posted on August 1, 2004 07:49:49 AM
(The subject should be: Exp. seller wants to dictate shipping...)
As several of you have mentioned, this week has been pretty good -- happy bidders, some very positive feedback about positive experiences, etc.
Just so I don't let the euphoria change the way I should do business, I'm asking for your opinons...
Listed a wonderful old embossed paper calendar top from "Western Germany" and anticipated shipping to be at the USPS 2lb Priority rate because of the packing necessary to keep it from getting damaged in shipping. Then I added an extra $2.00 because it was going to be a big pain to make sure this awkward item was packed properly -- couldn't just wrap it in bubblewrap and put it in a box of peanuts <sigh>.
I was very clear that this was the shipping cost involved and included a shipping calculator because someone close to us would have paid much less - you know the drill.
Also, we had someone write to ask what the shipping cost would be to California. I used the handy-dandy eBay system and that cost of $7.75 was even posted to the auction in addition to going to that inquiring mind.
So, ultimately, the cost of shipping for this winning buyer was $7.75 to traverse the U.S.
She writes:
I just won this item and realized it can be sent by media mail for a lot less than $7.75. Please let me know what you will charge. It shouldn't cost you more than about $1.50 to send and I'll be happy to pay $3.00 if you wish. Thank you!
Well, wasn't that nice of her to research the cost of media mail for me? However, I don't think a piece of artwork that once was a part of a calendar would qualify, would it? <smile>
My response:
Thanks for the suggestion, however, we have not shipped anything via Media Mail despite the difference in price. There is a difference in service (both in speed and care) that comes with using Priority Mail that we are just not willing to give up. We've had colleagues experience 3 and 4 week delivery times from coast to coast.
We are not trying to make money on shipping costs, because there is a bit of time involved in handling and packaging this item as well. If it were as simple as placing a book into a box, we'd be willing to consider a change in shipping methods. Because this item is delicate, it will take some care in handling to ensure it arrives in good condition.
Please check our feedback to see the level of satisfaction we are accustomed to delivering with our shipping methods. As explained in the auction, shipping costs for this item to California is $7.75.
She responds:
I appreciate hearing from you. I been have packing and shipping eBay items for a long time and I understand you want to do it right. If you can do that and keep the price down to maybe $4 or $5, that would be great.
She finally pays for it on day 3 <no complaints here>. She includes a note:
Would appreciate a refund on shipping if you can keep cost down to $3-4. Thanks!
The actual postage cost was $5.75 - but that doesn't include the 20-inch-by-30-inch hand-made box and the 30 mins it took to wrap it so it wouldn't get bent.
I started to process a refund of $2.00 and then it hit me! Wait a minute. She knew full well, or could have known with less investigation than it took to check the media mail rate, that this was going to cost $7.75 on top of her $15.50 bid. Not that there should be a comparable comparison, but would she also ask Time Life Books to charge her less than their $9.95 shipping cost because she knows they don't pay that much to the USPS?
The only reason I would have processed that refund would be to avoid a possible negative (my first). But, then she would get one, too, and I can't imagine she would want one that said: Item didn't qualify for Media Mail. Buyer wanted me to lie for her.
(Actually, if anyone has any suggestions on what kind of feedback to leave in the event she negs me -- get creative and offer ideas. I'm open.)
If she provides positive feedback, I don't mind reciprocating. You've taught me well that I won't be offering up feedback first.
Any thoughts, opionins, suggestions?
Wayne
Never explain -- Your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe you anyway.
~ Elbert Hubbard
(Edited because my silly fingers couldn't hit a "p" for the subject line!)
[ edited by TheFamilyBiz on Aug 1, 2004 07:51 AM ]
posted on August 1, 2004 08:20:38 AM
She hasn't a leg to stand on, she agreed to everything in your terms the second she bid PERIOD!
Your return email was way too long an explanation which she didn't deserve anyway.
Tell her this is what YOU consider safe, efficient postage and she agreed to it when she bid. If she negs you then include this in your response.
I would NOT give her a refund especially for $2.00....Paypal fees eat most of that anyway!
posted on August 1, 2004 08:26:23 AMYour return email was way too long an explanation which she didn't deserve anyway.
crowfarm is right on the money.
Wayne, you need a neg.
(Yes, you read that right.)
You really need one. Maybe then you'll get over your fear of getting one.
Until then, that fear is going to rule all your business practices, including doing ill-advised things like explaining yourself to someone who obviously knows what they are asking you to do is wrong.
posted on August 1, 2004 08:36:29 AM
Hi Wayne, this is the way you choose to operate your ebay sales. I think you offered to her exactly how you feel and you do not choose to bend. You mentioned she is a seller also, did you check her listings and her shipping costs? Have a good Sunday.
reenie
I don't get even....I get even better Jimmy Hoffa
posted on August 1, 2004 08:51:43 AM
Your time is worth more than the extra amount she's paying. Much more. I would have told her I don't want to get in trouble with my p.o. folks by shipping via media mail an item that doesn't qualify. Period.
Then I would have printed the postage and label through PayPal so the total doesn't show. She has a lot of nerve!
___________________________________
Bozone (n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.
posted on August 1, 2004 09:14:15 AM
"iRaTEACHERwhoSOUNDSlikeSTUFFYdaCAT."
Tom, some of us have had that hunch for quite a while, LOL.
___________________________________
Bozone (n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.
posted on August 1, 2004 10:19:17 AM
Thanks for the continued support. I suppose I do "need" a neg to put things into perspective.
It is funny though -- the biggest selling pains have been with a Llama woman from CA and this buyer has now been dubbed "Peacock Woman" from CA. In the scheme of things, not bad from over 500 transactions so far...
Everyone have a great Sunday! Back to the photography for fall listings.
Wayne
Never explain -- Your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe you anyway.
~ Elbert Hubbard
posted on August 1, 2004 10:30:53 AMNeither FEDEX nor UPS nor DHL display dollar amounts on shipping labels -- why should the USPS do so??
I'll respond to this only as long as you promise not to post any more pictures of your ugly little pooch.
I wasn't suggesting that USPS "must" display a dollar amount.
I was suggesting that if you determine a shipping fee, put that amount plainly in your auction, and collect that fee, why be ashamed of it? If the sharpie buyer can't figure out or doesn't want to take into account packaging costs that make up part of your shipping fee, so fricken what?
Geez Louise I wish you people would stop cringing about the possibility of ever getting a negative feedback.
posted on August 1, 2004 10:32:26 AM
No, you don't need a neg. lol
I got one on my other seller id. I got it the first week I sold way back in 1998. Silly me, I read the Ebay rules and if they don't pay, they get a neg. Right? WRONG! I got one right back!
I looked at that blasted thing for 2 1/2 years even after building up positive of 1500+.
So, in 2002 I started a new seller ID. And with 1345 positives there are no negs there I'm sure I will get one someday, and I will probably just start over again!
I see lots of sellers with 5,000 and 6,000 positives and NO negs. I want that
Am I being silly? YES I AM! So, you don't have to lecture me. But, I am a Virgo and that little red 1 just drove me crazy!
Edited to add:
I do file FVF and I do get deadbeats NARU'd. So, they don't scare me off from that one. And, someday I may get a neg for it. I also don't give in to shipping pressure and would not have sent them a refund
My point was that just getting one doesn't get you over the fear of getting another one. Not if you really really hate having them on your record!
posted on August 1, 2004 10:34:31 AM
The Family Biz- It's your business and when someone bids and wins your auctions they need to follow your TOS. Your letter was very informative and to the point. 3 small paragraphs is not a long letter and furthur more it doesn't matter how long it was it stated your case.
I use the hide the postage function all the time. One reason if I miss calculate the PO doesn't know exactly what I paid. I know it says the weight but I don't think they would take time from their busy schedule to check.
posted on August 1, 2004 11:11:39 AM
me too, a picture of Ralphie always brings a smile to my face.
reenie
I don't get even....I get even better Jimmy Hoffa
posted on August 1, 2004 12:41:15 PM
thanks Tom you brought a smile to my face. Ralphie you are too cute.
R
I don't get even....I get even better Jimmy Hoffa
posted on August 1, 2004 03:16:07 PM
Crowfarm is right. Then, Ralphie is ugly. What a disgusting thread. Next thing ya know eBay will issue guidelines to all of their rules. I thought everybody would enjoy a funny.
posted on August 1, 2004 03:39:52 PM
Welcome to Planet Parklane64....
err...whatever!
I have had people attempt to do this, since my feedback is not in the A$$ Kickin' Realm yet, I graciously ignore and insist on the one total quoted.
Of course I leave no feedback until feedback given...and so apparently do bidders..but I'm holding out.
BTW, walleyed dogs are cute and apparently trendy now. Personally waiting until Mutts come into style, but wth, eh? All dogs are nifty. I was rooting for Cujo.
posted on August 1, 2004 03:51:42 PM
Ok ok ... I wimped out and decided not to keep the response I posted because personal attacks just ain't nice!
Family -- You do NOT need a neg to put things into perspective; however, do not become so fearful of receiving one that you acquiesce to those that believe they can dictate your TOS to you. Stick by your guns.
[ edited by bizzycrocheting on Aug 1, 2004 04:15 PM ]
posted on August 1, 2004 07:01:40 PM
Just goes to show how little you know about RALPHIE!
I almost sold him to Donald Trump for MILLIONS as the world's first & ONLY TALKING DOG!
THE DONALD flew in for an interview with Ralphie -- here it is VERBATIM:
"First, I graduated from HARVARD, then got my MBA from the WHARTON SCHOOL. Then, after a stint in the CIA, I joined the FBI, sniffing out corruption in high places."
THE AMERICAN GENTLEMAN 