posted on January 28, 2003 08:04:18 AM new
I finally got my revenge - albeit small. Seems like every week I have some buyer who can't or won't use the AW checkout that I send with the EOA notice. I have several payment and shipping options for them to choose from, and it keeps the time spent per auction to a minimum.
Then there's an occasional neighbor from the frozen north who clicks right on through, selecting one of the U.S. shipping options and then filling in a Canadian shipping address. That sucks up a lot of email time explaining that international shipping rates are different (my TOS asks international buyers to email me after the auction closes and ask for their shipping costs), yada yada yada.
A few weeks ago, one of our northern neighbors completed the checkout, selected US Priority shipping, and then disappeared. No response to emails at all. A week or so later, here comes his money order for the top bid plus $4.30 Priority shipping (I always include delivery confirmation and charge the buyer for it). I packaged up his purchase, took it to the PO, and mailed it to him for $1.85 First Class to Canada.
If he had only responded to my emails, or even read the TOS, he would've got a better deal on the shipping.
As it was, after the trip to the PO, I had a cold Molsen on him.
Wonder if he'll neg me for excessive shipping charges?
posted on January 28, 2003 10:06:24 AM new
I don't do checkout, but I clearly state in my EOA notice that if they won multiple lots, they should contact me so I can figure out a better shipping price. Many do contact me, but I am amazed at the number of people who overpay.
posted on January 28, 2003 10:07:33 AM new
bowtiefifty: Are you informing prospective bidders that they will have to go through AW checkout to pay for their item?
posted on January 28, 2003 10:16:18 AM new
I have had situations like that. Just slipped a buck or two in with the package and a note stating refund for overpayment of shipping.
Never dreamt of keeping their money to buy beer. Hmmmm - New TOS coming - Shipping may be less than stated. If you don't reply to my email then the beer is on you! I like it!
posted on January 28, 2003 07:51:45 PM new
I had a guy who bought a photo enlarger from me. I had $60 shipping fixed fee listed because that was the highest rate possible through fed ex. He confirmed his payment with his address. I emailed him 5 times about his overpayment, with absolutely no response. He sent me the 60 bucks, and lived about 200 miles away. Shipping cost me 10 bucks. I sent him a check for $40 (the remaining 10 went towards packing). He never cashed it. A year and half has gone by.... strange. perhaps he was from another universe.
posted on January 29, 2003 03:10:12 AM new
I get about 60% to check out, and the rest I have to fill out for them. I tried to get all of my customers to do it, but you make some real mad, so I gave up.
I try to make the purchase process as easy as possible for my customers. I hope the new checkout button on the auctions helps. They look slick, but are to new to know if they will help.
I like Anadale Checkout the best of all the ones I have used, but there fee's are to high for me.
"For I know the plans I have for you." says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." - Jeremiah 21:11
posted on January 29, 2003 03:11:06 PM new
A lot of people dislike checkout - I'm one of them. I won't bid on an auction that demands I use Andale or AW checkout. Heck, I'm already a member (or whatever) here at AW - but it's the principle of the thing. Why should I be forced to give various information to some company I've never heard of. As far as I'm concerned, I'm dealing with the *seller* - no one else.
I think you're doing well to get 60% of people to use it. And I'm glad you don't seem too upset about the 40% that refuse.
posted on January 29, 2003 03:14:50 PM new
This was a heated discussion a few months back, and I don't like the automated checkout systems either. I get one of these, and I contact the seller asking for an invoice be sent to me. They always comply.
posted on January 29, 2003 03:57:31 PM new
I never use a check out system. My TOS states that I will contact the buyer ASAP after the auction closes. I look at the EOA, get the Zip, weigh the pkg. (I pack & then weigh) Email the custimer & give them the shipping cost, whether it is Priority Mail or FedEx. Works for me.
