barbarake
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posted on October 6, 2000 06:32:23 PM
Several months ago, I bid on a dress and won. The seller wrote and said that the bidding had gone higher than she expected and she wanted to sell it to me for less.
(Of course, I told her that I appreciated her offer but her 'less' was 'too much less' and we compromised at half the amount. I was happy. I've bought several hundred items on eBay - guess which one I remember. It made me feel good for days.)
Anyway, I just had two clothing auctions end up at higher than I expected. So I wrote and told the buyers that I was lowering the price and would throw in the shipping. Talk about two appreciative buyers!!! At least one is also a seller and said she would pass it on.
I'm not saying everyone should do this but - if everyone practiced one 'random act of kindness' per day - the world would be a happier place.
('Random Act of Kindness' doesn't necessarily mean lowering a price or whatever - waving a car to go in front of you or complimenting a stranger on her nice outfit all count - and they don't cost a penny. The idea is that it's unexpected. The holidays are coming up - many people get stressed out - let's try spreading this around.
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Kar11
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posted on October 6, 2000 06:58:32 PM
I've had a miserable day and feel so much better just from reading your post!
Thanks!
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EyeOfNute
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posted on October 6, 2000 08:28:46 PM
I kissed a frog once.
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kathyg
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posted on October 6, 2000 08:41:26 PM
There is no bigger thrill. Congratulations barbarake !
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mzalez
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posted on October 6, 2000 08:49:14 PM
I've done this several times. What I did was the same you did--give a discount and throw in the shipping. The buyers have all become regular customers. For me--I can sleep at night.
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thedewey
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posted on October 6, 2000 09:04:46 PM
I do the free shipping and/or lower price thing too when a bidder bids more than what I feel is fair.
Something else that I get a kick out of is putting a litle "something extra" in packages from time to time. It's usually something similar to what the bidder purchased, or something that coordinates with it. I just love getting the surprised e-mail when the bidder discovers the extra goodie. 
During my book-buying days, I had a seller who'd always send bookmarks with her books. They weren't anything fancy, but they were very handy and thoughtful. 
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twinsoft
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posted on October 6, 2000 09:06:44 PM
Recently a bidder won two of my auctions for an identical item. He Paypalled the funds including shipping for both. I sent the items together and refunded shipping for the second item. He sent a real nice thank-you email and bid on another similar item.
So this week I notify him that I've processed his Paypal payment and will ship the item tomorrow. And he writes back that I already sent him the third one. I didn't have a record of it so I just thanked him.
After some of my dealings, it's so refreshing to see somone who is honest and thoughtful. I'm still getting warm fuzzies over it.
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heavnsqt
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posted on October 7, 2000 07:55:04 AM
Today is my Birthday and I am so happy to read this link...It is the way to build customers...We all love a bargain...So why not give one.....
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fancypantscass
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posted on October 7, 2000 11:48:53 AM
In a non-ebay sense of random acts of kindness, try these two things that I do when I am down. I smile at everyone I see (and get alot of happiness back) or I hold the door open for others at a store or where ever - You would be surprised at how often the door is slammed in ones face before holding it open for one extra second. I always feel so good!
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ksterni
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posted on October 7, 2000 08:39:24 PM
heavnsqt
Happy Birthday! It's hub's birthday today, too!
GREAT THREAD!! Thanks guys & gals!!
I once sold an item that went for $49 (cost me $1.75) to a priest. I felt awful, and wrote him that I would accept $9.99. It was not a rare item, I had many of them. I felt better!
I try to throw in extras in my shipment, I pick a customer of the day, the one who spent the most, & throw in freebies, slow moving inventory, etc. Makes me feel good! And hopefully them too!!
Random acts of kindness, GO FOR IT!!!! God bless!!!!
Yesterday is history, Tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift. That's why it's called the present.
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mseal1
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posted on October 8, 2000 03:38:20 AM
I sold a few Royal Coppenhagen plate awhile back. If you've seen them, you know that they are all similar looking in that they are blue with figures on it. Anyway, I mistakenly mixed up two orders. Both of the recepients notified me and I initally told them that they could either swap the plates themselves via mail or send them back to me and I'd do it. I was going to send them back their shipping regardless of what they wanted to do. As it turned out, they lived less than 3 blocks from each other. Last I heard, (months ago) they were going to meet and exchange their plates. I offered to treat them to coffee or lunch, but never heard back from them. They were a huge help to me.
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neomax
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posted on October 8, 2000 09:21:28 AM
Barbarake:
I know what you mean. I did a deal with a guy who had very few feedbacks early on (in early 1998). The item I got from him was a video card selling at retail for $120.00 and my winning bid was like $25.00. I turned around and sent him $60 because I knew he had taken a hit. His feedback --
" Praise: BEST customer EVER-sent me MORE money than his winning bid to be "FAIR"! 5*/A+++ "
Pat
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Shoshanah
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posted on October 8, 2000 09:31:09 AM
As a buyer, I have on several occasions, added to the bid price, which was too low, and unfair...Sellers were very, very happy!
As a seller, I recently included a free item to a package which I had forgotten to mail.. ...Buyer very happy; added "Thank you for the Bonus" to the nice feedback. All have left great feedback...makes one feel good...
Thanks for this nice thread
********************
Shosh
http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/rifkah/
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ksterni
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posted on October 8, 2000 06:55:47 PM
Don't let this thread die!
Surely someone else has something to add?
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cynicalflame
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posted on October 8, 2000 07:37:57 PM
Recently had an auction won by an expectant mom. Low dollar item, but I sent a little gift for the baby. Made her day, and she noted it in her feedback!
Little touches go a long way!
...Boredom and pain lit the cynical flame . . .
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