posted on November 21, 2000 12:59:37 PM new
Last night I had a high bidder tell me that his widget arrived broken....no problem. He told me that he was going to go to the post office this morning to see if insurance would cover it. I then told him that if the post office wouldn't cover the item that he would get a full refund from me including shipping.
I have 3 other people besides myself that pack up items and right now I am trying to figure out who packed this widget.
Anyway, He emailed me this morning and told me that the post office insurance would cover the broken item...YEAH! I will know for sure this evening but the high bidder is thinking that he will keep the item (instead of giving it to the PO) and take the loss on getting it repaired.
Now....should he decide to keep the item instead of getting insurance to take care of everything should I still refund the money?
posted on November 21, 2000 01:06:11 PM new
If you refund, first have the item shipped back to you. If the PO pays a claim for a damaged article, they also take possession of the article.
posted on November 21, 2000 01:07:54 PM new
why would you not ask for the item back if they want a refund? are you sure the post office does not keep the item on an insurance claim?
posted on November 21, 2000 01:39:59 PM new
I would recommend that you not do a partial refund if the buyer proposes one. This is often a tip-off that the item isn't damaged at all, just the buyer angling for a discount after the fact. I gladly give refunds when appropriate but it's all or nothing.
I sold a printer not long ago and the buyer called and said the box got crushed during shipment and cracked the paper guide. I was suspicious because I had double-boxed the original box very securely as I always do with computer equipment. She said she wanted a refund of 25% and she would have the paper guide replaced at a local computer shop. I told her that I don't give partial refunds but I gave her the choice of returning the printer for replacement and I would pay the shipping (2nd day UPS both ways) or a full refund including shipping both ways. She didn't like either idea and said she would keep it as is and hung up. I go out of my way to make my honest customers happy but I have no time or patience for crooks.
posted on November 21, 2000 04:30:01 PM new
Thanks for the help everyone....
The post office told the high bidder that he could go ahead with an insurance claim and the PO now has the widget.
The high bidder is thinking about keeping the item instead of going through an insurance claim with the PO. He is now thinking about having the item fixed....if the high bidder were to keep the item he expects me to refund his money because he won't get one through the PO.
posted on November 21, 2000 04:36:30 PM new
batsnbeans - "if the high bidder were to keep the item he expects me to refund his money because he won't get one through the PO"
Tell him either he keeps the item OR he gets a refund, but no rebates or partial refunds. In business, you can't let the customer keep both the money AND the item or you will go broke real fast. Many buyers will drop the matter in a hurry if they are given just those choices.
posted on November 21, 2000 04:40:22 PM new
sounds like he doesn't want to part with his damaged widget. if he wants to keep it and still wants a refund tell this turkey to have a nice thanksgiving and go on to the next deal.
