Sometimes eBay is more trouble than it is worth!

[labdogs42]

Ugh. I listed some scrapbooking stuff on eBay last week and my auctions ended yesterday. I listed the items with only one shipping option -- the $13.95 priority mail box. I did that for a couple of reasons -- I didn't have a box handy for the stuff, this one is the right size, and I was lazy and didn't feel like weighing everything and doing the postage calculator thing. I knew I ran the risk of getting less bids because of it, but I went with it anyway.

So, both of my lots sold. Then, after the auctions ended, one buyer emailed me and asked if I could send it media mail instead (before she paid me). Is this even fair? I feel like it should have been asked during the auction if she wanted a change. Other people might have bid differently if the shipping was lower. She wasn't very happy when i told her that I wouldn't change it now. Was I right in telling her that? Do you think she'll give me bad feedback now? I think I'm about finished with eBay. Every selling transaction I have done in the past 6 months has been a pain in the butt!

 

[rflorek]

I don't believe you'd be able to send it via media mail anyway. I know it's cheaper, but it is subject to PO inspection and, if the contents are not found to be media, it would be delivered postage due for the proper amount of postage.

The winning bidder agreed to the shipping terms when he/she bid on your auction. The question regarding shipping options should have been asked prior to their bid being placed.

Good luck - buyers on eBay aren't what they sued to be "back in the day".

 

[mollybug2]

I have had trouble with people and shipping, too. If it is there when they bid, then they should be willing to pay the price! I may not be 100% up on the postal rules, but I thought media mail was ONLY for printed materials like books. And it can take 3-4 weeks!

 

[robinb]

You were right to say no. she knew the shipping before she bid. Honestly I don't see how scrapbooking stuff can even be sent media mail legally unless it's just instruction books.

 

[bebelle]

I have used Ebay to sell homeschool books, CDs and DVDs. I send them Media Mail and the post office always asks me what is inside. You would not be able to mail your scrapbooking things via media mail. Hopefully ou should not get a bad review because she agreed to the original method of shipping when she bid. Good luck!

 

[robinb]

double post

 

[labdogs42]

Thanks! That's what I thought. I just think she's such a sneak for asking me this after the auction! I will be pretty ticked if she tries to kill me on the feedback. I might throw a few extra stickers into the package to butter her up. We'll see!

 

[pixiewings71]

Ya that's pretty sneaky, it won't qualify for media mail anyway. Send it the way auction stated and if she leaves bad feedback reply that your auction was clear with her shipping choice and she should learn to read completely before bidding. Sheesh, some people....

 

[SalandJeff]

More and more I see sellers putting in a comment about the shipping charges being as stated and don't bid if you don't agree with them....I guess people like your buyer are causing sellers to have to do this.

A suggestion....send her another email and tell her that you did check into sending media mail (you did check....with us ), but that the scrapbooking items would not qualify. That way she will feel that you at least tried to help her out. Just a thought.

 

[Sara*s_Mommie]

Ever since eBay changed their feedback system (buyers can't receive negative), a lot of buyer are trying to scam sellers. I've had people claim the item had defects (that weren't there) and want $ refunded, to what you're experience - griping about shipping after the fact. I don't see as much as I used to, but I put my shipping info first and require insurance to be bought. Good luck with your auction - hopefully she'll pay...even if they leave a negative, it will eventually come off your FB.

 

[aceys_h0ney]

I hope everything goes through ok for you.

I think we are done buying and selling on Ebay. My husband won two auctions last week, he was the only bidder on both so he got them cheap. Well both sellers backed out. Sure they refunded the money but this is actually the 5th time this has happened to him in the past year. One of them claims he is out of stock on the item but started another listing for the same item at a higher starting bid. My husband left him negative feedback. I won't even get started on the hassle of selling these days.

 

[robinb]

A suggestion....send her another email and tell her that you did check into sending media mail (you did check....with us ), but that the scrapbooking items would not qualify. That way she will feel that you at least tried to help her out. Just a thought.

I think this is a great suggestion!

 

[cole6179]

I wouldn't change it. She should've asked before she bid.

I think many people that do not ship often, do not realize how the price has skyrocketed over the last couple of years. I have a stroller listed and everyone keeps saying my shipping it too high. Sorry, but it's actually exact shipping and the stroller with my shipping is still less then all the similar ones listed. I'm annoyed at the emails I get. Grrrr....to ebay! lol

 

[nunzia]

Ever since eBay changed their feedback system (buyers can't receive negative), a lot of buyer are trying to scam sellers. I've had people claim the item had defects (that weren't there) and want $ refunded, to what you're experience - griping about shipping after the fact. I don't see as much as I used to, but I put my shipping info first and require insurance to be bought. Good luck with your auction - hopefully she'll pay...even if they leave a negative, it will eventually come off your FB.

You also can no longer require insurance to be bought..That was started a few months ago...saying it's our responsibility to make sure the item arrives safely. I've still been pretty lucky..only have had a few really awful buyers.
I agree that I'd say I checked into media but it wasn't allowed to be shipped that way, and the auction clearly stated the shipping price. I also offer whiners the option to cancel before I ship if I feel they are going to be trouble.

 

[Jen_in_NH]

I don't sell very often on Ebay, but I was spring cleaning and getting rid of my son's baby clothes this year. What a pain in the neck!!!! I always use the flat rate shipping boxes (so my DH won't screw it up too badly if I'm not home to do the shipping.... ), and had TONS of emails asking if I would change it. I wrote clearly in the description, several times, that flat rate was the only way I would ship, with no exceptions.

I think I'm going to stick to just having a yard sale

 

[labdogs42]

I don't sell very often on Ebay, but I was spring cleaning and getting rid of my son's baby clothes this year. What a pain in the neck!!!! I always use the flat rate shipping boxes (so my DH won't screw it up too badly if I'm not home to do the shipping.... ), and had TONS of emails asking if I would change it. I wrote clearly in the description, several times, that flat rate was the only way I would ship, with no exceptions.

I think I'm going to stick to just having a yard sale

Exactly -- I think the flat rate boxes are awesome and simple. I'm going to stick with the yard sale idea in the future, too! I give up on eBay. I'm sure not making a fortune selling these few items!

 

[Jenn4615]

I just sold some stuff on ebay aswell... after not having sold anything in years on their...what a nightmare...and between all the fees of listing, paypal and final value fees... and the fact that clearly I've been in a bubble with shipping costs... I didn't walk away with much at all! It was a waste of time in the end for me...
I guess gone are the days of the easy ebaying... and extra money!