posted on November 17, 2000 04:35:07 PM
Hi all - I know this should go in the Amazon section but I do not see as many posts there. I have an irate Marketplace buyer. She doesn't seem mad at me, but she also doesn't seem like she'll use the service a second time after I told her that her book could well take a month to reach her on the opposite coast. She was aghast to hear this and said Amazon should be more up front about the shipping. I certainly agree, and I am concerned about what will happen in December.
Half.com at least has a way to upgrade to Priority if the seller says they offer it, but as far as I know, Amazon does not. If people are upset over delivery this holiday season, I really wonder about the viability of the system.
posted on November 17, 2000 04:45:46 PM
keziak, I hear ya...I am paranoid about this happening and I always write the buyer an email saying "this could take 1-4 weeks-probably less but I can't promise". Most have seemed unconcerned, but one was *very surprised* and thanked me for telling her. Said she probably would not have bought if she had realized that before placing the order. Nice lady though, and she's having me send it anyway. So I agree---this may be a whopping problem. thank goodness we can at least email them with Marketplace unlike Half. What does Amazon say about the delivery time of Book Rate on the checkout page? Methinks 1-14 days. Not long enough! I have had some books sold on eBay take a month and in a few cases more.
Do you think Amazon should have the sellers do all of our mailing Priority and reimburse us? It might make more bloody sense. But I think some buyers would balk at paying 3.20 for a 5 to 10 dollar book---not all, but some. The more expensive the book the smaller a percentage of the total it would be, so I would guess the smallest orders would be the biggest hassle on that front.
posted on November 17, 2000 04:52:50 PM
Marketplace buyer already pay $3.49 for shipping...
Amazon should give it all back to the seller.
At least half.com offers free shipping on the first purchase, they also offer $5.00 off sometimes and for the first purchase also.
posted on November 17, 2000 05:05:57 PM
cimfra, wow, I didn't know that! Is that on Marketplace purchases or just new-book purchases, or both? I haven't bought a Marketplace book yet....too busy.
So they're charging Priority rates and telling us to ship book rate? Not too cool. I'm going to have to make doubly sure I tell my marketplace buyers it's Book rate---I almost always do, but I'm going to have to be supervigilant...I assumed they were charging a bit above book rate but didn't know they were charging 1.46 more than they were paying me!!
A markup would be fair but not one that deceives the buyers into thinking they are getting priority.
