posted on January 12, 2001 09:02:17 AM
This is a prime example of a buyer not reading their email.
I had a buyer win on of my auctions on 12-27-00. This buyer paid via Paypal the same day (12-27-00).
I sent this buyer their item 12-28-00.
The item was returned to me 1-10-00 with no explanation as to why. So I get on the phone and call USPS and get the number for the Post office that sent it back. I called the Post office and asked them what's the deal with this package being returned to me.
As soon as I mention the name on the address the clerk tells me he is familiar with this person and that this person cannot accept any mail because they do not have a recipacle (mailbox).
I pulled the contact info for my buyer so I could call her and get this situation taken care of. I called and I was not to surprised when the number was disconnected (no mailbox, no phone).
Ok, so I sent the buyer an email. Here is a copy of it :
"XXXXXX,
Your payment for the XXXXX (ebay item #XXXXXXX) was recieved 12-27-00.
Your item was shipped out to you 12-28-00 to the address you provided me with.
XXXXXXX
XXX XXXXX
XXXXXX,XX XXXXX
Your package was returned to me today.
I contacted your local post office and was told you do not have a mailbox.
Please advise as to what you would like me to do.
Thanks,
Cix"
Now here is a copy of her response :
"Thank you"
I then emailed her again telling here the situation and she responded to me with another, "Thank You" !!!
After laughing for about 2 minutes, I came to realize, "What am I going to do with this one ?"
posted on January 12, 2001 09:08:58 AM
Zazzie, you're right that is the proper response.
I guess just sending their payment back through PayPal would be the best thing and maybe the only thing.
posted on January 12, 2001 09:12:12 AM
Not that this matters, but was the address a street address or a P.O. Box? I was just wondering if the PO was refusing to leave the package on a front doorstep or such.
posted on January 12, 2001 09:19:53 AM
I agree with abacaxi....I would refund minus the shipping fees....and maybe even the paypal fees, then file for a credit with ebay.
posted on January 12, 2001 09:25:50 AM
I guess you are right. I have no problem dealing with idots and taking a sharp tone with them, but this sweet little lady is just clueless and I feel bad for her.
I will refund her winning bid and thats all, but I actually feel bad for this buyer.
I really do not see why the postman couldn't just toss the item at her doorstep. I guess she might have her house fenced in, but then why not just toss it over the fence, well I guess she could have dogs too, oh well.
Must be nice not having a phone or mailbox. No bills to pay, no annoying junk mail, no collectors calling or mailing bills.
But without a phone, I wonder how she gets online ?
posted on January 12, 2001 10:22:00 AM
I think all eBay users are supposed to have a valid phone number on file with eBay. I think an invalid phone number is worth letting eBay know.
posted on January 12, 2001 10:22:32 AM
I think all eBay users are supposed to have a valid phone number on file with eBay. I think an invalid phone number is worth letting eBay know.
posted on January 12, 2001 11:06:15 AM
Normally I do report bad phone numbers to ebay, but in this paticualr case I would feel very bad in doing so.
Apparently someone stole or damaged her mailbox, so she has no mailbox. Her phone was disconnected, so she has no phone.
And if I report her, then she will get kicked off ebay. I think she has had a string of bad luck or something and I do not want to add insult to injury.
After all, she paid right away as an excellent buyer would. I do not want to cause this lady any more trouble than what she is already in.
The whole situation is starting to sadden me as this lady wants her item, paid for her item, but I have no way of delivering her item to her. She has been nothing but polite to me also.
