Question
I smoke, but do not list that in my auctions. Never had a problem until two items I shipped recently. Both buyers complained of the smoke smell.
The first I refunded her payment. As of now, no feedback has been left. This second one I just got an email from her about the item. The problem is, she left a positive feedback, but the last of her comment was: "Beware of strong smoke smell!!" before I could even answer her request for a replacement or refund.
I do not have one to replace it with, it would be easier and less costly even if I had one to just refund her money. What would you do?
Answer
I would write her a note explaining that I did not have another to replace the item & I'd send her a refund.
And add her to my blocked bidder list. http://community.here.com/infopop/em...on_biggrin.gif
Answer
The one that left feedback already wouldn't get much sympathy from me I'm afraid, because they didn't give me a chance to make things right before doing so. So, to answer your question (and to borrow RD's line), I'd tell 'em to pizz up a rope. http://community.here.com/infopop/em...icon_smile.gif
Unfortunately, I've had a lot of experience with this topic. Smoking has 'broken' my sniffer, so even though I try to point it out when something smells of either smoke or other odors, I can't always detect it. My auctions now contain a disclaimer that I can't guarantee my items are odorless. It might be something you want to think about.
Answer
It depends on the item.
If it's something where the smoke smell won't come out and it makes the item unusable, I'd be inclined to give a refund.
Something non-porous where the smell is probably more on the packaging and the item isn't materially affected, or something washable, I'd only give a refund if they shipped it back and I'd only refund the bid price.
Peace,
Sadie
Answer
Regardless of the feedback, this buyer didn't get what they purchased because of the smoke smell. So they should either get a replacement or a refund. If you don't have a replacement, then they should get a refund.
Answer
Would you put in your auctions that you do smoke if you were me? Out of all the transactions I have done, these two were the only times I have heard back from buyers about the smell. Buyers either didnt' notice or didn't tell me about it.
Both were softside lunchboxes, the first one really tried it sounds like to get the smell out, used Febreeze and a baking soda paste...let it air out. I just sell lunchboxes during back to school time, other times I sell items that aren't cloth or plastic.
Answer
When I first started buying I picked up a sterling silver charm.
I didn't think to check if it was from a smoker. In fact I don't even know if she had the info in the auction.
When I received the package it was horrible. I mean really bad.
I didn't even have to open the package to smell the smoke.
I soaked it for a few days and got rid of the smell. I left her positive feedback. I did not email the seller. I never mentioned the smoke smell. People seem to be very sensitive about this issue. And after all, I didn't think to check the auction for smoking or non smoking.
Now I try to remember to check. Some of us have allergies.
I have a load of legos I picked up and forgot to give them the sniff test. When I opened it container it was obvious it was from a smokers home. I have tried several things but I still can smell the smoke. They are in the garage away from my other legos and ebay items.
If and when I list them I will state in the auction they are from a smokers home.
I know there are tons of ebay smokers who won't care if their legos smell like smoke so I am sure someone will buy them.
As for your buyer, I would be niffed that they didn't email first before leaving feedback with that poke in your eye remark. But I would probably refund her money. Block her for sure.
Ebay About Me & Auctions
Answer
Blondie,Is there anyway of putting all your auction items and packing materials in a smoke free place,like garage or storage? To be on the safe side, I use to pack everything in plastic bags.
Answer
The bidder should have contacted you before leaving feedback. If they are so concerned about smoke they should have asked before they bid if it was not stated in your description. I have stated that my home is smoke free but I do not know if the item came from a smoke free home. Never had a problem.
I have in my TOS that they are to ask any questions BEFORE they bid, and this seems to help some. Some don't read the whole auction like this one I had a couple of weeks ago but anyway if I was you I would probably refund the money but see if he/she can remove the feedback first.
diann
check out my auctions
Answer
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>leaving feedback with that poke in your eye remark.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
That really surprised me that feedback had been left, especially with that remark at the end of it...more surprising was that is was a positive. The whole feedback said: Item arrived quickly, just as described. Beware of strong smoke smell!!
http://community.here.com/infopop/em...icon_frown.gif
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Blondie,Is there anyway of putting all your auction items and packing materials in a smoke free place,like garage or storage? To be on the safe side, I use to pack everything in plastic bags.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Looks like I will have to try that. I do have some things on my porch now, but mostly shipping supplies. Plastic bags sounds like a good idea too. I've tried to be careful and have an air cleaner right next to my ashtray on my desk where I smoke, but guess that didn't help enough....or at some point the item was in a place where there was no air cleaner.
I did refund her money on it and also blocked her as a bidder.
I am moving in October and now am wondering just how much of this stuff I should take with me. I will be more careful in where I keep my items from now on though.
Thanks for all your thoughts on this.
Nancey