posted on October 15, 2010 05:58:56 AM new
I shipped two ads to Romania in June and I just got an email from the customer (400+ FB) that they had not received them. What do you think I should do?
posted on October 15, 2010 07:38:27 AM new
4 months ago??? I am guessing there was no tracking info for ads.
I would tell them that you have no way to track something from 4 months ago. Had they contacted you within a reasonable amount of time, you would be happy to help them... but 4 months??? that seems a bit disturbing.
I should add that I shipped a small label printer to Romania about 2 years ago. About 3 months after I shipped it I received an email from the buyer stating they never received it. How am I supposed to track something to Romania that is so far back? About 5 months later I got the package back. I was unable to contact the buyer any longer, so I donated it to Goodwill.
Maybe they are used to very very slow shipping in Romania which is why they wait so long to contact sellers. Who knows... but it is not our fault.
posted on October 15, 2010 08:13:27 AM new
The mail to that end of the world is terrible. Without a confirmation number it is impossible to locate the order. And, even with Priority Mail DC#, information stops at customs.
While not your fault, you do have a duty to refund the buyer, unless the buyer's claim is false.
So, unless you can show that the delivery is still in progress, or that the buyer has received the order - make a refund. Or, eBay will do so for you.
I suggest that all International shipments be insured - add the cost as a handling fee.
posted on October 15, 2010 11:14:10 AM new
I'd look carefully into this buyer's record on eBay. Romania, generally, does not have a good reputation for honesty when buying overseas. Could be a scam. How on earth could you know if it did or didn't arrive?
_____________________
"Here in America we are descended in blood and in spirit from revolutionists and rebels - men and women who ***dared to dissent*** from accepted doctrine. As their heirs, ***may we never confuse honest dissent with disloyal subversion."*** --Eisenhower
posted on October 15, 2010 11:38:33 AM new
I shipped a print to Romania by first class mail,but I took out insurance with U-PIC and it arrived quickly.
I shipped 3 prints to Russia priority mail insured with U-PIC ,it took a long time to clear Russian customs and then the local post office cannot read the address and claimed they have returned the package back to me.
It must be 4 months ago and I still have not received it.
But U-PIC approved the claim,so no loss.
Always take out insurance when shipping to exotic places.
Slapping that green customs form on the package whether you need it or not is not a bad idea,it does have some tracking,not all the way,but better than nothing.
*
There is no 'Global savings glut',only wild horses and loose bankers.
posted on October 15, 2010 01:49:17 PM new
Thanks for the input. I decided with the buyers feedback being good I would just send a refund less shipping. The buyer was very thankful so I will put that one in the good karma file. My overseas business has been growing and I guess its just the risk one takes.
posted on October 16, 2010 08:16:43 AM new
Another thing I do with small package besides slapping a green custom form on is to bulk it up! without adding much weight.
Use a large envelope say that brown one not padded ,place the box inside and double fold the envelope giving it some bulk but paper is light so not much increase in postage.
*
There is no 'Global savings glut',only wild horses and loose bankers.
