posted on September 3, 2000 09:04:32 PM new
Wow the negativity around here today and in fact the last few days makes me wonder if it is a full moon.
Lots of complaints about sellers TOS and sellers complaining about buyers etc etc.
Come on folks this business its not a perfect world,I think too many people here expect perfection when there is no way of getting it.
Okay here is my imput on some of the following.
1) State in all auctions what shipping is if you are not sure due to international then put a note in their international email me.
2)Do not worry about buyers paying for items within a 10 day time frame.I never put a time frame in my auctions and if I do not get payment within 2 weeks I send them a friendly reminder thats all.Most pay within 7 days no problem.
3)Never be quick to neg,as there is often a legit reason as to why payment or the item never got to you.
4)Treat both buyers and sellers as you would like to be treated yourself.The Golden Rule.
5)If a customer is not happy refund the money and pay shipping BOTH ways.
6)If people email you 10 times about the same item answer all their questions a.s.a.p.
who knows they could become the best customer you ever had.
7)Buyers stop complaining about shipping charges if its in the auction and you bid just abide by it and pay up or move along.
I could come up with lots of other things too but generally just be patient,polite,apologise where needed and have a good time.
Okay what experience do I have....
Must be working as getting lots of repeate business.
Overall profile makeup
3294 positives. 2440 are from unique users and count toward the final rating.
10 neutrals. 7 are from users no longer registered.
2 negatives. 2 are from unique users and count toward the final rating.
posted on September 3, 2000 09:18:29 PM new
imabrit - ureka somebody got the message. Thanks for laying it all out. Crossing my fingers that it happens.
posted on September 3, 2000 09:20:28 PM new
Oh yeah a few other things too,take
CHECKS and do not hold them till they clear,
cash,money orders etc etc.
BUT DO NOT TAKE EUROCHECKS they are a headache.
Take Paypal and Billpoint too,yes Billpoint so what if there is a charge,help the bidders pay for their items asap.Plus the more payment methods you take the easier it is too bid and the better bids you get.
I also think that very soon Paypal will start charging or forcing us into a merchant account.
Yes I have a few bad checks etc etc,but what business out there has not.If you are running it as a business then expect these problems from time to time.
Plus SPRINT if I ran my business the way you run yours I would have been kicked off ebaY years ago.Let me run it for you and watch that stock go UP UP UP.
posted on September 3, 2000 09:26:57 PM new
Hi Adrian!
My husband does 1-6 that you've listed, except he does have "payment is expected within 10 days of auction close" as the last line of his 2-3 line TOS. He does send out reminders.
Feedback: 13,000+ total positives; 5,000+ are from repeat customers
As for me, with the exception of 1 time, I agree with your number 7. That time, the amount was listed in the auction, but it also said alternate shipping methods could be arranged - but he wouldn't. We exchanged negs.
posted on September 3, 2000 09:27:40 PM new
I didn't think everyone had gone nuts. I just thought the percentage of lawyers selling and buying on eBay was in the 60 - 80% range.
posted on September 3, 2000 09:28:56 PM new
smw - This is not a criticism because I thought a Harvest Moon was the first full moon after the first frost, well maybe it was for me because I was from Northern Minnesota. So I looked it up in the dictionary and they said- The Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the September equinox which is September 23. The next full moon is Sept. 13. so that is the Harvest Moon. The next full moon after that isn't until October 13. You would think that we were on a full moon now by the sound in Auctionwatch I sure hope that it changes soon. I find ebay a good venue and I have had no problems with any sellers or buyers. I agree with Adrien we have to lighten up a little bit because if it becomes to structured we will lose buyers and probably sellers also. I wonder when I read some of the TOS's what the seller is thinking. Sometimes I think I hear their voice when I read it and that scares me so I back off and go to another auction. I know the sellers with the strict TOSs probably have a good business but I want a great business and that doesn't mean I have to put restrictions on my auctions. If they don't pay then relist it's as easy as that. There is always buyers out there just waiting for the right auction.
posted on September 3, 2000 09:29:42 PM new
Adrian,
Bravo! We could be business twins! I conduct my business nearly identical to the way you conduct yours. I have been selling on ebay since 1997. Seldom ever have I had a problem. I am a lurker here on AW and I am often baffled at the nature of the problems that come up. Thanks for the post!
~~Redhead~~
"It is one of the commonest of mistakes to consider
that the limit of our power of perception is also the
limit of all there is to perceive."--C.W.L.
posted on September 3, 2000 09:35:27 PM new
Glenda 13,000 feedback 5000 repeats I am impressed tell us more its people like you we need hear about on this board.
What does he sell I would love to know.If you
want send me an auction number too
[email protected] I would love to take a look at a real PRO.
I mean that too
redhead1 me too 1997 actually Jan 1998
Business could be better as always more competition etc etc.But still paying the bills and once again this my familys only form of income.
We live in a nice house,close to the beach having a nice in-ground pool put in.We only have 1 car but I get to spend a lot of time with the wife and kid.
Off too maybe Sanibel for the day only 30 mins away.
posted on September 3, 2000 09:41:58 PM new
Hello Adrian,
Here are my stats:
On Ebay since 2/99.
477 positives from unique users.
133 positive feedbacks from repeat customers.
No neutrals & no negatives.
I agree with almost everything you said, the only thing is that if people ignore your advice, there are more sales for you, so better for you. The concern is that some Ebay sellers with stringent rules, that are quick to neg, make everyone look bad. If this thread can just change a few folks' minds... that will help. Thanks for sharing your tips.
[ edited by ksterni on Sep 3, 2000 09:47 PM ]
posted on September 3, 2000 09:53:00 PM new
Adrian--this is the end of August---times will get better
Don't want to hear any lame excuses that you and I know will get better in about a month or two. Go Ebay!!! Sorta kinda in a month or three
posted on September 3, 2000 09:57:33 PM new
Adrian..how nice to hear it said without all the put downs and brow beating.
My business is run much like yours. I have no time limit for payments. i send a nice email after 14 days if payment hasn't been received.
I would like to add to your list...please don't second guess the buyers "excuses" for payment not arriving timely. Accept what they say, sympathize with them, let them know you understand. Remember, we are all human and sometimes things happen. Let the buyer save face, even if his excuse seems fake. Don't stew about his excuse..you will only give yourself an ulcer.
posted on September 3, 2000 10:13:46 PM newAdrian: My husband accepts checks, money orders, etc. and he doesn't hold for clearance (he's received a few that bounced, all made good, including the bank fee); he ships the day after payment is received, if at all possible. He accepts BidPay, but not Billpoint or Paypal (various reasons why he refuses to participate with either, none of which are relevant to this thread).
He's had people send him cash and ask for change back, which he sends with their item. He occasionally runs "tabs" for people.
He combines orders and I think he has one of the lowest shipping rates; it's clearly specified - for both US/Canada and international - in all his auctions (everything he sells weighs the same).
He leaves feedback the day he receives the payment. He answers all email, even if only to say "thank you" when they tell him they've left him feedback.
If somebody doesn't like the item, or if it's damaged in the mail, he has them send it back for either a refund (both ways) or a replacement.
He's been known to call a bidder (even a potential bidder) long-distance, at his expense, to help someone who's new to collecting, or to help clarify how eBay works.
posted on September 3, 2000 10:39:32 PM new
Adrian: Nothing against new sellers, but I have noticed that most of the carping comes from that direction. I think that quite a bit of the grousing is from the "this isn't as easy as it looks" syndrome.
I think all of this negativity is driving buyers away along with a lot of folks listing stuff that is grossly misidentified.
I hardly buy anything anymore. Just tonight I looked at an auction that was titled as American Arts and Crafts pottery made by a very desirable (and often expensive) pottery. It was listed by a new seller with 1 feedback. After I scrolled down past the terms and conditions of sale (why can't they put this nonsense at the end of the auction?) I saw the "Arts and Crafts art pottery" and laughed so loud I woke up the cat sleeping on the back of my desk. The mark was the same letter of the alphabet as the very desirable American art pottery, but it was not an Arts and Crafts matte glazed piece. It was a brightly colored 1960's figural clown mustard pot from Japan complete with Bozo nose and crossed eyes.
I read the description to make sure it wasn't a joke and sure enough it had all of the buzz words....rare, unusual, and a short biography of the "maker".
So add up threatening TOS, defensive attitudes that say I am doing you a favor letting you buy my junk, with listings that are not anything even remotely what they are purported to be, with even more defensive "I am sick and tired of nasty sellers who don't know the first thing about selling or what they are selling " buyers and you end up with a lot of what is happening on eBay these days.
As for me I take payment in any form. Never held a check in 3 years. Had one bounce and was made good. TOS are less 2 text lines. The last line of the EOA is "If there is anything we can do to help." Why can't people remember; treat others as you would have them treat you.
BTW: I was half tempted to bid on the clown to save the world from early 20th century American Arts and Crafts clown mustard pots. But the opening bid was high and there was a reserve. I guess because of the assumed maker and the rarity (?) of the piece. If this wasn't so disheartening, it would be funny.
The response I expect to this is: It is my busniess and I will run it anyway I see fit.
Fine by me. Run your business anyway you want, but don't come carping when you have very few sales and problems with the few sales you do have.
I don't have any of the "problems" that I see on most of these threads. Never have, and don't think I will.
posted on September 3, 2000 10:40:46 PM new
Amy,
I agree with the addition to the list.
Most people want to act in good faith. There is no point in treating your customers like children and demand explanations for late payment. I would rather have a cooperative slow payer, than a disgruntled non-payer. Using guilt and threats to speed-up the payment process in non-productive in the long run. All of my slow payers have paid within 25 days and we've concluded the transaction on a pleasant note.
posted on September 3, 2000 10:42:20 PM new
Imabrit and Glenda it sounds like you have a great business, if more sellers would sell like that ebay would be flurishing. Thanks for your great information.
posted on September 3, 2000 10:51:23 PM new
Save for the time frame concept; I am in agreement. I use a very short timeline for payment--not that I'll ever get 100% compliance, but that it gets rid of the notion that two weeks or longer is perfectly acceptable or normal. I have very few payments past the ten day mark and I don't think it costs me any bidders. I reciprocate with fast shipping because that's the only I want to do business.
posted on September 3, 2000 10:54:25 PM new
Imabrit
Per your thread title : Have you just noticed?
I'm disappointed? Until now I had considered you one of the most perceptive posters and on top of the trends.
Well, everyone misses once and a while.
Have to return to kicking myself. Just saw another South Beach travelogue and was reminded that I didn't follow thru with my son on buying some property there during a trip in the early 90's.
posted on September 3, 2000 10:54:41 PM new
No critism taken. I am in the lower mid atlantic, live in a city and have never owned a Farmers Almanac. On the news tonight the weatherman said the Harvest Moon starts this Tuesday and will last until Thursday. Beats me.
posted on September 4, 2000 05:46:11 AM new
Well I'm skeered. I just completed an auction with a seller with 6,000+ feedback, albeit 93 negatives (which I read the last 2 months and felt that they were not justified). But the terms .. OY!
"Buyer to pay fixed shipping & handling. (Shipping charges advertised in this auction are for continental 48 states only, ALASKA AND HAWAII will likely be higher) We accept Credit Cards and Checks via Paypal or Bidpay ONLY! Payments sent directly to us must be in theform of Cash, Cashiers Check or Money-Order. WE DO NOT ACCEPT PERSONAL OR BUSINESS CHECKS, if you wish to PAY BY CHECK, then you must open a PAYPAL or BIDPAY account, deposit the check in to that account and then transfer us certified funds from that account. We will return any personal or business checks sent to us at your expense. Merchandise is New and covered by manufacturers warrenty. Bidder/buyer agrees that Bidder/buyer's recourse, if any, is with the product manufacturer. Seller is acting as a sales agent only, and makes no warranty on this Merchandise other than a 7 day DOA policy on all new merchandise. Seller will replace item if defective merchandise is reported within 7 days(excluding shipping cost). Bidder/buyer understands and agrees that Seller is not responsible for shipping delays or loss or damage of products en route. This is an auction and all sales are final. By placing a successful bid, Bidder/buyer is entering into a binding contract for sale with Seller under the laws of the State of XXXX. Venue is established as XXXX,XXXX. Bidder/buyer agrees to complete the purchase by sending payment with valid credit card (Via PayPal or Bidpay), cash, money order or certified funds to Seller within 10 Post Office Business days of the completion of the auction. We reserve the right to substitute equal or greater value items if manufacture discontinues or is out of stock on advertised item. Photos are representative of product being sold, but may not be exact."
No insurance was offered and with trepidation I bid, because I need, not want, the item.
Now I'm going to sit here for 10 days and wonder if he really will send it or will he say, lost in the mail, sorry - gotcha! I tend to think he won't do that, he is a power seller, but OY!
Pray for this one to go through. My first deal I lost $55 from a "nice guy" with few terms. Never recouped and turned me off buying for almost 3 years.
posted on September 4, 2000 07:45:46 AM new
great advice imabrit I like the way you say things. and maybe we all are a little nuts over a long holiday weekend with slow bidding, maybe just venting a little steam. have a nice holiday
posted on September 4, 2000 08:41:24 AM new
Sometimes the negativity in the other threads really gets me down. I try to get by it because there is so much great information to be pulled out of the conversations. I am happy that I checked out the message center as I finished my auctions for the summer. I have tried lurking in the Ebay boards twice and only found everyday conversations that should be in private emails. Saw some antique or collectible help here and there, but not enough to spend time sifting through it all.
I have stated before that I have only finished 200 auctions--and have positive feedback of half, no neutrals or negs yet. It is actually 125 [give or take a few] because of multiple sales.
I check to see if the buyer is bidding on another of my auctions before I send my congrats email and offer to wait and combine shipping. Only one didn't win an auction that closed 10 days after the first. No problem though. I have had customers wait and even add other items, with one winning seven. It wouldn't work for high volume dealers, but works great for me. I sell alot of like older items together...so many check my other auctions.
I don't charge handling fees--its in my starting price--and it is alot more cost effective for me to combine and send 7 items instead of 7 separate ones!
Some of the terms I have read in auctions this summer are really terrible. They read like prison regulations--I just pass them by.
I really like alot of the customers I have had. As a genealogist and selling to many of the same there is some "My ancestor was _____ and was from your area". I don't mind that and I have decided that I am not going to get any bigger than I can handle myself and still take time for a pleasant email here and there.
This is a great way to get a down payment for a little Michigan lake cottage. I don't have to deal with toxic store materials and can sell what I want, when I want to list! I had an accident this summer and reacted to the plastic stitches or meds, then my Dad was admitted to critical care twice [requiring a 11 hr. drive one way each time]. Where else could I completely stop and pick up again when all hell quits breaking loose? Thanks to these threads I will be branching out into Yahoo and Half.com too!
