Bad rag? The hankie saga continued...

themerchantsofvintage

themerchantsofvintage

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Feeling quite demoralized. In the last week, I emailed the buyer of that novelty hankie I sold three weeks ago (and bragged about) twice - four days apart - knowing it was delivered a few days after the auction. Such a wee little thing at such a big price, I wanted to make sure they were happy. I finally got this response:

"I got it and was not happy with it but cannot be bothered to return it. It had a worn spot whihc was not mentioned in your description."

Could I have missed something? Perhaps, but being so small I would think it would jump out - I ironed, put it up to the light etc. And after that response I supersized all the photos I took and I, nor my husband, can see any imperfection.

One side of me feels I'm being taken for a ride and the other feels that maybe I did miss something.

How would you handle this? Offer a credit?

Normally, I'd say over 90% of transactions are smooth, but these past few weeks it seems to be the reverse: two buyers arguing shipping charges after winning (and its written in the terms and conditions); one wanting me to lie on customs forms (I gave them their money back); another contacting me a month later to say something is too small; a deadbeat buyer etc. etc.,
 
Oh Deborah, what a pain. I totally understand the wanting to know, I am just the same and sometimes it kills me waiting!

I really don't know what I would do here - They are stating that they cannot be bothered to return it, hence not contacting you? I don't really get it.

Shall think on this...
 
My first reaction would to not do anything. He already has said he will not send it back so you cannot see the damage he is talking about. I doubt he would have time to take a picture for you.

At the most, I might offer a credit or free shipping on his next purchase...that is, if you hear from him again. Otherwise, I would be quiet as a little mouse.
 
Thanks guys.

It's funny you say "he", Linda, cause I get the feeling it's a man, but they have never signed off with a name and I mailed to a company. "He" or the company buy a lot of hankies and other linen.
 
I must agree - there has been no request for a refund, and clearly there isn't a return in the works.

If you wanted to be nice, you could certainly offer free shipping on a future purchase.


Hollis
 
Thanks, Hollis. My problem is I want to be overly nice and give them a big credit, but that's just a knee jerk reaction as I easily feel guilty whether I'm in the wrong or not. So silly, but I tossed and turned trying to get to sleep last night because of this...
 
I have come to the sad conclusion that there is a very very small minority of people who will complain about something know matter what you do. Ebay or not.

I have had my fair share of sleepless nights with the odd customer kicking up a big fuss. I deliberately say that in the past tense.

So I am now a lot more clued up.

At some convention that I have attended over the years one or two people looking at my products have criticised what I sell very heavily and making inquires after to fellow stall holders it turns out that these people do just the same to them.
These people make it a life time job to complain, and criticise no matter what you do or say you simply cannot please them.
In my experience if a person has a genuine problem with the item they will bring it to your attention very quickly in hours of receiving it and most will meet you 1/2 to solving it and will go away happy and buy again. A very small number will not let you resolve and they want to fall out with you.

One customer I fell out with a few years ago and he said that he would never buy from me again. This year to my surprise he ordered again. So I can only think that he had forgotten all about our previous problems, but I had not that, just goes to prove that some people in live are just like that.

Personally if a person has not complain then do nothing.
Do not loose sleep.

As for customs..... I think I am right in saying there is something about that in the EBAY help files, point him in that direction.

I also point out that If I did that and the items was inspected by customers he is also liable for prosecution and it would be automatically confiscated. then I add in the it make the insurance null and void then say it against the law do you want to brake the law.


I agree also with every one who has posted above.
 
Thanks, Paul. Yes, I'm movin' on... DH thinks if there really was a problem the buyer would have contacted me immediately, or as you say, same day.

I'm really going thru quite a time... I went to pack & ship a fur coat this morning and the lining got caught on something (I'm a veritable bull in a china shop sometimes) and it now has a 2" tear ARGGGGG! Near mint to very good in a second. I'm awaiting an email from buyer:no:
 
Oh, dear, looks like you are getting your share of the rain!. That hankie was tops, and they were probably just feeling a little guilty for spending so much on a tiny square of fabric.

I agree with the others, send a nice email offering a discount on any future purchase, and then relax and forget about it.

Lizzie
 
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