posted on November 17, 2003 06:11:17 PM new
Just received an email from a bidder who won a maternity denim coat from me. Says it's too big, wants to return for a refund.
I very clearly state not only the size, but *all measurements* as well when selling clothing.
I want to meet her halfway, and would be willing to refund, but not including postage, and less my listing and fvf (call it a restocking fee?). Does this sound fair to you guys, or am I just suffering burnout from dork bidders and being a hard*ss? It's been a rough week.
(now off to answer the email from the bidder who BIN'd an auction and now wants to know if I'd be willing to wait for payment)
posted on November 17, 2003 06:20:17 PM new
Hi Deana,
No, you're not being unreasonable. Sounds fair to me.
You might consider letting her know (ever-so-politely, of course) that if she just waits a month or two the darn thing will probably fit just fine. Of course it could end up being too small and then she'd be asking for a refund next March!
But, given the mood you're in, it might be a good idea to wait a bit.
Lucy
(Who became an immense beached whale with each darling little child...)
Watch the donut, not the hole.
posted on November 17, 2003 06:27:19 PM new
From a bidder's POV, unless you put a restocking fee in your auction, I wouldn't feel right about a refund adding it after the fact.
Am I wrong? My own policy does not mention it, and I also say contact me to figure out the problem. So, I suppose, thinking out loud, that I could add it if I wanted to do so. Also, I say, it's an auction not a mall, but I can see why you'd want to do it!
hmmm
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 November 17, 2003 06:39:36 PM new
I don't think there's a way to make these people happy. They're probably shopping on eBay because they are no longer welcomed in any of the stores in their area!
posted on November 17, 2003 06:56:08 PM new
LOL Cheryl!!
Okay for all you wanna know "why" types. According to one of my favorite astrologers:
Mars, Planet of Anger is opposing Jupiter, planet of justice this week.
So we will all be getting our share of the riff and maybe giving some raff in return. (Except for some very lucky sagie's who are supposed to feel wonderful.)
(There, now yall feel better?? It will go away soon.) :0~
ps: I dont think youre harsh. You're right people have to come to know what EBAY is. Its not Macy's and if you want to return stuff, go shop there and pay 60-80% more for the item. Hell, thrift store will not take exchanges or returns. Ever buy something there and stuck with it? oh well...
[ edited by neroter12 on Nov 17, 2003 07:01 PM ]
posted on November 17, 2003 06:56:20 PM new
Maybe I'm a little too harsh, but if someone bid on an item and I had all the measurements listed...I would have a hard time allowing them to return it for a refund of any kind. I recently had someone buy an item and when she received it, she said, "Oh, this wasn't 'exactly' what I thought it was" and requested a refund. My reply... "Sorry, but no". People need to start asking questions and not assume anything. If all sellers start returning money to people who decide things like...I don't like the color, I knew the measurements - but it still didn't fit - It doesn't match my decor. Am I being unreasonable here?
In all honesty, my first reaction was to shoot back a reply of "Didja bother to pay attention to the measurements in the auction? No? Well, so sorry, no returns"
I took a break and walked away, and decided to at least try to make both parties satisfied (though I'm going to end up being slightly less so). I do try to make customer service one of my priorities.
When it gets down to it, I guess the 3.00 we're talking about here really isn't even that big a deal. It's the principle of the thing..I honestly believe that more and more bidders think they're dealing with Land's End and not individual people.
I don't say anything either way about refunds, but this might be a good reason to start.
I'm also considering a $5.00 a week late fee for those who want to "wait a few days" before paying Think it'll fly?
Thanks for the advice folks! It's nice to be able to get a second opinion when your judgement is clouded by the red you're seeing.
posted on November 18, 2003 11:38:54 AM newFrom a bidder's POV, unless you put a restocking fee in your auction, I wouldn't feel right about a refund adding it after the fact. Am I wrong?
Yes.
Just because a refund policy isn't written in the auction doesn't mean there isn't one. The buyer should never assume that they can return it or return it without some kind of restocking fee. If they have questions about returns, they need to contact the seller for those terms. If then, and only then if they don't agree, they should not purchase. It works the same way at any b&m store. You will find many store that don't have their return policy posted or posted in an easy to find location. That doesn't mean they don't have one. Next time you go to the grocery store, look for their return policy. Bet you don't find it. But if you ask their customer service rep, you will find that they do have one.
posted on November 18, 2003 11:54:20 AM new
First of all, there is nothing wrong with a "restocking fee"even if it isn't listed in the TOS. Secondly, why should you give a refund? If the buyer can't read your specs, then TS lady.OK so maybe you will get a neg. That isn't the end of the world. I quess I am getting cynical in my old age, but I have no time for these complainers. There I have vented & feel much calmer.
posted on November 18, 2003 11:21:50 PM new
Okay, here's another thought...If I buy from B&H I know I am going to have a restocking fee. It goes with the territory. I go to Nordstrom's and if I return a blouse I would be surprised by one.
Now I am just wondering who uses a restocking fee? Do they/you mention in in your auction or not?
I guess if I was going to have one, I would at least say "refunds subject to auction fees incurred"
That sounds fair.
J
Think it'll fly?