Category Archives: eBay

Corona Virus + eBay = Wild Returns

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Sometimes I get some crazy eBay messages from eBay buyers.  This message was a little off to me.

Purchased a lawn chair, in February 2020

Message from buyer:

I’m contacting you in regards to the above aforementioned items. I received the package it was in fine condition I open up the box and remove the folding lawnchair. I have two friends come over if I’m lucky weigh 150 pounds each and they collapsed in the chair. The screws that it hears the chair together in the middle popped out that was very dangerous I had to help these ppl up. Fortunately neither was injured.

Please contact me with what you would like to do with regards to this situation. I did not want to leave a bad review on this.

 

My message

I am so sorry this item is broken.  Could you take a photo of the damage?

Message from the Buyer:

No I do not have a camera. Just send me another item.  The Corona is going around!

 

My Message:

I am so sorry this happened to you. We have a 30 day return policy, and I see you purchased this in February. If you would like to return it you can send it to: XXX and we will refund your money.

 

Message from the Buyer:

Seeing the covid 19 has been around since January, it would kind of you to extend the return policy as well as credit me and send a new 1.

*****************

So she can’t send a photo, and can’t send the item back because of the Corona virus.. but can have friends over to sit in 1 lawn chair not 6ft apart?

Not As Described Returns from other Sellers.

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Today I was pretty shocked a buyer that is also a Top Rated Seller opened an exchange request on eBay, and asked me to send their new item to a different address in a different state.  What was so shocking?  They had sent several emails last week telling me that these shoes were too big.  I made sure to tell her we offer free returns, and to select “didn’t fit”.  Low and behold, she opens it as an exchange, and says that the item is not as described.

The buyer is a Top Rated Seller and does not offer free returns… and apparently has the patience of a toddler.

 

She open an exchange @ 2:30pm and stated:

Reason for return: Doesn’t match description or photos
Comments: I need a 7.5 and if they don t come in half sizes I need a 7. Thanks! (insert name and address here.) I am in-between homes so please make sure the new pair go to my address listed and  NOT address you shipped the first pair too.  Thanks

 

She sent this message @3:18pm

I need a label immediately. If you want I can return these and just reorder. Thanks

Another at 4:30

I need a label immediately. 

Another at 5:10

I need this label NOW to send this back!  I am traveling soon and I want to return this!

I responded @ 5:30

I have approved the request, and sent a label.

I noticed you did not open it for fit. Can you explain why as a seller yourself you would open a return as not as described when clearly you stated they were too big?

Her response: 

You know what, I am becoming increasing more tired of with your lackluster service and basic BS. Your customer service is awful. Just send a return label and we can be done with this. This is NOT about me as a seller buy YOU as a seller. I am still waiting for your label.  You are just awful. And who the heck are you to question me?

My response:

I’m sorry you feel that way.  Since you said they were too big, the proper thing to select would be a return for fit.  We offer free returns, so no matter what you select, you will get a free return label.  I thought maybe you selected it in error, since you are a Top Rated Seller yourself; I believed you would know what happens when a seller is accused of sending items that are not as described.  eBay will put a mark against their account. I could not imagine that you would want that to happen to a fellow seller.

Partial Refund Irony

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I sold an item that I listed as damaged.  It was in the the title, description, and item specifics.  I even had a photo of the damage.  The item retailed for 72.00, and I had it listed for 13.00 with free shipping because of the damage.   The damage was to the side seam of the item.  It needed to be repaired or re-sewn.  The buyer messaged me right after they purchased and asked if I would send their item immediately because they wanted to repair it for a gift.  (We did)

I received this message below from the customer after they received it.

The buyer wants me to give them a partial refund or discount because of the repair.    I immediately saw they had 47K feedback and went to see what they sell and checkout their feedback.

I thought it was pretty funny that one of their negatives was “shirt was torn, the seller did not want to pay damages”.

 

If you are wondering what I said to the buyer?  “I am so sorry this was not what you expected.  We do have 30 day free returns if you’d like to return this item.”

 

Have you experienced anything like this?

 

Dear eBay Queen: Where Can I Find Inventory During a Pandemic?

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Dear eBay Queen:

I’m freaking out.  I don’t know what to do.  I need more inventory to list on eBay.  I know I will never be able to list the 50K listing eBay has given us this April, but I’d like to make a dent.  I also really miss hunting for product.  Do you have any suggestions for me?

Geri G

 

Dear Geri:

The 5oK listing was a fantastic gift from eBay.  I won’t ever hit that either, but I’m trying.   I’m sure you’ve heard of the term arbitrage.  That is  the practice of taking advantage of a price difference between two or more markets.  eBay arbitrage would be buying items at lower than usual prices and then selling them for a profit.  A successful arbitrager is one that knows the worth of the product.  There are so many places to buy online and then turn around and re-sell them on eBay.    I’m not sure what you normally sell or what product you know best.  I know that you can find something online in these places.

 

Here are a few suggestions:

  1. eBay.  15 years ago I was really into quilts.  I would surf eBay for quilts that were at a low price or had bad/limited photos.  I made a pretty good living buying and selling quilts.  Maybe there is something you know about you can could look for to re-sell.
  2. Amazon.  There are so many videos and websites that talk about buying items on Amazon and re-selling them on eBay
  3. Department stores  There are  many department stores that are taking deep discounts on their product.  Shop for items you can re-sell
  4. Facebook Marketplace  Someone is always giving away or selling something on Facebook.
  5. Goodwill Did you know that Goodwill runs it’s own website/auction where you can buy product?
  6. Neighbors Message your neighbors.  Maybe they have something they can set out for you to come get.
  7. You What do you have in your house you could sell?  Do you have old clothes?  What about any death piles (the stuff you’ve put off listing?)

I hope this gives you a few ideas of how to find inventory to help meet your listing goals.

Crazy eBay Item of the Week: Vtg Amish Quilt Diamond In A Square Fabulous Jewel Tones Hand Sewn Lancaster PA  SOLD $510.00 Check it out HERE