posted on July 12, 2001 12:29:10 AM new
Well gee capriole, principally when I buy things on ebay that I want to be protected for, I ask for insurance, I ask for my new total with insurance fee added, and I email again to check to be sure they understand that insurance is to be included. I don't wait until after I receive a damaged item to blame the seller.
I've bought expensive things on ebay from zero feedback sellers at good discount. I accepted the risk and and it paid off. Aren't low prices (come on $2.50?) worth a little risk that maybe it won't work. If you buy hundreds of bargains and 1% are damaged, you still come out way ahead
than if you bought retail with the return guarantee.
amadika, I appreciate you coming here for advice before making a rash decision. You must, however, learn that if you want positive change in this world, you must pass on positive energy.
So, just because I opt for no insurance on a purchase, the seller is not obligated to package the item properly? I agree that if the item was packaged properly, and if the TOS state no insurance no refund. But to package a video in a paper envelope...even if it had been insured, the P.O. probably would have laughed if they had tried to claim it.
Thank you for describing how the item was packaged. That truly helps us all give more accurate advice. Conisdering how you describe the package being packed, there really is no excuse for the seller. Even if it had been insured the Post Office probably would have denied the claim due to shoddy packaging. What type of damage does the seller believe a paper envelope will prevent? Not to mention... if he has mentioned in communication that he will speak with his packer, it appears as if he's admiting the packaging might be of lower than expected quality... so why isn't he making a better offer to you then $1.00 credit? I would suggest trying one more tactfully worded e-mail befor trading negative feedback. It needs to be delicately phrased so it does not appear to be feedback extortion. Try something like this:
Dear Seller:
The video sent to me was packaged at standards lower than acceptable by the USPS. They have informed me that even had this item been insured, they would not have paid the claim due to the inproper packaging. (ok...so it's a little white lie... but probably true if you were to ask them!) While I appreciate your offer of a $1.00 credit, I do not believe that it is fair in this case. I would like to request that either a full refund of my $5.00 payment be sent to me, or an identical tape be sent to me in proper packaging. If necessary, I will happily return the damaged video to you for inspection before you issue a refund/exchange. I am sure that neither of us would like to receive a negative feedback over a matter as small as $5.00, so I am sure you will choose to make matters right for me. When you do, I will happily leave positive feedback for you to let other buyers know how well you work with your bidders when problems arise.
Sincerely,
The Bidder
Okay... I know that the last thing you want to do for this guy is leave him a positive... but sometimes it's best to kill them with kindness. Often times when I get into disputes with bidders I am given the impression that I will receive a negative REGARDLESS of how I handle a refund/exchange. If you can show the seller that this will not be the case, he may be more willing to work with you. Hope this helps!
posted on July 12, 2001 08:39:33 AM new
The only thing I see wrong with this sellers packaging is he should have used filler on the ends to avoid shifting, and empty space. Most damged occurs not because it is put in an envelope but because of empty space. That is an honest error especially with an envelope where one may forget to use filler.
The shipper is responsible for damage, not the seller or buyer, but ultimately it comes down to the buyer is paying for an item and risking their money so the buyer for their good should buy insurance.
posted on July 12, 2001 08:51:04 AM new
Buyers "should" opt for insurance, but sellers "should" pack well enough to meet the needs of our buyers. Had this seller sent the item in a padded mailer I would have said that the seller was off the hook. Had they shipped it in a box with peanuts, I would have said "off the hook". We do have a certain amount of responsibility to our buyers.
