After reading about all the good deals to be found on eBay, I decided to start buying on there in November. I have bought maybe 5 to 8 things on eBay, and LOTS of items on the internet.  I recently learned of eBay’s Best Offer service.  I made offers on 2 different items, and I received some rude answers back from the sellers.

 

My first item was a Christopher Radko Santa pin.  The seller wanted 24.99 with free shipping.  I offered $10.00.  The seller countered with $12.00.  I countered back with $8.00, and sent a note to let them know that the same pin another seller was selling for $8.99.  The seller declined my offer, and told me to buy it from the other seller!  I can’t believe they would be so rude!

 

My second item I made a best offer on was a pair of Nike Shox running shoes.  The seller had $70.00 or Best Offer with free shipping.  I offered $35.00.  The seller countered with $59.00, I countered back with $29.00.  They didn’t counter back, but just declined my offer and told me they were blocking me as a buyer! 

What is going on with sellers these days?  Don’t they want to sell their items?

 

DHK; Paola

 

 

I always like to hear that new people are buying on eBay.  I hope you will continue to bid and make purchases there.  eBay needs people like you bidding and buying. Best Offer is a great tool for buyers and sellers. Sellers like it because it sparks an interest from buyers and buyers like it because they can bargain with the seller.  

 

I believe the problem with the sellers you mentioned, might be in the way you are using Best Offer.  Many sellers would take your offers as a slight. You made offers to a seller that are half of the asking price, and when they countered with a different figure; you went lower than your first offer.  This might seem like an insult to most sellers. I completely understand that you want a good deal, (we all do), but many sellers make a living by selling their items this way.  I hope you won’t be discouraged by these two sellers reactions.  

 

 

I just received two neutral feedbacks from a buyer that I filed a NON-payment against. She did not pay for either item for 18 days.  She eventually paid for it, and I sent it the same day she paid.  I never received an email from her, but in the feedback she left, she claims the first item, a set of Depression glass sherbets arrived broken.  The second item was a box of old children’s books.  She remarked in feedback how I used an old box to ship in (she liked the books, but hated the box).

 

When I emailed her about the neutrals, she told me I was lucky she didn’t leave a negative.  She wasn't happy from the beginning because I wouldn't combine shipping.   I explained to her that I could not send both items media mail, and I thought she understood I was actually saving her money by sending them separately.

 

What should I do? I can’t believe I get to look at these two neutrals for a year.  SANTA, if you're out there, please put all the difficult buyers in my Blocked Buyers list.

 

Teresa; Wellsville, KS

 

 

I am really sorry about the neutrals.  I think the best thing you can do is respond to the neutrals, and contact eBay to let them know what happened. You will want to explain your case, and let them know how you were upfront with your buyer before she paid.  eBay will know, but explain to them how you can not send books and glassware media mail together. You will want to include all of the communication between you and the buyer. 

 

 Most people, even frequent buyers and sellers don’t understand all the shipping rules and regulations of the post office.  Here’s to 2010 being neutral and negative free.