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It's A Beautiful Thing When A Well-Thought-Out Plan Comes Together. A Tale of Cowardice.
poorguy
Posts: 4,317 ✭
Negative Feedback. Sometimes it's deserved. Sometimes it's retaliatory. In my case, it's sort of a compliment. It was bound to happen. Negative feedback was inevitable and I'm glad I got it this way. I actually gave some time for the "buyer" to respond and called my account rep about it before coming to the conclusion that someone targeted me for negative feedback. You're not successful until somebody hates you. 
Here's the deal.
Anaconda Feedback
Buyer (lilostitch22) purchases a cheap $30 rare print from our eBay store.
The next day a woman calls and gives me a card number over the phone. The number initially didn't go through (which usually happens on prepaid credit cards on the system we use). We called them back and corrected the problem with the card and ran the number. We ship off the print and within a few days we recieve negative feedback for it.
When I initially read the feedback it appeared to me that it wasn't for a rare print but looked like negative feedback someone would leave for a coin.
I then send the following message to the buyer fully believing that they left the feedback in error and that it was intended for another seller on a different transaction.
Hello, I saw that you left a negative regarding this item. I believe it may have been left in error. You left "Not as discribed.Improperly Cleaned,Very dissapointed, WOULD NOT RECOMMEND!!" but it was for a rare print. It seems like this kind of feedback would have been left for a coin (which I do sell). If you are unhappy with the print, please send it back. I want to do whatever I can to make you happy with the transaction. However, if you left the feedback in error, I would like to get it resolved quickly and can help you over the phone if you want me to do so. Call me at 800-440-8334. I remember speaking with you over the phone. You sounded very amiable. I look forward to speaking with you.
-Thanks,
-Brandon Kelley
Additionally, I left a voice message at the number they provided me with over the phone while getting their credit card information. I got a voicemail in the name of the person I shipped the print to. So I left a similar message to the one above on their voicemail.
Then, I started doing a little research and checked out their email address profile on yahoo.com. Here's what I found.
1-13-2008, email address registered with eBay was *******@sbcglobal.net (I know this because of their feedback for medmancoins was left on the 13th of Jan)
1-17-2008, email address created at yahoo.com ****lover2@yahoo.com
1-18-2008, lilostitch22 buys cheap print from our store.
1-31-2008, negative feedback recieved that doesn't even match the item.
Again, knowing this, I waited for the buyer to respond and even tried additional contact on Monday by calling their number again. However, and not to my surprise, instead of a voicemail to leave a message to, I get a click-click (the sound of someone intentionally hanging up a phone). I try calling back 5 more times over the next 48 hours with no contact or voicemails being able to be left. On the last two attempts the next day, I got a service message from their service provider giving me canned response indicating they had either blocked my number or that it was a cell-phone no longer in service.
I then get on the horn with my acct manager and tell them of the situation. I managed to get additional contact information about the buyer and tried contacting them via the email that was on the account before it was changed 24hrs prior to purchasing the print. Needless to say, I haven't recieved a response. Additionally, my account rep tells me that while the scenario was highly suspicious, it didn't break any of the ebay rules and nothing could be done.
So, I conceed to the policies of where I choose to do business and must give kudos to the coward who had to use malicious, underhanded, yellow-bellied means to get me my first and only negative. It really pleases me that the only negative was the result of a well-thought out plan fueled by jealousy and pusillanimity. Remember, you aren't successful until somebody hates you.
I would recommend blocking lilostitch22 but somehow I feel that this eBay username won't be doing much trading in the future.
I'll be considering my response to their feedback along with the feedback I will be leaving them. It will be professional and hopefully help future buyers know what really happened here.
Here's the deal. Anaconda Feedback
Buyer (lilostitch22) purchases a cheap $30 rare print from our eBay store.
The next day a woman calls and gives me a card number over the phone. The number initially didn't go through (which usually happens on prepaid credit cards on the system we use). We called them back and corrected the problem with the card and ran the number. We ship off the print and within a few days we recieve negative feedback for it.
When I initially read the feedback it appeared to me that it wasn't for a rare print but looked like negative feedback someone would leave for a coin.
I then send the following message to the buyer fully believing that they left the feedback in error and that it was intended for another seller on a different transaction.
Hello, I saw that you left a negative regarding this item. I believe it may have been left in error. You left "Not as discribed.Improperly Cleaned,Very dissapointed, WOULD NOT RECOMMEND!!" but it was for a rare print. It seems like this kind of feedback would have been left for a coin (which I do sell). If you are unhappy with the print, please send it back. I want to do whatever I can to make you happy with the transaction. However, if you left the feedback in error, I would like to get it resolved quickly and can help you over the phone if you want me to do so. Call me at 800-440-8334. I remember speaking with you over the phone. You sounded very amiable. I look forward to speaking with you.
-Thanks,
-Brandon Kelley
Additionally, I left a voice message at the number they provided me with over the phone while getting their credit card information. I got a voicemail in the name of the person I shipped the print to. So I left a similar message to the one above on their voicemail.
Then, I started doing a little research and checked out their email address profile on yahoo.com. Here's what I found.
1-13-2008, email address registered with eBay was *******@sbcglobal.net (I know this because of their feedback for medmancoins was left on the 13th of Jan)
1-17-2008, email address created at yahoo.com ****lover2@yahoo.com
1-18-2008, lilostitch22 buys cheap print from our store.
1-31-2008, negative feedback recieved that doesn't even match the item.
Again, knowing this, I waited for the buyer to respond and even tried additional contact on Monday by calling their number again. However, and not to my surprise, instead of a voicemail to leave a message to, I get a click-click (the sound of someone intentionally hanging up a phone). I try calling back 5 more times over the next 48 hours with no contact or voicemails being able to be left. On the last two attempts the next day, I got a service message from their service provider giving me canned response indicating they had either blocked my number or that it was a cell-phone no longer in service.
I then get on the horn with my acct manager and tell them of the situation. I managed to get additional contact information about the buyer and tried contacting them via the email that was on the account before it was changed 24hrs prior to purchasing the print. Needless to say, I haven't recieved a response. Additionally, my account rep tells me that while the scenario was highly suspicious, it didn't break any of the ebay rules and nothing could be done.
So, I conceed to the policies of where I choose to do business and must give kudos to the coward who had to use malicious, underhanded, yellow-bellied means to get me my first and only negative. It really pleases me that the only negative was the result of a well-thought out plan fueled by jealousy and pusillanimity. Remember, you aren't successful until somebody hates you.
I would recommend blocking lilostitch22 but somehow I feel that this eBay username won't be doing much trading in the future.
I'll be considering my response to their feedback along with the feedback I will be leaving them. It will be professional and hopefully help future buyers know what really happened here.
Brandon Kelley - ANA - 972.746.9193 - http://www.bestofyesterdaycollectibles.com
0
Comments
You should neg them though too.
TC71
***Anaconda Rare Prints offers a no questions asked 7-day return policy. In other words, you can return the item anytime within 7 days after you receive the piece for any reason. Receive the item and look it over in-hand for a week. If it doesn't sit right with you then simply return it for a 100% refund of your purchase price. If the item is paid for with a credit card, there is a 2.6% re-stocking fee if the item is returned.**
Some people are just plain jerks.
Good timing. Soon all sellers will have negative feedback but it will just serve to lower and spread out the curve. Good customer service will still be rewarded. --Jerry
<< <i>Eh, negs happen. Good to see you can live with it.
You should neg them though too. >>
Hell, have you seen the posts I've lived through?
Government is the great fiction through which everybody endeavors to live at the expense of everybody else. - Bastiat
Russ, NCNE
Russ, NCNE
poorguy,
Life is unfair and sucks sometimes, you handle it well.....and as always, with class
I've got a VERY strong idea of who it is. They most likely are reading this thread right now.
<< <i>PS: I have one from a forum member who created a new eBay handle the day of the auction close just so he could win an item and neg me. Never paid and, of course, eBay would do nothing about it.
Russ, NCNE >>
Really, they never paid? My account rep told me that if they never paid, the feedback would be removed because it the item was bought for the sole intent of leaving negative feedback. You should be able to get that removed.
That said, it sucks to have your perfect feedback ruined by someone like that....
<< <i><< PS: I have one from a forum member who created a new eBay handle the day of the auction close just so he could win an item and neg me. Never paid and, of course, eBay would do nothing about it.
Russ, NCNE >>
Really, they never paid? My account rep told me that if they never paid, the feedback would be removed because it the item was bought for the sole intent of leaving negative feedback. You should be able to get that removed. >>
Today that works. A few years ago, it got nowhere.
Russ, NCNE
<< <i>
<< <i><< PS: I have one from a forum member who created a new eBay handle the day of the auction close just so he could win an item and neg me. Never paid and, of course, eBay would do nothing about it. Russ, NCNE >> Really, they never paid? My account rep told me that if they never paid, the feedback would be removed because it the item was bought for the sole intent of leaving negative feedback. You should be able to get that removed. >>
Today that works. A few years ago, it got nowhere. Russ, NCNE >>
Ebay is learning as they go. BTW, I would have probably Negged Brandon too for not using a single word I understood in the auction title.
<< <i>
<< <i><< PS: I have one from a forum member who created a new eBay handle the day of the auction close just so he could win an item and neg me. Never paid and, of course, eBay would do nothing about it.
Russ, NCNE >>
Really, they never paid? My account rep told me that if they never paid, the feedback would be removed because it the item was bought for the sole intent of leaving negative feedback. You should be able to get that removed. >>
Today that works. A few years ago, it got nowhere.
Russ, NCNE >>
Might be worth trying to remove now that the rules have changed.
<< <i>In my case, it's sort of a compliment. >>
Good way to look at it.
#1- Everytime I look at your inventory, I need paper towels to wipe away all the drool.
#2- Quality does NOT come cheap, but you guys stock only QUALITY.
#3- You guys are pros when it comes to customer service/satisfaction.
Dont let the malicious neg affect you at all. For those of us who know what Anaconda really is, you will never need to prove your coin worthiness to us!
Coin's for sale/trade.
Tom Pilitowski
US Rare Coin Investments
800-624-1870
My message to this creep:
"Brandon is a great eBay seller, why would you give him a negative on a $30 item.
He has a superb return policy.
You are a sad example for eBay buyers!"
<< <i>I am actually surprised that you guys do much coin business on ebay. Adrian has been active in coin circles for at least five years now. Most buyers of high-end coins know this and, I would guess, would contact Anaconda directly to make a purchase, not go through ebay. My guess is that this will have zero impact on your business. >>
It's a good way to bring in business to the website. Since we have added the ability to send us offers on coins directly from our website, traffic has been largely direct there. However, there are the buyers that just like to use eBay and I don't blame them. It's a pleasureable format once you are comforatble with it.
<< <i>Feel free to contact lilostitch22 and give him a nice hello Here >>
It's probably not going to make a difference. My suspician is that they used this old account to make this one purchase for the purpose of negging me and that's it. I wouldn't be surprised if the account was abandoned after this.
Learn something every day.
Sorry about the neg.
- Marcus Tullius Cicero, 106-43 BC
"Seu cabra da peste,
"Sou Mangueira......."
Man, you are successful!!!
<< <i>You shold log in through eBay Hong Kong and leave a long-winded reply. >>
And have it risked being removed by eBay? Nah, I want to make it clear and concise.
<< <i>So someone spent $35 pretty much just to leave a neg??? On eBay???
Man, you are successful!!!
Should offer to undercut that....
"Leave me a negative on ebay for only $25 per negative!"
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
<< <i>Does the mailing address for the print jive with any recent coin sales? Sounds like a previous customer with a gripe (maybe afterthought that they paid too much) or jealous competition (after all, Anaconda is the business model most of us dream of).
I've got a VERY strong idea of who it is. They most likely are reading this thread right now.
Out em! They already went through the hassel and cost of negging you for no reason....come on...please???
<< <i>
<< <i>Does the mailing address for the print jive with any recent coin sales? Sounds like a previous customer with a gripe (maybe afterthought that they paid too much) or jealous competition (after all, Anaconda is the business model most of us dream of).
I've got a VERY strong idea of who it is. They most likely are reading this thread right now.
Out em! They already went through the hassel and cost of negging you for no reason....come on...please???
Nope, I've also considered the fact (from whom I believe is behind it) that I was baited to say something on this forum about it.
And by the way I would like to buy ALL of your coins, could you make me a deal?
Nope, I've also considered the fact (from whom I believe is behind it) that I was baited to say something on this forum about it. >>
I'd like to believe that you would oblige any board members that PM you with a request for the culprit's identity
"Everything is on its way to somewhere. Everything." - George Malley, Phenomenon
http://www.american-legacy-coins.com
<< <i>And by the way I would like to buy ALL of your coins, could you make me a deal? >>
Yup, call me. See below.
Edited to add: My 800 number is my cell phone. Just please don't call me at 2:00 AM about a dateless buffalo nickel. Please.
<< <i> >>
Nope, I've also considered the fact (from whom I believe is behind it) that I was baited to say something on this forum about it. >>
I'd like to believe that you would oblige any board members that PM you with a request for the culprit's identity
No. I want to see if they do the right thing.
<< <i>
<< <i>And by the way I would like to buy ALL of your coins, could you make me a deal? >>
Yup, call me. See below.
Edited to add: My 800 number is my cell phone. Just please don't call me at 2:00 AM about a dateless buffalo nickel. Please. >>
That is funny!
Snapdragon
This whole scenarion really sucks especially with what appears to be obvious intentions. You better neg him quick before the 20th rolls around or all you'll be able to leave is a positive.
How about: - New id just for retaliatory neg - email for details
The name is LEE!
Check out my current listings: https://ebay.com/sch/khunt/m.html?_ipg=200&_sop=12&_rdc=1
Unless they had "a friend" in another state do the item, then you talked to them on a phone that had the area code, so that could narrow it to the state or even more (in WA State, 1 area code is for 1/2 the state and I think we have 3 more for the other half....some states likely have more, and some less...I don't pay that much attention).
Then, if you have that, and you cross reference for state/cities that are from people that you have done business with, you can narrow it down. If you know people that meet both AND post in the forums, it can be narrowed even more.
Of course, the above only applies to Brandon as none of the rest of us have the info......
Brandon....care to say which state the caller was from? I'm guessing CA, FL, or NY......
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
I had the plesure to meet you at the last show in Baltimore. I was the guy looking for matte proofs. My dad was checking out your Libretas Medal restrike.
I think I said that right. I bought the 1912 from you through Heritage. I love the coin and think you guys are a great company.
This guy sounds like a real prize.
Everytime I check out the site, i drool and cry that i cant just buy them all.
If this person is hear reading this very thread right ow, i hope they know what a piece of they are for not being man enough to say what they think and not be a lil girl about it.
Wear that neg badge proud.
Greg Hansen, Melbourne, FL Click here for any current EBAY auctions Multiple "Circle of Trust" transactions over 14 years on forum
I enjoyed your story and it was well written.
<< <i>Any idea how your DSR's were messed with? Your shipping and Handling at now at 4.7 which drops you out of the 15% FVF discounts for Power Sellers. This whole scenarion really sucks especially with what appears to be obvious intentions. You better neg him quick before the 20th rolls around or all you'll be able to leave is a positive. How about: - New id just for retaliatory neg - email for details >>
As I understand it, it is your average that counts. One 4.7 won't knock you down. Ebay is pushing for free shipping so they can get their cut and encouraging low star number for anything but free. I spoke to one forum member who does offer free shipping and his number is 4.9. --Jerry
<< <i>
<< <i>You shold log in through eBay Hong Kong and leave a long-winded reply. >>
And have it risked being removed by eBay? Nah, I want to make it clear and concise. >>
Well, not much you can do with 80 characters.
<< <i>I think you place too much value in the opinions of other people. You run a fine business which carries some of the most stunningly beautiful coins available on the market and you have every reason to be proud of your reputation. This is very much like the argument about whether a coin belongs in ms70 or ms69 plastic. Its all about the coin, not the plastic. You are the real deal...does it matter much if someone labels you a 69 or a 70? The people who know coins, know the truth. Personally, perfect feedback doesn't impress me...but consistancy does. You have nothing to worry about...keep doing what your doing
Snapdragon >>