posted on February 25, 2001 12:56:02 PM new
Recently (yesterday), my two sons got in a little fight. The older one, who is always quick to act on his temper, threw one of our N64 games down the hall. End result - many bounces, quite the traveled distance, and a broken game.
Anyway, I would like to get a replacement of this game considerably fast. After searching over eBay, I concluded that this one auction was the best (ending time, the Buy It Nows of other auctions were just crazy). The seller stated 1.50 for shipping.
I asked him a question (before bidding/buying) if it would be OK if I paied him 4 dollars for Priority shipping.
I always hear stories of very strict sellers who hate it when buyers try to change their TOS. I can understand, as I am a seller myself. But is it reasonable to ask, before bidding, if the seller could possibly upgrade the shipping? I hope I didn't give the seller the impression that I am rude!
posted on February 25, 2001 01:05:56 PM newBluee-I can't see any reason why a seller would consider you rude or object at all to asking to upgrade shipping. Especially if you tell them you need it in a hurry.
The only reason I can possible think of is IF the seller already has the items packaged and ready to go, but even then, PRIORITY can be added to anything. Even a bubble package! All it requires is a stamp that says Priority and the PO does that!
Now, not to tell you how to raise your kids, BUT quickly replacing an item that has been broken in a temper trantum may not be the best solution! Been there, done that.
I have a 26YOA who still throws temper tamtrums and breaks things. Only difference is he now has to replace them not me!
Might be better to wait on the snail mail shipping to teach a lesson.
posted on February 25, 2001 02:07:14 PM new
As a seller, I would have no problem at all with that. I have upgraded to express mail from time-to-time at the request of my bidders. What gets annoying at times is people trying to *lower* the cost of shipping when they have their terms stated. Many seller, including me, prefer to send items by priority, because it is very easy to calculate shipping costs and the shipping supplies are free. When someone requests first class or media mail, we have to use our own boxes or padded mailers, and that costs money.
Good luck! Hope you get back to playing your game soon!!!!
posted on February 25, 2001 03:33:48 PM new
I think it is fine. And you are offering a certain amount over the actual postage cost as an offering to the seller to speed up the pace. So, I would certainly do it for you if I was the seller in this case. In fact, in my own auctions, I always state that ultimately my buyer will pay for shipping and handling (that I calculate) based on whatever method that they tell me that they want. I always make a suggestion based on experience.
I once had a wonderful buyer who won a family heirloom. It was an expensive auction and she wanted it Express Mailed to California (from Virginia) with additional insurance, etc. She paid for the actual shipping plus a modest handling fee. I was happy and proud to have done so well on an auction. I really didn't care how she wanted me to ship it. She was thrilled when she got it. That auction stands out in my memory as one of my best and happiest Ebay sales.
[ edited by squinkle99 on Feb 25, 2001 03:36 PM ]
posted on February 25, 2001 03:52:10 PM new
I have done it both, buying I always want to pay for Return Receipt, so I know I'll get the parcel), and selling (adjusting shipping to fit buyer's needs, and cannot see anything wrong with it.
********
Gosh Shosh!
About Me
[ edited by Shoshanah on Feb 25, 2001 03:53 PM ]
posted on February 25, 2001 05:38:54 PM new
I have done this several times, most recently with a seller of silk ties, from whose shipping charge made it obvious she was (probably) shipping in a padded envelope.
Silk ties shouldn't be creased in the process of being mailed in an envelope, so I asked her if she would mind if I sent $4 for Priority Mail box shipment, rather than the $1.90 she was asking. She was happy to so so, I had my ties in three days (paid via PayPal), and left her gushing feedback.
Oh, yes....today I made my fifth purchase from this seller. She's a jewel.
posted on February 25, 2001 10:39:54 PM new
Despite what sometimes appears on these message boards, I think most sellers are overall friendly and accomodating.
My only caution would be to "ask" rather than "tell". Of course I have an anecdote ... a person who won an auction Sunday night and immediately paypal'd the money plus $11.75 postage. The note said send it on express mail as she needed it on Tuesday. Now I don't normally go to the P.O. on Monday and I don't normally keep the express mail stamps around. Fortunately the PO sells them in the vending machine so I didn't have to wait in line.
In the end, it wasn't a huge amount of trouble and the buyer was very grateful when she got it. But I was a little miffed that the buyer EXPECTED that I would go to this trouble and effort - rather than ASKING me beforehand.
[edited tpyo]
[ edited by wbbell on Feb 25, 2001 10:44 PM ]
