Poll: Would You Upgrade This Buyer to Priority Shipping for Free?

airplanenut · March 23, 2008 11:25AM

The facts: Buyer paid with a PayPal echeck that cleared on Thursday morning (3/20). I've been out of town since Thursday afternoon, but left before the payment cleared. I took every coin that's been sold with me, and didn't have access to a printer/shipping labels on Friday. I cannot (and thus don't) ship on Saturday.

Here's the email exchange, which has taken place today (Sunday, 3/23):

Buyer: Payment went through several days ago. I don't have the coin. You did not answer my email. Please tell me when the coin was shipped.

Me: I'm sorry for not answering sooner; I've been out of town since Thursday the 20th. The coin will ship tomorrow.

Buyer: Thank you. Please send it Priority Mail.

Me: As stated in the auction, it will be shipped via First Class Mail.

Buyer: It is not stated in the auction that the coin would not be shipped when the money was paid to you. Since you did not ship it when the Pay Pal funds were paid on March 20, it would be appreciated if you shipped it Priority Mail. This is a $350 coin, and I expected to have it by this time. A little extra customer service would make this customer happy.

I haven't responded to the last email. So, send the coin as I normally would, or give him a free upgrade?

OffMetal · March 23, 2008 11:29AM

Buyer is a jerk, but I would upgrade just to shut them up.

AskRaq · March 23, 2008 11:29AM

A couple bucks for a happy customer = a likely repeat buyer..... & he did say "would be appreciated"....

CarlWohlforth · March 23, 2008 11:29AM

Sure, send Priority. It's not much more expensive and it will make the customer happy.

CarlWohlforth · March 23, 2008 11:30AM

I don't think it is even $3 extra. The few times I've asked it was less than a buck more, but I haven't checked lately.

Mercury10c · March 23, 2008 11:31AM

The guy is an A-hole, but you can upgrade him for only 2 or 3 more dollars, so just do it.
If you ship first class you will be receiving a negative.

Edited to add: Your being out of town does not relieve you from your responsibilities.
BTW: I"m not the buyer

AnkurJ · March 23, 2008 11:33AM

<< The guy is an A-hole, but you can upgrade him for only 2 or 3 more dollars, so just do it.
If you ship first class you will be receiving a negative. >>

How can you jump to that conclusion though? He paid for something that was expensive, and after a week, did not get his item. I would also ask the same and would hope the seller would ship it priority for me. Frankly, this does not make him a bad person in my opinion.

AJ

airplanenut · March 23, 2008 11:35AM

<< How can you jump to that conclusion though? He paid for something that was expensive, and after a week, did not get his item. I would also ask the same and would hope the seller would ship it priority for me. Frankly, this does not make him a bad person in my opinion.
>>

After a week? The funds cleared on THURSDAY. I'm out for the day at about 7:15-7:30am, so if I were at home, it wouldn't have been shipped until Friday, meaning it would have had to arrive overnight (Saturday) if he were to have it at this point. It's a one day delay in shipping.

TwoSides2aCoin · March 23, 2008 11:37AM

Sure, what's a couple bucks and an apology to maintain excellence ?

Mercury10c · March 23, 2008 11:38AM

<< He paid for something that was expensive, and after a week did not get his item >>

A week? Thursday was 3 days ago. The seller paid with e-check which he knows has
clearing time. If the item had shipped first class on the same day the e-check cleared,
he still would not have the coin unless he lived in the same town as Airplane nut. To
me, the buyer is being a jerk.

AskRaq · March 23, 2008 11:39AM

<< 

<< How can you jump to that conclusion though? He paid for something that was expensive, and after a week, did not get his item. I would also ask the same and would hope the seller would ship it priority for me. Frankly, this does not make him a bad person in my opinion.
>>

After a week? The funds cleared on THURSDAY. I'm out for the day at about 7:15-7:30am, so if I were at home, it wouldn't have been shipped until Friday, meaning it would have had to arrive overnight (Saturday) if he were to have it at this point. It's a one day delay in shipping. >>

Just a point - the buyer may not have realized that an "eCheck" would not be considered "instant payment" & thus would take time to clear.... PayPal's new format w/ eBay has thrown me for a loop a couple times by doing bank funds when I didn't realize it.

SilverEagles92 · March 23, 2008 11:39AM

I don't think that's completely correct, Jeremy. If you had indded shipped the coin Friday (if you hadn't been out of town) the buyer would have simply replied "okay" when you sent them a date that the coin shipped. However, since you have not shipped the coin yet, an upgrade to Priority mail is not out of the question. I would do it just to make them happy. It's what, $2 extra?

smokincoin · March 23, 2008 11:40AM

<< How can you jump to that conclusion though? He paid for something that was expensive, and after a week, did not get his item. I would also ask the same and would hope the seller would ship it priority for me. Frankly, this does not make him a bad person in my opinion.

AJ >>

I wouldn't think twice about not upgrading it for him!

JZrarities · March 23, 2008 11:40AM

A $350 item and an extra $3 for priority (to make this problem go away)

SURE.

mrpotatoheadd · March 23, 2008 11:44AM

<< A couple bucks for a happy customer = a likely repeat buyer..... >>

Doesn't sound like the kind of "repeat buyer" I'd like to encourage...

thebeav · March 23, 2008 11:48AM

It sounds like you were a little lax in your communication. The buyer should have received an email upon what he thought was payment explaining your e-check policy.
You and I know that e-checks take time to clear. I would venture a guess that many buyers don't know this. (This guy didn't)
I think a shipping upgrade is certainly in order.

Russ · March 23, 2008 11:49AM

I would have responded to his request with "will do".

Russ, NCNE

Connecticoin · March 23, 2008 11:52AM

The buyer is a total a-hole, but do it to avoid risk of a neg.

The thing is, priority is a waste of money, it is RARELY any faster than first class unless your buyer is on the West Coast, then you might save a day. BFD.

TwoSides2aCoin · March 23, 2008 11:52AM

<< I would have responded to his request with "will do".

Russ, NCNE >>

Thank you , Russ.
This is precisely how to handle a customer's reasonable request.

goose3 · March 23, 2008 11:54AM

Priority Mail is a joke.

Connecticoin · March 23, 2008 11:55AM

<< 

<< I would have responded to his request with "will do".

Russ, NCNE >>

Thank you , Russ.
This is precisely how to handle a customer's reasonable request. >>

The request was not reasonable, it was stupid. First Class is plenty fast.

doh · March 23, 2008 11:57AM

I'd send it priority just to avoid the negative or neutral you'll almost certainly get if you send it First Class. Then I'd add the buyer to my blocked bidder list. Problem solved.

Russ · March 23, 2008 12:00PM

<< <>

Thank you , Russ.
This is precisely how to handle a customer's reasonable request. >>

The request was not reasonable, it was stupid. First Class is plenty fast. >>

It's likely the buyer isn't aware that they actually ship the same way and that Priority is really no faster. Thus, from their perspective it may seem perfectly reasonable. Besides, I learned a long time ago that you can never win an argument with a customer, even when that argument is unreasonable.

Russ, NCNE

Connecticoin · March 23, 2008 12:08PM

<< 

<< <>

Thank you , Russ.
This is precisely how to handle a customer's reasonable request. >>

The request was not reasonable, it was stupid. First Class is plenty fast. >>

It's likely the buyer isn't aware that they actually ship the same way and that Priority is really no faster. Thus, from their perspective it may seem perfectly reasonable. Besides, I learned a long time ago that you can never win an argument with a customer, even when that argument is unreasonable.

Russ, NCNE >>

I agree you have to do things like this sometimes. But it does not change the fact that the buyer is a total IDIOT. A normal person would not expect to have the coin on Saturday when he paid the preceding Thursday. A reasonable person allows the seller a day or two to mail the item realizing they are not sitting at the computer 24 hours a day waiting for thier lousy $350.

mrpotatoheadd · March 23, 2008 12:08PM

<< Besides, I learned a long time ago that you can never win an argument with a customer, even when that argument is unreasonable. >>

Well, there's that, too...

TwoSides2aCoin · March 23, 2008 12:10PM

The customer's request wasn't stupid. It was just a request that the seller change his method of shipping. The debate isn't whether priority mail is faster, either. The buyer made a specific request. There is a short and simple solution. The seller may be unreasonable just as much as the buyer. We are faced every day with testy people. We can avoid a lot of hassles by moving aside rather than standing in the way of them in an arguement or debate and as long as there is a transaction in the works and someone comes here for advice, I don't think your opinion of the buyer is helping the seller become a better businessman. It sounds confrontational and combatitive to me. Just my view.
This issue isn't about who is right or wrong. It's not about who is an askHole or not. We have plenty of time to sit in judgement of the players, but from a business man's perspective, the customer is right. That's all I'm saying. (even if he's a jerk and he's wrong

) get it ?

Musky1011 · March 23, 2008 12:17PM

I would ship signature confirmation also

jessewvu · March 23, 2008 12:22PM

I would upgrade him to priority mail to avoid anything getting worse but I would then block him. Does this guy really think the post office delivers on sunday? There is no way he would have the coin by now because when he paid for the item, he was expecting first class delivery. Only because you said you were out of town is he trying to make you the bad guy. Do you list in your auction that your handling time is 1 business day? What makes him think just because he paid (today), it will ship (today or tomorrow)?

cinman14 · March 23, 2008 12:28PM

how much did you charge for shipping in the first place?? Are you really going to be out anything?
Nothing ticks me off more than paying 5.95 shipping and seeing a shipping price of 2.00 on the package.

Save the drama about the packaging and gas and time spent throwing a coin in an envelope
I have sold coins before and three seperate times I threw a dollar or two in the package
after weighing it at the post office.

If you are not going to be out more than a buck or two I would do the upgrade and let him know.
Thanks him again for his purchase. And remind him Possitive feedback would be appreciated

JMHO

BECOKA · March 23, 2008 12:33PM

Some how Russ is making so much sense with so few words.

"Will do"

I like it.

Coll3ctor · March 23, 2008 12:36PM

I don't think it would get there much faster unless it's going from coast to coast. Both run about 2 to 3 days. $350.00 coin.... I would ship priority just to shut his face.

JCMhouston · March 23, 2008 12:46PM

Firstly, I don't see the buyer as really being a problem, although expecting the coin in two days is unreasonable. If I'm going to be out of town when an auction ends I try to put that note in the auctions, if I leave unexpectedly then I usually have my laptop with me and would (and have) emailed winning buyers to let them know that it would be shipped by Monday or whenever. Most buyers only get concerned when they don't hear from a seller, as they probably should on ebay.

As far as "their lousy $350", that's a seller I would never do business with, and I would urge you not to become that sort of thinker. Remember, you're selling something people don't "need", and if you're too difficult to deal with or patronizing over their small amount of money they can easily find someone else to take it.

To be honest I spend that much on lunches a lot of weeks, but still, it's money I've earned and I'm not going to throw it away. For a lot of people, perhaps most collectors, $350 is a significant purchase.

moonshine · March 23, 2008 12:48PM

not worth a neg - ship priority - you were at fault, not him.

gecko109 · March 23, 2008 12:50PM

<< Firstly, I don't see the buyer as really being a problem, although expecting the coin in two days is unreasonable. If I'm going to be out of town when an auction ends I try to put that note in the auctions, if I leave unexpectedly then I usually have my laptop with me and would (and have) emailed winning buyers to let them know that it would be shipped by Monday or whenever. Most buyers only get concerned when they don't hear from a seller, as they probably should on ebay.

As far as "their lousy $350", that's a seller I would never do business with, and I would urge you not to become that sort of thinker. Remember, you're selling something people don't "need", and if you're too difficult to deal with or patronizing over their small amount of money they can easily find someone else to take it.

To be honest I spend that much on lunches a lot of weeks, but still, it's money I've earned and I'm not going to throw it away. For a lot of people, perhaps most collectors, $350 is a significant purchase. >>

Mitsuecl3338 · March 23, 2008 1:01PM

priority mail is the same as first class just smaller packages in my personal opinion

garsmith · March 23, 2008 1:13PM

Go ahead and bump him up; then add him to your blocked bidders list

notwilight · March 23, 2008 1:18PM

It's amazing that ebay buyers expect instant shipping that is available almost nowhere else. I ordered a pool filter from a company that claims fast shipping on 3/6. On 3/19 I asked what the status was and they e-mailed me back "Backordered, forcast ship date unknown". But on ebay you're screwed if you don't ship the next day.

I've been shipping gold buffalos registered and registered mail for some reason is taking over a week and my DSR rating on shipping time has gone down. Now I have to figure out how to bring it back up.

It gets tiresome going to the Post Office EVERY day but that is what is expected by the buyers. If Saturday doen't work for you I would state that in the auction and you still may get hit for it. I got an e-mail today from a buyer who sent his MO via Certified Mail. It was delivered Saturday Afternoon and he wanted to know when it would ship. Of course tomorrow morning. Any other answer would be wrong.

And to upgrade to priority mail which is no faster just for some windfall profits to the USPS makes no sense. Russ nailed it, you can't argue with a customer. I would probably have responded: "Priority mail is no faster than First Class but is inteneded to be First Class treatment for packages over 13 oz. If you still want me to I will but it won't change the arrival date. Because you are displeased that I was out of town when this auction ended I want to make you happy and will offer you free shipment on your next purchase, please remind me at that time and I'm sure I will remember you." --jerry

Good luck,
Jerry

WinPitcher · March 23, 2008 1:20PM

Seller is not at fault in anyway, buyer has no idea when seller ships.

Just because a person pays instantly does not mean that the item goes out
that day, the next day or the day after.

Now with that said I'd do it just to shut this buyer up.

I had a similar situation 2 weeks ago, I was away, a card i had sold for 511.00

I charge 3.50 shipping 1st class mail.

While I was away I emailed the buyer and explained that I would be late sending the card out.

he said that was ok.

When I got back home and checked my email (I didn't while away) he had left me an email saying " he needed insurance for this item".

Well he didn't pay for the insurance and it was an option. long story short I emailed him and told him that it would be NP

I would insure the item and send it priority mail, sometimes you just have to do what you have to do to keep customers happy.

And I don't have too many customers willing to spend 500.00 for a common card!

I think the OP here did not like being TOLD how to send his item, especially when only a day or 2 elapsed from when the funds actually cleared.

Steve

TomB · March 23, 2008 1:23PM

Buyer is not being reasonable, but why get into it in this situation? Ship Priority Mail and watch the feedback you receive.

WTCG · March 23, 2008 1:23PM

Just to get the buyer off your back for good, send the order using Priority Mail. Priority Mail doesn't cost much more than first class mail and seems to travel slightly faster than first class mail.

Bochiman · March 23, 2008 2:10PM

Sounds almost like someone who bought a coin I was helping someone sell.....the only difference was I sent it the next shipping day but mail took almost a week to get to CA for him.....I had updated him, via email, but he chose to keep asking, via ebay communications, where it was and was getting upset.
Kinda torqued me off and, if it wasn't for someone else, and the coin were to be returned from the USPS for some issue, I would have just cancelled the transaction.

To answer the question......buyer paid almost a week prior, most likely, but it didn't "clear" until Thurs AM. For him, he may not know how long it takes and only think that he had paid a week before so, where was the coin????
So, there are always "reasons" why something doesn't happen....on a $350 item, I don't think priority costs much more and it would be easy to do.
While I wouldn't appreciate the buyer trying to dictate shipping to me, your quick replies to him left that open, and the curtness was probably taken in "not a nice way".....

tcmitssr · March 23, 2008 2:32PM

I'd send it overnight.

I'm sorry but the fellow, immediately, paid you. Based on what he, and you, stated about your facts, if it were me, I'd eat the cost and one day it to him. If I were the buyer, I would expect it as well.

tcmitssr · March 23, 2008 2:33PM

<< 

<< The guy is an A-hole, but you can upgrade him for only 2 or 3 more dollars, so just do it.
If you ship first class you will be receiving a negative. >>

How can you jump to that conclusion though? He paid for something that was expensive, and after a week, did not get his item. I would also ask the same and would hope the seller would ship it priority for me. Frankly, this does not make him a bad person in my opinion.

AJ >>

Total agreement. As I said, it should be overnight, not just priority.

Unknown · March 23, 2008 2:37PM

This content has been removed.

seatedcoins · March 23, 2008 2:45PM

<< It sounds like you were a little lax in your communication. The buyer should have received an email upon what he thought was payment explaining your e-check policy.
You and I know that e-checks take time to clear. I would venture a guess that many buyers don't know this. (This guy didn't)
I think a shipping upgrade is certainly in order. >>

MajorDuty · March 23, 2008 2:50PM

Now now that's a little harsh to call Airplanenut that.

The buyer is sounding a little testy to me but I'd ship it per his request anyway, and even if you do, you may very well end up with a neutral. How much difference are we talking here, a few bucks at the most?

A note to the buyer stating payment has been noticed but funds have not cleared yet may have helped.... or not.

moonshine · March 23, 2008 3:21PM

yes, sometimes you get a buyer that is just impatient, or rude - and it is always better just to cater to their oz and get rid of them as quickly as possible. I have kizzed some oz over the past 11 yrs. of selling, but have 100% fdbk to prove it too.

DJCoinz · March 23, 2008 3:21PM

<< Buyer is a jerk to be sure.
Seller is cheap. >>

Why would he want to spend 3 extra dollars when he doesn't need to?

I'd do it though to avoid hurting your feedback score or DSR's.

jayboxx · March 23, 2008 3:38PM

How could he reasonably expect to have the coin already anyway? Did he expect you to be sitting by the computer just waiting for his payment so you could rush out to mail his package? There are some really interesting people out there.

zenny · March 23, 2008 4:22PM

<< How could he reasonably expect to have the coin already anyway? Did he expect you to be sitting by the computer just waiting for his payment so you could rush out to mail his package? There are some really interesting people out there. >>

lol

is smoebody in charge of POTD?

ArizonaJack · March 23, 2008 4:37PM

Priority without question. Buyer paid promptly and customer service is the #1 rule.
$3.00 is nothing on a $300 coin, and I would also make an apologie for the oversight on your part for not stating in the auction you would be unavailable for shipping for a cpl days.

Poll: Would You Upgrade This Buyer to Priority Shipping for Free?

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