posted on December 4, 2003 12:08:09 PM new
PS: I do buy through three different IDs, so that helps sort the categories considerably. I learned that little trick the hard way, several years ago.
posted on December 4, 2003 12:39:11 PM new
... but what I really dislike is getting an email that goes "where is my package", from buyers who then say "oh, yes, I guess I got that!".
We don't sell more than we can manage, and expect our buyers to keep to the same sensible proceedure. Instead, the sellers of course are considered guilty of everything until proven otherwise.
We email our customers when packages leave, and include invoices with ebay numbers inside the package, but are hugely annoyed at the thought of a bidder keeping no records themselves, then telling sellers they don't do enough!
posted on December 4, 2003 12:49:36 PM new
I agree, I got an email "where's my package" which promptly turned into positive feedback when I gave her the delivery confirmation info from USPS.
I don't do invoices, but I do put the auction number on each item somehow. That puts the onus on the bidder to know what they got.
J
~~~~~~~~~~~**~~~~~~~~~~~
All the monkeys aren't in the zoo,
Every day you meet quite a few,
So you see it's all up to you.
You can be better than you are,
You could be swingin' on a star
posted on December 4, 2003 01:06:20 PM new
No complaints if there is an invoice, a tracking number, an item number..even a seller name...but when there is no identifying thing about the package...what is a buyer supposed to do???
Let's say I want to complete my china set and I order a cup from seller A and another from seller B..I get one cup with no id..which one did I get? Is this somehow my fault for not keeping good records?? Am I a pain in the A** to ask where my package is?? How can I tell?? I think it is most unprofessional to not identify the auction in some way!
posted on December 4, 2003 01:07:01 PM new
We order maybe 10 items a month. True, no big deal. However, the seller's professionalism is not based on the buyer's frequency. Sorry that doesn't wash.
And it has not seemed that a majority here have agreed with you or do include an invoice.
How I wish these boards were only for Vendio sellers.
------ "Bend over backward for the customer. Don't bend forward."
Based on neglus' example, I think I see what the problem here is. People sell different types of things!
The stuff I sell would never (rarely) be bought in multiples from different bidders. As such, there is no reason to include a tickler as to where they got it from -- because it would be pretty obvious from the item. Consult your my ebay page if you want to leave feedback and voila -- everyone is happy.
In the example -- replacement china, then sure that would be confusing for the buyer -- though most likely not impossible -- to figure out who to give credit to.
As for pat's nastiness regarding email followups -- she/he obviously hasn't read this entire thread to know that I send a combo followup to make sure the package arrived and the customer is happy. There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with including a line there about feedback -- FOR BOTH OF US!
Point in fact -- a feedback I received today included PRAISE for my followup communication! And it couldn't have come at a better time.
That's okay -- ebay is big enough for us professional sellers and those rather unprofessional customers who will whine incessently when sellers don't do things their way.
We're all going to determine what we rate as positive/neutral/negative in terms of feedback. Nothing I say will change pat and nothing she/he says will change anyone else. No big deal. We each make our deals, fulfill the deal to the best of our abilities. No reason to let some unaffiliated person ruin things forcing their opinions on others.
------ "Bend over backward for the customer. Don't bend forward."
posted on December 4, 2003 01:17:02 PM new
Well I am a frequent buyer Peikk, a full-time seller and a Vendio user..
First of all I welcome all comments here whether from Vendio sellers or not. It is nice to hear the buyers' side once in awhile!!
I shipped over 500 items this past month and if one of them didn't get a little slip identifying the items, then it was a mistake because it is my policy to always include a slip. It may take a little more time (hardly any if it is a PayPal item)but I think it is common courtesy and professional.
I have come to the decision that if the seller fails to send id with the item I will not leave positive feedback no matter how many feedback reminders I get!
posted on December 4, 2003 01:20:18 PM new
That's a good point, I will leave feedback as a buyer when I open the package (usually at my computer desk anyway) and can find the ID number. I can tell which account it comes from (I have several buying accounts) based on how the invoice is addressed. If there is nothing in the package that indicates where it is from, I am not going to go back later on and leave feedback either. I'll leave it when I open the package, or I won't leave it at all...
posted on December 4, 2003 01:20:34 PM newI have come to the decision that if the seller fails to send id with the item I will not leave positive feedback no matter how many feedback reminders I get!
Good for you!
Your decision entirely. Hopefully, buyers with such a bad policy as yourself won't bid on my auctions. Then good customers will get the items.
Seriously, if you're going to hold sellers to an uncommon standard, you're being discourteous NOT to inform them before the fact. Take the time to shoot them an email asking them to please include an invoice. Don't lie in wait with this trap of yours.
It should be noted that if a buyer EVER asked me to send an invoice, I would do it in a heartbeat.
------ "Bend over backward for the customer. Don't bend forward."
posted on December 4, 2003 01:22:58 PM new
Bad buying policy? Email the seller to include an invoice? You've got to be kidding! I almost started to laugh! I love buyers who pay, I don't care if they leave me feedback or not.
Maybe I should ask the sellers in advance to put the package in the mail, otherwise they may not consider doing that either...
posted on December 4, 2003 01:24:02 PM new
I put a thank you note in all of my packages with my ID, and asking for confirmation for receipt of their package. (Most let me know)
It's just as frustrating when the buyer doesn't let you know...even though I use DC on all items and can check for myself.
posted on December 4, 2003 01:29:40 PM newMaybe I should ask the sellers in advance to put the package in the mail, otherwise they may not consider doing that either...
Certainly not. Shipping the package is obvious. Including a slip of paper is NOT. It's not common on ebay (of the items I've bought, maybe a third included a throwaway piece of paper). In addition, I've never sent one -- and not one complaint either.
So yes, if you're expecting something out of the ordinary as a litmus test on whether you leave feedback, then certainly you should give them warning in advance.
Enough said.
------ "Bend over backward for the customer. Don't bend forward."
posted on December 4, 2003 01:32:54 PM newIt's just as frustrating when the buyer doesn't let you know...even though I use DC on all items and can check for myself.
I use DC as well. Starting two days after I've shipped, I check all my shipped items for delivery. Once they've been delivered, I send a query to the buyer to ask if they received the item (DC just means it got to the house) and to ask them to let me know if it arrived so I can leave feedback. I also ask them to take a moment and post feedback for me as well.
It's a little more work on my part -- but no complaints -- and it's worth it to maintain a good relationship with my customers. But then again, I'm "unprofessional" by the narrow minded folks here.
------ "Bend over backward for the customer. Don't bend forward."
posted on December 4, 2003 01:37:20 PM new
To me, including an invoice with a shipment is obvious. It's a nice touch to follow-up with your customers, I tend to ship 200-300 items per week, I can't really follow up like that, it would take too much time. Obviously, this works for you, so go with it. Calling an opposite point of view narrowminded is well, narrowminded!
posted on December 4, 2003 02:06:25 PM new
golfwidow1:
I just received a package with a card, just as you describe, in it last week! If it is your's, please know it is on my bulletin board right now. Everything was perfection with the transaction, from my POV, and I will be back for more peeks at your listings!
Wish I had mentioned that little act of consideration earlier. It is a great idea, and although my 'fuss' has been about non-invoiced items, that was a great idea. The invoices that do come enclosed go with the other paperwork I keep. The business card, with the eBay item # on it, is posted right where I can see it.
I'll be back! Do hope that was your sale, golfwidow1!
posted on December 4, 2003 03:04:43 PM new
Neglus:
Thanks for your input! That is some of what I have been buying! China pieces to complete several nice, older sets. You seem to know exactly what I'm dealing with. A cup here, a cup there, a saucer or bread plate. Yes, I buy several at a time, if they are the missing pieces I need for my sets. The tureens, platters and serving bowls are easy to ID if no invoice is included. It's the smaller, filler pieces that get lost in the shuffle, and the problems with which I've been dealing here.
And, I think you have a good point, Neglus. If the seller does not care enough to identify his item for the buyer, s/he simply does not warrant a feedback. My time is valuable, too. (Is it that much different for the buyer who is sorting out received items, than for the seller who is sorting out unidentified payments?)
Ebayvet:
Do you use your several buying accounts for specific categories, or do you just shop one day with one ID, the next day with another, etc.? Just curious. Perhaps mixing up my IDs (rather than using them for specific categories) would help identify, in the future, the few items/sellers I'm trying to figure out.
I open packages once a day, and leave feedback that evening, when I'm balancing out the days records. Several packages arriving daily can become overwhelming if neglected a few days, to say the least.
And... You are so right! It is a nice touch to have a note and identification in the package. A "Thank You" from a seller, be it B&M or on-line, tends to draw repeat customers for most folks, I'm sure. For me? Absolutely!
Peiklk:
Your caustic attitude, which shows through on most of your posts, tends to override and blur the many good points you make here. Does it also show up in your TOS? Attitude is so easy to spot, whether in personal contact or the written word. Enough said???
posted on December 4, 2003 03:43:34 PM newYour caustic attitude, which shows through on most of your posts, tends to override and blur the many good points you make here. Does it also show up in your TOS? Attitude is so easy to spot, whether in personal contact or the written word. Enough said???
Nah. When not provoked, I'm a Teddy Bear (as seen here and with my customers/family/friends).
It's just when someone presumes to speak for all buyers (like yourself) and tries to dictate what is and isn't professional that I have a problem and stand up for what is right.
I would never tell you what to do. Why do you think you have a right to tell everyone else?
And he/she was serious. I've seen no indication of your gender.
------ "Bend over backward for the customer. Don't bend forward."
posted on December 4, 2003 04:47:21 PM newPelorus
quote: I include an invoice except when the box is all taped up and I see the invoice sitting on the counter.
Ditto!
In fact, there's one laying on my counter right now...next to the sealed package.
But I do have my eBay I.D. on my return address label on the outside of the package.
posted on December 4, 2003 05:18:57 PM new
For those of you that use Priority Mail most of the time...call the USPS and order free labels!!
You can get as many as you want.
They put my ID, full name/address on all labels, so I just fill in the address.
Keeps it simple and saves time!
