posted on October 6, 2000 06:32:14 PM
OK, "hypothetically speaking"...
say I bought a shirt that was described as "no holes or stains"...and just for kicks, say it was also stated "shipping & handling $4.50, I ship Priority"
and, since we have a good imagination, picture it arriving in the mailbox, in a mylar Priority Mail envelope-bag for $3.20. I think that when I open the paper, I find a shirt haphazardly put into this envelope, undoubtedly wrinkled.
What would it be like if, after inspection, I discover the sleeves are yellowed?
When I bid on an auction, I do read the TOS. I DON'T email the seller about the condition if the condition is stated. I also don't email the seller about what the method of shipping is when that is stated. I DO expect some form, however slight, of proper packaging (tissue? or maybe a hard Priority box?) when I am charged a handling fee. Is this too much to ask?
As a Seller AND a Buyer, I have my own standards, but I have some leniency to those that want to charge for handling, so long as you are doing something FOR it.
Now I'm torn about the FB. I plan to leave Positive, regardless, because I paid, the seller shipped. But (had this been a true story) I'm not sure if I should note in the FB that "item not in said condition,handling too high, but fast shipping" or something to that effect.
I know, I would probably be told to email the seller to give him/her a chance. Well, this would be an item that I'd like to keep, and would like to try to clean. I'd just like to make his/her practices more apparent.
posted on October 6, 2000 07:07:05 PM
I agree that I would definitely email the seller first and let them know the problem with the "yellowing". Let him know that you are a buyer as well as a seller and maybe you could kindly mention to him that his description wasn't exactly accurate. I still would leave a positive feedback (not a glowing one) in hopes that this would help him with his next auction desciption.
posted on October 6, 2000 07:20:29 PM
For what it's worth.....some people prefer their non breakable or bendable items to be shipped in the priority envelopes. If they get them in a box, a lot of times buyers have to go to the post office to pick up their package. And an envelope can be stuck in their mailbox. No excuse for shoddy packaging, though!
Write the seller a friendly note saying you were delighted overall, but were disappointed to see the sleeves were stained. Then wait for them to offer a partial refund or something. That might work. Also, feedback is never mandatory.
posted on October 7, 2000 06:18:03 AM
Unless you're ordering in quantity, even Eddie Bauer will ship your clothing in a tyvek envelope. Even if seller had put your shirt into a box, shipping'd still have been $3.20, which is the Priority minimum. I don't really see your beef, therefore, when S&H were stated up front.
On the yellowed sleeves issue, however, I'm with the crowd here who says "contact seller before you act".
posted on October 7, 2000 07:49:10 AM
I usually ship clothing in a Priority tyvek envelope--unless it's got some kind of pleats or something that would exclude that possibility. I didn't realize there were people who didn't like this! Maybe that's why some people don't leave feedback. Hmmm. Do many of you buyers resent this?
Definately let the seller know about the yellowed sleeves. Yecchhh! Maybe they were rushing and didn't notice it.
posted on October 7, 2000 07:07:46 PM
"Communication 101" should be a course Ebay requires all of its members to take. There is just too much projection going on in the feedback arena...and too many people with their hackles already up from "joe blow who flipped them off driving down the road on their way home". I think we all need to give each other a break...maybe the person DIDNT notice the yellowed sleeves.
