posted on October 28, 2009 09:48:46 AM
Bidder won item on Sunday, paid immediately. No message requesting rush delivery, etc. I packed it yesterday evening and shipped it first thing today while still sick from the flu since Saturday. He sends this message.
"Q: Somewhat disappointed that it took you 3 days after my "instant" payment to ship the item, as I was hoping to get this by Friday 10/30 for a last-minute Halloween costume idea I had. I bought another item at the same time (actually some time later that night, now that I look at it) and that seller had his shipment in the mail on Monday. Oh well."
Is it my fault that he waiting until the "last minute" as he stated? It isn't like I am shipping the item a week later. I shipped it 2 1/2 days business days after payment was received. Not to mention he takes absolutely no responsiblity for his "last minute" decision and never emailed me asking me if I could ship it promptly before he placed his bid... or even after he placed his bid for that matter.
I'm ticked b/c of this, especially considering he will consider 2 1/2 days as taking too long for shipment and will most certainly ding my DSRs. Here is how I wish to respond. Tell me if you think this is appropriate or if I should word it differently.
"Normally, that would be the case for me as well, however my entire household including myself have been sick with the flu since Saturday. I packed it yesterday evening and got it out first thing this morning. Shipping items within 2 1/2 business days after payment is received is not unreasonable and within ebay guidelines. If you still feel this is unreasonable, I apologize."
posted on October 28, 2009 09:50:43 AM
should I include an additional comment regarding contacting the seller before bidding to make sure the seller can accomodate rush delivery? or is that beyond reasonable and could only lead to further dissent by this bidder?
posted on October 28, 2009 11:18:49 AM
What is your domestic handling time stated in the item description? How shipped? Is Class Mail, or Priority Mail?
Many, many times I have written something similar to this ....
"I am so sorry for this problem. If I had known that you wanted the item for this weekend, I would have suggested Priority Mail. I take pride in securely packaging and promptly shipping all items. That is how I would want my purchases handled, and I try hard to do the same for my customers.
However, my entire family, including myself, have been sick with the flu since Saturday. I packed your order Tuesday evening and got it out first thing this morning. Although my standards are much higher, shipping items within 2 1/2 business days after payment is received is not unreasonable and within ebay guidelines.
It is easy to apologize. To show the sincerity of my apology, please accept a (partial) (full)refund of the cost to ship the item to you. I will apply the refund to your PayPal account late this evening.
Thank you for your purchase. I appreciate your business."
posted on October 28, 2009 11:59:31 AM
"What is your domestic handling time stated in the item description?"
Most important question.
On your "deathbed" or not, if you promise 1 day shipping, the least you can do is alert the buyer that there will be a delay. Simple courtesy.
posted on October 28, 2009 01:43:31 PM
Here is what I plan to send:
"Normally, I make every effort to have items shipped within 2 business days, even though my auction handling time does state "usually within 3 business days". Unfortunately my entire family including myself have been sick with the flu since Saturday. I packed your item Tuesday evening and shipped it first thing this morning. This is still within the 3 business day handling time the listing states. I would suggest emailing any seller prior to bidding to make sure they can accomodate rush shipments or any other concerns you may have. Let me know if you have any further questions."
[ edited by shagmidmod on Oct 28, 2009 01:47 PM ]
