Had an auction end Sunday. This particular item was described as "Small" in the title, "small" twice in the description, and had the dimensions listed.
I get an email from the winner today saying they won't be purchasing because they didn't know they were bidding on the "Small" widget. Their attitude was nonchalant, and they asked about another widget I have listed. They then have the gall to *bid* on that bigger widget. They are a zero feedback new person.
posted on November 28, 2000 02:40:21 PM new
I would advise them that by bidding they have cost me the money for the auction and offer to allow them to pay the auction fees and avoid a neg. Maybe they will pay just fine for the second item or be outbid and be gone. If they don't pay the fees for the auction I would explain what the consequences of bidding and not following through are and then do the FVF thing.
posted on November 28, 2000 02:45:28 PM new
Hi Julesy,
I would email them back and tell them that when they signed up on ebay, they agreed to the Terms of Service, which means that a bid is a binding contract that they must uphold. Maybe include the link to the eBay page that says that. Also, I would tell them that they have risked a bad first feedback by doing this, and that they aren't welcome to bid on ANY of your auctions if they don't keep their word on any previous one. Sometimes people just don't realize the work and money that sellers put into their auctions, and they don't mean harm; they just don't know enough NOT to cause 'steam'. And, if they're new to eBay, I'd take the time to really explain it so they and you can do lots more business on eBay together. If they did it a second time after all was worked out though, I'd reserve the right to block their bids on my auctions.
I hope I've helped, this is a subject that comes up infrequently in my auctions; as people are generally polite and nice. But, it happens once in a while. If nobody tells them, they just keep doing it.
posted on November 28, 2000 02:47:34 PM new
I would tell them, very nonchalantly, that failure to follow through on their winning bid will result in negative feedback.
I'd also want to ask them (but wouldn't) what part of the word small did they not understand.
posted on November 28, 2000 03:05:55 PM new
Julesy - think of it this way. Although this person is obviously a clueless newbie, she's very interested in your stuff! Help with her training and you could have a good future customer on your hands.
posted on November 28, 2000 03:34:33 PM new
I know, silver lining and all.
She is offering to pay for the first auction. I am a little reluctant, as it is a $71 purchase, and don't want to deal with a refund/return later, so I am leaning towards asking for reimbursement of my fees and she can keep the bids on the other two widgets. I made it very clear that I welcomed all questions and concerns upfront, so as to avoid this happening again.
posted on November 28, 2000 10:38:20 PM newSometimes people just don't realize the work and money that sellers put into their auctions
Ain't that the truth!! My husband LIVES with me and he has no idea how much work it is (or doesn't seem to, or else he'd offer to help more, right? ).. my mom hears me talk about eBay all the time but still doesn't get how much work it is. So certainly there are a lot of buyers-only out there who haven't a clue what the "big deal" is when they deadbeat on us.
posted on November 29, 2000 01:43:10 AM new
Normally I would politely stick to my guns. "I'm sorry you are no longer interested but the description was clear and I expect your timely payment." However, if she is bidding in your other auctions, then other factors come into play. For one, you may lose those other bids/sales. For another, she may go ballistic and leave you negative feedback for ALL the transactions.
I would suggest the "polite and helpful" approach. Remind her of eBay rules, and explain that if you have to ask for a refund of the listing fees, she will receive a warning and could be suspended. That way, you're on her side. You don't have to threaten negative feedback at this point. I'd also double-check to make SURE she wants the other items she bid on. "Clueless" isn't really an excuse. Not at all.
One thing's for sure. If you start threatening negative feedback and "pay up or else" you'll lose her repeat business. Try not to burn any bridges unless absolutely necessary. That's a last (if at all) resort.
).. my mom hears me talk about eBay all the time but still doesn't get how much work it is. So certainly there are a lot of buyers-only out there who haven't a clue what the "big deal" is when they deadbeat on us. 