Archive for the ‘PayPal’ Category

Dear eBay Queen:

I have a couple of questions about eBay/PayPal that I hope you can answer.

I bought an expensive large format color printer yesterday ($1,000) and paid immediately by PayPal (on my charge card).

About 20 minutes after payment was sent, the seller called me and seemed leery — wanted to make sure I was a legit buyer, etc. No worries there.

However, he said that PayPal has seized the money and he wondered if I had set up an escrow or something. He's a relatively new (or under-used) seller with 7 feedback, so I tried to explain to him that sometimes PayPal takes control of funds…but I didn't have an exact reason why and when they did that.

Can you explain that to me?

Why and when does PayPal decide to control the funds? Do they release the funds once shipment is complete?

At first, I thought it was because maybe he has limited feedback (under 10), but then I recall that this happened to me a couple of weeks ago on something I sold, but I have over 780 positive feedback and my amount was under $80. There just doesn't seem to be a rhyme or reason when PayPal does this — maybe it's random?

I would think that this sometimes causes sellers to be very cautious, thinking that maybe they could lose their merchandise and their money — I know I would be thinking that.  Could you explain this to me?

I also sell on eBay. Currently, I have 12 live listings and all of them are re-lists. The items other than the cars have been relisted multiple times. I would like to move these items, but I can't stand to lose money on them.

For instance, the MTX subwoofers I have listed right now — I purchased them, for $129 EACH — I'm asking less than that for all 3. So, with that said…why have I had to relist them now 4 times and still no sale or best offers.

I'm ready to pull my hair out. I'm doing better selling the cars than anything else, but I don't get the money for that because I’m selling them for a family member.

I appreciate any pointers you can give.

Shelia; Ottawa, KS

Dear Shelia:

I believe your seller was subjected to eBay/PayPal’s 21 day hold policy.  This policy started in 2008, and is being updated with the new “Spring 2011 announcements.”  (Here’s a great overview of those http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/abu/y211/m03/abu0283/s02 ) When the policy started it only applied to new sellers; in 2011 the policy can include everyone.  The rule basically has been put in place to insure that the buyer receives their item.  eBay can delay your  payments up to 21 days so that they can make sure your buyer is satisfied with their purchase.  Here is the policy overview: https://www.paypal.com/helpcenter/main.jsp?cmd=_help&solutionId=185413&t=solutionTab&bn_r=o

In deciding whether to apply payment holds, PayPal reviews many factors including:

·         Account tenure

·         Transaction activity

·         Business type

·          Past customer disputes

·         Overall customer satisfaction

Holds are typically placed on:

·         New sellers or sellers who have limited selling activity – until they build up a history of successful transactions.

·         Merchants selling in higher-risk categories like electronics or tickets, where we see higher levels of chargebacks and disputes.

·         Sellers who have performance issues, or a high rate of buyer dissatisfaction or disputes.

I’ve talked to quite a few eBay sellers about this policy.  Even the sellers that have been around for awhile are a bit afraid of this rule.  It’s understandable for the new seller you had to be a little freaked out about having to send the item, and not receiving the money.  You did the right thing reassuring them.  Once you leave feedback for the seller, they will receive the money you paid them. 

If this happens to you and you are the seller, the best thing you can do is ship the item immediately, include a delivery confirmation (and signature confirmation if it is over 200.00).  Make sure you enter the tracking number on the eBay site, so it will be on record. 

I know it can be pretty frustrating to not sell an item as quickly as you want too.  Some of the things I do when I have this problem are:

·         Check out what other sellers are trying to sell the same item for.

·         Would a higher price and free shipping make a difference? I know this sounds strange, but it usually works.

·         How do your pictures look?

·         Did you include the size, shape and shipping weight of the item?

Sometime there is no rhyme or reason to why an item does not sell.  Even when it seems the item is a “steal”, with this current economy sometimes it is difficult to move your merchandise.    

 

 

Strange eBay item of the week: eBay item: 320701579621 (enter this number in the eBay search box in the top right corner of the home page): Do you like vintage door knobs?  Check these out! Lot of 5 Sherle Wagner Door Knobs & Door Entry System. SOLD $522.65 http://cgi.ebay.com/LOT-5-PLUS-SHERLE-WAGNER-DOOR-KNOBS-DOOR-ENTRY-SYSTEM-/320701579621

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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? Email: questions@asktheebayqueen.com

Dear eBay Queen:

I have a couple of questions.  Well, I guess I have a comment and a question.  I was at an auction this last Saturday and was appalled at how rude the people were! I’ve been to plenty of auctions, but it seems lately people are just down right rude.  No one says “excuse me,” they just barge on through.  I was standing at a jewelry table in the rain, and instead of saying “could you hand me that box,” these people practically laid their body across me to get to a box of goods on the table, that I could have easily passed to them.  I had people shove their way between my friend and I while we were standing there bidding!  Recently, I was at another auction house that has “a seat for everyone”.  I was sitting in the third row, and there were people that were standing in front of the seats!  The auctioneer told them to sit down several times and they ignored him! What is wrong with people in 2011? 

I am trying to sell a vintage crystal aurora borealis pin/brooch. I can't figure out what the best title would be for my item.  I listed it on eBay, and when I run a search for the item, I can't find my own listing, by just browsing through crystal brooches, or aurora borealis brooches or Vintage aurora borealis pins! I can find it when I go to “My eBay”—but how can I expect to sell something if it can't be found by someone looking for it?  What suggestions do you have for choosing correct search terms to name one's product?

My title is:   Vintage Aurora Borealis Crystal pin

Here is my description: Vintage AB Crystal brooch from the 40s or 50s, given to me by my grandmother in law. In good condition, 2 of the smallest stones missing (I couldn't tell until I looked very, very closely, a little bit of the gold tone on the back of the brooch is rubbing off. The brooch comes with vintage gift box. It is in bright, sparkling pink tones.

***Vintage—sold as is*** No Returns. I only accept PayPal.

Thanks for your help!

Jewels, Ottawa, KS

 

Dear Jewels:

Maybe we were at the same auction!  I’ve experienced the same things you have.  I don’t know why auctions have become a place for people to show their true colors.  My only thought about this is maybe people are in such a frenzy to buy stuff that they have forgotten the manners they were taught as a child.  When someone leans across me, I usually say “Would you like for me to hand that to you?”   Sometimes a simple “excuse me,” or “ouch! You just elbowed me!” etc.. will maybe shock these people out of their auction stupor.

When I search for your title: Aurora Borealis Crystal Brooch Pin, I came up with 59 items with the same words in the title. I would suggest using better keywords in your title.  What color is your pin? Is it marked? What year was it made?  When writing a title, make sure you use words that will describe your item.  Buyers search for the stuff they want using keywords. eBay gives us 55 characters to use to describe our items.  Did you know you only used 21 characters? eBay has a title helper, that might assist you in writing better titles.  http://labs.ebay.com/erl/demoto/to A better title might be: Vintage Pink Circle Rhinestone Aurora Borealis Pin.  I would make the following changes to your description: Up for auction is a Vintage Aurora Borealis, Crystal brooch from the 1950s.  This was given to me by my husband’s grandmother

• Rhinestones are a beautiful shade of pink
  
• Gold tone metal
• Pin back is in good working order
  
• Pin is 2.5” across and is circular
  
• 2 of the smallest stones missing (I couldn't tell until I looked very, very closely)
• A bit of the gold tone on the back of the brooch is rubbing off.
  
•     The brooch comes with vintage hinged gift box.

Your description is pretty good.  Make sure you put the positive things about the item first, then anything that might be negative. It’s important to remember to include, size, shape, color, age, and any damage. I would also remove “Vintage Sold as is, No Returns” While your policy is you do not accept returns, if your buyer is unhappy and opens a claim, you will have no choice but to accept a return.

Strange eBay item of the week: eBay item: 320662470743 (enter this number in the eBay search box in the top right corner of the home page): All this talk about rhinestones, I thought I should see what was selling. Check out: Vintage Sherman Pin Brooch Taupe Rhinestone SOLD $411.00 http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-SHERMAN-PIN-BROOCH-Taupe-Rhinestone-Japanned-/200580605405  

 

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 had a buyer purchase some earrings on January 30.  She complained my shipping costs were too high.  In the name of customer service I decided to lower the charges by $1.00.  The buyer finally paid on February 6th. I shipped on February 7th and made a label through PayPal.

This week the buyer e-mails me and says "I never received the earrings! What the heck is going on?”  I looked at tracking and saw that it was delivered on Feb.11th. I emailed the buyer to let them know, and they emailed back with their address, and asking me to confirm the address I sent it too.  I realize after looking at the PayPal page, that I shipped to the WRONG address and to the WRONG STATE.

In my defense, it said confirmed address and verified buyer too. I tried to figure out what to do on PayPal, but it looks like now it is up to the buyer to file a claim. Please give me your advice what to do. I don't want to receive negative feedback, and I don’t really think I should refund her money. It is only $15, so I will if I have to, but I don’t want too!

Blue’s Gifts –n- More

 

Dear Blue:

The first thing I would do is go to the eBay item and check her address out there.  Does it match the one listed in PayPal?  If the PayPal address and the eBay address to do not match the address your buyer gave you, I would call the buyer and let them know.  If you do not feel comfortable calling them, you can email them, but it usually saves some time talking to them on the phone.

I’m guessing your buyer has moved, and did not update their contact information.  You are right that this is not your fault, but the buyer could still leave you negative feedback.  In this particular situation I would work with your buyer to get the item back.  I would call the post office in the town your item was delivered and speak to the carrier about the item.  I have had an item returned to the carrier and returned to me once by doing this.

If your buyer does file a claim, you can always point out that you sent the item to the confirmed address.  I don’t know if this will help you win the case, but it should.

If for some reason it ends up that this was not the buyers address and the mistake is yours you will need to refund the buyer.

Dear eBay Queen:

I had a brand new grandbaby born two weeks ago.  I went shopping on eBay for some cute clothes for her.  Anything that was in her size that I liked, and was listed at .99 I would bid $2.01. I bid $2.01 because I figured people would bid $1.99.  I won some and I lost some.

I did win the cutest handmade outfit.  I won the bid for .99 and $3.95 shipping.  I paid for the item via PayPal and waited for the item to get to me. A few hours later I received an email from the seller telling me I owed her another $2.50 and she even sent me an invoice for it on PayPal. She told me the fees and shipping was more than I paid.  She added a little blurb about how she was selling items to make a profit not a loss and she was not giving this away for free.  I wrote her back refusing to pay the extra I told her I
paid everything the listing told me too and if the shipping was more she should have figured that out before listing the item. I also suggested she should not list items for .99 if she is not willing to sell them for that price. I told her I was sorry and that I am also a seller so I feel her pain but I have taken a loss on items along the way too. She sent me the outfit and it is much nicer than I thought. Now I feel bad.

Should I send her the extra money?

Grandma Jenny

 

Dear Grandma:

Congratulations on your new granddaughter! You are right, it is the sellers responsibility to make sure the shipping is correct and to make sure their profit margin is what it is supposed to be. They also have to realize that if they list an item for 99 cents and it is not bid up at least a few dollars they are not going to make any profit.  On the same note: if they don't price the shipping correctly they could easily lose money. I would not feel bad about the purchase, you did everything a buyer is supposed to do (bid on the item, won and paid promptly).

Strange eBay item of the week: eBay item: 220730555241 (enter this number in the eBay search box in the top right corner of the home page): Did you ever save any Matchbooks? Check out this 9500+ Rare Vintage Matchbook Collection SOLD $3560.00 Chek it out HERE.  

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