posted on November 22, 2000 06:11:50 AM new
cix -
The NPB program was not created as a reminder service for over-eager sellers with unrealistic expectations about the USPS delivery schedule. If you want to send a "a simple reminder to pay", write one (a calm polite, non-insulting one if you are capble of it), and send it from your own email program with your own name at the bottom.
The NPB alert is the first step in a SERIOUS process with SERIOUS repercussions for the buyer. No matter how you may view it, many buyers view it as an implication that the seller thinks they are a deadbeat in the making, and to get one A MERE SEVEN DAYS after the close of the auction is insulting to the honest majority of the buyers.
What would your reaction be if, at a restaurant, the manager stopped by the table a few minutes after the waiter left the bill and STERNLY read you the applicable state laws about the necessity of paying for meals and reminded you that he could call the cops if you didn't pay up before you left?
posted on November 22, 2000 06:31:37 AM new
Although it seems a long time to wait to get a final fee credit, buyers are upset when they get a reminder via ebay. A friendly, personal reminder would be more acceptable and more effective, in my opinion, if you are trying to complete the deal. No response from your personal reminder, then go for it, but be prepared for excuses, some very creative. Meredith
posted on November 22, 2000 07:08:43 AM newWhat would your reaction be if, at a restaurant, the manager stopped by the table a few minutes after the waiter left the bill and STERNLY read you the applicable state laws about the necessity of paying for meals and reminded you that he could call the cops if you didn't pay up before you left?
posted on November 22, 2000 11:51:14 AM new
In keeping with Abacaxi's analogy, I know I wouldn't be leaving a tip...
Just like I would leave a negative if I got a NPBA before the payment time period stated in a seller's TOS had elapsed.
Maybe YOU think it's a convenience and a simple reminder, Cix, but it seems your bidder(s) disagree. So why keep doing something that only alienates your customers and cuts into your bottom line?
posted on November 22, 2000 07:20:25 PM new
Ok as a seller I put in alerts monday nites day 14 if no payment shows up. Funny not one of them say Oh payment is in the mail. Sevearl get angry one left neg feedback for the alert. But with a good 25 items not paid for each month I decided I will tolerate negs from non paying bidders. But I will send out alerts for reminders one nite that was 75 reminders from sept to oct non pays. After that each monday nite I do the 14 to 21 days past with alerts. I do write ebay about a neg from a alerts sent out. It is unfair to get a neg from tying to get payment due from a dead beat! The alert is a reminder and it alone will move most that at day 14 have not paid up.
posted on November 22, 2000 08:52:22 PM new
Here is what eBay says if you receive a NPB Alert and the seller has not filed for their Final Value Fee Credit Request. Maybe eBay should called it PR, Payment Reminder, instead of the rough sounding, Non-Paying Bidder Alert! Don't ask me how I got this... its a long story.
"Hello,
I reviewed your file and you do not yet have a bidding infraction for this item. Our process requires the seller to inform us of potential non-payment and work with you to resolve this payment issue, and that is
the notice you received. Please contact the seller directly to resolve this situation.
At this stage a warning has not been placed against your account; the email you received is to encourage you to resolve this transaction with the seller within the next 10 days.
Please remember to save all email correspondence between yourself and this seller, and to retain any receipts or other documentation of payment sent to this seller, in case it is necessary to review this matter in detail.
For additional information about the Non-Paying Bidder program and how it works please review:
posted on November 22, 2000 09:02:44 PM new
I think you are a little trigger happy. We wait a full month before sending NPBA's to people - your time frame is a bit tight... I think you should have contacted her first to ask if payment had been sent. Ebay won't remove the neg - I would suggest responding with a neutral explaining that insurance was not optioned and onus was on buyer. DOn't jump to conclusions that she is "getting back" at you - it may have arrived broken and its not related to the first issue. ALso, I would do as some of the other responses suggested and build the insurance into the shipping price and mention that insurance is required on all breakable items in the description.
