posted on September 13, 2001 01:33:24 PM new
I need a really good comeback for the next person who writes wanting to know why their package hasn't arrived.
I mailed about 30 items on Monday afternoon. So far today, I have gotten two rude letters wanting to know why theirs hasn't arrived. Do these people live in a hole in the ground? So far, I've politely pointed out that the planes are grounded and mail may be delayed. But I'm getting tired of being patient and want a response that would be unique and pointed without being rude...suggestions?
By the way, if you have an Albertson's grocery in your town, they are matching any donations you make to the Red Cross.
posted on September 13, 2001 01:42:47 PM new
Actually, Im alittle peeved at a seller for using what happened on the 11th as an excuse, that is, until I reminded him that I sent payment long ago, and if he would have shipped out like he said he was going to do, it would have arrived way before the 11th, and it would have, since he said he shipped on the 4th (3 day priority).
posted on September 13, 2001 01:54:12 PM new
Gotta come up with some answers...I had a winner of auction on 8-27, finally on 8-31 they acknowledged they'd been on a mini vacation...how strange they were able to bid on other items on the 28, 29 and 30th. Well here we are Sept 13, 16 days later no $$. The fact that he had from 9-1 thru 9-10 to mail his payment doesn't faze him...wants to know if I haven't heard of what has happened in NY? Duh, yeah, so? I guess he hasn't mailed his payment yet, he never answered the question.
No planes carrying mail since September 10th
I guess you should be running those little suckers all over the country by car!! Happy trails to you!
posted on September 13, 2001 02:07:04 PM new
I, too, just had a customer e-mailing me complaining that her package hasn't arrived, saying "i never received item #000000000, i sent payment quite a while ago."
Her payment arrived on 9/5, and her package was shipped on 9/6, which was Thursday -- 5 business days ago (and really, I don't think Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday should even be considered business days, seeing as how airlines were closed).
I had even e-mailed her on 9/5 to let her know that her payment had arrived, and that her package would be shipped the following day, so she knew what was going on.
I explained to her that the airlines had been closed and that delays were to be expected since everything was being shipped "ground". And sent her a link to the USPS web page so she could see their official statement.
She just now wrote me back and said "i'll wait till tuesday." Sheesh.
Bad thing is, this is an item that sold for less than $2.50. A hobby-type item -- nothing critical to one's existence.
Double sheesh.
(left out a word)
[ edited by thedewey on Sep 13, 2001 02:11 PM ]
posted on September 13, 2001 02:08:31 PM newARRRGGHHHHH!! I just got another email from the above turkey, "What no Paypal?"
In 4 point letters, contrasting color, paragraph separated I state:Sorry No Paypal or Credit Cards. This is a $7.95 item, I'm gonna send him on a fact finding mission to Afghanistan!!
posted on September 13, 2001 02:15:10 PM new
You know, I don't think everyone makes the connection between mail and airplanes. It's one of those things that seems so obvious to most of us that we don't consider that some folks don't know exactly how the mail is delivered. Or maybe they think it's delivered by... a large network of underground pneumatic tubes? Or a Postal Genie?
posted on September 13, 2001 02:20:07 PM new
At the post office yesterday, some woman was IRATE that her letter wouldnt be FLYING out ASAP and yes, she was YELLING. I calmly told her where to stick her letter. She left.
posted on September 13, 2001 06:01:23 PM new
I asked my mail carrier today if things were "slow" and she said that the only thing that slowed down was Express Mail and that 90% of mail delivery is still by truck. Go figure. I've been so caught up in the events of the week that my bills that I was working on Tuesday were still sitting at the desk today so I thought nothing of dating the checks 9/10. I'm sure plenty are doing the same thing for arguement sake. But I'm sure they'll get to their destination on time.
posted on September 14, 2001 03:59:17 PM new
Dear Buyer,
Thank you for your email. I think I may have an answer as to why your mail is being delivered more slowly than usual.
I don't know if you were watching, but on Tuesday, a big plane made boomboom on a very big building in New York.
Because of the big boomboom, all the big metal things you see flying in the sky (planes are what we call them here) weren't allowed to fly. In case you weren't aware, the only way the PO can get packages across country in 2-3 days is by putting them on these miraculous metal winged flying machines.
Since they couldn't fly, your mail has been delayed.
If I may be of any assistance to you (do you need to learn to tie your shoes?), please don't hesitate to email me.
posted on September 14, 2001 04:47:27 PM new
sadie999, that is a good one! So far I've received no complaints about slow mail (knock on wood). Some bidders are rude, some are strange, some are just plain scary!
posted on September 15, 2001 06:17:59 PM new
Yeh... already I'm getting emails from folks that are impatient for their packages... the one and only toomanycomics on AW!
posted on September 15, 2001 06:36:07 PM new
Mailed Priority on the 8th (Saturday) got email today asking where her item was, said that the planes stopping didn't happen until the 11th (Tues) also expressing disgust that I have a list up for auctions...... she is giving me until Monday for her item
posted on September 15, 2001 07:37:28 PM new
Well I figured as much... they are piling up packages.... so I am getting a neg, and giving a refund Monday....
I can't understand her criticism of my listing during this time... I had to be doing something...
I also went to the P.O. on Wed and Thurs. I know those won't get to there destinations.... for I don't know how long, so I am probably expecting more email like this....
posted on September 15, 2001 09:31:10 PM new
Near the Sea,
I know we all want to provide good customer service, but please don't cave to these idiots.
Do you think Spiegel is stopping business or coughing up refunds if an item doesn't arrive on time due to this tragedy? Nope. Unlike small sellers, though, Spiegel (and other mail order companies) has a large group of customer service people who while answering these questions nicely on the phone, is probably thinking the same things we all are, "Are these idiots for real?"
You shipped as you committed to do. If her package doesn't arrive in 30 days, file for the insurance.
As to her criticism of you still selling, well, it seems to me that this hypocrite has time to worry about her purchase, so why shouldn't you be worried about putting food on your table? Also, the president is saying that we shouldn't let the perpetrators win by becoming paralyzed with fear, so I'd tell her that somehow. (And maybe add some dig about her lack of patriotism.)
Buyers who try to intimidate do win when you let yourself be victimized by their unreasonable demands. The people who check a seller's feedback see through stupid negs.
Sorry if this post seems more angry than it should, but I can't stand bullies, and email bullies like these buyers are some of the biggest cowards around.
I had one of these today about a Media Mail package, and though I was tempted to use my boomboom letter, I just explained that it takes time to get packages via this rate, and more time due to planes being grounded. I had my little Pollyanna customer service hat on when I did it, so I didn't even start the email with Dear A**hole.
posted on September 15, 2001 09:37:08 PM new
All my "late notices" that I sent out this week on auctions that closed between 8-26 and 9-1 I've been getting answers telling me it "payment was mailed on 09/10/2001".
posted on September 16, 2001 12:03:00 AM new
On 9/15/01 I recieved a payment from New York, NY that was postmarked 9/10/01. I am in the Los Angeles area, so it went from coast to coast. I gotta hand it to the PO, they are doing an extremely good job under the circumstances.
posted on September 16, 2001 12:14:56 AM new
Use the free priority mail delivery confirmation label and send a shipment notice along with the number so they can track the delivery on their own.
I have been informing my customers to expect delays in shipping due to the airline restrictions..
I sent several packages out this past Monday but haven't had anyone complain yet about not receiving it. I did not do any additional shipping this week because I felt that the packages were safer in my home than sitting at the post office or airport. I resume shipping this coming Monday.
I would remind your rude bidder that you are very sorry for the delay, but there is nothing you can do about the delay at this time. The bidder will look like an idiot if they give you negative feedback under these circumstances.
Perhaps your angry bidder is an associate of bin Laden......
posted on September 16, 2001 08:02:28 AM new
I've received an unprecedented amount of emails like the one mentioned at the beginning of this thread. I have no idea where people's priorities are right now. All the emails I'm receiving are unreasonable and all I can think is this is a sign of things to come. There are those who are experiencing an inexplicable rage and are taking it out on others in the oddest ways. I can only hope this is not a precursor to how this ongoing tragedy will affect the nation. We see unity everywhere on TV, yet percolating up on the internet are some awful examples of how this is affecting our citizenry.
posted on September 16, 2001 08:05:38 AM new
That's crazy. I've recieved emails from customers in England, Germany and Australia expressing really nice sentiments of solidarity and sympathy (I live in New York).
posted on September 16, 2001 09:09:21 AM new
No, I shouldn't cave to this buyer, and did not answer why I have current listing....
Still, again, auctions ended last night, sent out EOA's, got one pay right away with Billpoint, and he said that he absolutly needed it by Friday, his parents anniversary.
I wrote him back, and said that I will ship it tommorow, but I have no control on how quickly it will get there.
On the other hand, others have written, and said that they were not concerned on how long it took, and ended with God Bless America, which finally, was a little comforting to know that all buyers are not like the one(s) I've just expierenced.
the one and only toomanycomics on AW!