Dear eBay Queen;
I am very frustrated. I had company coming into town the first weekend in October. I purchased a new sheet set from a seller on October 5th. The seller shipped the item out on the same day, and I received them before the weekend. I washed the sheets, and noticed a small piece of tape residue on the fitted sheet. I desperately needed the sheets, so I let my guest sleep on them.
I contacted the seller last week to him know what happened, and ask if he would give me a refund for this sheet set. The seller emailed me back and told me I could send the sheets back for a refund as long as they were in the condition they shipped them. I don’t want to send them back; I want a refund because there is tape residue! I let the seller know this, and sent them a photo of the tape residue. This seller’s suggestion is the tape residue is from when I unpackaged the item, and I didn’t take the tape off of the sheets because it was taped to the cardboard insert. Who cares? The tape residue is still there! I want a refund for these sheets. I don’t want to send the item back!
Would you please tell me what to say to this seller to get them to realize they need to stand behind their product? I guess I am going to have to leave them a negative for this.
All Taped Up, Ottawa
Dear Taped Up;
I’m not sure there is anything that can be said to get a seller to change their refund policy. I think before I try to help you change the seller’s policy; perhaps we should change your expectations of buying. My first concern is you noticed the tape residue, but went ahead and let your guests sleep on the sheets. If this tape residue were so bad, why would you want your guests to see it or sleep on it? My second concern is the seller offered you a refund if you would return the items, but you don’t want to return them? If I read your note right, you want to keep the sheets and get a refund. My third concern is the seller offer a suggestion on how and why this tape residue was there. Could you have left the tape on from the packaging?
I’m not sure that negative feedback is warranted for this seller. They did offer you a refund if you sent the item back, but you did not want to send the item back. They shipped the sheets fast like you asked them to. Another thing to keep in mind is that this seller could give you a negative in return. So, weigh your options when thinking about leaving a negative for this transaction.
If I were the buyer of these sheets, I would let the seller know about the tape problem, and thank them for the fast shipping. My feedback for this would be positive, because I could have left that tape on, and the whole mess could be my fault. I think it is important to keep in mind that even though this is a internet transaction, there are real people involved behind the email address we are sending our complaints too. Would you return this same item to a store after using it with the same complaint?
Dear eBay Queen;
I am wondering how long I should wait for a seller to respond to a question before I send it again. I purchased a set of glasses from a woman and I need to make sure insurance is included. Do you have any suggestions?
Waiting
Dear Waiting;
I would email the seller via their email address (listed at eBay) and via eBay’s message system. If they don’t respond in 24 hours, call them. To find their contact information, go to: http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQtZvbQQsofindtypeZ9 you just need their eBay id and the eBay auction number.
Strange eBay item of the week: eBay item 220161170264 (enter this number in the eBay search box in the top right corner of the home page). It’s time for a new hat! How about this one! Rare Edwardian Titanic Purple Violet Toque Hat SOLD $431.99 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250172516752
Do you have a question for the eBay Queen? E-mail: questions@asktheebayqueen.com.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
eBay Feedback Extortion Does Anyone Care?
Dear eBay Queen;
My husband and I are in our 50's and we run a very small eBay business called ZIP_N_SHIP selling DVDs & CDs from our home. We currently have 100% feedback from over 1,000 customers after several years at eBay. We don't make much money, but we are honest and very hard-workers.
I recently auctioned about 15 DVD's and suddenly have become a victim of Feedback Extortion, which is apparently a severe violation of eBay policy. I contacted Live Help, and sent an email to eBay. Live Help told me to report it, and I did, but I haven't heard back from anyone at eBay. There is simply no viable means to report this incident anywhere on eBay, even though I have tried several times. All responses are impersonal, computer-generated mumbo-jumbo, and I can't believe for a moment that there is not a single live human being anywhere to help me with this serious extortion violation.
Here's what happened: a big time buyer, who's feedback is PRIVATE, with several negatives attached, purchased roughly 15 DVD auction items. After he won the items, he demanded that I combine shipping costs (which was not an offered option as my shipping costs were more than fair) "or else" he will leave negative feedback for each and every transaction.
He has since written again and has further threatened that, unless we pay him real money for shipping costs, then he will leave 15 negative feedbacks on our account.
If he does this, and it seems that he will, then our small business will be ruined.
As you can see, this is clearly FEEDBACK EXTORTION, which will destroy our hard-earned feedback rating just because this man is blackmailing us for money, which was never offered to him or anyone.
He can't get away with this, can he? Do you suppose he has done this to other sellers, which is why he keeps his feedback private? Can eBay remove the feedback availability on this man's account so that he cannot leave undeserved, extortion-generated negative feedback on our eBay account?
Does eBay actually have an Investigations Team? If you can help us with some good advice or let us in on where the REAL customer service help is, we would be most appreciative, to say the least.
Kathy G. ZIP_N_SHIP
Dear Kathy;
You are right Feedback extortion is against eBay rules, and is a pretty serious violation. eBay does have an Investigations department called "Trust and Safety". Since you are an eBay PowerSeller, you will be able to receive priority email support and phone support. To get your PowerSeller support phone number go to: http://pages.ebay.com/services/buyandsell/welcome.html Log in, and you will be given the phone number and also the priority email support link.
I have had a similar problem happen to me a few years ago. I did report it via the PowerSeller phone number but I had to follow up the information with an email. eBay will want proof of the extortion. You will need to send the headers of the email and the email (hopefully sent via email messaging system) to eBay for them to follow up with it. Keep in mind if this buyer gives you 15 negatives only 1 negative will count towards your score. You will also be able to respond to each negative and leave him 15 negative feedback in return. As for this ruining your business, I do not see how it would. Most buyers out there are savvy enough to see through someone who is as disingenuous, as your buyer. His negative feedback will certainly not mean anything if he has his own feedback as "private".
Let me know how this turns out. I completely understand your frustration and anxiety with this transaction. eBay will not be able to remove his ability to give feedback, but they can remove the negatives if they find it to be feedback extortion.
Strange eBay item of the week: eBay item 250156080764 (enter this number in the eBay search box in the top right corner of the home page). If you saw this at a garage sale would you buy it? I bet the seller would have had higher bids if her terms were nicer too! Rare Creel Reyes Lightship Nantucket Basket Purse SOLD $3929.89 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250156080764
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Childern & eBay do they Mix?
Dear eBay Queen
I really need some help. I am a stay at home mom with two children under 5. I've sold items off and on with eBay for a couple of years. eBay has paid for all of the vacations our family has taken and helped out with Christmas! My husband recently found out his hours would be cut back at his job. We really depend on his money to make ends meet. I would like to sell some items on eBay to make up the difference of his hours being cut back. Do you have ideas how to keep my children occupied while I work?
Worried Mom
Dear Mom;
As the mother of 5 children, four of which are under 11; I completely understand the need to occupy my children while I work. I have found working in a room where they can be contained helps a lot. I used to work in my basement, but I have found working in the family room an easier place for my younger children to be.
With my children that are under 5, I make sure I have all the things they need to make them happy before I start working. I have a snack, drink and their favorite toys on a blanket near me. I have found having special toys they are only allowed to play with while I work, are most effective at keeping them busy for the longest time. I am also not above using a DVD or a child's favorite TV show as a way to keep them quiet. On some days at my home, the only time I am able to work is nap time, or in the evening when my husband is home.
If none of these things work for you, maybe a relative or neighbor could exchange babysitting time with you. I know that some organizations offer a mother's day out program. Sometimes when I can't seem to keep them quiet or contained I've been known to take them and my laptop to a fast food restaurant with a play place. Many fast food chains are offering free WiFi. It's a nice treat for them, and an hour or two for you to work not in peace, but with a sense that your children are safe and occupied.
Dear eBay Queen;
I am new with eBay and I just want to know some things about getting started. How did you get started with eBay? Any suggestions on how I can get my first sale?
Zemba
Dear Zemba;
I started on eBay about 10 years ago. The first item I purchased was a Ty Peace Beanie Baby Bear. I am really embarrassed to say what I paid for it back then, but let's just say it was over the 8.00 retail price these bears were going for in the stores. The first item I sold was a Masterpiece Edition GI Joe that I purchased at Walden bookstore. It had been marked down from $80.00 to $15.00. I bought 4 of the action figures, and sold them all for over their retail price!
I have learned eBay through trial and error. When I started selling in 1998 there were not as many options available for learning how to sell on eBay. Now days you can find classes, books, seminars and even webinars to learn more about eBay. Most libraries offer free classes or you could learn from an eBay Trained Education Specialist. Most education specialist will charge for their time. Be careful when choosing a class or seminar. There have been companies out there that think it is more important to sell THEIR product to the students, than it is for them to learn to be successful sellers.
To get your first sale, have a great item you already own, take great photos and do a bit of research to see what it will sell for.
Strange eBay item of the week: eBay item 320149205229 (enter this number in the eBay search box in the top right corner of the home page). Do you know any crafty people? Do you love one of a kind hand made items? eBay is a great place to show off your talents! Check out this Primitive Folk Art Halloween Witch Doll SOLD $235.83. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130141225705
I really need some help. I am a stay at home mom with two children under 5. I've sold items off and on with eBay for a couple of years. eBay has paid for all of the vacations our family has taken and helped out with Christmas! My husband recently found out his hours would be cut back at his job. We really depend on his money to make ends meet. I would like to sell some items on eBay to make up the difference of his hours being cut back. Do you have ideas how to keep my children occupied while I work?
Worried Mom
Dear Mom;
As the mother of 5 children, four of which are under 11; I completely understand the need to occupy my children while I work. I have found working in a room where they can be contained helps a lot. I used to work in my basement, but I have found working in the family room an easier place for my younger children to be.
With my children that are under 5, I make sure I have all the things they need to make them happy before I start working. I have a snack, drink and their favorite toys on a blanket near me. I have found having special toys they are only allowed to play with while I work, are most effective at keeping them busy for the longest time. I am also not above using a DVD or a child's favorite TV show as a way to keep them quiet. On some days at my home, the only time I am able to work is nap time, or in the evening when my husband is home.
If none of these things work for you, maybe a relative or neighbor could exchange babysitting time with you. I know that some organizations offer a mother's day out program. Sometimes when I can't seem to keep them quiet or contained I've been known to take them and my laptop to a fast food restaurant with a play place. Many fast food chains are offering free WiFi. It's a nice treat for them, and an hour or two for you to work not in peace, but with a sense that your children are safe and occupied.
Dear eBay Queen;
I am new with eBay and I just want to know some things about getting started. How did you get started with eBay? Any suggestions on how I can get my first sale?
Zemba
Dear Zemba;
I started on eBay about 10 years ago. The first item I purchased was a Ty Peace Beanie Baby Bear. I am really embarrassed to say what I paid for it back then, but let's just say it was over the 8.00 retail price these bears were going for in the stores. The first item I sold was a Masterpiece Edition GI Joe that I purchased at Walden bookstore. It had been marked down from $80.00 to $15.00. I bought 4 of the action figures, and sold them all for over their retail price!
I have learned eBay through trial and error. When I started selling in 1998 there were not as many options available for learning how to sell on eBay. Now days you can find classes, books, seminars and even webinars to learn more about eBay. Most libraries offer free classes or you could learn from an eBay Trained Education Specialist. Most education specialist will charge for their time. Be careful when choosing a class or seminar. There have been companies out there that think it is more important to sell THEIR product to the students, than it is for them to learn to be successful sellers.
To get your first sale, have a great item you already own, take great photos and do a bit of research to see what it will sell for.
Strange eBay item of the week: eBay item 320149205229 (enter this number in the eBay search box in the top right corner of the home page). Do you know any crafty people? Do you love one of a kind hand made items? eBay is a great place to show off your talents! Check out this Primitive Folk Art Halloween Witch Doll SOLD $235.83. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130141225705
Monday, August 27, 2007
What did you watch last week?
People ask me what I watch on eBay... so here's what I was watching last week:
This is a beautiful Cole Haan Village Classic Copper Tote Handbag. People who know me well, know I have a small obsession with Cole Haan. I really wanted this purse.. But just couldn't bring myself to spending $195.95 So now you know what to get me for that special holiday.
This was a super cute Custom Boutique Fall Top/Jean Set made w/Oilily Fabrics. Why didn't I buy this? Well for one it didn't go up to my daughters size (8) and it sold for $588.99! The seller is staceysstuffclothing... she makes such cute stuff!
eBay and a Few Shipping Problems
Dear eBay Queen;
After 3 years of selling on eBay, I finally have 2 problems that I am not sure how to solve. I can not believe they happened within a week of each other, and they both involve the post office. My first problem started out when I mailed a package to Louisiana over 3 weeks ago! The buyer has emailed a lot over the last three weeks. She has the delivery confirmation number, and it just shows “in-transit”. Yesterday the buyer emailed me and said she received the package, but she had to pay $8.95 for extra postage and she wants me to refund that money back to her or she will give me a negative.
I called my post office and her post office in Louisiana. I did not understand how she had postage due, when my post office put the postage on the box to begin with! After talking to both post offices I learned the buyer had moved from Louisiana to Alabama in July, and did not change her address with eBay or PayPal. The $8.95 she was charged was because the package was originally shipped Parcel Post, and it was the shipping fee to forward it to her new address. Do you think I should refund her $8.95? Am I obligated to do so?
My second problem is similar. I received a package back that I shipped off over a week ago. The label has “moved, left no forwarding address”. I immediately checked my PayPal payment and the invoice information from eBay. The address is the same as the one I shipped it to! I e-mailed the buyer, asked her if she moved, and told her the box was shipped back. She apologized, and gave me her new address. She did not offer to pay to ship the item back to her. What should I do? Should I charge her the shipping cost to re-send? Or should I just eat the cost of the shipping? It was only four dollars and some change.
JPK; Ottawa
Dear JPK;
In both cases you certainly did everything right. Your Louisiana/Alabama buyer may not fully understand what happened. I would email her, and let her know you feel really bad she had to pay the extra shipping money to receive her item. Tell her what you told me and all of the investigation you did to figure out what happened. I would explain to her she was charged the 8.95 because she chose parcel post shipping (there would not have been a fee to forward with Priority mail), and she did not update her address with eBay or PayPal. I would not refund her money, and she certainly went against eBay rules by threatening feedback. Her “you pay or I’ll give you a negative”, warrants you reporting her to eBay. That being said, if you are feeling kind and do not want to confront her, you could refund the money and not have any of the hassle.
When it comes to your second buyer, I would email her back and let her know the post office will not send it to her new address without charging you again to ship it. Offer to send her a new shipping invoice through PayPal. If the buyer is unhappy about paying the extra shipping, you should not feel obligated to do so. If she does not want to pay to have it shipped back and you do not want to pay ship it. I would refund her money.
All of us at some point and time will have a buyer who forgets to change their mailing address. I have been known to eat the shipping fees if the sale was a good one.
Strange eBay item of the week: eBay item 130141225705 (enter this number in the eBay search box in the top right corner of the home page). I have this memory of going to my Grandmother’s house and seeing an old amber candy dish full of candy. Maybe it wasn’t just like this one, but maybe it was. Fenton Amber Hobnail covered candy dish SOLD $13,154.00. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130141225705
After 3 years of selling on eBay, I finally have 2 problems that I am not sure how to solve. I can not believe they happened within a week of each other, and they both involve the post office. My first problem started out when I mailed a package to Louisiana over 3 weeks ago! The buyer has emailed a lot over the last three weeks. She has the delivery confirmation number, and it just shows “in-transit”. Yesterday the buyer emailed me and said she received the package, but she had to pay $8.95 for extra postage and she wants me to refund that money back to her or she will give me a negative.
I called my post office and her post office in Louisiana. I did not understand how she had postage due, when my post office put the postage on the box to begin with! After talking to both post offices I learned the buyer had moved from Louisiana to Alabama in July, and did not change her address with eBay or PayPal. The $8.95 she was charged was because the package was originally shipped Parcel Post, and it was the shipping fee to forward it to her new address. Do you think I should refund her $8.95? Am I obligated to do so?
My second problem is similar. I received a package back that I shipped off over a week ago. The label has “moved, left no forwarding address”. I immediately checked my PayPal payment and the invoice information from eBay. The address is the same as the one I shipped it to! I e-mailed the buyer, asked her if she moved, and told her the box was shipped back. She apologized, and gave me her new address. She did not offer to pay to ship the item back to her. What should I do? Should I charge her the shipping cost to re-send? Or should I just eat the cost of the shipping? It was only four dollars and some change.
JPK; Ottawa
Dear JPK;
In both cases you certainly did everything right. Your Louisiana/Alabama buyer may not fully understand what happened. I would email her, and let her know you feel really bad she had to pay the extra shipping money to receive her item. Tell her what you told me and all of the investigation you did to figure out what happened. I would explain to her she was charged the 8.95 because she chose parcel post shipping (there would not have been a fee to forward with Priority mail), and she did not update her address with eBay or PayPal. I would not refund her money, and she certainly went against eBay rules by threatening feedback. Her “you pay or I’ll give you a negative”, warrants you reporting her to eBay. That being said, if you are feeling kind and do not want to confront her, you could refund the money and not have any of the hassle.
When it comes to your second buyer, I would email her back and let her know the post office will not send it to her new address without charging you again to ship it. Offer to send her a new shipping invoice through PayPal. If the buyer is unhappy about paying the extra shipping, you should not feel obligated to do so. If she does not want to pay to have it shipped back and you do not want to pay ship it. I would refund her money.
All of us at some point and time will have a buyer who forgets to change their mailing address. I have been known to eat the shipping fees if the sale was a good one.
Strange eBay item of the week: eBay item 130141225705 (enter this number in the eBay search box in the top right corner of the home page). I have this memory of going to my Grandmother’s house and seeing an old amber candy dish full of candy. Maybe it wasn’t just like this one, but maybe it was. Fenton Amber Hobnail covered candy dish SOLD $13,154.00. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130141225705
Thursday, April 5, 2007
eBay: Make me an Offer. Make sure it's your Best Offer!
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Dear eBay Queen;
I've been trying to find a snowman cake pan made by Nordic Ware. I found quite a few on eBay. Some were on auction, some were a set price, and some had a set price with Best Offer. What is Best Offer? I've never seen this before.
Leigh
Dear Leigh;
I should be upfront and tell you, as a seller or a buyer, I love Best Offer. This is a new option added to eBay within the last year or so. Best Offer is used on Buy it Now and Store items. It allows you the buyer, to make an offer to buy the item at a price that you select. The seller can accept, decline or counteroffer your Best Offer. If you see the "Make Offer" button in the listing below the Buy it Now price, the seller has decided to consider Best Offers from buyers.
Best Offer gives you the chance to negotiate the price with the seller. Let's say you find your Nordic Snowman pan for a Buy it Now of $34.99 or Best Offer. You could offer the seller $24.99. If the seller accepts the offer, you now own that snowman pan! Keep in mind that Best Offer is only to be used when you are serious about buying that item. Just like the bids made on auction-style listings, your Best Offer is binding. Best Offers are good for 48 hours. If the seller accepts your offer, the listing is immediately closed. For more information on Best Offer check out: http://pages.ebay.com/help/buy/best-offer.html
Dear eBay Queen;
My husband wears a size 16 shoes, and as you can imagine, they are very hard to find in stores. We found a pair on eBay that he wanted, so we bid, and won. The auction ended March 16th, and I paid by PayPal the same day. I did pay more for Priority Mail shipping.
When they still hadn't arrived by last Saturday, I e-mailed the seller to ask when he shipped them. He emailed me stating the payment was pending. When I check my PayPal account I see that the payment had gone through and is not pending. We emailed him back again, telling him the payment has gone through, and we would like our shoes. I even told him we would file a dispute with PayPal if we did not receive them by Friday! He sent a response back telling us to go ahead and report him, but in the meantime if we wanted the shoes to go to PayPal and cancel the payment and send him another payment! What do we do now?
My husband called PayPal tonight and they e-mailed us a dispute resolution form, but even if we get our money back, I'm still really ticked for all the hassle and the total disregard! Is he just rude, stupid, or is he trying to scam us?
Bigfoot
Dear Bigfoot;
I checked out his feedback and other auctions. It appears, that selling large size women and men's shoes is his business. I don't think he was scamming you. His feedback is excellent. I'm only speculating, but I would bet he did not have your shoes in stock, and instead of being upfront and telling you he made a mistake, he's stalling.
If this had happened to me, I would file the dispute with PayPal immediately. You only have 30 days to file after you have paid for an item. Go to https://www.paypal.com , click on "Resolution Center" , then click on "Report a Problem". Follow the steps, and you will have filed your dispute. Keep in mind the dispute process is not a fast one, but it should be just enough to prod your seller into sending your shoes, or giving your money back.
Strange eBay item of the week: eBay item 320096405850 (enter this number in the eBay search box in the top right corner of the home page). Ever wondered what a 50-year-old tractor was worth? Check out the first John Deere 330 off the assembly line in 1958. SOLD $125,000.00 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320096405850
Currently listening : Duets: An American Classic By Tony Bennett Release date: By 26 September, 2006
Dear eBay Queen;
I've been trying to find a snowman cake pan made by Nordic Ware. I found quite a few on eBay. Some were on auction, some were a set price, and some had a set price with Best Offer. What is Best Offer? I've never seen this before.
Leigh
Dear Leigh;
I should be upfront and tell you, as a seller or a buyer, I love Best Offer. This is a new option added to eBay within the last year or so. Best Offer is used on Buy it Now and Store items. It allows you the buyer, to make an offer to buy the item at a price that you select. The seller can accept, decline or counteroffer your Best Offer. If you see the "Make Offer" button in the listing below the Buy it Now price, the seller has decided to consider Best Offers from buyers.
Best Offer gives you the chance to negotiate the price with the seller. Let's say you find your Nordic Snowman pan for a Buy it Now of $34.99 or Best Offer. You could offer the seller $24.99. If the seller accepts the offer, you now own that snowman pan! Keep in mind that Best Offer is only to be used when you are serious about buying that item. Just like the bids made on auction-style listings, your Best Offer is binding. Best Offers are good for 48 hours. If the seller accepts your offer, the listing is immediately closed. For more information on Best Offer check out: http://pages.ebay.com/help/buy/best-offer.html
Dear eBay Queen;
My husband wears a size 16 shoes, and as you can imagine, they are very hard to find in stores. We found a pair on eBay that he wanted, so we bid, and won. The auction ended March 16th, and I paid by PayPal the same day. I did pay more for Priority Mail shipping.
When they still hadn't arrived by last Saturday, I e-mailed the seller to ask when he shipped them. He emailed me stating the payment was pending. When I check my PayPal account I see that the payment had gone through and is not pending. We emailed him back again, telling him the payment has gone through, and we would like our shoes. I even told him we would file a dispute with PayPal if we did not receive them by Friday! He sent a response back telling us to go ahead and report him, but in the meantime if we wanted the shoes to go to PayPal and cancel the payment and send him another payment! What do we do now?
My husband called PayPal tonight and they e-mailed us a dispute resolution form, but even if we get our money back, I'm still really ticked for all the hassle and the total disregard! Is he just rude, stupid, or is he trying to scam us?
Bigfoot
Dear Bigfoot;
I checked out his feedback and other auctions. It appears, that selling large size women and men's shoes is his business. I don't think he was scamming you. His feedback is excellent. I'm only speculating, but I would bet he did not have your shoes in stock, and instead of being upfront and telling you he made a mistake, he's stalling.
If this had happened to me, I would file the dispute with PayPal immediately. You only have 30 days to file after you have paid for an item. Go to https://www.paypal.com , click on "Resolution Center" , then click on "Report a Problem". Follow the steps, and you will have filed your dispute. Keep in mind the dispute process is not a fast one, but it should be just enough to prod your seller into sending your shoes, or giving your money back.
Strange eBay item of the week: eBay item 320096405850 (enter this number in the eBay search box in the top right corner of the home page). Ever wondered what a 50-year-old tractor was worth? Check out the first John Deere 330 off the assembly line in 1958. SOLD $125,000.00 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320096405850
Currently listening : Duets: An American Classic By Tony Bennett Release date: By 26 September, 2006
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Stupid eBay Questions Could = Big Profits
Dear eBay Queen;
I listed a very rare book on eBay yesterday and put a high “Buy it Now” price on it. I am not sure how much it may be worth to someone who really, really wants it. I put a BIN price of $399.98 and a reserve of $125. I'd be happy to take less if someone emailed and offered to BIN for $250. Admittedly, the BIN is kind of pie-in-the-sky wishing, however I do have the much lower reserve prominently displayed on the listing.
I received this question today: “Is this a mistake or is this book really 399.98? Thanks”
Would you even bother to answer this question? If so, would you just write that it's not a mistake without any explanation for why, or would you explain that it's a very rare book? I couldn't find the book on Google, Bookfinder, Biblio, Amazon or Half.com. There is one old listing from a few weeks ago on eBay, but that book is not in as good of condition as mine is. There are no real price references for me to go off of on pricing.
Diana
Dear Diana;
When it comes to eBay questions, I try to answer everyone, no matter how odd or out of line they may be. I think it’s important to try to answer all potential buyers questions. When you do this, you validate your buyer, and get a personal opportunity to “sell” your item to them. I admit some buyer’s questions could be answered if they would just read the eBay ad, but I try to look at all questions as the opportunity to sell my eBay business, the item and myself.
I would email the person back, and let them know where you bought your book, and the research you did to figure out it was rare. If you have any background on the author, or insight into why it is such a rare copy I would include that also. You may just sell your book at the “Buy it Now” price.
Dear eBay Queen;
I sold a lot of 58 children’s series books on eBay. They sold for $72.90 plus shipping. I shipped them out last week. Yesterday I received a message from the buyer saying they received all the books but 2 of them. I have an uneasy feeling about this, considering this person is also a seller of books. Don’t you think this is odd? I know I shipped them all. What should I do?
Book Seller
Dear Book Seller;
That is very odd. When this happened to me, I double-checked my wrapping area, and the shelf where I stored my items. I found my missing item, right on my wrapping table under some newspaper. If this happens to you, email your buyer and tell him your sending them right out.
If you have looked everywhere, and know beyond a shadow of a doubt you sent the books; then offer to partially refund his money. I know you are suspicious of him, and I would be a little bit too. Since there is no way to prove either of your cases, it is best to error on the side of the buyer. When there are multiple items involved, take the end price ($72.90) and divided it by the number of items they purchased (58). Since he did not receive 2 of the books, I would refund him $2.52, which ends up being $1.26 per book. I think this will keep your buyer happy, and shouldn’t affect your bottom line.
I know this type of problem can really make a seller wary of other eBayers. Try not to let this get you down.
Strange eBay item of the week: eBay item 270092150814 (enter this number in the eBay search box in the top right corner of the home page). Breyer Horse collectibles have always been a hot item. Check out this auction for a Breyer Test Proud Arabian Mare Horse by Bainbridge. SOLD $4349.99 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270092150814
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