posted on May 14, 2001 04:15:53 PM new
I have a problem. I wont mention the site or the seller but...
(This may be a long one..but I really need advise!)
I bid on and won an item from a seller on one of the smaller but rather popular sites. This auction ended on the 8th of April and I Immediately contacted the seller. I got no response after 3 emails. Figured they may be having an email problem so I posted a CYE on the boards..
Finally I did get an answer, several days later and eventually I got the info as to where to send payment, ect.
This was around easter..I sent the payment as soon as I found out where to send it. A MO. I did not hear anything from her for some time then finally on the 25th she left feedback that she had received payment and for me to wait 8-10 days for the item. (O..I sent the payment on the 17th but she didnt leave the feedback till the 25th).
So I waited..no package..finally I contacted her to see what was up. Eventually she responded with first a "You havent received it? Im getting worried"...but that was followed with a succession of nasty short emails..that didnt bother to even answer my ? about either a refund or for her to tell me if it was sent. She then told me it was shipped on the 1st and she could "prove" it..she gave me a tracking number but I checked with the PO several times and they have no record of the shipment! I have requested either the item or a refund (it wound up being 19.75)..but now she wont even answer the emails and as of today 5/14..I still havent gotten either.
Now here's the Biggest problem! and the one I need the advise on. She is a seller at the same place where I also sell. She seems to be well liked on the boards and is a "clique" leader type. It has been well over a month since this auction closed. If I neg her..she will retaliate Im sure and do everything possible to ruin any chance I may have at that site! If I turn her in to the site..same problem.
Her last email blamed ME for the shipment's No Show because she decided it took me too long to get the payment to her..thus I shouldnt be in any hurry to get the item!! It wasnt late! I sent it as soon as I got the info..but even if it was, I hardly think that gives her the right to keep the money and not send the item! She admits to having the money but I have no item!
Her FB on the site is good but all but 2 of them are for things she bought..not items she sold. I think she has about 40 right now. (Probably why everyone likes her so much). I only have 6+ ones for both buying and selling on that site but have 190+ on another site.
So..what would you do? I really like the site and hate to have to leave it because of one person..but if I try to neg..or anything else..I know I'll get slammed..since Im not a regular poster on the boards..I just try to sell. On the other hand..I dont think she should get away with it..plus..I really cant afford to just give people 20 bucks for nothing!
They think she's a real sweetheart but they havent seen the emails I get from her! So please! I need advise!
Thanks! (And please forgive the length of this post but I was trying to make sure I was making sense ).
(Edited to fix typos)
[ edited by moonchildsmoment on May 14, 2001 04:23 PM ]
posted on May 14, 2001 07:26:50 PM new
What would I do? I'd give her a negative which is well deserved but make it professional and to the point.
Paid 4/17, item not received, seller uncooperative.
That's it. Nothing else. Don't accuse, don't name call. Remain cool and calm.
Then drop me an email at [email protected] and I'll send you a link to try to recover your money. Sounds like a bad seller to me. Wish we knew the site.
posted on May 14, 2001 11:06:38 PM new
Definately follow mtnmama's advice. I'm a seller on several sites and there's no way I would treat a customer like that. If I said I had 'proof' then I would be tracking their package to try to figure out what happened to it (have done so in the past) and if it didn't show would either be issuing a refund or replacement (have done so in the past), plain and simple.
posted on May 15, 2001 08:36:57 AM new
First off, Mtnmama is absolutely correct about leaving negative feedback. It also helps to prevent the same problem happening to another buyer in the future. Some sites allow you to post a response to feedback if it is positive or negative. You can cover yourself that way if need be. A lot of sites will also remove retalitory feedback if they are aware of the problem beforehand. Even though you didn't mention the site, and even if the seller is a "clique leader", any professional site will help you recover your money. I would suggest that you also forward the emails that you have received to the appropriate division of the auction site along with a personal call. If you could at least name the site, someone here can give you a specific person to talk to as many of us have had dealings with the management of various sites in the past.
RTalon235
edited for spelling
[ edited by RTalon235 on May 15, 2001 08:38 AM ]
posted on May 15, 2001 10:12:39 AM new
This seller sounds like she has a real attitude problem!
I do have a suggestion... let her know that the tracking number she sent you doesn't appear to be valid and have her confirm it is correct (it's possible she transposed numbers when she sent it to you). Also, are you sure it's a USPS tracking number? Could it be UPS instead? Try the number at the UPS site also.
posted on May 15, 2001 03:20:46 PM new
Thank you all for your advise! It's really appreciated!
dimview: I will certainly check out your suggestion.
Joanne: I wrote her several times telling her the number didnt work..but got no response whatsoever.
Wallypog: Thank you. As a seller myself..I too would certainly do whatever I could to find the package or issue an immediate refund which I have also done a couple of times. And at the same time..issued a big apology. I have a feeling that in this case..I will not be getting an apology regardless of the outcome.
Talon and mtnmama: As I told you..I sell also on the same site..so I prefer not to mention it publicly for fear of putting the site in a bad light..nor do I want to upset the people on the site which would make me look bad. Hope you understand.
I agree with and greatly appreciate your advise and believe that is what I will do. mtnmama-I will send you an email in a few minutes to request that info. Thanks.
posted on May 16, 2001 04:24:38 PM new
First all I want say hello to everyone because I am new to this whole auction thingy. i want to say that I know you don't want to ruffle any feathers, but people get away with foolishness as long as no one calls them on the carpet about it. It is people like this seller that make it hard for the rest of us who are honest and above board with our business tactics.
).