posted on January 12, 2003 04:30:13 AM new
I had a "question for seller " email recently. This eBayer wants to know if I had the item listed in another color. I told her that I could order the 6 packages in another color and have them in within 5 days. I gave her a reduced price since she wanted a quantity of the items. She says "great ...please order, let me know when they're in and list an auction for me". I emailed her and told her that the items were in and did she want me to list them. Perkily, she replies..."that would be wonderful". I listed 6 of these at the reduced price and sent her the link. Didn't hear from her, so I sent another email....after a day or so, she replies rudely "FOUND THEM CHEAPER...TOO BAD FOR YOU!"
I checked her feedback and it's excellent. My first instinct was to reply to her email with my true feelings....then decided that the best thing to do was not reply at all, as it would serve no purpose.
I don't normally "special order" and I am thinking that I wouldn't do it again. So that I don't ramble on....the question I'm posing is: Does anyone special order? Should I require a deposit before doing so? How do others handle requests such as this?
posted on January 12, 2003 06:42:16 AM new
I've do it, but I won't even make the order till I have received pymt. in full.
If something happens you can always refund.
If they are a serious buyer they have no problem sending pymt.
posted on January 12, 2003 07:54:21 AM new
I ignore all such requests. Time and experience have been excellent teachers. I think you might be beginning to agree...
Many of our necklaces are pretty, delicate things. Invariably, starting in January, I get near-daily emails from some bride or maid of honor who wants to know if they can get eight identical necklaces for their bridal party. I'd say, sure, here's the total price, and put the jewelry aside.
Never has a one of these transactions ever been completed. Found something cheaper, I would guess.
So I thought, OK. There seems to be some demand for sets of eight matching necklaces. So I would list them that way.
Never sold a single set.
No special requests. Period.
And no "Will you watch for a [mumble] [mumble] because I really want one?"
I found a particular beaded necklace that one "customer" was looking for. She wore it one day and snagged it on a doorknob, scattering it hither and yon. And then she demanded her money back.
It's not about service. It's about not letting people take advantage of you.
posted on January 12, 2003 07:58:36 AM new
I disagree with previous posters who say you should just let it drop.
This kind of behavior isn't acceptable and someone needs to let this twit know it.
While it would be against eBay's rules for you (as a registered eBay user) to warn other sellers about her, perhaps your imaginary friend (who has a different email address) can. And should. Be sure to include the "TOO BAD FOR YOU!" quote.
posted on January 12, 2003 08:01:40 AM new
Thanks everyone, for all of the input. I guess that I knew the answer all along Fluffy, you're right...time and experience is a great teacher! I won't be falling for this one again.
posted on January 12, 2003 09:14:55 AM new
This loser has definitely been put on my "blocked bidder" list. I've been selling on eBay for several years....the blocked bidder list is getting longer and longer. Wonder if there is a limit to the number of bidders that one can block?
posted on January 12, 2003 09:53:55 AM new
I got a pretty long blocked bidder list myself. These people are on it the minute I snif a problem. As far as special orders, I agree with the guy up above ..... get the whole price first and then order it. I tend to stay clear of that anyway.
posted on January 12, 2003 10:11:19 AM new
What I do...
If there is a special order request for sizes and styles, I list the item on ebay and then order them to be sent to me by the wholesaler WHEN I HAVE RECEIVED PAYMENT. Not partial, not before, when in full.
Ebay requires that anything you sell must be shippable within 30 days of the end of auction. If you know that your supplier would get it to you within two weeks of end of auction, then you are in your rights to do it this way. I don't do this for regular auctions, however, because a regular auction is not a special order.
posted on January 12, 2003 10:23:48 AM new
I do special orders, with them paid in advance, but then I have a lot of regulars, I am also careful to follow the ebay rules as you never know who your buyer is and one little mistake can ruin the whole thing.
Hope you can return or sell your order!
I would block the person from bidding then tell them what you really think!!!!
posted on January 13, 2003 10:39:19 AM new
I had someone email me with a detailed description of what she wanted, and would I list it on ebay for her. I did, and let her know it was up. She never even bid on it... but it sold anyway.
"And All Shall be Well, and All Shall be Well, and All Manner of Things Shall be Well"
Fluffy, you're right...time and experience is a great teacher! I won't be falling for this one again.