest that the person doing the mailing should pay for shipping and that the person doing the mailing is responsible for making certain the coin reaches the proper addressee. >>
This is the arrangement I have with the dealer who sends me coins for approval. Of course, if I keep them I pay for his postage. I think if I keep some and return others I also pay for his postage and mine for the return.
<< <i>Return shipping should be paid by the potential buyer with rare exceptions, it is a small price to pay for those privileges. >>
+1. It is a privelege and is a small cost to be able to see a coin in hand before purchasing.
Choice Numismatics www.ChoiceCoin.com
CN eBay
All of my collection is in a safe deposit box!
The person who sends the coins pays for the postage, usually. It should
be ironed out before anything is sent on approval.
If a seller invoices the buyer for the coin and it has a specific amount for shipping
listed on the invoice, then the buyer must assume liability for the shipping, whether
or not the buyer actually buys the coin or not.
If the sellers states the coin is sold at a delivered price, then he has calculated
shipping into his prices, and the buyer is not obligated to pay for the shipping.
The buyer is obligated to pay for the return shipping, but not necessarily the original
shipping fees. Without a specific mutual agreement by both parties can lead to a
breakdown in a relationship.
There are fifty shades of grey about this subject. It depends if you keep one coin (prepaid)
out of a shipment and return two others sent on approval, you are liable for the return costs.
However, the original shipping costs are USUALLY covered by the seller.
Again, without a prior written agreement (*), feelings could get hurt. In the long run, it's easier to pay
the shipping of the approval coins, if so asked, and especially if so invoiced.
(*) written agreement can be as uncomplicated as an email or a PM. Don't rely on verbal
agreements - some one usually hears only what they want to hear.
I hope this helps.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
and I would be embarrassed to even ask this question to a dealer that sent me a coin
<< <i>I really think that's its just polite and common sense for the potential buyer to pay
and I would be embarrassed to even ask this question to a dealer that sent me a coin >>
Interests:
Pre-Jump Grade Project
Toned Commemoratives
<< <i>
<< <i>I really think that's its just polite and common sense for the potential buyer to pay
and I would be embarrassed to even ask this question to a dealer that sent me a coin >>
and would add i wouldnt expect i would ever get a second chance if i did ask
<< <i>Potential buyer pays for return shipping. -Dan >>
Generally, I agree but what if the coin was not properly described? What if the seller didn't mention the coin was hashly cleaned or had other major problems? What if the coin was a counterfeit?
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
Penny wise and pound foolish to do so.
Empty Nest Collection
I've had a few dealers offer to pay the shipping charges both ways. Some dealers have postal insurance policies that are much more attractive that what the post office offers you on an individual basis, so the expense is not as great for the dealer as you might think.
STILL, you owe it to the dealer be a serious buyer and NOT a "tire kicker." You should not have material sent to you if there is little or no chance that you are going to buy it. When you return something, you should give a specific reason as to why it did not work for you. This is a courtesy to the dealer, and it might help him in the future to send you material that is closer to your tastes.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>I really think that's its just polite and common sense for the potential buyer to pay
and I would be embarrassed to even ask this question to a dealer that sent me a coin >>
and would add i wouldnt expect i would ever get a second chance if i did ask >>
+1
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
In the few instances I have declined to buy an item I paid all the shipping both ways, in days past I had a few small dealers that worked with me and I would never expect for it to cost a dealer money to offer me coins in that manner. I bought lower end items mostly to complete sets.
The Internet era has made approval far less common of course for most of the hobby.
<< <i>
<< <i>Potential buyer pays for return shipping. -Dan >>
Generally, I agree but what if the coin was not properly described? What if the seller didn't mention the coin was hashly cleaned or had other major problems? What if the coin was a counterfeit? >>
Counterfeit- A stand up seller will offer to reimburse shipping, and should.
The other things mentioned-not properly described, "harshly" cleaned, "major problems" are subjective and arguably are the reasons people want to do approvals in the first place. Thus, buyer pays (unless it's something intuitively obvious- they shipped you the wrong item, the item was damaged in shipment, etc.) Otherwise, return postage is the investment you make for the privilege of being offered items on approval IMO.
RIP Mom- 1932-2012
I know of one dealer who sends out approvals - usually these are big ticket coins. In the event of an unreimbursed loss from the return shipper he has made arrangements with his attorney to file suit against the buyer and initiate collection action. This also could result in a filing of failure to pay with a consumer credit agency. Of course a reasonable time is allowed for USPS to conduct their investigation of the loss which can take 6-8 weeks. However, if there is some glitch with reimbursement, they are prepared to go after the buyer. I think anyone sending out approvals should have the bases covered. If your a buyer returning coins, make sure your familiar with the USPS rules for insurance, filing a loss claim and reimbursement.
As I take tables at shows and operate online I don't do approvals (and offer a 14 day return policy). While I do mailorder from online sales, the item is not shipped until paid via paypal (and not available in my acct) or non paypal payment has cleared my bank, been cashed. Show sales - all sight seen transactions are final. If your taking a money order for payment of an ebay item make them give you a USPS money order so you can cash it right there at the post office. That way you know the mo is real. Many other money order places won't even cash their own stuff! Then you have to deposit it in your bank and wait until it clears to ship. Don't ever ship the item until payment has cleared! I don't care how much they squawk.
I frankly think approvals are a thing of the past with online and shows.
<< <i>Getting things to review on approval is a great service that a dealer can provide to you. Usually the dealer pays the shipping charges to send it to you, and if you decide to return the piece, you pay to send it back.
I've had a few dealers offer to pay the shipping charges both ways. Some dealers have postal insurance policies that are much more attractive that what the post office offers you on an individual basis, so the expense is not as great for the dealer as you might think.
STILL, you owe it to the dealer be a serious buyer and NOT a "tire kicker." You should not have material sent to you if there is little or no chance that you are going to buy it. When you return something, you should give a specific reason as to why it did not work for you. This is a courtesy to the dealer, and it might help him in the future to send you material that is closer to your tastes. >>
Usually I prefer to pay the return shipping via USPS Registered mail, but there are dealers who want the coin back faster, and have private insurance, who prefer you send the coin back via USPS express mail on their corporate account. They usually tell you this before shipping the approval coin.