posted on June 2, 2011 08:23:56 AM new
I have two neutral feedbacks over the last 12 months. Both are not based on facts and directly conflict with my listings.
The first is someone who complained that I didn't state that the glass was the small version... yet in the listing I clearly stated it was the small version and included measurements. You would think that eBay would remove feedback where the opinion directly conflicts with factual information in the listing, but eBay allows a buyer to LIE claiming it is an opinion. Since when is making a false statement considered an opinion?
The second was a buyer in Holland who complained that I overcharged for shipping because the item was light. They paid $33, my shipping cost was about $1 more than what they paid b/c I insured it. Why should a seller get neutral or negative feedback or low DSRs in shipping costs when they list those fees and do not alter them after the listing ended?
I completely agree that shipping is expensive, especially if a seller has to follow Paypal/Ebay rules to ensure seller protection against fraud. I understand why this policy is in place, but is it my fault that it costs $33+ to ship a package to Holland? Is it my fault that the buyer agreed to the shipping cost when they purchased the item, then complained about shipping cost after the fact?
posted on June 2, 2011 08:30:04 AM new
I agree,it is just an opinion and buyer has the rights to express his opinion.
Me thinks there are just too many sellers on Ebay and this is one way of differentiating and weeding out some sellers.
You know some sellers are no longer selling on Ebay!
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There is no 'Global savings glut',only wild horses and loose bankers.
posted on June 2, 2011 08:50:56 AM new
Its not an opinion if it is a lie.
"Item took a long time to arrive." This is an opinion.
"Seller took a week to ship item." If the postmark shows a week before it was shipped, this is a fact. If the post mark shows it was shipped 2 days after it was paid for, this statement is a lie.
"Seller overcharged for shipping". This may be an opinion, however, the buyer also agreed to the shipping charges.
"Seller didn't state this was the small version" If the listing clearly states the item is the small version and includes measurements, this statement is a lie.
There are differences and eBay can verify lies versus opinions.
My point is that another buyer isn't going to go research the facts. They are going to read the feedback or DSRs and base their judgement on that information. eBay needs to step up and protect sellers against factually incorrect feedback. They also need to eliminate shipping charge DSR altogether. Yes, you can always offer free shipping, as I do. For those who don't provide free shipping, it isn't fair to them.
posted on June 2, 2011 09:21:07 AM new
One suggestion made by the eBay CSR was to adjust the price of my item to include shipping.
Well, duh! I already do that for USA buyers by providing free shipping. Great idea, but how do I offer two different prices for the item? Say, $28 for USA buyers and $61 for International buyers?
I can provide free shipping within the USA for a $28 item, but if I offer free shipping to International for a $28 item and it costs me $33 to ship it??? I am losing $5 on shipping, plus giving away my item that costs me $10+ each.
The other option is to list the item for $61 for everyone then lose ALL of my USA buyers who won't pay that.
posted on June 2, 2011 07:15:43 PM new
It is sad that we have really no other alternative,not that Ebay is a bad place to sell,it is that anyone everyone can sell,hence Ebay comes up with 166,000 rules.
Most Ebay staff including the top brass have no experience in sales ,they need someone who is steep in merchandising to look at Ebay and map out a plan for the future.
It cant keep going like this,there is such thing as diminishing return,more rules,more gimmicks,signing up more individual sellers are not going to make Ebay more profitable.
Take a look at its stock price!
Christie and Soetheby are profitable,it is quality not quantity which counts,of course we must first have quantity before we can have quality.
It takes the same resources to host a 99 cents item as a 99 dollars item,which one would you rather host?
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There is no 'Global savings glut',only wild horses and loose bankers.
posted on June 3, 2011 07:48:18 AM new
I agree with quality vs. quantity. We recently closed our retail store so that we can concentrate on acquiring higher end merchandise.
We are renting space at two different local dealer stores, plus selling on eBay. By the fall, we will be selling through our website too.
The first dealer space has about 20 dealers and appeals mostly to a 18-30 year old crowd with little money to spend. The store is crammed with furniture, housewares, and tons of clothing. We have been there for about 36 days and sold about $2000 in merchandise within 120 sq feet of space. We put our low to mid-range merchandise there. This place is in a major shopping district, but is on the lower end of the road where there is less foot traffic. We've already had one small item shoplifted, and they have called us several times to see if we will accept a lower offer on items we are selling. Some offers are close to 1/3 less than our asking price. Basically, the business model is all about volume.
We also moved into another store just up the road with a total of 6 dealers. We have been there for 15 days and have already sold $2000 in merchandise. We put our good mid-range to high end merchandise there. This is a very high traffic location in the heart of a major shopping district. We have received no phone calls with low ball offers.
Ironically, the rent and commission at the first place is considerably higher than that of the 2nd place.
I am scrutinizing the first place very closely because I feel like it requires much more work for less return. Consider that to sell $2000 in low end merchandise requires many more sales to add up to that amount.
I also am looking at the fact that $2000 in sales for 36 days is not very good. I expect sales to be closer to $3000-4000 for the amount of space we have and items we are selling. I've been told it was a slow month. Our former employee has been selling at this store for about 1.5 years, so I value her insight.
What I see between the two locations is that the 6 dealer space probably does as much in sales per month as the 20+ dealer space. Yet the volume is much lower. The store is clean, and everyone there are professionals. There is no clothing, the quality of merchandise is very good. They have a paid sales staff that checks in with customers and offers help regularly.
posted on June 3, 2011 07:53:48 AM new
hwahwa: well put. The new rules about FVFs with shipping included rival any IRS book!! I have given up trying to sell to please Ebay and their rules. I am selling / listing items so that it is easy for me , without worrying about all the fine print in Ebay's new RULES. I am not going to bow to their dictates about free shipping unless it is reasonable and plausible to the item I am selling. I am tired of jumping through hoops.
And DSRs!! Ridiculous!! I got my TRS back after a month and if any other nasty buyer comes along, it will be gone again. Can't sweat what I can't control.
posted on June 3, 2011 09:25:39 AM new
True story:My clothes dryer went clunk one day. Husband is handy so, took it apart and determined belt had broken. After much searching and cursing on his part (he could not find part #, it was right inside the door, too obvious!!) we looked up a replacement belt on line. Price, $7.50, standard shipping $7.95. Hmmm, shipping seems high for such a light and small part, so called local brick and mortar stores, price for same item $24.50 + tax. What did we decide, order on line. Came in 2 days. Was shipping high, yes. Was value good, yes!! If this was an Ebay transaction, should I give him poor marks in shipping costs?? NO!! I knew the costs prior to placing my order. The value out weighed the fact that the supplier was making money on shipping, so WHAT!! I got it for a fair price when final cost was compared.
If Ebay gets all hot and bothered because they are not taking a % of the shipping cost, so be it, new rules are in place and this same guy could have listed the belt for $16 and still been cheaper than the local guy. So, Ebay can get their pound of flesh on shipping, but do not penalize the seller with allowing poor DRS on shipping when terms are plainly stated and you get to make your own decision prior to purchase!!
, without worrying about all the fine print in Ebay's new RULES. I am not going to bow to their dictates about free shipping unless it is reasonable and plausible to the item I am selling. I am tired of jumping through hoops.