Archive for the ‘Buy it Now’ Category

Dear eBay Queen;

I sold a set of eight dinner plates to a buyer in Texas.  The buyer contacted me to let me know that some of the plates are broken.  I contacted UPS and filed a claim.  UPS says they are issuing a check, but I believe the check is for the value of the item, not the shipping costs.  The value of the plates is $55.00 Does this mean that UPS is sending a check for $55.00?  Are they sending that to me or my buyer?

It baffles me that these plates arrived broken.  I wrapped each plate in bubble wrap, and filled the box with foam peanuts.  I don’t know how I could have packaged them any better than I did.  Do I need proof the items were broken from the buyer? She says half the items were broken or damaged 4 plates).  What proof or documentation do I need from her to prove that? Should I ask her to photograph the items, or send them back? Do I refund half of her money, or all of it?

Thanks for your help.

Pottery Connection

Dear Pottery;

It can be very frustrating to package items up, taking every precaution to make sure they get there safely and still have them arrive damaged.  If UPS says they are going to send a check that usually means their investigation is over, and they do not need any more proof or documentation.

Normally, with UPS claims they send the check to the person that mailed the items. When you made the claim, was it for the total amount, or for the four plates that were broken?  If you have a reason to believe the buyer is not telling the truth about the plates being broken you can certainly ask if they would take a photo of the broken items and packaging and email that to you.

If this were my transaction, I would refund the same amount that UPS was sending me a check for; whether that is for all eight dishes, or only half for the dishes that were broken.  Some people might think that it is wrong to give the buyer the full amount back.  I believe it would be wrong as a seller to keep the full amount, as you’ve already been paid for the items.  This is just reimbursement for damaged goods for the buyer.

For more information on the UPS claims process go here: http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/resources/service/claims/hlp/damage_process.html

Dear eBay Queen:

I’ve been selling on eBay about five years.  I usually put all my items up for auction a couple of times, and whatever doesn’t sell after several auction-style listings, I’ll put it in my store at around 20% more.  I have around 500-600 things in my store at all times.  My eBay friend disagrees with the way I do this.  She thinks stores are a waste of time.

I’ve found that buyers don’t have any idea why store items are usually listed for higher prices.  I’ve informed several buyers about the higher commissions for store items.  My friend disagrees with this and thinks I shouldn’t do that.  What do you think?

Aileen; Richmond

Dear Aileen;

Are you selling many items from your store?  If you are meeting your selling goals by running your business this way, than I say Keep Doing It.  Some seller’s eBay stores are not working for them like they should be. If this is the case, I would start putting those items on Fixed Price with Best Offer.

I think it’s ok to tell a buyer that your costs are higher when you put something in your store. I probably wouldn’t volunteer that information.  Most buyers, (whether on eBay or at a department store), only care about their bottom line, not the sellers.  

Congratulations on making eBay work for you!

Strange eBay item of the week: eBay item 150383246986 (enter this number in the eBay search box in the top right corner of the home page).  Old Green Glass still sells! Check out this Vintage McKee Laurel Jadite Scottie Dog Toy Dish set. SOLD $1,123.00 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150383246986      

Suzie Eads is a nationally known eBay marketer and eBay trained Education Specialist. She lives in Rantoul. Do you have a question for the eBay Queen? E-mail: questions@asktheebayqueen.com.

Dear eBay Queen;

I’ve been selling on eBay since 1999.  I had a buyer purchase two separate items from me on eBay.  I shipped them in a USPS priority mail box.  The box was 12x12x8, and I used peanuts and bubble wrapped to ship the figurines.  I received this email from the buyer today.

 "The items came to me broken. I took the package to the post office because I had insurance. They denied the claim because you didn’t ship it according to their standards. If you had taken it to the post office they wouldn’t have insured it.

You sent these precious items to me in a sheet box. The box was not strong enough to withstand the normal post office requirements. I cried so hard at the post office because I gave you the benefit of the doubt. I’ve lost the item, the shipping costs, and the insurance. Are you willing to refund me? You have to ship things in a stronger box!

I have a copy of the hand written letter from the person who told me this was not shipped properly. Not only was the box not up to the standards of shipping this precious item but peanuts foam is not allowed for these items. She said you have to box within a box. You didn’t even have them separated. I’m so sad and hurt that this is broken. Please let me know if you are going to help me." 

When are peanuts not allowed for shipping items with the USPS? I don’t know how to respond, or what to do. Please help me.

Karina

Dear Karina;

I understand why you would be confused about this.  If you sent this in a USPS Priority mail box, the post office should not say that it “is not strong enough”.  If this were my transaction, I would email your buyer, apologize and let her know that you will take care of this.  You do not want her to be unhappy.  Request the post office phone number and the name of the person she spoke with.

Once you have the information, contact your Post Master and hers.  Let both of them know what happened.  If her Post Master will accept the claim, email her and tell her to take it back in.  If they will not accept the claim, contact your post master to see if they will accept the claim.  If they will accept it, have your buyer mail the item and the original packaging back to you so you can take it in to your post office.

If the post office will not accept the claim, it will be up to you to decide what to do.  Since this buyer is a little dramatic, I would probably refund her money and apologize profusely.

Dear eBay Queen;

I have been selling on eBay for a few years.  The last three weeks have been really slow for me. I am worried. I am a full time father with custody of my two children.  Is it me and my product, or am I having some bad luck?

About a month ago I would spend $100 on 100 pieces of clothing. I would start the price at $4 per piece and charge $6.60 for Priority Flat Rate Shipping.  Maybe 50 would sell the first time around then the next time around 50% of the remaining would sell till it was gone. Now I spend the same amount, but only about 20% will sell.

Why is this happening? Is it the recession, or is this something that happens in the summertime? I mean, everybody will still need clothes regardless of how poor they are, so why not buy them where they’re cheaper? What should I do?

Gorgeous Georges

Dear Gorgeous;

It’s always hard when an item doesn’t sell like you would like for it to.  The economy has hurt all sellers, retail and online.  Have you tried a little self promotion? I would consider using the following to promote your eBay items:

1.     Google Base.  http://www.google.com/base

2.     Twitter. http://www.twitter.com

3.    Facebook. http://www.facebook.com

When this happens to me (and it does happen to me), I will re-analyze my photos, ad layout and terms.  Have you done this?  Your price seems extremely reasonable, so I don’t understand how it could be that.  Have you checked out the competition?  Are they using a model or mannequin?  I do know that clothing tends to sell better when it is on a body instead of a hanger or laying flat on the floor.  What about measurements?  It is very important that the measurements are included in the ad, since buyers can’t try the items on before buying them.

I hope your sales pick up soon! 

Strange eBay item of the week: eBay item 310142307548

 (Enter this number in the eBay search box in the top right corner of the home page) Summer is here! Check out this 1920’s Wool Swimsuit: SOLD $630.00 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item310142307548     

Suzie Eads is a nationally known eBay marketer and eBay trained Education Specialist. She lives in Rantoul. Do you have a question for the eBay Queen? E-mail: questions@asktheebayqueen.com