Dear eBay Queen;
I sell just about anything I can get my hands on. I purchased some brand new sheets at a closeout store, and sold them on eBay. I copied all of the information from the back of the sheet package.
Today I received this message from the buyer:
“After washing and putting sheets on bed, I noticed that the pockets were 14 inches instead of 12 inches as stated on eBay. The reason l bought these was because of the 12 inch pocket. l have a linen closet full of ill fitting sheets, so was excited to find a pair that would fit my mattress.. Very disappointed in the elastic that goes around the fitted sheet. extremely lose… l will sleep with them on the bed tonight and see how they hug the bed, perhaps this can be rectified if they turn out not to my liking, very disappointed.”
I have these same sheets on my bed. The sheets fit fine for us. How should I handle this?
Jennifer; Topeka
Dear Jennifer;
I hope that you have a refund policy that covers items being washed and used then returned. This buyer could be a problem. I don’t know many stores that will let you use an item then return it, especially bedding.
If this were my transaction, I would email the buyer back saying this:
“I am very sorry the sheets are not what you expected. I do accept returns as long as they are in the condition I sent them to you in. Since you have washed them and are sleeping on them, I will not be able to accept these for a return. I have checked on the back of the package, and they said these sheets have a 12″ pocket as the eBay ad stated. Once again I am sorry these are not what you expected.”
After that email, I would wait and see what your buyer does next. She could file a dispute, which you will win, or leave a negative which you can respond to. If you want to avoid all of that, you can refund her money and have her send the sheets back or keep them.
Dear eBay Queen;
I sell was lucky enough to buy out a music store a few years ago, and I am finally getting around to list the items I bought. I have had pretty good success with the CD’s, sheet music and music books. My customers have been very kind up until now!
I sold a $14.99 Buy it Now Music Song Book tonight. The buyer paid right away, and he has 6 feedbacks. He sent a message to me immediately after his payment telling me that he studies vocal music in Los Angles and wants to know if I have any complimentary song books I can send him. Don’t you think that is weird? It is one thing to ask for a discount, another to ask for free stuff right?
I am anxious to know how you would handle this.
Freebie Queen
Dear Freebie;
My Grandma used to say “Sugar, it takes all kinds to make this big world go round”. I believe this is one of the people she was talking about. Do you have anything in your eBay ad that would lead this buyer to believe that you give gifts with a purchase?
You have a couple of options with this guy.
1. You could send the item, and not respond to his question.
2. Respond to his question by letting him know that you have lots of music books up for auction now, but do not have any that you could send to him complimentary.
3. You could respond to his email, letting him know that you were once a college student, and understand his plight. You could then offer to send him one of your cheaper, low cost books this one time.
If this was my transaction I would probably email them to let them know I did not have anything I could send them complimentary, and wish them good fortune in their studies.
It’s pretty bold move on this guy’s part; asking for a free song book. You are not obligated to send him anything but what he paid for. Do not feel like you need to, but if the spirit leads you, by all means send him something.
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