posted on June 24, 2002 02:08:21 PM new
I bought a large lot of unfinished wood and paid for the amount I was told it would cost to ship. The seller emailed me and told me that it cost much more than they anticipated and would I please send more money for the shipping, otherwise they lose on the auction. They already went ahead and shipped. What would you do?
posted on June 24, 2002 02:23:02 PM new
WOW! As a Seller I would probably take the loss and just feel stupid. As a Buyer I would check the shipping cost, when the item arrives, and make an attempt to share the price of the understated shipping fees.
gotsunshine
posted on June 24, 2002 02:23:30 PM new
As a seller I have had this happen on more than one occasion. Most of the buyers are more than understanding and do send the extra shipping, even though I had already shipped the item. Some of the buyers just ignored the extra shipping and I was out that amount.
Needless to say, I hope the ones who sent the extra shipping will buy again. The buyers who ignored the extra shipping I lost will not be missed.
posted on June 24, 2002 02:40:11 PM new
Has happened to me many many many times as the seller ~ didn't charge enough but shipped anyway and took the loss ... that is just not right for a seller to do that after saying that it was a certain amount in the auction.
How in the heck can a seller expect to get repeat customers after pulling that on them, cut your loss and move forward
posted on June 24, 2002 02:48:22 PM new
This has happened to me as a seller more than
a few times. While I do mention that shipping
was more than thought in e-mail telling bidder
package on way, I have NEVER asked them to
cover it. It is my mistake. Now, on occasion
I've also sent items slower (Parcel Post or
Media Mail) to minimize the damage to my
bottom line, but so far nobody has been
mad or left a Negative over it. I've also
had a few people offer to send it, which
I politely decline. Good luck!
Z
---
"Cannot say. Saying, I would know. Do not
know, so cannot say". -- Zathras (Babylon 5)
posted on June 24, 2002 02:50:53 PM new
I won an auction several months ago for a piece of fairly heavy medical equipment. The guy had a Russian name and the address was NYC or thereabouts. He quoted me $70 shipping then AFTER he shipped he emailed me back asking for $40 more.
I wasn't sure what to do so I ignored the email and never heard from him again. Guess either it really didn't cost more than he thought and he was just trying to get more $$ out of me or he figured it wasn't worth the hassle and dropped the subject.
Moral of the story: Know what you're talking about before you give a quote. I don't feel bad. I eat some shipping all the time (guess I don't know what I'm talking about either)
posted on June 24, 2002 03:10:55 PM new
I would tell the seller, tough luck. You had an agreed upon price and you are sticking to it. The auction is a legal binding contract on both you and the seller. Not just you. As a seller, I have had this happen to me before and simply chalked it up to experience.
posted on June 24, 2002 03:25:53 PM new
I always put the exact shipping costs in my auctions as a seller, and as a buyer will not buy from anyone who does not do the same. I had a couple who wanted $10 for shipping a 1 pound item so now I never even bid unless I see the amount first.
Needless to say, I expect that amount to be correct, and to be the only amount I have to pay!
I would NEVER ask anyone for additional to cover my mistake, and when bidding I always email seller if I think it will cost more to ship than what they show. Once they reaffirm the shipping costs then that is what I expect to pay.
What's the point of putting it in your ads if you are not going to abide by it? If you are not sure, then simply say "shipping costs will be APPROXIMATELY xxx."
posted on June 24, 2002 04:09:23 PM new
Let me clarify the statement I made earlier. I have never and would never ask the buyer to make up the extra shipping. I, like most of you, just figure that is my mistake.
I do mention the error to the buyer and those that have sent the extra have done so on their own. This has and always will be appreciated.
posted on June 24, 2002 04:49:13 PM new
If the shipping was stated in the auction that is how much you should pay.If they advertised shipping as $20.00 and it ends up being $30.00 you should not be held responsible because you figured that $20.00 shipping price in your bid. (Even if you don't owe it in my opinion you should pay it)
If the shipping was not in the auction and they made a mistake figuring shipping to your address after the auction ended then you owe the extra shipping. If the auction states Buyer pays shipping and a price is not stated and they charge you $20.00 and it ends up being $30.00 Then shipping is $30.00 and that is what you owe. Not everyone has a perfectly accurate scale and the internet price for shipping is not always right when you ship.
[ edited by toolhound on Jun 26, 2002 11:15 AM ]
posted on June 24, 2002 04:55:06 PM new
I just sent a package that I lost quite a bit on shipping but I did not ask my buyer to pay extra and I have never heard from her. If she received the package I don't know. I feel when I quote shipping that is what they pay and if it is more I lose. If I ask for S/H and it is over a dollar more that it is I will refund the dollar not the change. I now put in my auction description the weight of the widget and tell why the S/H is high. With the new postal hikes it is going to be difficult so in my checkout area I will not let them pay me instantly with paypal and also in my TOS I say S/H by Priority Mail to be determined at the end of the auction. The reason I say that is so they know I won't be gouging on shipping.
posted on June 24, 2002 06:10:17 PM new
I HAVE OVER CHARGED A FEW CUSTOMERS NOT REALIZING IT TILL I GOT TO THE "REAL" POST OFFICE. TOOK MY KNIFE OFF MY HIP, SLASHED A BIG GASH IN THE SIDE OF THE PACKAGE, SHUVED THE EXCESS MONEY IN CASH IN THE SLOT, GOT TAPE FROM THE CLERK SEALED IT UP AND ON THE WAY. FEED BACK READS. VERY HONEST SELLER EVEN REFUNDS OVER CHARGE ON POSTAGE. HAHAHHA. FREAKED OUT THE POSTAL CLERKS FER SURE. HAHAHHAH.
posted on June 24, 2002 07:17:23 PM new
Hello everyone,
A while back I bought a cookie jar. The seller quoted what I thought was a reasonable shipping charge which, of course, I figured into my final bid. Got an email from him saying he had shipped the package mail but the postage was several dollars more.
I waited until the box got here and weighed his packing material. He had used more than two pounds of wadded up newspaper. If he had used peanuts and/or bubblewrap the original postage would have been correct. I didn't offer to send the extra. Left him positive feedback and never heard from him again.
Another time a seller quoted $10.00 on a very heavy item (KitchenAid mixer w/bowl.) I didn't think this was enough but sent the payment she asked for. When the mixer arrived I saw she had underestimated by $15.00. The mixer was exactly as described and she had done a superb packing job so I sent her a check for half the difference, which she did appreciate.
I guess what I'm saying is, wait until the package gets to you. Then decide if the excess postage was because the seller used inappropriate (too heavy...) padding or if they honestly didn't know how much it would cost.
posted on June 24, 2002 07:25:27 PM new
HALF? SHE DID A SUPERB JOB. SHE WAS UNAWARE OF THE REAL COST AND YOU SEND HALF? I HAVE SENT (SOLD) THAT EXACT ITEM. HOW MUCH DID YOU "STEAL" THAT FOR? THOSE ARE ,,,,,,EXPENSIVE NEW.
posted on June 24, 2002 08:15:38 PM new
If I quote the wrong amount I just pay the extra and never mention it to the buyer. I consider it is the cost of doing business and many items sell for much more than I expect them to anyways.
One seller did ask me for extra money as he had misquoted the shipping fee and I did send him the extra.
posted on June 24, 2002 08:24:00 PM new
YOU DID IT RIGHT. YUP YER RIGHT. UPS WAS THE RIGHT WAY TO GO. SHE DID NOT DO HER HOME WORK. YOU "WERE" THE HONORABLE ONE. KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON.
posted on June 24, 2002 08:34:37 PM new
You know, this is kinda off topic but I've decided I'm not going to use priority mail any more unless it's an item under one pound packed weight.
FedEx is $4.00 for one pound to zone 8, which is only 15 cents more than priority. When you get to a packed weight over 3-4 pounds, FedEx is around half of what priority mail will be.
I've decided to put in my auctions "In the US, S/H will be $----." Figuring the packed weight, rounding up to the next pound (to cover my packing material) and let the bidders decide if they want to pay the freight.
This change came about because a bidder sent me extra, saying my shipping charge wasn't enough. She bid on two of my auctions, sent extra both times.
I think she's right - we do at least have to cover the cost of our packing material. In my case that's tissue and ribbon for the first wrap, double bubble-wrap for the second, then whatever padding is appropriate.
Yes, Jack, I DID "gift-wrap" the two KitchenAid mixers I sent out... LOL!
posted on June 25, 2002 05:53:55 AM new
HOWEVER...
For any one of you, if the package arrived and the marked postage was 10 cents less than you paid, you would all be screaming FRAUD!!!! and demand a refund, report him to SafeHarbor and Square Trade and neg the seller for overcharging.....
Yet when they undercharge, you thumb your nose at him and laugh calling him a SUCKER!
There are only 10 types of people in the world
Those who understand binary and those who don't
posted on June 25, 2002 06:58:48 AM new
As a seller, I think my rule of thumb would be that once mailing costs are quoted & item is shipped, that's it. If it turns out to cost me more, well, I'll be more precise in my next quote. My mistake, ends there.
posted on June 25, 2002 10:31:22 AM new
lacey97
From what you have wrote I think the seller should pay the extra. However, as a buyer, it is a gray area. I would consider a couple of options.
1) How bad do I want it? If I want it really bad, I would send the money. If I don't care, I would tell the seller to either a) tough you quoted the price so send it or b) tell the seller send my money back I don't want it anymore.
2) As for leaving feedback, no matter what option I choose, I would "chew on it" a bit, but probably eventually leave a neg on the seller, depending on how they apply "customer service."
IMO it is the seller's responsibility to provide the shipping quote. If they/me/us screw it up, tough the seller eats the mistake. That's the way it is in RL. Any professional estimater makes DAMN sure their estimate is accurate to the penny. If they screw up, they don't have leg to stand on if the customer refuses to pay extra.
As a seller I would feel REAL STUPID if I asked my buyer to send money because > I < screwed up.
posted on June 25, 2002 10:48:08 AM new
Ohmslucy, You are not quite accurate in your cost by FedEx. There is a $1.10 surcharge for home delivery. That makes it $1.60 more than Priority Mail. BUT FedEx includes insurance up to $100.00, so if you insure with USPS you are back to the $.50.
I almost always come up short on shipping charges & have never asked a buyer to pay more than I have quoted.
posted on June 25, 2002 11:02:18 AM new
I would not be offended at all if a seller asked for more shipping, especially if they were obviously NOT big time experienced sellers.
I had a lady who I could tell had mostly been a buyer list a very heavy coat. Her stated shipping was $5.00. I knew for a fact this coat was going to cost more than that. Especially since I wanted it insured. I sent her $10 with my payment and said that I thought she had underestimated her shipping and had included more and if it wasn't enough to let me know.
She emailed me back after shipping the coat and was shocked that it had cost $10.50!
Then on the other hand, my hat goes off to all of you who make enough profit to absorb the shipping.
posted on June 25, 2002 11:47:17 AM new
I have always lived on the, you won't know until you ask, episode. I don't know how much extra the seller asked for, but if the buyer says no, I am sure it won't be a problem. After all, the Seller DID already send the item. I would just hold on to the email that was sent in case this person tries to NEG you. If they do, send the email to safe harbor and explain that it was extortion for a pos feedback.
posted on June 25, 2002 11:54:11 AM new
You most likley had an honest seller that wanted to be sure that they were not overcharging customers for shipping. The fact that they listed it in the auction at a given price, does not change the reality that exists in this situation. The shipping costed more than the seller anticipated and they had the decency to contact you with this problem. Pay this seller! They clearly are operating with integrity, respect and honesty, so the payment request should be a no brainer.
This issue is morality. Nothing else. To hide behind the stated shipping charge when you know the shipping cost more is not the right thing to do.
There will be others who do not share in this philosopy, but I've found communication and honesty to be the most important factors in insuring a successful auction.
posted on June 25, 2002 12:07:37 PM new
In a brick and mortar store, if a customer knowingly takes merchandise without paying the true price (maybe the clerk made an error with the cash register or the computer is programmed incorrectly), it is a misdemeanor crime. However, to prove that the customer knew the error, is another matter.
Also, the "professionals" I referred to in my last post, were carpet layers, mechanics, contractors, carpenters, etc. If they quote a lower amount, that's what they are stuck with.
Then on the other hand, my hat goes off to all of you who make enough profit to absorb the shipping
Sometimes it isn't the ability to absorb the shipping but to do the right thing and to practice customer service.
For instance, if I screwed up on the total and demand the buyer to send more money, the buyer may send the money, but won't come back or recommend me to others. On the other hand, if I just ship, sucking up the loss, the buyer may come back for a higher priced item and recommend me to others.
You're right - I didn't add in the $1.10 or whatever it is for residential delivery. Even so, come next Saturday, FedEx will be a better deal for packages over a pound or two.
Today I shipped two packages FedEx. One 5 pounder to Florida and a 6 pounder to North Carolina. I'm in California. The Florida one cost $7.23, NC was $7.51.
New rate priority for Florida (Zone 8) - $12.15, NC (also Zone 8) - $12.30. Old rates would have been $7.70 for Florida, $10.40 for North Carolina.
Also sent a 7 pound package to Illinois (Zone 7) using UPS. It cost $10.73. New rate priority - $12.55.
Of course UPS and FedEx include insurance, which next week will be $1.30 for up to $50 for USPS. Just doesn't pencil out... My favorite postie agrees they just shot themselves in the foot!
Anyway, I offer my bidders the best shipping deal I can. Doesn't bother me to make three stops instead of one to get their packages sent.
posted on June 26, 2002 09:56:05 AM new
"I have never and would never ask the buyer to make up the extra shipping. I, like most of you, just figure that is my mistake.
I do mention the error to the buyer and those that have sent the extra have done so on their own"
I think you are fooling yourself. If you truly do NOT want to ask...don't even "mention" the error, since it isn't relevant to completing the transaction. By "mentioning" the error, you really ARE, at the very least, hinting for the buyer to pay you the difference, without having the fortitude to ask for it explicitly. To be honest, if I were the buyer, I might even consider this to be sneaky on your part. Either don't mention it at all, or ask for it explicitly, but this halfhearted hemming and hawing can be very annoying. If you truly do believe it is YOUR mistake, then just swallow the loss and move on.
"The buyers who ignored the extra shipping I lost will not be missed. "
Feel free to send me ALL your customers who "merely" paid you everything you asked for - bid plus shipping. I, and many other sellers, would be very pleased to get people who actually follow through and successfully complete their ebay bids.
To answer the original poster - it all depends on the situation. How good a price was the bid? Is this a professional seller? How much was the loss in shipping relative to the bid amount? Did the listing give a specific shipping amount, or was it more vague ("plus cost of shipping" )? Was the shipping amount given before or after bidding closed? and so on...
[ edited by captainkirk on Jun 26, 2002 09:57 AM ]
