mrpotatoheadd
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posted on October 23, 2001 08:21:11 PM new
eventer-
Now isn't getting your refund or replacement more important than WHO you are insured with?
I'd think getting my item safe and sound (and fast, too) in the first place would be even more important, but I've been wrong before...
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Eventer
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posted on October 23, 2001 08:24:07 PM new
but I've been wrong before...
You and me both, hon! 
And BTW, thanks a lot..you come back and now we have both S/H threads, a Customs thread AND a PayPal versus BillPoint thread! 
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ncc1701d
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posted on October 23, 2001 08:26:59 PM new
mrpotatoheadd:
The company ISN'T important, its knowing if it WAS insured that is.
Win something else from the same seller, and when it arrives, toss it in the dumpster. Tell the seller it never arrived, and see what happens- then, you'll know whether or not it was insured.
Now mrpotatoheadd, if I were to do that, it would be dishonest at best, fraud at worst. I am not that kind of person.
---------------------------------------------------------
I had questions about an ebay transaction and thought I would come here for some advice and knowledge.
I intend no malice
I am glad that many of you seem to be good honest sellers. Based on the amount of replies already, this has proven to be a good debate. I thank you!!!
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Eventer
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posted on October 23, 2001 08:36:03 PM new
I certainly don't fault you for asking about it. I've twice shipped something out, forgetting to put the insurance on it (some things I do use USPS for). Mercifully, both times I've caught it once I got home & promptly either sent a refund check or refunded the money on line. It does happen when you are more focused on getting the package out the door than getting the package out the door done correctly.
I think people here were more confused at the thought you'd be upset if the seller self insured rather than use USPS. If we've thought incorrectly, then we stand corrected & apologize.
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mrpotatoheadd
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posted on October 23, 2001 08:37:58 PM new
ncc1701d-
I'm not trying to pick on you or anything, but I really don't understand why you would want to cause extra work for a seller who you have already admitted got your item to you quickly and safely.
If I were in that seller's shoes, I'd supply you with the information about the insurance you requested, but I would not exactly be happy to be spending my time doing so. And I can assure you that, once I had satisfied your request, I'd block your id from bidding on my auctions. No offense, but life's too short...
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ncc1701d
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posted on October 23, 2001 08:40:52 PM new
Self-Insurance just seems "different" to me. I am not accustomed to it.
Again a trustworthy seller and an awesome transaction is whats most important.
I am glad I got my package.
The seller emailed me with a very good answer. She goes through a private insurance company that insures everything. I have no reason not to belive her.
In fact, getting such a quick response impresses me. Lately, it seems if you get an email back at all from sellers you are lucky. This is even if you are asking questions before bidding.
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REAMOND
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posted on October 23, 2001 08:41:35 PM new
If the package was insured for less than $50, I don't think it is marked as insured. If under $50 all the seller gets is a green round dated receipt for the insured package.
Over $50 and the package gets a sticker.
Was the item under $50 ?
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mrpotatoheadd
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posted on October 23, 2001 08:44:38 PM new
If the package was insured for less than $50, I don't think it is marked as insured.
The post office stamps packages with a red ink "INSURED" stamp for items valued under $50 (at least, they usually do- sometimes, they miss one).
edited to add...
The stamp isn't really important- it's the little green receipt that counts.
[ edited by mrpotatoheadd on Oct 23, 2001 08:46 PM ]
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ncc1701d
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posted on October 23, 2001 08:46:18 PM new
mrpotatoheadd-
Why would you block my ID when all I did was ask a very simple question.
The seller got my payment within 2 minutes of the closing of the auction.
Would you rather have a buyer who kept his mouth shut but took two weeks to pay?
Also, if you sent me the information the first time, and I believed you, and if I thanked you for the information, like I did the seller tonight, I would be more likely to want to win your auctions. Knowing that you were trustworthy. You should want my business knowing that I pay quickly and have an established communication with you.
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Eventer
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posted on October 23, 2001 08:46:39 PM new
Self-Insurance just seems "different" to me. I am not accustomed to it
It can actually be beneficial. As I mentioned, I self insure some of my own items, mainly the under $15 ones.
Now I can charge the buyer $1.10 (thru USPS, lower for U-Pic) for insurance. Or, knowing my loss rate is pretty low, I can add in an extra quarter to "self insure" the items.
The buyer gets a pretty good deal overall because, if anything does happen, they are covered 100% and have saved a bit on insurance. Granted it's not much, but in these cost competitive days, every little bit helps.
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ok4leather
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posted on October 23, 2001 08:48:01 PM new
If I were in your place Id see this as a non issue - The package arrived safe and sound - You received the item for the price you wanted to pay - If it didnt arrive you could have reported the seller if he didnt come up with a replacement or refund. Im pretty sure ebay would view it the same way. This seller sounds pretty honest to me. Save your trouble for something serious.
Best of Luck
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ncc1701d
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posted on October 23, 2001 08:48:40 PM new
PS....
I know how frustrating deadbeat bidders are from personal experience.
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ncc1701d
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posted on October 23, 2001 08:51:29 PM new
ok4leather-
This isn't a serious issue, however, to me it was important.
All issues with this are solved and I hope everyone found this to be an interesting coversation.
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jfpnatl
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posted on October 23, 2001 08:53:28 PM new
To me it wouldn't matter one way or the other how a package was insured. If I paid for it and I was denied a the right to file a claim in event of damage is another thing. This isn't the case, if it makes you feel better ask. He probably self insures which is perfectly legal and good alternative to the PO insurance which is so bogged down with red tape and 20% of the time don't pay of. If you were denied a refund due to damage that's different, you stated the seller delivered timely you got your item, it was in good condition on arrival.
I use u PIC charge a 1.10 but you have to refund, keep the records, send in the forms (month end and claims) which all cost you. To me this all works out to about the same as PO insurance. but less hassle more likely to collect in event of damage, and more convenient as you don't have to stand in line to get stamped.
Sounds like much to do about nothing here !!!!!
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ncc1701d
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posted on October 23, 2001 08:54:07 PM new
Eventer-
Just a curious question:
Do you do alot of selling on Ebay?
The amount of selling I do is very minimal and very few of my items are insured. Its always available to those who want it. Of course they have to pay the extra fee.
USPS insurance is really that bad? I have never had an Item lost so I never have had to deal with it.
Thanks
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ncc1701d
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posted on October 23, 2001 08:56:58 PM new
jfpnatl -
You said:
Sounds like much to do about nothing here !!!!!
---------------------------------------
Not if the seller didn't insure it in anyway.
Of course that isn't the case here.
As has been said by me several times now.
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mrpotatoheadd
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posted on October 23, 2001 09:00:01 PM new
ncc1701d-
Why would you block my ID when all I did was ask a very simple question.
Well, you also said...
it will satisify me as long as she can prove that my specific Item was insured.
I would figure that anybody as concerned about this issue as you appear to be would not be likely to accept a handwritten entry on a xeroxed log sheet (I use UPIC), and I would rather spend my time on other matters.
Would you rather have a buyer who kept his mouth shut but took two weeks to pay?
You might be surprised to hear that I would. As I said before (in other words, anyway), there are only so many hours in a day.
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ncc1701d
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posted on October 23, 2001 09:10:48 PM new
mrpotatoheadd-
I did say:
it will satisify me as long as she can prove that my specific Item was insured.
---------------
However, my course of thinking did change a bit through this exchange.
I am wondering if you state in your TOS:
"Don't bother me and you can take as long as you like to pay"
I may not buy from you because it sounds like your customer service is lacking.
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Eventer
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posted on October 23, 2001 09:12:19 PM new
ncc1701d,
When I'm in town & not stuck in some backwater town w/my daughter showing her horse, I try to run 50-150 auctions a week. Not a huge number but enough to keep me at the post office almost daily. Plus I have separate website sales.
For the most part, I just dislike dealing w/the USPS insurance. I recently had to deal with them as a buyer & it wasn't a pleasant experience. So I'd prefer to make it transparent to my buyers whenever possible.
Their item is lost or damaged, they either get a refund check or a new item. They don't have to deal with USPS & they are pretty happy campers. I haven't had a single negative word from a customer of a lost or damaged item when they are immediately offered a solution. They don't have to wait around for claims to be filed, they have their money or item. Most of them have gone on to become repeat customers. That I like.
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mrpotatoheadd
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posted on October 23, 2001 09:14:05 PM new
I am wondering if you state in your TOS: "Don't bother me and you can take as long as you like to pay"
No.
I may not buy from you because it sounds like your customer service is lacking.
Take a look if you like. Bid or not- it's up to you.
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ncc1701d
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posted on October 23, 2001 09:21:16 PM new
mrpotatoheadd-
You have some neat items. Although they are things I am not interested in. I am also impressed by your feedback.
I didn't want this to turn into a squabble, it was just sounding like you were attacking me personally, in regards to blocking my ID.
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thekismeme
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posted on October 23, 2001 09:22:37 PM new
I hate to agree.........but I would rather wait 2 weeks for my money than deal with some customers too. I do answer most questions to seller ~ but sometimes I just get a feeling that this customer will be trouble..........if I ignore that feeling......I always live to regret it.
Are my customer service skills lacking? I don't think so......
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ncc1701d
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posted on October 23, 2001 09:25:40 PM new
thekismeme -
does that mean you prefer your customers to NEVER ask you a question?
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mrpotatoheadd
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posted on October 23, 2001 09:32:01 PM new
ncc1701d-
You have some neat items... I am also impressed by your feedback.
Thank you. I try my best.
it was just sounding like you were attacking me personally, in regards to blocking my ID.
No personal attack intended- I just meant blocking an id in general, not you in particular. Although I'll go out of my way for a (potentially troublesome) bidder once, there's no assurance that I am going to be willing to repeat the experience. I'm sorry if I didn't make myself clear.
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thekismeme
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posted on October 23, 2001 09:33:19 PM new
No ~ that is not at all what I mean. I don't mind answering questions. But sometimes I can just see trouble coming from a mile away. From things like the tone of the email, the type of questions, etc. Questions are fine ~ I have no problem with questions ~ but sometimes I do choose not to deal with a person solely based upon a question to seller. I may loose a few sales because of this ~ but I can live with that.
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difs
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posted on October 23, 2001 09:35:51 PM new
I also insure via U-Pic. I generally enclose a card stating this, but inside the box, because s Zazzie stated, U-Pic requests we do not call attention to a package of value.
I have never once in over 1000 boxes shipped (most of which without the aforestated note) had someone complain about USPS postage amount.
I should also add that when an item does break or is lost, U-Pic affords almost immediate reimbursement, leading to even happier customers!
You should get the facts before getting piqued, IMHO. Di
On a scale of 1 to 10...we'd all weigh a lot less!
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mcjane
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posted on October 23, 2001 10:22:35 PM new
mrpotatoheadd
I am really inpressed with your perfect feedback and number of repeat buyers.
I congratulate you.
Jane
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petertdavis
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posted on October 24, 2001 07:03:12 AM new
This thread reminds me of an amusing statement someone made in another thread week or two ago. Something like "whiney wet-diaper bidders". 
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BJGrolle
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posted on October 24, 2001 08:37:23 AM new
The amount of selling I do is very minimal and very few of my items are insured.
Herein lies the root of the problem I believe.
Things are changing so rapidly in the world of selling that if you don't sell fairly regularly, it can be difficult to keep up with the changes.
More and more sellers, for various reasons, are electing to either self-insure or go with U-PIC. So the packages might be insured but unmarked as such.
More and more sellers are electing to go with online postage, which was one of the primary factors for me in switching to U-PIC. So another thing you'll see is more sellers using the online DC for Priority Mail and for other package services when that becomes available. Which means that buyers will no longer see a scan showing the exact time the seller dropped off the package.
And who knows what else will evolve over time?
Bottom line is that the standards aren't standard anymore. There will probably always be sellers who want to do things the old-fashioned way, stand in line and use all USPS services at the counter, including insurance. But there will also be sellers like myself who just want to walk in with a cartload and walk out again a minute later, hassle-free.
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BJGrolle
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posted on October 24, 2001 08:51:55 AM new
Edited for double post.
[ edited by BJGrolle on Oct 24, 2001 09:08 AM ]
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