Home  >  Community  >  The eBay Outlook  >  What would you do if you had this winner??


<< previous topic post new topic post reply next topic >>
 ladyjewels2000
 
posted on January 30, 2005 09:27:44 AM new
I just sold a nice set of vintage speakers. The winner emailed for shipping an hour prior to the close so I gave him a quick estimate per speakers.
I had several bidders but he won.
He paid right after the auction using my approximated quote as the shipping - not really a problem. Then he emails saying he wants them insured for 4 times what he paid and wants 2 to 3 inches of Styrofoam around all sides of each speaker.
I pack well but I think this is a bit much and wasn't included in the estimated quote. As they are large - every inch I add to the packing will increase the shipping cost.
Now he emailing wanting to know if I shipped them that way I HAVE NOT EVEN PACKED THEM YET. They are very large and the auction just ended a few days ago. My husband plans to help me today.
I think he should have addressed all his special requirement prior to bidding - I don't think I should have to eat all the extra cost for shipping. Am I missing something or is he being a jerk.

 
 Libra63
 
posted on January 30, 2005 09:35:28 AM new
Go ahead and insure them for what he wants BUT if he files a claim with the USPS he will only get what he paid for the item. When you fill out the insurance papers you will say what he paid for them but I always include eBays EOA notice.

Do you think he is trying to scam the USPS..Makes you think..


_________________
 
 ltray
 
posted on January 30, 2005 09:35:36 AM new
Lady, you need to let your buyer know that you can only insure the item for the selling price. Anything above that will not be honored by your insurer.

Also, it is not unreasonable for him to request 2 inch padding since that is what most carriers recommend. However, if it affects the finally shipping price, you need to make him aware of it. I hope you let him know that the price you originally told him was "quote" and subject to change. If not, well...

This is one more reason why I ALWAYS figure shipping before I post an auction. I also post a flate rate shipping fee in the auction. It may seem like a hassle, but in the long run, it is a money saver, not to mention what it does for your peace of mind.
 
 ladyjewels2000
 
posted on January 30, 2005 10:17:51 AM new
I didn't post the shipping in the auction as they weight 60 lbs each. I live in Florida so it really make a difference where they go.
When he emailed requesting a quote - I replied "approximately $25.00 each" And I could do it for that but his way requires a bigger boxes, more packing materials etc. I planned to use foam not bubble wrap.
I will let him know about the insurance but he is a long time seller so he already knows. I think he is just trying to call all the shots here.
Libra
I will have to ship these FedEx and if damaged he will be lucky to get $100 for both. I will probably insure with DSI anyway to save money.
Does anyone know of FedEx requiring 2 inches of Styroform for insurance coverage?

 
 ltray
 
posted on January 30, 2005 10:32:48 AM new
Lady, read FedEx's insurance policy. It is a true education! I read it last week and was shocked.

I hope I never have to file a claim with them. Also, I think they are the one's who require 2" of packing material on all sides for the item to meet their insurance requirements.

PS. I'm in Florida too. My quoted rates cover shipping to the west coast. If actual shipping is less than my quoted rate, I use the extra cash to justify my packing time and materials.
[ edited by ltray on Jan 30, 2005 10:34 AM ]
 
 stonecold613
 
posted on January 30, 2005 10:57:43 AM new
When he emailed requesting a quote - I replied "approximately $25.00 each"

Why approximately? Checking shipping rates is so easy. If this guy didn't give a zip code, ask for it.

This guy isn't being anal about your packaging. He has likely received many items that have been so poorly packed by money sucking powersellers that they just want to actually get their item in good condition.
.
.
.
Alive in 2005
 
 getalife
 
posted on January 30, 2005 11:07:14 AM new
FedEx is the last shipper I would use. I shipped a Heathkit transceiver (tube shortwave radio) cross country with them and the first thing the clerk did was turn it sideways despite a This Side Up and arrows pointing up on the sides. It sold for over $400 and despite my request they didn't get the signature upon delivery. They left it on the side porch. Everything turned out OK though.

Is two inches of packing required or is it two inches of space between the sides of the box and the object shipped?

 
 ladyjewels2000
 
posted on January 30, 2005 11:20:02 AM new
Well I guess he isn't being that unreasonable after all if that's what FedEx requires. I guess it's not his job to educate me about FedEx's requirements.
I didn't really say FedEx so maybe I should ship them Greyhound and have him pick them up??? He's the one who said FedEx.

 
 mcjane
 
posted on January 30, 2005 02:28:55 PM new
Why insure for four times the cost. How would you explain that if the package was lost or damaged. Sounds suspicious to me.

Just maybe he has the same speakers not in working condition & intends to switch with yours & then collect insurance.

Put a secret mark on your set & if a claim is filed let the PO know about it.

 
 EstateSaleStuff
 
posted on January 30, 2005 02:36:18 PM new
I've often wondered, that if you find an item on ebay, that you KNOW is worth, say, a few thousand dollars, but it was described badly and you "won" it for $20 dollars, how can you get the shipment insured for the true value? ...... maybe the post office or UPS,etc. would accept any documention that the claimant would put forth, ('out there' example: "here's a copy of what its value was at Christie's Auction House' two months ago"....

I would 'think' the shipper (usps or....) would have to accept that? their claim forms don't really ask "what did you pay for it" ... they ask you to submit documentation as to the value, yes? ...no?





 
 ltray
 
posted on January 30, 2005 05:48:14 PM new
ESS...

items have several "values".

You have yard sale value, replacement value, collectable value and actual purchase price.

Most shippers insure for only actual purchase price. There might be some 3rd party insurers who will insure for replacement value, but I am not familiar with them.

It is kind of like your house insurance. Actual "replacement cost" home owners will cost you more than standard loss insurance, which depreciates the value of your goods depending upon age and wear.

Read FedEx insurance clause. They will only insure antiques and musical instruments for up to $100, regardless of declared value.
 
 EstateSaleStuff
 
posted on January 31, 2005 05:44:48 AM new
I wonder who the big auction houses use to ship their rarities ...

yes, I remember reading the thread here regarding FedEx only 'covering' $100, no matter if you did pay $500 for an item. That is outrageous.

 
 rozrr
 
posted on January 31, 2005 08:10:59 AM new
Lady,

Maybe you could create a "box within the box" structure to protect the speakers from the outer walls of the box.

I do this all the time with the collectible beer cans. I cut dividers so the cans are in the center of the box, with an inch or more of empty space on all four sides. The cans are wrapped in bubble packing in that inner space, but they're also protected from the outer walls of the box.

That way, they're well-protected, but the box is as light as possible.
 
 ladyjewels2000
 
posted on January 31, 2005 08:31:25 AM new
My husband found some Styrofoam corner that were used to ship some speaker from a manufacturer so we used them and filled in with peanuts - these are really packed good. I don't think we will have any problem

 
 
<< previous topic post new topic post reply next topic >>

Jump to

All content © 1998-2025  Vendio all rights reserved. Vendio Services, Inc.™, Simply Powerful eCommerce, Smart Services for Smart Sellers, Buy Anywhere. Sell Anywhere. Start Here.™ and The Complete Auction Management Solution™ are trademarks of Vendio. Auction slogans and artwork are copyrights © of their respective owners. Vendio accepts no liability for the views or information presented here.

The Vendio free online store builder is easy to use and includes a free shopping cart to help you can get started in minutes!