posted on November 27, 2000 05:23:54 PM new
I've bought and sold on ebay since 1996, although the majority of my activity has been purchases for both personal use and retail. The last few months have been a nightmare for me as a buyer, in getting defective items that were described as perfect or mint. In addition, extremely high "handling" fees, and sellers refusing to refund return shipping fees on items that were damaged, but described as mint. For example, this week I received 4 shipments. One was a set of tumblers, 3 out of 6 were nicked or chipped. Actual shipping was $8.15, but I was charged over $15. The final bid price on these items were $96, not counting the fees. The ad stated a $2.00 handling/packing fee over the actual shipping. These were to be for resale in my shop. I also received a pottery bowl, packed in maybe 3 sheets of newsprint, with an old chip on the bottom, and paid a "handling" fee of a little over $4 over the actual postage. This was to be a Christmas gift for a good friend of mine. Another lot of glass arrived with 2 of the 5 items chipped, and the others with flaws that were not called out. This was to be a Christmas gift for MYSELF. The fourth was a set of Franciscan cups and saucers that were also to be a gift, again 1 set was chipped. All of these items were called out as perfect or mint. I did not pay much for these, but was looking forward to knocking this person off my Christmas list. So far I have contacted one seller, who apologized for the defects but refused to refund the return shipping, which will cost me about $10 to return. Even though I always try to work something out with the sellers in this type case, I left this particular seller a negative, since he absolutely insisted the return had to be at my expense even though it was flawed. Of course he left me a retaliatory neg. I have not contacted the other sellers yet, since I'm in no mood to get into a "negging" war, and with the retaliatory neg the one seller left I don't want it to appear by my feedback that I'm a complainer. Since 1996, I have left 3 negs, 2 were for deadbeat buyers, and the one I just left for the recalcitrant seller.
When I sell on ebay, I call out to the smallest detail any flaw, or what can be perceived a flaw. I've had one person who was dissatisfied, and I returned their original bid, plus shipping AND return shipping. Am I the only seller that actually CARES about the items I sell and the customers who buy from me? I do not charge "handling", and while I don't mind paying a buck or two when it is called out, I do mind paying double shipping charges for handling, only to get flawed items that are not "specially" packed to justify the extra. So it looks like I won't be doing my Christmas shopping on ebay this year. I am just too tired of the headaches involved for inferior goods and lousy service, not to mention the unreimbursed out of pocket costs to return these items, which on the four lots this week would amount to over $30. For the record, I shop almost exclusively antiques & collectibles, rather than "widgets".
posted on November 27, 2000 05:43:05 PM new
Hi pocono!!
I honestly don't know it it's the collectibles categories that I buy from. Maybe the "widget" categories have better sellers. Buying on ebay seems to have gone downhill, especially in this last year. It's very discouraging. And yes, I think it does make ebay sellers look bad, especially if you're a "newbie". How many times will you come back after these types of buying experiences? I've been buying for a long time, and I'm ready to throw in the towel.
I KNOW you're a GOOD one, but ya gotta sell me something "collectible", ya know?
posted on November 27, 2000 05:44:17 PM new
Egads KatyD! Just today I recieved an item that was sooo not as described. I told my self my ebay buying days were over. [they aren't- I am compulsive!Out of the last four things I have purchased only one was as described!When I sell I always state every defect no matter how miniscule I don't understand the mindset that makes sellers sell their junk as mint on Ebay.Usually these are high feedback sellers with little or no negative feedbacks.It can't be just me that they try to rip off can it?
I am getting more and more leary of high feedback sellers, especially the ones that run antique stores/malls and are power sellers.It really seems like they are just trying to get rid of the junk they can't sell in their stores. I have had absolutly the best buys from newbies.
Makes me glad when people don't leave me feedback so mine won't go too high.
posted on November 27, 2000 05:53:45 PM new
You're so right, Robin about the high feedback sellers! And the interesting thing is that I got an email from somebody referencing the neg I left to that seller. Seems this buyer had also been ripped off and wanted me to join him in "reporting the seller to ebay". Yeah, right! The thing is, he never left a neg, even though he was unhappy. So it does get you wondering just how accurate the feedback files are, and how they are not reflecting the true amount of problem sales. I know I've been guilty of not documenting disatisfaction on feedback files,
I'll tell you what though. We should just buy from each other! You send me your list, and I'll send you mine!
posted on November 27, 2000 06:02:31 PM new
WOW I guess stand buy your description .
I can see misssing a small chip in a out of the way spot on one peice in a set but chips in half a set is bad eye site or worse.
As a seller If an Item is damaged in SHIPPING I dont refund shipping cost but I also dont not want the Item returned just a picture of the broken Item and the package or shipping label in if I didn't insure the item I would refund all you paid you keep the peices.
Depending on the item If I have another many times I will not only refund but ask if you would like the other I have free of charge on me.
I always do what I can to make a bad situation better.
But my Number one rule if I look at an Item and in my eyes I think because of condition it has no value I wont even bother listing it for sale my opinion is it would be a waste of my time and the bidders. http://www.Dman-N-Company.com
posted on November 27, 2000 06:02:33 PM new
LOL Katy! I've got a house FULL of stuff [where am I going to put that Christmas tree?]I could list for weeks and not get it all up! What do you like? I probably have it!
As for me lately it has been chenille,chenille, chenille! I love that gaudy stuff! Got any?
posted on November 27, 2000 06:07:38 PM new
Oh yeah, I got chenille, but it's not the gaudy kind. Let's see I think I have 3 white spreads, one a popcorn, and a pink and white, but it's not gaudy. And I absolutely will not allow you to cut them up for "stuffed" animals or "bed jackets", or that kind of stuff. If you do, I will leave you a neg!
posted on November 27, 2000 06:09:44 PM new
The hard lesson I've learned is: you must SCREEN YOUR SELLERS to a painstaking degree, or just don't bid at all. The days when eBay was a community of like-minded hobbyists and enthusiasts is gone forever.
You've got to analyze every detail of every auction you might want to bid on. This includes reading the feedback - not just looking at the raw numbers. The fact is, there is mediocre positive feedback, and there is the 'glowing' type of positive feedback that I look for.
You must look carefully at the terms of payment, and shipping costs. If everything is not clearly spelled out, I just move on. You look at the auction as a whole - if they threaten negative feedback for any reason whatsoever then the seller does not have a true customer service attitude.
If an auction doesn't give me a warm fuzzy feeling, I leave. So the sad fact is, I am remain a ready buyer in a number of categories, but I hardly ever bid any more.
Too many amateurs out there, and many of them are also posting their ignorance here on AuctionWatch. Too many PowerSellers, so desperate to keep things moving, that they will tell you any lie you want to hear.
I empathize with you KathyD, 100%. My belief has always been that sellers exist on eBay for the convenience of the buyers, and not the other way around. There are good people out there, if you are willing to hunt them out. But it requires a heavy duty barf bag to find them.
Blech. typo.
[ edited by kathyg on Nov 27, 2000 06:11 PM ]
posted on November 27, 2000 06:15:59 PM new
Yes, it is very sad when you read a description that says no chips or cracks and the item arrives and there is damage that is immediately noticeable.
I have also had the best buys from new sellers. Some of the high feedback sellers have sent me the worst items. Yet you would think if they are selling mostly glassware and china they would be used to checking it for flaws but it seems like many don't care. Not only is it costly at times to return the item, it is a nuisance e-mailing to complain and then arranging a refund, packaging the item for return, etc. and then waiting weeks for a refund.
I have no problem paying handling fees but why do the sellers with the highest fees have the crappiest packaging?
And I have found that this type of seller will retaliate with a negative or a neutral if you can't work things out. But I don't care anymore. If they treat me bad I will respond and not hide anymore.
When I sell I probably lose bids because I make a tiny defect sound much worse than it is but I am so paranoid now and I don't want my buyers to be disappointed.
I sell but I buy lots of stuff, mostly glassware and china. I will have lots of good experiences and then a rash of bad ones and I swear I will never buy anything again but I am addicted! Now I am on a good spree and I got some great stuff today so I am off to bid again!
posted on November 27, 2000 06:16:17 PM new
Hi katy,
That sounds terrible. I would be upset too.
I haven't bought as much in the last 10 months but have been wondering about the influx and if things haven't changed.
I like to buy small pieces of glass but unless dh twists my arm I have about decided the postage is getting too high for such a small piece unless I can buy at least 2 at the same time and they will combine shipping. The postage rates are so high sending by priority and are going up again.
Hi Robin,
I have had very good luck buying from new sellers too. I figure we all have to start somewhere and sometimes feel they might have more time for me although I buy from both.
posted on November 27, 2000 06:18:46 PM new
Never fear KatyD! I quit sewing when my table tops disappeared! All my chenille is safely in its original form! I have enough bedspreads at the moment but I always look for bath rugs and kitchen rugs.[and those old cotton chenille toilet seat covers...with fringe !]
Please do not refer to them as shabby chic, that really turns me off!
Edited to say Hi to Shar and to agree 100% about the new sellers!
posted on November 27, 2000 06:24:56 PM new
I left a neg for a powerseller once. Pure fact - something like "took 49 days to ship - be advised" only to find a few weeks later that it was disappeared.
Point is that you can't trust fb.
Most people won't leave a neg and if you do, it is not necessarily permanent.
posted on November 27, 2000 06:44:38 PM new
My latest was a rug,for that matter none of my "not as described"items have been glass or pottery. A rug! Surely the fact that the rubberized backing was all coming off was worth mentioning? Surely it wasn't "no damage"? Maybe I just expect too much to expect someone to turn the item over and look at the back!!!???
posted on November 27, 2000 06:46:46 PM new
Robin, never "shabby chic"! Blech!
You guys make some good points, and I'm glad that I'm not the only one experiencing this. Like Shaani, I was addicted too, but too many bad experiences have soured it for me. When it ends up COSTING me money with nothing to show for it, then that's when I have to draw the line.
macanjan, respectfully, your suggestions are just impractical. I'm not going to waste my time sending out umpteen emails to sellers of items I'm interested in asking " Are you sure it's not chipped? Are you sure it's really green (not blue). Are you sure there is no crazing? Are you sure you are only going to charge me $6, not $14?" I mean really, at some point buyers need to be able to rely on the sellers descriptions, not waste time asking, "are you sure you're not lying to me?"
posted on November 27, 2000 06:47:48 PM newKatyd
I am sorry you had such bad experiences and all at once too. I think it is wrong for a seller not to guarantee their items and pay for return shipping if necessary. I never charge a handling fee and I sell delicate glass and pottery and china as well. I guarantee all my items and not only do I return bid price and shipping both ways I also add in the cost of a stamp to send their payment to me. I want my buyers to be happy and if I make an error, I want to make them 100% whole. The kind of behavior you describe is hurting good sellers (like myself) as well because it has eroded bidder confidence. Outside of emailing the seller ahead and questioning him and refusing to bid when there is handling fees or not a FULL refund if not as described, I don't know what a buyer can do anymore. It's a shame that unscrupulous sellers have to ruin things for everyone. I only had one return in almost 3 years and that was for a missed small and tight hairline on a figurine. I was so sorry, I immediately refunded all monies (plus 1.00 for postage to send money and trouble) and I apologized sincerely and profusely. I bought a lighted magnifying glass that is deak size and believe me, nothing is shipped without a thorough examination.
As a buyer, I have had similar problems as yours ... chips, flakes, hairlines and every time the ad says "excellent" and "mint" condition ... it makes me want to scream but usually when I email the sellers, we either negotiate or they refund. I have been out my return postage a couple of times. But I have also been treated very well, one seller not only refunded all my money, she sent me a similar item in my collecting interest. so those are the the ones that make it worthwhile to me. But it shouldn't have to be a crap shoot - some policy is needed if sellers can't be trusted to deal honestly.
posted on November 27, 2000 06:51:57 PM new
I agree that standards have slipped a lot. With fairly high feedback myself I hate to put everyone in the same category. However, if that feedback got high in a very short period of time, I am very leery as I know how much work it is to get items listed and do a real inspection and describe all the defects. Perhaps it is just laziness on the part of sellers who are trying to do too much in too little time to make a buck or two.
Just not worth it to me to deal with the hassles of unhappy customers so I agree with the person who said that they wouldn't bother listing it if it didn't appear to still have value. Yes, I will list a pottery piece with a chip in a hidden spot but you can bet it is described and, if posible, photographed.
As to glass, a tiny chip or two may be quite acceptable to a number of dealers who have glass repair as a sideline business. As long as the price is low, these folks will buy and fix it. I just am very careful of anything I buy from them as I am pretty much a purist when it comes to the stuff I collect.
Seems that honesty and some attention to detail needs to be required to sell on ebay or anywhere else. We just have to be adamant about not accepting these poor practices and we desperately need ebay to care a little more about this kind of thing. We will all be out of business if this trend continues!!
posted on November 27, 2000 06:57:31 PM new
Hi nobs! I want to buy from you! Send me a list of your stuff! You're exactly right, it really shouldn't be a crapshoot. And you know, if the purchase was for a large amount of money, of course it's better to eat $10 or so in order to get the larger refund. But for me to absorb $30 in return shipping for this weeks purchases alone, is just too much. And after dealing with that last seller, I just don't have the stomach for it anymore.
I think you're right about buyers leaving. To begin with, if you're new to mail order, it takes an act of faith to send a stranger money, hope that the item will be sent, and that it will be in the description described. I've seem alot of sellers here talk about the proliferation of newbie buyers with low feedback, but I have to wonder how many of these new buyers stick around long enough to get beyond 25 on their feedback file. And from MY sales this season on ebay, it sure seems like they're not willing to risk much money bidding on ebay. I really think the shoddy merchandise and customer service has a lot to do with that.
posted on November 27, 2000 07:50:44 PM new
KatyD- I hear you loud and clear. I've had all that happen and worse. I've bought literally dozens of misrepresented items. Last week's fiasco was the worst though- I had some roaches arrive in one Ebay goodie box. UGGGHH!
posted on November 27, 2000 08:33:08 PM new
Please do not lump all high feedback sellers in the same category.
If a customer is not happy I refund all fees,
everything.
In the last 2 days I refunded a guy 18.50 for an item that got lost in the mail.I ate the loss not him.
Another guy bid 720.00 on a item that was a confusion over both mine and his fault.I will refund the money as soon as Paypal gets working again.
Someone else returned some coins they where not happy with.I have no idea why other than he wanted to re-sell them and make a considerable profit,felt he could not do that on these.
Other buyers think I have the best of this sort of coins around.
I think some sellers are getting lazy,maybe even burned out and fed up with the outages,low bids,complaining bidders the dead beat bidders.Boy have I seen a whopping increase in those of late for some odd reason.
So I think its not fun anymore for a lot of them.I am not making excuses for them as I agree with you totally.
I think they should stand behind what they sell like I do.
I look at this way if I treat you right there is a good chance you will become a regular customer of mine.
posted on November 27, 2000 08:40:23 PM new
As a buyer I've *never* had one problem. As a SELLER, I've had more than I care to count.
Bounced checks
Deadbeat bidders
Demanding bidders
Bidders trying to change your terms
Bidders trying to force you to take a certain payment method
Bidders leaving retaliatory negs after you file for FVF or neg them for nonpayment
Bidders' never-ending excuses for nonpayment
....just to name a few
I do believe there are deadbeat sellers out there, but as a buyer I've never met one. As a seller I've met countless deadbeat buyers.
posted on November 27, 2000 08:46:44 PM new
Executive Girl, You've never had a problem with a seller on eBay??? Buy something then tell me if you have any problems.
posted on November 27, 2000 08:49:04 PM new
Yes, don't lump us all into one big stinking pile 'O sellers please.
High feedback sellers bad? I know some of them are because I've seen their feedback. I don't know if I'm considered high feedback 'cause I don't have a red star yet, but I do have 777 positives against only two negs.
I thought that would have been enough for people to judge me by, but one newbie didn't feel comfortable sending 80 bucks to my PO Box address (like I spent almost two years building that feedback up just so I could rip him off), and he really wanted a street address as well. I gave it to him, but sheesh. Hey, it's been almost two weeks and no money from him yet...uh oh...
2 negs have me worried too.This buyer gave me a long lecture about why negs are bad.How you cannot trust people with them.Funny thing is within 30 days he had one himself as a buyer with only 50 positives for non payment.
posted on November 27, 2000 08:55:28 PM newdocpjw:
For your information, I've bought SEVERAL items on ebay. When I want to buy something or have to buy something for someone else, Ebay is the FIRST place I look. I buy on Ebay ALL the time. Have NEVER had a problem.
Buy something then tell me if you have any problems.
posted on November 27, 2000 09:10:58 PM new
Hi Katyd. Im sorry this happened to you. Im one of the good gals, myself. I dont have someone ship something back that I might have missed something about. I just have them keep it, get rid of it or do whatever they choose, and I refund their money, or give them a credit, whichever they prefer. I, too, was a power seller. Not anymore. And my feedback isnt going up very much, although I have been selling for 2 years. Why? Because its repeat buyers. The negs I got are retalitory (3, I think), or because I filed NPB forms, which some bidders frown on. Otherwise, my feedback is pretty good with over 1100 positives.
You are welcome to shop with me! I promise, nothing will come broken, or chipped, or described wrong, and no handling fees either! Whatever it costs to get it from here to there is what I charge, and sometimes, I pay insurance, too
posted on November 27, 2000 09:13:35 PM newKatyD..I'll make you an offer you can hardly refuse. I hate the thought of you having to return the pottery piece because of the chip. If it is worth it to still give it as a gift, I will restore the chip for you, free of charge. My Xmas present to you. You have been with Ebay all this time, you deserve a little something...
I am totally serious. Just Email me and let's talk. OK? (you would have to pay for shipping, though, oK?)
posted on November 27, 2000 09:26:14 PM new
I too have been selling/buying on ebay for almost 4 years and have seen a real change. I THINK that one possibility here is that a LOT of people have discovered a way to make a quick buck and don't care about service or integrity....kind of like take the money and run, it is truly sad and casts a bad light on the legit seller and by legit I mean those who care enough to be honest. Just the other day, I accidentally shipped the wrong book to a buyer...I was horrified...asked him to immediately ship it back, and I sent him out a check for his shipping costs. Seems like such a simple enough thing to do considering its my fault....I honestly don't understand why some of these sellers think a few bucks is more important than their reputation. Yawn, I am rambling, time for bed
