posted on February 15, 2001 01:47:02 PM
Hi! (this is kinda long, very sorry...)Hopefully someone can give me some ideas on what to do. I have a bidder who started bidding on my auctions around Christmastime. She won an item, I shipped, both happy. Then a few days later, I see her name again repeatedly in my auctions as high bidder. No problem, great, actually. She contacts me and asks if I would combine shipping, as she is looking at my seller list and wanting to bid on more items. Again, no problem at all, but keep in mind this is the end of December. Throughout the past month or so, she has won several of my auctions (probably near 15). The last auction she won from me ended last Thursday. I have sent her eoa notices after each auction (with the mutual understanding she would pay when all auctions closed) and two emails since Thursday asking her to get in touch so we can figure out shipping costs. No response. Both have AOL, so I can see she is getting my emails. She has positive feedback, around 200, no negs, so I don't want to think she is screwing me. I just can't figure out a polite way to say "Hey Lady, you have been stringing me along for almost two months, PAY UP!" Any suggestions? Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks
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not atomheartmother on eBay.
posted on February 15, 2001 02:06:44 PM
Atomheartmother,
Here's a possible response:
Congratulations on your successful bid for my latest auction! I am so glad that you have been able to win so many great items from me. Is there anything else specific that you are looking for? If not, could you please send payment as soon as possible, since I need the space to store some new items. I look forward to completing these transactions with you.
As far as her not getting your e-mails... she could be on vacation... or you could try getting her phone number from the eBay contact information. Good luck!
posted on February 15, 2001 02:51:44 PM
Just email subject of "freindly reminder" might work. You might ask if everything is ok? There may be some problems.
I have had similar problems and have been tempted to do what other sellers do...
For instance, "we will muliple ship items won in a 5 day period.
posted on February 15, 2001 03:14:33 PM
Does all this stuff fit into one box? I'd pack up one load and say "okay, here is the total for this lot" and request payment for that. It is rather awkward, though, since you don't yet know if she's your best customer or just a compulsive bidder.
You might word it in a "I'm sure you are anxious to receive your widgets" style. As a buyer, I know I'd be wanting to see my stuff before too long. Can the savings on shipping be that great?
Keep us posted. It is an interesting story.
I forgot the part about how she hasn't answered your e-mails since Thursday. Can you see if she is bidding on other items? Not to worry you, but I just had a bidder with glowing feedback not respond to me for over a week...and me, Miss Naive, thinking the poor thing has had an accident or something....then, I see she is bidding all over Ebay...then, this week the negs started hitting and she is NARU. I don't think you'd be out of line to do a little checking.
Last bit of advice: can you request a read receipt when you send your e-mail? That can prod her a bit, too, without being offensive. I mean these days, with all the ISP and computer problems, it is prudent to check that your mail is getting through.
[ edited by misscandle on Feb 15, 2001 03:24 PM ]
posted on February 15, 2001 03:46:26 PM
Pull her contact information and give her a call. It is bound to get a response from her. It may not be one you want to hear.
posted on February 15, 2001 03:46:41 PM
Pull her contact information and give her a call. It is bound to get a response from her. It may not be one you want to hear.
posted on February 16, 2001 07:11:02 AM
Thank you to eauctionmgnt, pcalton, misscandle, and dixiebee! I appreciate your input and you have given me some great ideas and suggestions! I will definitely know better next time (let's hope there isn't a next time, this is a real bugger) Update,
She finally did email me (I emailed her with return receipt and cc'd Safeharbor[like that does anything]) and wants me to find out the cheapest way to ship all of these items to her. (nevermind the $4 fixed shipping handling rate for priority mail that I state in each auction description). I have no problem with combining auctions to save money, but geez, this lady has won a bunch of stuff! Delicate stuff at that, I would be hesitant to throw all of her items in one box and ship them. Keep your fingers crossed that I don't get umpteen negatives for overcharging on shipping.....Here we go..............
posted on February 16, 2001 07:21:17 AM
Hi atomheartmother,
Try explaining to her in email what you have explained to us. Let her know that her items might get damgaged if you do not ship them according to your specifications and terms.
Yes, I hope you don't end up getting negative feedback. Some buyers use bad feedback potential as a leverage to extort sellers.
Maybe you can find a way to verbalize in a friedly manner that you need to stick with your shipping terms.
