tonimar1
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posted on December 1, 2008 05:28:58 AM new
Hi
I sold 3 sterling silver jewelry pieces to a lady in France on Nov 4th.
Today I receive the following email from her:
Hi, I received the package a few time ago, and I have to tell you that the 2 bracelets I bought are note sterling silver made of. They are just sterling silver plated and that's why it's written 925 inside each of every of them.
I dont't want to bring you troubles, and that's why I prefer to join you before having to say it ti Ebay and Paypal, just to find a solution. I think you didn't know anything about that problem, but it's true. The chain is sterling silver really, but that's the only item as discribed and conform. I would like to know how we're going to make every of us satisfied, because I don't want to lose money, can you understand me?
Thanks to let me know your decision.
I sent the package Express Mail International and I just wanted to see when she received it. I checked with the USPS site and it doesn't say when it arrived, I just wanted to see how long it took her to contact me but the PO never scanned the package when it arrived. All it says is:
Label/Receipt Number: EK56 6102 264U S
Status: International Dispatch
Your item left the United States from ISC NEW YORK NY(USPS) at 3:06 AM on November 9, 2008. No further information is available for this item.
Before I respond to her I would like some ideas how to handle this. I only know one way for me to handle this and that would be for her to send me back all 3 pieces but this can get expensive for me but how else can I confirm what she is stating?
toni
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cblev65252
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posted on December 1, 2008 05:36:39 AM new
Sounds like they're looking for a partial refund due to the expense of shipping. I wouldn't do it. Her remark that they're stamped "925" so that means they're plated tells me she knows nothing. As long as you are certain they are what they are, call his bluff. I believe that PayPal will make him take them to be appraised by an expert at his expense. If you're sure what you sold is the real deal, then I'd say "no deal". Besides, it's been almost one month since she won the auction. You'll probably get a negative out of it though.
The only other thing would be to have him mail everything back to you and as soon as you check for your "secret mark" (you may not have one, but don't let him know that), you'll refund the cost of the auction only.
It's buyers like that that make selling on eBay a real PITA.
Cheryl
Now you can buy Avon from me
from anywhere in the world.
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photosensitive
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posted on December 1, 2008 06:47:12 AM new
925 means it is sterling, doesn't it?
-----o----o----o----o----o----o----o----o
“The illiterate of the future will be the person ignorant of the use of the camera as well as of the pen.”
Maholy-Nagy, Vision in Motion, 1947
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zippy2dah
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posted on December 1, 2008 07:14:55 AM new
Yes, 925 means sterling silver but it is not unheard of for plated jewelry (often from Mexico) to be marked 925 as a means of deceit. It's usually very obvious though.
"They are just sterling silver plated and that's why it's written 925 inside each of every of them."
First, direct the dumba** to Google. Then worry about the rest.
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neglus
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posted on December 1, 2008 07:26:08 AM new
She isn't so dumb - it's just that she is unaware of the markings for sterling in places other than France. She thinks that the "925" means silver plate because she is probably looking for a hallmark or something. Can you direct her to some place that explains that the .925 mark IS sterling?
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http://stores.ebay.com/Moody-Mommys-Marvelous-Postcards?refid=store
[ edited by neglus on Dec 1, 2008 07:27 AM ]
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zippy2dah
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posted on December 1, 2008 08:12:16 AM new
I stand by dumba**. A smart person would do an internet search before leaping into threat mode.
A search for "925 argent" brings up a plethora of information.
Cartier uses the 925 mark. Direct the dumba** to their site.
Sounds like buyer's remorse to me.
[ edited by zippy2dah on Dec 1, 2008 08:12 AM ]
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tonimar1
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posted on December 1, 2008 08:40:32 AM new
All the jewelry I sell is vintage Sterling Silver either marked 925 or Sterling.
The pieces she bought were all marked 925 and I have no problem taking them back since they are great looking pieces.
I did go to Answers.com searching 925 and I could send her that link where it tells her that 925 is sterling silver but if that don't help do you think I should just tell her that what I sold her is all sterling and let her proceed to make a claim with paypal?
I have listed 2 of the auctions she bought for USA only (she bid without asking) and one was listed for International so I thought to cover myself I would ship Express Mail International so I could track it's arrival figuring this would cover me. But I didn't know she would claim the jewelry is not sterling.
Thats why I started only selling to USA I am tired of International buyers claiming there is a problem when I know there is not a problem. International was a big part of my business and I do get less sales by only selling to USA but I feel the risk is just not worth the money.
Should I just send her the link and tell her that I know the jewelry is all sterling silver or would you ask her to return everything and give her a refund.
toni
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neglus
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posted on December 1, 2008 09:03:54 AM new
I really don't think she is trying to be antagonistic. Having lived with a ESL (English Second Language) husband for 25 years and knowing lots of his friends this is the polite way of telling you that you made a mistake in claiming it was silver. She really thinks that the mark "925" means silverplate and therefore could not be sterling.
You need to remain polite at this point and say nothing about a claim etc and instruct her that in the US or Mexico or wherever "925" does mean sterling and if she has any doubts she could look at this site (send her a link) or talk to a jeweler. I don't think she is trying to scam you.
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http://stores.ebay.com/Moody-Mommys-Marvelous-Postcards?refid=store
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tonimar1
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posted on December 1, 2008 09:22:06 AM new
You might be right, I will email her telling her what 925 represents and also send her the link and then see how she responds.
toni
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fluffythewondercat
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posted on December 1, 2008 03:22:58 PM new
I don't see many good outcomes here.
(By the way, I'm sitting in a Starbucks in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.)
Your one chance is to educate her. But it's really your word against her misconceptions. It does not help AT ALL that some unscrupulous (in my opinion) jewelry sellers advertise their silverplated wares as 925. If she's going by what she sees on eBay, I don't blame her at all.
Of course you would never try to pawn off a plated piece as solid sterling, I know that.
She may insist on returning it through the hated PayPal claims process, or she may destructively test the items and render them useless for resale before returning them.
The situation really reeks. Sorry.
fLufF
--
Join eBay's top sellers for news, views and selling secrets you won't find anywhere else.
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alldings
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posted on December 2, 2008 04:07:14 AM new
If they were my pieces I would send the following email.
Dear Dumba,
Sorry to hear the items do not please you we aim to please!
I have been collecting and selling jewelry for several years. The 925 mark indicates the items are sterling not plated. An internet search for "925 silver" will explain the mark or you can take them to a local jeweler. We do not offer partial refunds, but you may return the 3 pieces for a refund of the bid amount.
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hwahwa
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posted on December 2, 2008 08:09:59 PM new
Mexicans are not the only ones who sell fake 925 jewelry,Thai and other Asian jewelers do too.Ask her how does she know it is ss plated,did she test it?
I am in HK right now,a street hawker is selling vintage silver coins marked 9999 silver,they are British Queen Elizabeth coin,American Eagle coin,pre Communist Chinese coins for HK 8 dollars(
US$1.05),discount available if you buy more than five.
I picked up and examined several pieces,they look like they are all struck by one company,how is that
possible?
They are all in good condition with little
tarnish.
*
Economic Reform act of Chairman Obama of the socialist States of America :
10 ounces of meat per month,half a yard of cotton per year per adult.
Hellilujah!
[ edited by hwahwa on Dec 3, 2008 01:01 AM ]
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hwahwa
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posted on December 3, 2008 01:05:40 AM new
Tonimar1,
Unless you are an established jeweler who can prove your jewelry comes from reputable source,not garage sale or 99cents store suppliers,it will be your words against hers.
Paypal may rule in her favor and she may not even have to return the goods if she can produce a document stating these are not genuine ss 925.
*
Economic Reform act of Chairman Obama of the socialist States of America :
10 ounces of meat per month,half a yard of cotton per year per adult.
Hellilujah!
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tonimar1
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posted on December 3, 2008 04:20:20 AM new
The buyer made a Paypal Dispute
stating the following:
I tried to explain to you in my mail that your 2 bracelets are not real sterling silver made of.
You send me the link to go to to know how exactly what is 925 silver.
I already know about that, I'm a seller myself.
I swear that your 2 bracelets are just silver plated and that's all!
No need to say that I'm a liar, I'm an honest person!
Thanks for your understanding.
Paypal deducted 172.48 and the money is on hold.
what would be my options
should I just say to return all my items for a refund?
what other options do I have?
toni
[ edited by tonimar1 on Dec 3, 2008 04:23 AM ]
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tonimar1
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posted on December 3, 2008 04:30:22 AM new
I responded to the dispute by saying
you will need to tell me how you arrived at your claim that my items are not sterling 925
I only sell real sterling silver marked 925 or sterling
I do not buy my jewelry at garage sales or tag sales or even flea markets.
I have a jeweler who does my buying for me and I pay top dollar for this service and for my items so I know that everything I sell is what I say it is.
what else can I do?
toni
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hwahwa
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posted on December 3, 2008 04:54:32 AM new
Just ask her to return the item(s).
But then for your future benefits,you may want to find out how she decides it is not 925.
*
Economic Reform act of Chairman Obama of the socialist States of America :
10 ounces of meat per month,half a yard of cotton per year per adult.
Hellilujah!
[ edited by hwahwa on Dec 3, 2008 04:57 AM ]
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alldings
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posted on December 3, 2008 05:09:59 AM new
My vote is further discussion with this customer is pointless offer a 100% refund for the 3 pieces. When the items are returned for your inspection.
Otherwise PPs solution will no doubt be for you give her 1/2 her money back and she gets to keep the pieces.
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pmelcher
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posted on December 3, 2008 05:16:08 AM new
Impossible buyer, best to get jewelry back and refund her and then block her and I bet she still negs you. Season of comfort and joy..Bah Humbug!! It would be interesting to see how she decided 925 was only plated however. Sorry you got the fuzzy end of the lollipop on this deal.
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tonimar1
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posted on December 3, 2008 05:37:30 AM new
I guess from what everyone is saying I should tell her to just return everything for a refund.
Does that refund include the shipping she paid to have it shipped? Do I pay also for her to ship it back to me? Or is that her responsibility.
Right now this is just a complaint with paypal but I believe in 9 days she can escalate it to a Claim should I wait a while or should I tell her right away to just ship the items back.
toni
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tonimar1
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posted on December 3, 2008 05:48:11 AM new
The buyer responded to pp
I have told a jeweller to look for them, and he told that they are not sterling silver made of, only plated ones!!!!
And now at your claim, how can you tell that it's not true, do you know better than a jeweller about this?
I didn't respond to her yet
toni
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alldings
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posted on December 3, 2008 06:46:43 AM new
In this case as long as she has reported you to PP I'd offer the top of the line sweet deal. Return the 3 pieces for a full refund which includes return shipper of your choice if she ships them to you within 3 days. If she balks PP will side with you!
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rpm757
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posted on December 3, 2008 06:55:57 AM new
Along with my Ebay Career (right!) I buy gold and silver jewelry and such At hotel buying events.
Fake jewelry abounds with all of it properly marked. We test it all because even if it is marked it may be fake. The closure may be marked as sterling (where it is marked) by the rest of the piece may be fake.
As Fluffy said it is very difficult to test and tell. Get you item back, refund the $$ and move on. A positive response now will give you positive results. fight it and you will be neg-ed and still lose your payment and maybe the jewelry.
thanks my 2cts.
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tonimar1
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posted on December 3, 2008 11:02:13 AM new
Thanks alldings, I told her to return all 3 auction lots and send them with insurance and tracking within the next 3 days
I didn't mention anything about paying for her to return them to me because PP usually says, the buyer pays to return the merchandise and I have to return her bid price plus shipping.
toni
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tonimar1
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posted on December 3, 2008 11:34:32 AM new
the buyer responded to pp with:
That's ok, I can send you back those 3 items, but only when I'll have back all my money I sent you via Paypal including shipping cost, because that problem is not my fault!
An as, I promise to send you back them 3 quickly, within 3 days as you said.
I'm an honest person, and I'll respect my decision.
Thanks for your understanding.
I am responding to her with
paypal has a rule that you can only get your money back once the seller receives the merchandise ........ there is no major or small store in the word that would return your money before receiving back there merchandise. So if you have a problem with that then call paypal on the phone and they will tell you what I am telling you.
toni
[ edited by tonimar1 on Dec 3, 2008 11:36 AM ]
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eauctionmgnt
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posted on December 3, 2008 12:00:23 PM new
Sounding more and more like a:
Scam the Seller Scheme
(Better known as Ebay/Paypal's seller protection policy)
******************************
Vintage Paper Ads
http://www.vintagepaperads.com
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tonimar1
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posted on December 3, 2008 01:28:14 PM new
She escalated this into a claim
paypal only offers the following choices...
How would you like to respond?
Issue the buyer a refund for the disputed amount of $92.33 USD. The buyer can keep the item(s)
.Issue the buyer a refund for the disputed amount of $92.33 USD. The buyer must return the item(s).
Offer the buyer a partial refund in an attempt to close this claim.
Provide proof that the buyer has already been refunded.
Disagree with claim. I would like to provide additional information.
Should I choose the last one? I already offered her a full refund once I receive the items......
or Should I call paypal?
toni
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kozersky
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posted on December 3, 2008 01:36:36 PM new
Call PayPal. Simply state that you will refund all monies upon return of the goods. You will require the goods to be sent insured, with confirmation of delivery.
Inform then that you have told the buyer that she must do so before you refund to her. Be adamant about your requirements for a refund.
Bill K-
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tonimar1
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posted on December 3, 2008 02:48:42 PM new
Thank you Bill
I called PP and told them I want all the items back, the girl I spoke to said she will sent the buyer an email telling her to send all 3 items back if she wants a refund and to do it within 10 days.
I just hope the buyer sends all 3 items and not just 2 items because then I will have a problem proving that only 2 items came back.
toni
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kozersky
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posted on December 3, 2008 03:04:38 PM new
Simple, have a witness with you, who would be prepared to sign an affidavit as to the contents of the package when it is opened and there is a shortage. That's assuming you even get the exact items back.
You can then file fraud report with the USPS and document that the return was short, or a replacement sent. The proof that there was a problem with the return will stop PayPal from making the refund.
Just document everything, and NO further communication with the buyer, other than providing a return address, if neceaasry.
Bill K-
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hwahwa
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posted on December 3, 2008 04:02:51 PM new
choose Paypal option number 2 and move on,Paypal gets many complaints,it can only spend so much time on your case.
The next person you talk to could come to a different conclusion.
If your jewelry is indeed ss 925,you could sell it again.
*
Economic Reform act of Chairman Obama of the socialist States of America :
10 ounces of meat per month,half a yard of cotton per year per adult.
Hellilujah!
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