posted on December 18, 2001 09:26:57 AM
Hi folks. I sell off and on on eBay, and it has been nice. I had an auction close with a winner, sent her notification that she won and got her response. Her response irked me. She had a couple of questions, and stated that if I did not get back to her immediately it would result in negative feedback. I responded again, and this time she opted to change my shipping policy per eBay's rules. Hmmmmmm.... If I don't agree to the changes, negative feedback will follow. I think an addition to the blacklist is in order. What do you think?
posted on December 18, 2001 10:01:26 AM
I would be tempted to email this buyer and say "as per eBay rules" I am forwarding BOTH your emails threatening NEGATIVE FB to safeharbor because you are dangerously close to Feedback Extortion!!!!!
I would then forward the two emails to Safeharbor with a cc to the buyer.
I agree it is time to "blacklist"!
[ edited by sulyn1950 on Dec 18, 2001 10:03 AM ]
posted on December 18, 2001 10:01:42 AM
Let me just say, eBay's "Instant Help" system is a nightmare. I wish they licensed Google technology for better search results. Anyway, add them to your blacklist and forward all the buyer's e-mails to [email protected] including the message header.
Feedback extortion - Demanding any action of a fellow user that he or she is not required to do, at the threat of leaving negative feedback. ("Even though it didn't reach reserve, sell it to me for my bid or..."; "Pay me $100.00 or I will..."; "Sell me all of the Dutch items or I will get all of my friends to..."
posted on December 19, 2001 07:16:12 AM
I think you should stand by your shipping policies. She sounds like she's going to leave a neg anyway. Sounds like buyer remorse to me. I would definitely send her emails to Safe Harbor, I would also give her the option of backing out of the sale. I would encourage her to back out as it sounds like this one will be a problem from start to finish and you will wind up with a neg no matter what you do. If you decide to ship the item I would insure it whether she pays for ins or not. I think she will come back to haunt you and at least you could get your money back if the item is insured.
posted on December 19, 2001 12:00:59 PM
A lot of people on Ebay and especially newer people don't understand the concept of feedback extortion.
I would respond to her response sending a cc to safeharbor, letting her know that you are reporting it to Ebay about how she can't threaten you or change your TOS.
My money is on her changing her tune knowing that now Big Brother is watching.
She'll be all nice and polite and quick in payment.
Now we all know that if safeharbor does anythng it will take them a while to do it. But the new people don't know that and will be sure they are in some kind of trouble.
People on the internet can be so rude, mean or threatening thinking that noone else knows about it. Once they are no longer anonymous.......they usually change their ways.
posted on December 19, 2001 12:08:27 PM
Thanks fo rthe replies folks. I guess with people being trigger happy on feedback it makes me a little nervous. I did send her a calm reply, and I have not heard one word from her since. I am waiting for the other shoe to drop. When an auction of mine closes, I send the buyer an e-mail telling them how long to wait for shipping, and that I won't remove PayPal funds until item ships. Fair warning to all involved, also I inform them to hold tight due to the USPS being so busy this time of year. No probs as of yet. I believe, just as all of us here, in supreme customer service. I just wish our buyers would get with the program!
