posted on February 6, 2001 06:21:43 AM
Is the seller always the "boss" of an online auction transaction? We know that the seller sets the terms of the sale, usually by clearly stating them in the auction description, and has the right to expect the buyer to follow them.
But what about the buyer? What if a buyer sent you their "terms," such as including the auction number with the shipment, when they'd prefer that feedback be left, and in what timeframe they'd like the item shipped once payment clears.
Does the buyer have the right to expect the seller to uphold buyer's terms? Would you be offended that the buyer had terms?
Sellers AND buyers, I'm interested in reading your thoughts on this.
posted on February 6, 2001 06:31:57 AM
The relationship between buyer and seller is a symbiotic one. Both sides need to uphold their end for the relationship to work.
Since I also buy sometimes, I don't get all wigged out if a buyer nicely asks about being careful with packing etc. I've had enough items arrive in shoddy packaging that I understand where they are coming from.
As a seller, I have my terms clearly explained in my auction. Whether or not a looker agrees is not my concern, unless they bid and then fuss about the terms. I go to the trouble to be clear, I want them to go to the trouble of actually reading and following my terms. If you read my terms and don't like them, then move on.
posted on February 6, 2001 11:47:43 AM
If a bidder places a bid on an item, they are accepting the sellers TOS. They should know this before they place their bid. If the bidder has terms that they want defined (packing only in purple plastic peanuts or whatever) they should email the seller before bidding and ask. Either way, terms should be established before there is a bid placed.
As a seller, if the terms were reasonable and reqested before the bid was placed, I would have no problem with it. Neither one should expect to be able to add or change terms after the auction has ended. Ask first.
posted on February 6, 2001 12:02:05 PM
If I want to have the customer come back there are if there requests are within reason and abide the TOS. Sometimes I even break them if I find it suitable to do so and it makes it easier for my customer. I get a lot of return business this way. So I would so that no one person is the boss. We both want something out of it and we work together to get it.
