posted on April 14, 2001 10:01:28 AM
This is an example of what sellers on Ebay have to deal with. The first two paragraphs are in all my auctions. One at the top and one near the bottom so no one should miss them. Then at the bottom is my email today from one of my buyers. Typical of the New buyer on Ebay ready to think they will be screwed.<p>
Bid with Confidence! All Items Returnable and I Promise to Work with You If You Have Any Questions or Problems Before or After the Auction! <p>
Thank you for looking at this auction. I would like to add that my goal is an enjoyable transaction for both of us. If an item you receive from me is not as described, I will cheerfully and quickly accept its return and will refund your bid and shipping costs. I will not be satisfied with a transaction if you are not!<p>
EMAIL TODAY: I received the book and tape, the book is fine but the tape is horrible. You can bearly hear (my animated toy) reading the story. Something needs to be done about this or I will be forced to leave negative feedback!
<p>
This is the kind of email that sometimes make me wonder why people can't just ask to work it out and be nice and makes me have to think about selling on Ebay. Everytime a new buyer is a winner on my auction I only hope that they read my auction before they jump to conclusions.
posted on April 14, 2001 10:06:31 AM
Some people, both buyers and sellers, think they have have to threaten their way thru life and everyone should fall to their knees at once.
posted on April 14, 2001 10:44:03 AM
Makes me wonder if there's a problem with their ANIMATED TOY?? IMO, Ask them if there were any problems with the tape in a REGULAR stereo... I'd be willing to bet that there'd be no problems whatsoever.
posted on April 14, 2001 10:46:27 AM
I've keep my TOS short. For example:
"Buyer pays $3.90 for Priority Mail in the US. Check, MO or credit cards thru PayPal.com or Billpoint.
Thanks for your interest."
I figure no matter how much you say you can't cover every situation and when you run into a buyer like your it dosen't really matter what you said.
I have no solution to avoiding these type of buyers. Just take a deep breath and answer in a calm and professional manner. Respond like they sent a really nice note mentioning a problem and you are willing to help.
I just will not get caught up in their attitude and ignore the tone of their email while trying to resolve the underlining issue.
PS. Your statement in auctions about "my goal .... " is the first idea I've seen that I really feel is worthwhile for me to add to my TOS.
posted on April 14, 2001 10:51:28 AM
Very nice TOS, jlb444. I'm considering putting this in my auctions:
"RETURN POLICY: I will promptly and courteously handle all polite e-mails requesting returns or refunds. Rude or unreasonable requests will be handled by my assistant, Krusher McGruff, who is here on a work-furlough program from the local prison."
posted on April 14, 2001 10:54:48 AM
I offered her another tape or return the set for a full refund. I told her I tried out the tape and it worked perfect, if the second tape doesn't work I asked her to return everything as it is her toy that didn't work. I also pointed out that these toys are not made anymore because they were so unreliable and broke with play very easily. I test everything before I send it so I am pretty sure it is her toy. I just hope she excepts my solution to the problem and doesn't neg me anyway. YOU NEVER KNOW!
posted on April 14, 2001 12:06:31 PM
"Some people, both buyers and sellers, think they have have to threaten their way thru life and everyone should fall to their knees at once."
This is so true. I am a landlord and we do run into this type of person every so often. No matter how nice you are they start every conversation with a threat.
If you have a job working with the public you just have to accept the fact that there are people like this in the world, and that the best you can do, is to not react to them, but maintain your own code of ethics and dignity when dealing with them ie. don't sink to their level.
It's unpleasant. I always wish we could put people like that on an Island and let them victimize each other!!
