rarebourbon
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posted on December 28, 2000 03:37:05 PM new
I won an auction on 12/15. The seller's auction description included the following: "A really great holiday gift."
His EOA email stated the following: "You may pay immediately by BidPay or PayPal; item shipped via Priority Mail within 2 business days of PayPal's notification of your deposit."
I paypal'd him on 12/16 and asked if he would ship on 12/18 since I wanted this item as a Christmas gift.
No answer. I assumed (stupidly  ) that I would get the item in time for Christmas but it never arrived. I emailed him yesterday about when the package was mailed and he replied: "Item shipped just before Christmas."
Should I leave a negative feedback for this? I still don't have the item as of 12/28.
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sg52
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posted on December 28, 2000 03:41:01 PM new
Should I leave a negative feedback for this?
Don't ask us, ask yourself. How do you feel about the transaction. If you feel negatively, then leave a neg.
sg52
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borgt
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posted on December 28, 2000 03:42:42 PM new
I think it would depend on the actual ship date (postmark). If they promised shipping within 2 business days then they had untill the 19th, since the 16th and 17th were the weekend. If he didn't ship by the 19th, I would probably leave a factual neutral... possibly a negative.
I shipped a CD on the 19th, Priority Mail at the customers' request so they'd have it in time for Christmas. Well, they finally got it today! Luckily they saw the postmark and have left me a positive since they understood it was out of my control.
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Shadowcat
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posted on December 28, 2000 03:47:28 PM new
No.
I'd be inclined to give the seller the benefit of the doubt here. Depending upon what the seller meant by "just before Christmas", the package is probably still in transit.
Yeah, you're probably disappointed by the fact it didn't arrive in time but frankly, there was no guarantee that, even if the seller had shipped the day after he received your payment, the package would have reached you in time. The seller has no control over the package once it's in the mail-that's entirely up to the mailing system he used(Heck, it could be sitting in a corner somewhere, overlooked in the holiday hassle). Also keep in mind that there's been a holiday and some really lousy weather, which could be holding up the package.
If you don't feel you can give a positive, give a neutral. But don't punish the seller for things that may be out of his control.
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ExecutiveGirl
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posted on December 28, 2000 04:01:57 PM new
I do not think the seller deserves a NEG for not getting the item to you before Christmas. First, you have to remember that SELLERS deserve to celebrate the holiday also - not just the buyers. Secondly, bidding on the 15th is "last minute" shopping and even by Priority Mail you are not guaranteed to get your item in time for Christmas. Sellers should not be held accountable for buyers waiting at the last minute to do their shopping. Sellers have lives outside of ebay also. If the seller stated a specific date the item would be shipped and they did not ship on that date, THEN you would have a valid complaint. But if not, it's not the seller's fault IMO.
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debbielennon
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posted on December 28, 2000 04:05:40 PM new
What borgt said. If it is not postmarked by the 19th, the seller deserves a neg (or neutral, depending on how important this item was for xmas) for not adhering to his own promise of shipping within 2 business days of payment.
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honestjonstoys
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posted on December 28, 2000 04:13:39 PM new
I received 5 payments today, one postmarked 12/18, 1 12/19, 1 12/20, and 2 12/21. So mails are running a bit slow right now.
I would definitely check the postmark to see if it was mailed when promised.
--------------
Don't take life so serious, it ain't nohow permanent.
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triplebee
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posted on December 28, 2000 04:15:29 PM new
Just a couple of personal experiences. I received two priority packages that were mailed 12/18 on the 26th. One on the items that I sent on the 18th has not yet arrived at it destination. USPS tracking states that it is in transit. Seller has no control over the speed of the mail delivery. Check the postmark when the item arrives before making your decision.
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barbarake
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posted on December 28, 2000 04:16:32 PM new
I received a package (priority) today that was shipped the 19th. But this same seller sent me *two* items - the second package was postmarked the 20th (and I got it the 23rd). Makes no sense.
I agree with the others who said to check the postmark. Assuming everything else is ok, I would give a positive if it was shipped by the 19th (because he said it would be shipped within two days).
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twinsoft
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posted on December 28, 2000 04:18:12 PM new
I sent out many priority mail packages and have gotten several reports of 10-day delays or longer.
"We wish you a merry Christmas, and a happy Neg year!"
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Twelvepole
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posted on December 28, 2000 04:30:41 PM new
First, you have to remember that SELLERS deserve to celebrate the holiday also - not just the buyers.
Then Don't sell in December!
I would wait until you get the item and check the post mark, if it is not for the 19th then NEG this seller and be factual as to why. Neg is a complaint and you may have a valid one.
Ain't Life Grand... 
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TammiAndy
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posted on December 28, 2000 04:35:36 PM new
I just received a Priority Mail package yesterday that took 7 days....I would wait also...before leaving the neg!
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jada
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posted on December 28, 2000 04:46:07 PM new
Wonders never cease.
Twelvepole and I are in complete agreement on this issue.
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ExecutiveGirl
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posted on December 28, 2000 04:49:36 PM new
Then Don't sell in December!
Sellers have a right to sell in December, just as much as buyers have a right to BUY in December. I didn't say for buyers to NOT buy in December - I said not to wait until the last minute and then blame the SELLER for not shipping on time! Sellers can celebrate Christmas and still sell in December at the same time! (Let's get real here!) But the demands on sellers at Christmas time is just rediculous. As a seller, I give my BUYERS an extra week to pay for their items because I know how hectic the holidays can get. Too bad many buyers can't be as reasonable.
Some people just look for a REASON to complain! 
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sun818
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posted on December 28, 2000 05:25:03 PM new
I mailed a Priority package on the 15th and it has yet to arrive. I figure it is bad weather since Minnesota is the destination. As long as you can manage the expectation of the buyer and keep an open communication, a lot of misunderstandings and unnecessary negative feedback can be prevented.
I think the seller, in this case, could have written sooner and explained their situation. If you are busy, at least stating that is better than leaving the buyer wondering.
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Twelvepole
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posted on December 28, 2000 05:36:43 PM new
Too bad many buyers can't be as reasonable
If a seller cannot juggle their "Christmas" with their business, then they shouldn't be selling during the Holidays, it's pretty simple.
As a buyer if I see an item "for the Holidays" then it better be here BEFORE the holiday, not after. The only exception would be if they shipped when they were supposed to and the mails held them up.
If they shipped after the stated shipping time frame then they deserve the neg.
Of course communication goes a long way and it sounds as if the seller didn't tell the buyer when they shipped the item exactly; "just before Christmas" what on the 24th?
Ain't Life Grand...
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lswanson
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posted on December 28, 2000 06:06:33 PM new
Bourbon, I would not neg the seller. Your case is based on the assumption that the item would be shipped in time for Christmas delivery. It was your responsibility as a buyer to verify this before bidding. You would have done this with a real-life store or internet business (I'm assuming now).
The fact that he/she did not reply promptly to your request, and did not inform you whether or not you could expect Christmas delivery DOES demonstrate a lack of concern for you as a buyer.
I think the worst you should do is a neutral, but you should state why in your feedback.
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rarebourbon
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posted on December 28, 2000 07:41:14 PM new
Ok, looks like the consensus is to wait until I see that postmark, so that's what I'll do.
ExecutiveGirl wrote: "Sellers should not be held accountable for buyers waiting at the last minute to do their shopping. Sellers have lives outside of ebay also."
If the seller stated the item would make a great holiday gift, don't you think the seller is holding himself somewhat accountable?
Of course I won't hold him accountable if the postmark was within the two day window as stated in his EOA, and the post office failed to deliver; however, if he mailed the package after that, I think he was wrong to use holiday language as a way to gather traffic or bids.
Yes, everyone has a life outside of eBay (at least I hope they do  ). I don't want to get involved in his personal life nor prevent him from enjoying the holidays; I just want him to do business in an honorable fashion.
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borgt
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posted on December 28, 2000 08:10:42 PM new
rarebourbon: Sounds like you're right on. Let us know how it turns out!
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nofishing
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posted on December 28, 2000 08:47:36 PM new
I ordered something online that was shipped on 12/13. I was worried that I wouldn't receive it in time for Christmas but it finally arrived on 12/23.
Give the seller a break. It's not their fault the post office was overwhelmed.
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fonze
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posted on December 28, 2000 11:04:56 PM new
As my mother would say if you really needed it By Christmas you should have gone to the store and then you wouldn't have had a problem. I have 30 winners on 12/14, I don't take Paypal. Some people hoped it would be there by Xmas but they didn't upgrade to Priority shipping and didn't get their payments right to me so I guess they didn't really need it by Christmas and I've had no complaints. Maybe your seller had many items to ship. Get with the holiday spirit and give them the benifit of the doubt, Christian compasion etc.
Do You Sell?
fonze
Oh P.S. I made no promises, this was my Third Christmas on eBay. I am so wise now!
[ edited by fonze on Dec 28, 2000 11:08 PM ]
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rarebourbon
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posted on December 29, 2000 03:25:10 AM new
Yes, Fonze, I sell. But I don't have any compassion, Christian or otherwise, for businesses or sellers who say one thing and do another. Integrity is number one in my book.
I'll give this seller the benefit of the doubt if he did what he said he would do -- ship within two days of my payment. If he shipped after that, then the egg is on his face. I may not leave him a neg but I sure won't do further business with him.
You reap what you sow, no?
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fetishtemple
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posted on December 29, 2000 11:31:35 PM new
rarebourbon:
Glad my buyers didn't neg me! I mailed six auction packages on 12/20.
They were mailed Priority Mail from the Main Post Office in Detroit. Four of them, one to CA and one to NY arrived on 12/23.
Two of them; one in FL and one right here in Michigan didn't arrive until 12/28!
They were correctly addressed, had the correct postage, etc... they were just sitting somewhere all this time.
It was out of my hands. The USPS is allowed 30 days to deliver Prioirty Mail.
Give it a few days. It is too bad the seller can't make time to communicate with you on a regular basis though. That alone would have made me nervous about completing the transaction with them.
Good Luck!
Dee
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valeriet
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posted on December 30, 2000 12:37:51 AM new
I won an auction for a book for $1 on November 25. This was going to be a gift. The seller did not answer emails all month of December and I gave him a negative on Dec. 26 (didn't want to neg on Christmas). Got an email from him today that he is going to "ship it soon." Glad I negged him. I don't care if he negs me back.
--
http://www.valeriet.com
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rarebourbon
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posted on January 11, 2001 06:28:07 PM new
Hi all ~
Here's an update on my situation (since someone asked) and I'm still wondering what kind of feedback to leave!
I found out from the seller on January 4th that the item was shipped on December 23 via Priority Mail (four days later than his EOA said he would send it, with obviously no chance of reaching me by Christmas, despite his statment that it would make a a great holiday gift).
When I told him it had not arrived, he replied, "I will assume it is missing in the mail system and I will replace. Please confirm your address and I will
ship insured this time."
Ok, so I get the second package today (1/11/01), it is postmarked 1/8/01, and it was sent regular first class, no insurance.
Would a neutral be in order here or should I be kind since he "replaced" at his own cost?
Can I file a claim with the PO after 30 days has past for the other shipment, or does the seller have to do that?
Just curious, but how many of your Priority Mail pieces have been lost in the mail during the Christmas season?
Thanks!
rarebourbon
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libbyparsons
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posted on January 11, 2001 06:39:10 PM new
rarebourban ~
I have had 3 people email me this week stating they had not received their items, which were mailed just before Christmas via Priority Mail from the main post office in my town. They all paid PayPal and I'm probably going to be refunding them because I do not want to lose my PayPal account over merchandise that was not delivered, even though it was sent.
So it's not just you, obviously.
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london4
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posted on January 11, 2001 07:27:15 PM new
rarebourbon, What evidence do you have that the seller mailed on 12/23? Another scenario is that the package mailed on 1/8 was the first time s/he mailed. If I sold this item to you, I wouldn't assume that it was lost forever after 16 days; the post office has a 30 day wait before they will even start to look for a package. Just think the trouble and money the seller could have saved by a 35¢ del. confirm.
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rarebourbon
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posted on January 11, 2001 07:41:59 PM new
london4: The only "evidence" I have that the original package was shipped on 12/23 is the seller's statement that is was shipped that day. That's all I have to go on. So I am sure the package I received, dated 1/8, was the so-called second package sent after I complained about not getting the first. (If indeed there was a first package...)
You're right... one little delivery confirmation sticker would have saved all this anguish. He charged me enough "shipping" to cover DC, certainly...
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chococake
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posted on January 11, 2001 07:49:13 PM new
honestjon - Ha, you're here I was just saying on another thread what happened to you. You haven't been posting about De Anza Flea Market and I was wondering if you had been going.
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MrJim
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posted on January 12, 2001 04:46:14 AM new
There is a big difference between "makes a great holiday gift" and "guaranteed delivery by Christmas"
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