posted on December 14, 2000 10:17:04 PM
This is the 10th times within the last two months, I get over charge on shipping again and again on ebay auctions!!
I purchased a battery for my sony digital camera. The seller want $6 for shipping. Ok, I paid it and figure he will sent it as USPS priority mail. But no! it come in this smallest bubble bag with no protection what-so-ever to the battery. The postage is USPS first class $1.45. So, I e-mail him requesting a refund on the shipping. He e-mail back saying "I can charge whatever I want for shipping in my auctions, if you don't like my shipping costs then don't
bid on my auctions!". Can you believe that? Should I neg this jerk or what.
posted on December 14, 2000 10:24:03 PM
Did the seller state that the item would be sent Priority?
I just got screwed the sane way recently, BUT, it was MY fault for not reading the sellers TOS.
IF the seller said they were charging "shipping and handling" or "Priority Shipping" only then you are obliged to pay the shipping they state...if you didn't ask first, it is on you.
Keith
I assume full responsibility for my actions, except
the ones that are someone else's fault.
posted on December 14, 2000 10:31:52 PM
According to his auction, it say $5 shipping. It didn't say method of shipping. On top of that, I paid him thru PayPal when the auction end. He didn't send the item 9 days later.
As a seller myself, if a buyer pay that much $$ on shipping. I usually send their item(s) USPS Priority mail automatically. No question ask.
posted on December 15, 2000 03:44:41 AM
It sounds like you got what you paid for. What is left? Why neg?
R E A D T H E D E S C R I P T I O N
[ edited by Empires on Dec 15, 2000 03:45 AM ]
posted on December 15, 2000 05:09:26 AM
IOW, chenillec, you read into the description things that weren't there, yet you're blaming seller for your own mistake.
posted on December 15, 2000 06:03:28 AM
You have no right to neg based on the shipping charge if it is stated in the TOS.
While I recognize there is time and cost involved in securing packaging supplies and the actual packing, I think some sellers use these charges as fee avoidance and a way to increase the bottom line profit (I even saw one seller some months back that actualy stated in his TOS, that a profit fee would be added to all bids).
If you are in doubt of this, check the shipping and hadling charge on many of the memory chips listed. Total shipping in a reinforced bubblepack envelope is .77 but they charge 10.00 to 15.00 for the first unit and 4.00 to 6.00 for the second. My reward to them is to pass them right by in search of a reasonable seller.
I guess once you are a pwer seller, you can do no wrong in eBays mind.
posted on December 15, 2000 06:17:53 AM
I'm not trying to be critical here, but why do we complain about ebay fees, then complain about sellers avoiding fees as well?
posted on December 15, 2000 06:26:16 AM
Neg him and neg him now! This getting out of hand with these sellers and they need to be given the feedback for other buyers to know,so help us all out.
Just simply state, "Sent $6 dollars for shipping and seller sent package costing $1.45. No emotion just a statement of fact. And a you do have a Complaint Seller not willing to fix. Also inform Safeharbor about possible fee avoidance.
Ain't Life Grand...
posted on December 15, 2000 06:47:35 AM
twelvepole ... Whoa Lightnin'
If the auction stated the shipping costs, and the bidder placed a bid based on that, where's the problem?
The real problem here, and still, is simply that the buyer did not communicate with the seller before placing a bid. If in doubt, ask ... it's really simple.
I do not believe this seller deserves a neg for charging what he said he was going to charge. His email response to the bidder states that perfectly: "if you don't like my shipping costs then don't bid on my auctions". What could be clearer than that?
PS, and with all due respect, if this is the 10th time this has happened to the buyer, then I suggest there may be another problem here that should be discussed ... "once burned, ... "
[ edited by RB on Dec 15, 2000 06:48 AM ]
[ edited by RB on Dec 15, 2000 06:50 AM ]
Suppose you had bid on an auction that stated $5 for shipping, and after you had won, the seller told you that you needed to send an additional $3, since the item was heavier once it was packed. Do you think he should "neg you" if you don't send the extra money?
posted on December 15, 2000 07:47:05 AM
I never assume the package will be sent via Priority just because the amount charged is similar to what Priority will cost. While I have been frustrated by this same thing a couple of times, I wouldn't consider a neg. If the auction had said Priority and then they didn't ship that way, I would first contact them and ask about it. Then I might neutral or neg depending on their response.
If it is so important to a buyer that the amount charged for shipping is the amount actually used too ship, then email and ask what method they ship with. Yes, some sellers use inflated shipping to avoid fees. Whining about the cost afterwards is fruitless, especially when the amount is plain as day in the auction terms.
posted on December 15, 2000 07:50:41 AM
Neg a person for doing exactly what he siad he would do. God, we must teach these people a lesson, shouldn't we? I'm thinking of changing my shipping and handling charge to $100,000. Only an idiot would bid on my auctions, but there are so many of them...
And by the time eBay could NARU me, I would be retired....
[ edited by mark090 on Dec 15, 2000 08:43 AM ]
posted on December 15, 2000 08:14:22 AMSo why the hell bid in the first place?
ummm because they wanted the item. And expecting a $6.00 shipping fee to be priority ($3.20) is not unreasonable.
Of course they should of asked before bidding, of course it was listed that way and did not mention priority. Still this buyer has a valid complaint and should leave a complaint for this seller.
I have been fortunate in my dealings on ebay and this has only happened once in my past. Yep I did leave a big COMPLAINT. And will do so again if it happens. But I ask first now and if no reply I don't bid. Which makes sniping a bit difficult sometimes.
Ain't Life Grand...
posted on December 15, 2000 08:21:23 AMAnd expecting a $6.00 shipping fee to be priority ($3.20) is not unreasonable.
I disagree. Expecting something that is not offered is unreasonable. Neg the seller for doing exactly what he says he will? And buyers wonder why so many sellers are refusing to leave feedback first, these days. Go figure.
edited to add...
It would be interesting to see how quickly buyers would change their tune if sellers started handing out negs for not receiving their payments by priority mail.
[ edited by mrpotatoheadd on Dec 15, 2000 08:26 AM ]
posted on December 15, 2000 08:41:47 AM
I don't think a negative is in order. For one it fully stated the shipping fee in his TOS and in no way did it state the method of shipping.
While I don't think this is a responsible thing to do (overcharge on shipping then provide somewhat shoddy packaging) you cannot make assumptions about a poorly worked description or TOS. If you have any questions e-mail the seller.
I'm surpised in my earlier selling days how many people are willing to bid on my items when I didn't even state shipping costs, shipping method and my descriptions were not that hot without even e-mailing me to ask a question. Now I have everything spelled out fairly clearly (I hope)
I think the best you can do is to give a positive feedback and state that you thought you were overcharged for shipping and the kind of packaging he gave you or at worst give him a neutral with the same statement.
posted on December 15, 2000 09:16:28 AMchenillec reports that the seller's TOS stated shipping was $5 and he was charged $6. This is not a case of a seller following his TOS.
Though chenillec's complaint seems to be that the actual shipping was far less than the cost charged, not that the shipping cost charged was more than what was stated in the listing.
Being charged more than the stated shipping cost, particularly when it seems to be a handling fee and not actual shipping, seems like a legitimate reason to leave a negative. chenillec did contact the seller and attempt to work it out so on these grounds I would say he/she has a legitimate reason to leave a negative.
However, let's assume the seller had stated up-front $6 shipping not $5. Charging $6 when actual postage & materials is at most $2 is an excessive handling fee. I think the expectation that it would be sent priority mail is reasonable. Feedback should be used to report how you felt about a transaction. This buyer doesn't feel positive about it, so I don't think a positive is in order. My personal opinion is that a negative would be a little harsh since shipping was quoted and the buyer made an assumption that the seller was not gouging him with an excessive "handling fee" (which again I think is a reasonable assumption). I'd be inclined to leave a neutral: "Charged $6 shipping, actual postage $1.45." I think savvy buyers know to read the neutrals as well as the negatives so this should alert future buyers to the excessive handling charge. And then they can make an informed choice about whether or not they want to pay it.
posted on December 15, 2000 09:23:08 AM
I use the auction sites, mail order, and online shopping because I can find and have delivered to my door "things" I can't find anywhere close to home and usually at prices I would not be able to get even if I could find it!
When bidding, I simply decide what I am willing to pay (including the shipping) and place my bid based on that.
I don't think I would leave a NEG for my thinking the shipping was too high! Afterall, what I consider too high and what someone else might consider too high are probably not the same anyway!
BOTTOM LINE:Is the price you paid including total shipping still a goodprice?????
posted on December 15, 2000 09:24:24 AMchenillec should not have placed bid, seeing such a high shipping charge posted, and should have enquired first as how item was to be shipped.
On the other hand, chenillec has the right to be upset about some seller's practices. This hidden extra cost practice is happening more and more frequently. And NO, not all sellers are willing to respond to questions...It is still up to bidder, yes., but now we are talking about bad seller practices.
Instead of making NEW IDIOTIC and basically USELESS TOOLS , E-Bay would do well to defines the rules about shipping, so there can be NO surprise in the end. If a seller wants to charge 200.00 for shipping, fine...but still state how item is being sent, if insured, if DC or Return Receipt.
Buyers should also acquaint themselves with the Online Postal Calculator, so they can get an approximate idea. Unless it is a most unusual HUGE item, one can approximate the weight, and select the FARTHEST ZONE from their hometown.
posted on December 15, 2000 09:28:13 AMtriplesnack-
chenillec reports that the seller's TOS stated shipping was $5 and he was charged $6. This is not a case of a seller following his TOS.
You're right. I missed that- my mistake.
However, let's assume the seller had stated up-front $6 shipping not $5.
I still disagree with a negative or neutral in this case. The seller performed just as he said he would. As far as "excessive handling fees" go, I'm sure you could ask 10 people and get 10 different answers as to what constitutes such.
It is my opinion that if you (anybody in general, that is), as a buyer, have any set expectations regarding handling fees that are not specifically explained in the auction listing, it is your responsibility to request a clarification.
posted on December 15, 2000 09:35:44 AM
Ahhh - one of my pet peeves!
I do not think leaving a neg in this case is justified, but chenillec says in first post he was charged $6.00 for shipping, then in second chenillec says TOS only called for $5.00 shipping. A refund of at least $1.00 is due or a neg (IMO) is earned.
I loathe sellers that play "the game" like was done in this case. We have all seen them. Ginsu knives for 25¢, laser pointers for 1¢, then shipping charges to knock your socks off. Nothing but fee avoidence.
posted on December 15, 2000 09:47:59 AMmrpotatoheadd Hi!
Yes, I agree that it's a mistake for a buyer to make assumptions when terms are not clearly stated in the auction listing. The bottom line iscaveat emptor.
But I also have some trouble with some seller's attitudes of, "Hey, I tricked you, fair and square, you have no right to complain!"
I think this seller is purposely disguising his handling fee by being vague in his listing. An honest, "up front" seller would have stated in his listing, "Postage and packing $2 + handling fee $4."
Because I'm still applying "caveat emptor" here I don't think a negative is warranted. But I think a neutral feedback would bring this clarification of his TOS into the open where it should be, so prospective bidders can make an informed decision.
posted on December 15, 2000 10:02:39 AMtriplesnack-
This is one of those topics that there will never be complete agreement on. My point of view is that "Shipping $6" and "Postage and packing $2 + handling fee $4" are one and the same- regardless of how you choose to break it down, it is going to cost me $6 to get the item delivered to my door. All I'm interested in is how much I have to take out of my wallet. I really don't care who gets the money- the seller or the post office, it's all the same to me.
It really does seem a shame to me to criticize a seller for doing just as he says he will, but I realize that not everybody feels the same way. Although I don't feel a negative or a neutral is warranted in this situation, I would hope that those who disagree would do no worse than a neutral.
[ edited by mark090 on Dec 15, 2000 08:43 AM ]