Troubling issue--I need advice

gyocomgd · March 30, 2005 3:08AM

I just sold a package of 5 U.S. Silver Proof sets on ebay, in the original U.S. Mint mailer. When I received them myself, I couldn't help but open to confirm the contents. All of the boxes were unopened, save for one I used to take photographs for the auction display.
The buyer informs me that he received the coins, opened all the boxes, and says several of the coins in one set have acquired light toning. He objects to this and has asked if I have a replacement. I do not. Should I offer a refund on the one set, partial compensation for the toning on that set, or say "nuts? to the objection altogether?
These are the 1999 Silver Proof series, so needless to say, he paid a pretty penny.

Russ · March 30, 2005 3:11AM

The 1999 proof sets are well known for toning problems. Did you make note of that potential issue in the auction description? Is this buyer an experienced collector? A newbie?

Russ, NCNE

DominusDeus · March 30, 2005 3:16AM

My 1999 set doesn't have any toning on it. In fact, NONE of my proof sets have any toning.

Longacre · March 30, 2005 3:19AM

In my opinion, I would offer a refund on that one set.

clackamas · March 30, 2005 3:22AM

Its not your fault, it is the mints. Unopened sets could contain super coins, would you ask for your sets back if they wee nicer than you thought after he opened them? You may offer a partial refund becasue a toned set may actually bring more on ebay.

Smittys · March 30, 2005 3:35AM

There's no way to tell if they were unopened after all they are not sealed.
You should have checked them before selling.
Work with him.

Artist · March 30, 2005 4:03AM

I agree with what everyone else has said - if you sold the sets as "Un-opened" your customer SHOULD understand that he could get lucky and score an PRF70, wind up with some coins that are below average, or get something in between - that is the point of buying an un-opened set.

However, it sounds like your customer didn't understand this when he bought those sets, and was merely expecting something that looked approximately like what we he would have gotten from the Mint had he ordered them himself in 1999. If it were me, I might err on the side of good customer service, ask what the purchaser wanted to do, and go from there - not because I had to, but because I wanted to.

dorkkarl · March 30, 2005 4:22AM

your "customer" is a jerk, & an idiot. what makes him think YOU are responsible for the crappy toning? tell him to take his complaint it to the propler responsible party, which is the u.s. mint.

K S

TWQG · March 30, 2005 4:37AM

If these weren't sealed in the shipping boxes the condition of the coins should have been mentioned.

19Lyds · March 30, 2005 4:44AM

Explain to the buyer that the toning is common for this series and in some cases may actually make the set more desirable. If he still does not want them, take em back, refund 1/5th of his mioney minus your shipping and ebay fee and throw em back up for auction! Advertise them as toned and you'll come out ahead. These are, after all, 1999 Silver sets.

Geez, some people are never happy!

BAJJERFAN · March 30, 2005 4:45AM

<<"There's no way to tell if they were unopened after all they are not sealed.">>

Not necessarily true. Its pretty easy to tell if the average person has opened the little flat box and removed the plastic case containing the coins from it. The end flap that he opened will shows signs of being messed with. I can tell which of mine have been opened.

KurtHorn · March 30, 2005 5:18AM

Tell him you won't charge him extra for the set that you didn't know had that beautiful color.

100proof1957 · March 30, 2005 5:19AM

Seems as though my 99 set that i sold was toned and looked pretty dang nice !

Hedger · March 30, 2005 5:30AM

Mine too has beautiful toning. I'll take 'em.

gyocomgd · March 30, 2005 8:13AM

Excellent responses! I do appreciate you all taking the time to consider. On balance and after reading your thoughts, I concluded it more than fair to offer a $35 rebate on the toned set (the five sold collectively for $1,511 or a little over $300 per, isn't that something the way the '99s have appreciated?) or merely have him return the toned set to me and allow me to refund the commensurate cost.
Guy

Shamika · March 30, 2005 8:36AM

If you feel the guy is being difficult, request that he return the entire lot (5 U.S. Silver Proof sets) and refund all of his money.

On the other hand, if you feel he is being reasonable, offer a partial refund that both of you can live with.

100proof1957 · March 30, 2005 8:48AM

35 bucks sounds more than generous

BAJJERFAN · March 30, 2005 9:19PM

If he doesn't like the toning there is nothing the Mint can do as they no longer have replacements available. If the toning is worth a premium just take the set back less any expenses and resell it.

Troubling issue--I need advice

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