posted on March 21, 2001 02:56:12 PM new
I just had a winner from Italy with 0 feedback (but one previous bid retraction). Right after the auction ended, he asked me the shipping cost to Italy. The item itself was only a $2 magazine, the shipping would have been around $5-6. The newbie then wrote back that he decided he didn't want it, that the cost was too high. Meanwhile, I'm out the Ebay fee and AW's cut--even though it's just a few cents I'm still taking a cut on this. This person was the only bidder so I don't have a second high bidder to contact.
Would you teach this person a lesson by leaving a negative or just write them a sternly worded email about how Ebay is a contract and you ask questions about shipping before you bid, not after? I'm leaning toward the latter, mainly because it's not worth the time and effort to recoup the fees but also because this person obviously doesn't quite get the game yet. Just curious what others would do.
posted on March 21, 2001 03:04:10 PM new
hi ultimato,
i think i'd go with your sternly worded letter, given that he's new. he should have read the email ebay sends stating his bid is a contract and all, but ...
posted on March 21, 2001 03:24:13 PM new
That's what I am going to do. His English was very broken so he's probably having a hard enough time figuring this all out. Guess I'll be the lesson.
posted on March 21, 2001 03:26:50 PM new
If you're willing to risk getting a neg in return, go for it. I have never left a neg for a deadbeat and I never will under the current twisted feedback system. It makes even less sense to neg a Zero feedback newbie. He got one (or 20, who knows?) fresh ebaY ID, he can get more. You, on the other hand, will be stuck with the neg.
posted on March 21, 2001 07:52:25 PM new
New or not, they must learn. I think its a mistake not to file for your fees. At least it goes on their record that they do not pay. Four of those and they are gone. And you do not have to worry about a neg.
posted on March 21, 2001 07:58:32 PM new
Why worry about the neg? File for your FVF credit, then leave a neg. This person needs to learn about the do's and dont's concerning Ebay, and they won't learn it if people are too afraid to do what's right.
Just my opinion...but this argument resurfaces every week or so. How good is a feedback system if all you get to read is the positives because people are afraid to leave negatives?
"Who's tending the bar? Sniping works up a thirst"
posted on March 21, 2001 09:09:55 PM new
Absolutely leave a neg and do the FVF! Let's stop playing Mr. Nice Guy to a deadbeat whether they are newbies, foreigners or whatever. You bid...you pay.
The only way I would not neg is if he agrees to reimburse you for your fees. It's worth a shot to suggest that, otherwise neg 'em.
posted on March 21, 2001 09:30:40 PM new
My comments about leaving a NEG - I won't ever hesitate to leave one.
Leaving a NEG enables other sellers to see what kind of customer they are dealing with. I always look for them on my bidders, and think of it as a mutual protection scheme.
You NEG, I read. I NEG, you read.
If an established seller has a significant quantity of positive feedback, the occasional retaliatory NEG won't hurt.
