Question
OK, I'll admit that I've been doing ebay for a while. Used to sell some and buy about as much. But the last few transactions have left me rethinking why I bother with ebay. One item (supposedly) was shipped somewhere else. After a couple of weeks I contacted the buyer as to where the item was. She admitted a mistake and refunded through Paypal. Next was an item that was described as perfect, but alas wasn't. It was low cost (and at least I did get it, so I let it slide). Then came 2 transactions that were perfect! (Yeah) The last item was for a computer program on cd. I won the item on 10/08 ... paid for it through Paypal on 10/09. To date I have not recieved it. I'm sorry but I don't feel like being polite anymore.. I just sent an email to the seller that said
Hi! On 10/08 I won your ebay auction # *******. On 10/09 I paid you through Paypal. To date, I have NOT recieved the merchandise. Before I report you to Ebay, Paypal, and leave you negative feedback, can you tell me where my merchandise is?
Was that too strong? Am I being a Basturd? The Buyer from hell? Or do sellers need to inform buyers what the he!! is going on ...
You know ... for items that aren't rare, it just might be better to purchase off the web or B&M for a few $ more and screw the hassle of ebay.
Am I pissy or what.
Bob
/rant mode off/
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Is Ebay going down the Toilet?
Well, as a stock holder ever since eBay went public, I hope the stock is not going in the toilet. However, that said, I am about to sell my shares at a good profit. I will not look back.
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Was that too strong? Am I being a Basturd?
Yes
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ouch Bob.
Wasn't that the weekend Paypal was goofy?
Maybe write back to the seller and ask if they have received your payment?
Just to calm the waters a bit.
was it mailed Media or Priority?
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Bob, I don't know where you've been but IMO eBay has been slowly going down the toilet for at least the last two years.
Blanche
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You know, when I was selling, as soon as my auctions ended I contacted my buyers by email thanking them and supplying payment info. As soon as I recieved payment, I would email an acknowledgement and another thankyou. When I shipped, I would email and give shipping info including tracking codes if applicable. I called it service. I have yet to hear from this seller. The Pay Now buttons and Ebays attempts to isolate the buyers and sellers, has killed service and is making the whole ebay experience unfullfilling.
Just my personal opinion.
Bob
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What are the seller's shipping terms?
Where is the seller. Where are you? How was it being shipped? What is the expected ship time from them to you?
If it was coming via Parcel Post, I'd not be surprised at 10 to 14 days, especially with Columbus Day in between.
Was his processing delayed by the 2-3 days of PayPal hell as well as by Columbus Day?
Has the seller sent you tracking info in a prior email that you could check yourself?
You owe some info before you blast this seller publically, here or via feedback, etc.
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Summerbeemeadow ... see my post up there ^^^^
By the way ... the seller did respond, apologized for the delay, and said that the item was sent "a couple of days ago" by UPS. I don't know about you, but if I was sending a cd I would not choose UPS to do it, we'll see. Anyway, at least I got my FIRST email from the seller.
Bob
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I sent a ? to seller on 10-3 about combined shipping, received a prompt response, so I bought 3 items, and paid immediately with PP. I have not gotten any response to several emails since, nor have I received my items. And seller has racked up 4 negs for 'no response, no item' now... And 1 positive... LOL! I wasn't terribly worried about the 0 FB when I bought; I started there, too, but now... This don't look too good... I could live with it if it were just slow shipping, but the lack of communication gets me. I keep in touch with my buyers, and always thank them for their payment! Granted, ebay has made it very difficult, but I still try to keep it personal.
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Originally Posted by Bob
...when I was selling, as soon as my auctions ended I contacted my buyers by email thanking them and supplying payment info. As soon as I recieved payment, I would email an acknowledgement and another thankyou. When I shipped, I would email and give shipping info including tracking codes if applicable.
As a Seller I still do all these things, every time.
As a Buyer, I immediately email the Seller, provide shipping info, etc, even if they use Checkout... if I pay by PayPal I email them to let them know, or if by check/MO that it has been sent... and yet another when the item is received to let them know that I'm happy and have left Feedback (or that I'm not happy and can we try to work it out).
I called it service.
I couldn't agree more.
The Pay Now buttons and Ebays attempts to isolate the buyers and sellers, has killed service and is making the whole ebay experience unfullfilling.
AMEN, BROTHER!
I think the "old ways" perhaps are still practiced more in the Antiques and Collectibles categories where I buy and sell, than in the "rest" of eBay, but less now than before. I agree with bhearsch that the last two years has seen a steady decline, not simply in the quality of service and support from eBay, but also in the quality of goods offered, and the quality of the Sellers and Buyers themselves.
I think it's primarily the effect of the ever expanding numbers of inexperienced Buyers and Sellers who just press the available button but have no experience or particular interest in anything beyond that level of interaction.
Sounds, elitist, I know. It probably is.
Anyway, your initial question was, "Is that too strong?"
No, I don't think so. You didn't call anyone any names, suggest that they had the IQ of tree bark, accuse them of deliberately stealing your money. You presented the calendar progression of events (as you saw them) clearly and succinctly, and followed it with a reasonable question and a reasonable response in the event that a reply was not forthcoming.
Sure, the tone was harsh. If not, why not?
No, I don't think it was too strong. I think it was right there on the edge, and given the present state of buying and selling on eBay, I'm afraid that's exactly where it needs to be too much of the time.