posted on April 8, 2002 08:10:09 AM new
Received an email yesterday from a customer who just won one of my items. He included a link to a site describing the legal ramifications of internet fraud. FRAUD??!!! I have over 500 net feedbacks with only one neg in 2 years. He stated he was protecting himself. This am I received an email concerning the .50 handling fee I charge in my auctions. This is very clear-I make no attempt to hide this. The winning bidder after realizing that he had to pay an extra .50 emailed me calling me a racist and bigot. He states I am charging him more because he's black. How in the Hell would I know that and why would I care?
posted on April 8, 2002 08:18:16 AM new
maybe you should tell him to start a BLACK-bay where the sellers and buyers are ONLY BLACK. I'm sure he will never have a reason to complain then.
posted on April 8, 2002 08:43:48 AM new
My question to him would be, how the heck does he know that you are not also a black person? How could you possibly know that he was black? Was his user name imablackman?
posted on April 8, 2002 10:05:19 AM new
We got a note with a payment this week that read "I advise you to reinspect this item before shipping it to me. If it is not in the condition you described in the ad email me this fact and return my check. I inspect all items very carefully and match it to the description. If this item is not exactly as stated I will expect a full refund including postage. I have been the victim of deceptive sellers for too long. Check the item and then recheck it. Your feedback depends on it."
I wanted to just call the whole thing off, his feedback left looks like he is nver quite satisfied.. I took a chance and sent the item.
You have to wonder, why do they bother with Ebay at all..
posted on April 8, 2002 10:38:27 AM new
You need to confront these people. They are trying to make themselves feel better by stealing your energy since they lack their own. When you confront them you will find out they are wimps. They will learn they can not steal your energy and will have to build it on their own. They learned this game when they were kids and it works for them. When they realize it doesn't work anymore to bully others they will stop.
When someone is rude to me I immediatey void the sale and return their money. Game over. I would not allow anyone to steal my energy because it just makes me angry, tired and dread wanting to sell.
posted on April 8, 2002 10:40:34 AM new
"You need to confront these people. They are trying to make themselves feel better by stealing your energy since they lack their
own. When you confront them you will find out they are wimps."
That's a good way to put it. I do feel sapped of strength and drained after a full day of dealing with wackos and deadbeats.
Confronting them with a phone call would probably work.
posted on April 8, 2002 10:42:01 AM new
It does seem they are all very critical these days! Maybe it is all the negative news where every day there seems to be more stories about internet auction fraud.
I am thinking about adding a line to my TOS stating "Please check the photo carefully before placing a bid to see if the item meets your expectations."
posted on April 8, 2002 10:46:31 AM new
I agree with quickdraw29 and would want to return the payment also and just have it over with as they have more or less insulted you and your integrity.
posted on April 8, 2002 10:55:29 AM new
These wacko's aren't necessarily bad people, it's their energy is out of balance. So when you confront them, treat them with some respect, avoid name calling. Explain what fraud is, and why your situation doesn't classify as fraud. Usually they will apoligize for overreacting, and they will explain their fears.
I still void their sale even after confronting them because I don't think they will change their behvaior overnight and I don't want to be drained further.
posted on April 8, 2002 11:24:32 AM new
Yes, the wackos are in force. It's amazing how they all come out of the woodwork at the same time.
I had one gal send me a nasty email because her item hadn't arrived and it was now 4 days after the auction ended and Priority Mail takes only 2-3 days. I reminded her that Sunday's do not count in the 2-3 day delivery occassions and asked her why should would send such an impatient email. I reminded her that she should have thought about and paid for Next Day or 2 day delivery if the delivery was such an urgency.
I'm all for quick turnaround of orders and believe that customers are entitled to good service, but the expectations of many buyers out there are completely unrealistic. If they require instant gratification for their purchases, they should just purchase their products from retail stores and not over the internet.
I also recevied two emails this week from buyers claiming non-receipt of their items. A quick deliver confirmation check revealed that delivery attempts were made, but the recipients were not available. Notices were left by the Post Office and were not responded to by the customers. How about a little due diligence on the part of the buyers? The hand holding is getting quite exhausting!
I had another clown DEMAND a refund becuase he admittedly found the item cheaper in another auction. He threatened negative feedback if I didn't agree. I told him to go right the hell ahead with his note and that I would reserve the right to post an accurate and honest message of really happened in the transaction. He further threatened and I again replied that I do not succome to threats and reminded him that I did not appreciate the tone and content of his nasty messages.
I used to worry about appeasing the many idiots that parade around the internet making unfair demands of honest sellers. A few months ago I changed my policy and told myself I would not allow people to take advantage of my company with unfair demands and threats. I now say NO to these people, as it is the response that is truly deserved!
Customer service remains important to us and customers that know how to honestly and productively resolve issues that arise are treated very well by us. We bend over backwards for them and the efforts always end up being appreciated by these buyers. As for the rest of the rude, inconsiderate, poor mannered, angling, clueless, impatient and unrealstic buyers who do not know how to properly send correspondence, they can take their behavior somewhere else, as I'm simply will no longer tolerate it!
There are many who will read this email and will say that the problem lies with us. However, I believe that the true high volume sellers will know where we are coming from in this public note. Never in my 16 years of being in private business have I ever seen a selling platform that contains such inherent self entitled abuse from customers. My message for these thugs is to take it somewhere else, as you aren't going to push your way into taking advatage here!
posted on April 8, 2002 11:48:37 AM new
How many of you have a business name as your ID on ebay?
We have noticed that on our website our customers have never been demanding, they place an order and then just go away. There is a minimum of e-mails and so far I have never had a complaint (knocking on wood here) even though we charge higher for shipping and handling and put less of a description than we do on ebay.
I changed my ebay user ID a couple of years ago to our business name. I then noticed that I got fewer e-mails discussing weather, or how so and so's aunt visited my town, etc. Now I seldom get a demanding customer or one that tells me how to package, etc.
Do bidders respect and trust us more and abuse us less if we go by a business name?
posted on April 8, 2002 12:07:59 PM new
My friend and I were just talking about this. It seems lately there ARE more nuts crawling out of the wood woork. Lately I have had 2 bidders complain about their items and the complaints were things listed in the ad. People need to read my description and TOS. I clearly state that items are used unless other wise stated. I had a lady recently who wanted to give something she bought from me as a gift, and wanted it to be new. How would I know that she wanted it for a gift. i never once stated that it was new,or mint or even in good condition.
The Black thing that was posted here is just the topper!!! People need to stop this crud,how does he know you're not black too!
posted on April 8, 2002 12:15:36 PM new
It definately goes in cycles...as if some signal goes off that only wackos can hear. I cringe when I get one because I know it is the leader of the pack. The Surgeon General recently stated that 1 in 5 US residents is certifiable, this his appeal for more attention to mental illness. Not news to interent commerce users.
On Friday, March 22nd I had a $10 sale, with shipping. On Monday, the 25th, buyer mailed a card that I received on Thursday, the 28th telling me that he had sent payment and wanted the item sent to his address. I hadn't received payment so I emailed him and told him I hadn't but would get the item out when I did and requested email contact. I get an indignant email telling me he had a copy of his receipt, etc...the usual I get when someone is trying to scam me out of a small item. I got an email saying to wait a few days. The next day (Friday, 29th) I get an email telling me "OH MY" I do not see a money order receipt and he hadn't sent payment after all and that he wasn't trying to be dishonest or cheat me out of the item or anything like that. He asked for my address (yes, the same one he sent the card to). I sent the info again and waited waited a week. On April 6th I emailed him to tell him I had not received payment just to stay in touch since his card arrived so fast. He emailed me to say he didn't know why it hadn't arrived but wait because he was having a problem with another seller, too. At this point I am ready to quit although I have been through this many times. Today I got a "buyer requests total" email from ebay. I resent my end of auction notice with total and address. I emailed him to let him know. Then I got an email telling me he got his payment back for incomplete address and he needed my address... still same day, remember. This was several hours after his buyer requests total email and my response. A few minutes later I get another email telling me to diregard because he thinks he has it right this time and he hopes I am not getting too frustrated. I agree with the customer service comments. I ran store fronts for many years and have been selling online for seven years. My user name here, driving me to drink, is wishful thinking since I am not there yet. All this over $10...Jack Daniels where are you?
posted on April 8, 2002 12:30:56 PM new
Lately and I do mean only lately I have seemed to attract my fair share of nut cases. I recently received an e-mail accusing me of fraud and stating the authorities will be notified including but not limited to eBay Paypal, the FBI, US Postal Inspectors etc. This is over a $3.99 item with $2.55 shipping & handling. I mean the buyer in this case certainly is justified after all it was only 6 days from the date they paid me and with feedback rapidly approaching 3,000 with over 400 of those transactions being repeat customers I can understand their major concern of being defrauded.
My reply to these idiots is usually professional stating that the mail is not what it used to be before 9-11 and delivery is taking a little longer. Priority Mail does NOT mean 2-3 days delivery any more and is not guaranteed as such. Once in a while I add do you really think if I was going to defraud someone it would be over a transaction less than $6.00. Don’t you think common sense would dictate I would be offering VCR’s, a computer, or digital camera’s at hundreds of dollars and then not deliver. Do you think it is really worth the risk of losing my eBay account and or having to deal with any authority or consumer agency over $6.00. I tell them think about it. I’ve been selling on eBay for three years and have a reputation. Do you really think I just plan out didn’t deliver your item so I could scam you?
Normally I get an apology stating they have been taken several times by sellers on eBay. I can understand because so have I. But to flat out be rude and ignorant to a seller when an item is late or you have a question about the transaction is ridiculous. In closing my e-mail to these jerks in a professional way I tell them they should always contact the seller if they are concerned. I go on to say they should be courteous and non-accusing since the majority of us are honest and do most certainly care about customer service and satisfaction and a letter like they sent does nothing but alienate an honest seller and can cause them to get angry, which does not help the situation.
In most cases when I receive letters like this the buyer’s package ends up being delivered the next day or so. In a few rare cases not at all and I have had to re-send it but boy some of these e-mails are vile and down right nasty over such a small amount of money.
posted on April 8, 2002 04:06:09 PM new
>>"I have been the victim of deceptive sellers for too long. Check the item and then recheck it. Your feedback depends on it."<<
kyms
These types are always a victim. They get taken to the cleaners once or twice (because of their own carelessness) and after that they are fully prepaired to be ripped off by everyone. They usually are confrontational from the first email and are impossible to please.
They have no business buying online because they don't have the mentality for it.
posted on April 8, 2002 04:47:07 PM new
I don't know why we are surprised by these people. This is American, got to have it now, consumerism at its finest...
The average consumer has totally bought into the CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT falacy. They think that this gives them license to curse, threaten and otherwise make asses out of themselves.
This is not limited to people selling on the internet. Has anyone here ever waited in a beanie line?
I remember shop owners being cussed out because people were indignant that they had to wait in line, because, they ran out of the product before they could get to the counter to purchase one, because the tag had a crease and they should be allowed to pick the one they wanted. I remember shop owners eyes as grownups had tug of wars (all the while screaming obscenities) over the last beanie bear left on the shelf.
posted on April 9, 2002 05:11:43 AM new
I've been scammed twice since November out of a measly $5.50. (Not same item/seller). Both had good FB. 1st one got NARU'd, this one hasn't yet. I've give on on getting an e-mail or item.
posted on April 9, 2002 05:32:19 AM newYou need to confront these people. They are trying to make themselves feel better by stealing your energy since they lack their own. When you confront them you will find out they are wimps. They will learn they can not steal your energy and will have to build it on their own.
------->
My energy has been recently and completely diminished by my evil mother-in-law.
posted on April 9, 2002 06:05:41 AM new
quickdraw,
I like your comment about people stealing your energy and bullying. It reminds of a book I read, "Dealing with People You Can't Stand (How to Bring Out the Best in People at Their Worst)".
I went to the P.O. today and asked the desk employee to leave a message for the Post Master. Her response, "He's not here this week, and he never does me any favors, so you'll have to tell him yourself when he gets back."
Next time I'll remember she's just using her bullying crap and not let it steal my energy.
posted on April 9, 2002 09:36:50 AM new
I think the anonymity of the Internet, combined with the "personal" nature of eBay auctions, contribute to the problem. Customers seem to think that once they have your email address they own a piece of you, even for a $5 transaction. I work in a retail store and deal with hundreds of customers a day. The incidence of whackos is minimal, far less than dealing on eBay.
posted on April 11, 2002 12:08:38 AM new
So glad i read this thread...It's not just me..i have never had people act so screwy...lady buys item..super low price..i ship it so fast,secure,,had taken 4 pics of it..& mentioned very plain that the lid had a chip...apparently she cannot read,,cannot look at the photos..& i knew better than list this..i even put "use for a vase without the lid" why did i even put it in the picture...? LOL never again..gheesh now she sent it back(UNINSURED) good grief..don't even wanna go there..i got it ok..now she wants the item price,& shipping fee, & I will have to pay for her shipping it back to me..well in 3 years never went through this..lucky.... i have perfect feedback...i have apologized..even though it was obviously her mistake..&..you don't get a "sorry,.thank you " nothing from these "small" people.they like to have the power over you...
thanks for the comment about the energy..she sucked it out like a vacuum...ok...i will be ready next time...good luck ...seems like the last few weeks has been a full moon every nite..weird..
posted on April 11, 2002 12:45:18 AM new
timetravelers
I feel for your situation. It seems that people are unable or unwilling to read. Some ignore the description and pictures entirely. They would have to!
We let people know up front that if we make a mistake, we will pay shipping, but if the mistake is theirs, we refund bid price only. (I'm thinking of changing this to bid price - all fees incurred)
We have never had negative feedback because of this policy in thousands of transactions.
[ edited by outoftheblue on Apr 11, 2002 12:48 AM ]
posted on April 11, 2002 12:51:18 AM new
I like this thread! I have sure had my share of wackos lately. It's like...ebaying isn't fun any more. Buyers are being so weird! Hey quickdraw. I'd like to know - how do you "void a sale" on ebay? I know you can do it on Yahoo, but I thought you were stuck with the high bidder on the Bay except in the case of non-payment. Can you enlighten me, 'cause there's one lady I would loooove to drop the hammer on. Thanks.
posted on April 11, 2002 01:33:48 AM new
I just email the buyer and flatly state "your sale is void, please don't send money." If they had already sent the money I just tell them "you are rude, and your sale is now void, I will refund your money plus stamp." I never get an argument from the buyer after that.
You can get at least a partial refund on the FVF because the buyer violated your terms, which is "no brain, no heart, no service."
posted on April 11, 2002 06:27:47 AM new
I was having alot of these type problems in the past and had never really had a TOS in my auctions. Late last year I added (after having several clueless bidders) a lengthly TOS and included this--"By placing a bid on this item you are stating that you have read the entire auction listing and all your questions have been satisfactorily answered". I then email this with any after auction complaints the buyer has and inform them to re-visit the auction to see the TOS. That is if the complaint is not valid. I really dont know if the TOS has made the difference but it seems to end the unfounded complaints.
posted on April 11, 2002 07:11:47 AM new
joseph310,
--"By placing a bid on this item you are stating that you have read the entire auction listing and all your questions have been satisfactorily answered".
posted on April 11, 2002 11:23:01 AM new
Ebay has always refunded the FVF to me in these instances. As long as they give you that option on the FVF refund page, I can't see why they would object.
I just put ALL RIGHTS RESERVED in my listings. So I do reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. Ebay has never requested me to provide any TOS info. They don't have the man power to check up on these things. But ebay does send an automated email to the buyer asking them if the info I provided is correct, and if not to click on this "X" link. I assume no buyer has done that to me. However, the email they send the buyer always goes like this: "Your seller has notified us that you have not sent payment.." So I could see how a buyer may get confused and file a complaint, although ebay does not like to get involved with issues on seller's TOS.
[ edited by quickdraw29 on Apr 11, 2002 11:32 AM ]
