Buying and Selling on eBay: Tips, Tricks, Problems & Questions

[caseyfud]

see if you can send a message to him that gets him to admit that the shirt is correctly tagged. the last time a buyer filed a claim against me because the item didn't fit, I won because he started out his first message to me with "the shoes just arrived and are as described" and then made up some theory about how they must have been tagged incorrectly at the factory because they didn't fit.

 

[VLSI]

Sounds like solid advice, just sent him a cheery kiss ass message to bait him. I know it's not spoo level problems, but this **** still rubs me the wrong way.

 

[ruben]

In all my listings, on ebay's listings page I go through and give the weight of the package, check yes that I ship, select the services available, and use the "calculate price by weight" or whatever.

Yet, I get inundated with "How much to ship to Germany/Ukraine/Japan/Thailand/Canada etc etc. The past few time I've listed it's been on over 1 in 4 listings.

Is there some reason ebay isn't showing the price? or are they just not seeing it. How can I stop all these stupid questions?

 

[VLSI]

And it continues...

Thank you for expressing your concern about the item. What is the size tagged on the shirt? This item is indeed covered by buyer protection, and I will do my best to assist you.

Hello ... Per your title line and the tag in the shirt "Tagged Size XXXL"

I never bought TRUE RELIGION and thought it to be a premier brand. Apparently shirts from Asia are not the same as the USA. This shirt is WAY too small for me, but XXXL may work for a smaller Asian. XXXL in the USA is not the same. I can return it. I sell on ebay too and dislike the occasional unhappy person who wants to "work' the Buyer Protection Plan. Best bet is a refund after I send it back.
Thank you and best regards,

Loosely translated: "I sell **** too, and I hate when buyer's try to game the system. By the way, I'm going to game the system so you better take a return because 'MURICA where I'm free to be fat, unlike them skinny Asians."

Where the pictures of two separate tags both displaying the word CHINA not clear enough? Sounds like he really just has remorse for supporting overseas goods (because he's a capitalist and not some socialist liberal pansy of course).

*edit again* Any suggestions for replies welcomed. Thinking about just telling him that I'm unfamiliar with the return process and would like to follow official channels so would prefer if he could open the case. I'll fight this one, Brian, don't like being extorted like this even if I risk my 100% feedback. $50 was fair market value for the shirt, so doubt I could score a major win by relisting anyways.

 

[Dolfan954]

And it continues...

Loosely translated: "I sell **** too, and I hate when buyer's try to game the system. By the way, I'm going to game the system so you better take a return because 'MURICA where I'm free to be fat, unlike them skinny Asians."

Where the pictures of two separate tags both displaying the word CHINA not clear enough? Sounds like he really just has remorse for supporting overseas goods (because he's a capitalist and not some socialist liberal pansy of course).

*edit again* Any suggestions for replies welcomed. Thinking about just telling him that I'm unfamiliar with the return process and would like to follow official channels so would prefer if he could open the case. I'll fight this one, Brian, don't like being extorted like this even if I risk my 100% feedback. $50 was fair market value for the shirt, so doubt I could score a major win by relisting anyways.

I would definitely give eBay a call, as Brian suggested before moving forward in any form. You need to know the risks involved in fighting. If eBay says they will win, fighting sounds great in principle but results in you losing your money and the shirt. Is losing an additional $30-$50 worth it?

Does True Religion post measurements to their sizes? Maybe reply stating that you listed the size correctly and that if he buys brands he has never worn before that he should have checked their size chart.

Here is a link to their size chart. It doesn't have a 3XL, but does show a 2XL to be 44-46" chest measurement.
http://www.truereligionbrandjeans.com/size_chart.htm

With that said, I have added a disclaimer stating that I do not accept returns for improper fit. If they want to make sure it fits, ask for measurements. I wonder if that would help eBay decide in my favor, but it should scare buyers away from trying. This guy sounds like a scumbag and I hope you win if you fight it.

Edit: I have found the best deterrent for returns is to actually have a return policy but charge a crazy "re-stocking" fee. I have had a couple of people make bogus return requests and luckily, after explaining my policy to them (them paying return shipping and the crazy additional fee) they just don't reply or return it.

 

[FaceOfBoh]

I am going to suggest what Dolfan suggested at the bottom of his post - like others say, just suck it up with the refund and you have your shirt back to resell, maybe at a higher price. BUT charge him a restocking fee, plus make it clear he is responsible for getting it back to you (i.e. he needs to use tracking) and you are not refunding the original cost of shipping. All of that is perfectly reasonable and what any bricks and mortar retail establishment would do. That way you have some ammunition if it comes back to bad feedback.

This is the wrong guy to fight something on principle with. He sounds like a conspiracy theorist: once you address one hole in his argument he'll simply find another detail and hone in on that one, and so on, and so on...

PS I've used what I've suggested twice, once to process a refund, once the buyer passed - and both times got excellent feedback. I also recommend doing it early, while you're in the kiss ass phase, I don't think it'll work if the conversation has turned antagonistic.

 

[HansderHund]



http://www.ebay.com/itm/121062004566
How do I even respond?

"Yes, please open the case, you fat ****"

That's the only reasonable response coming to mind.

*edit* I do actually need help on this. On one hand I want to tell him that the buyer protection program doesn't cover items that don't fit and that he should be more careful when buying final sale clothing online, especially in a size that isn't his own. On the other, I just want him to open the case saying that the item didn't fit so hopefully I'll get an easy win.

I'm really sorry that you've got a crazy on your hands, but that quote is hilarious. I'd personally agree with these two:

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

I would definitely give eBay a call, as Brian suggested before moving forward in any form. You need to know the risks involved in fighting. If eBay says they will win, fighting sounds great in principle but results in you losing your money and the shirt. Is losing an additional $30-$50 worth it?

Does True Religion post measurements to their sizes? Maybe reply stating that you listed the size correctly and that if he buys brands he has never worn before that he should have checked their size chart.

Here is a link to their size chart. It doesn't have a 3XL, but does show a 2XL to be 44-46" chest measurement.
http://www.truereligionbrandjeans.com/size_chart.htm

With that said, I have added a disclaimer stating that I do not accept returns for improper fit. If they want to make sure it fits, ask for measurements. I wonder if that would help eBay decide in my favor, but it should scare buyers away from trying. This guy sounds like a scumbag and I hope you win if you fight it.

Edit: I have found the best deterrent for returns is to actually have a return policy but charge a crazy "re-stocking" fee. I have had a couple of people make bogus return requests and luckily, after explaining my policy to them (them paying return shipping and the crazy additional fee) they just don't reply or return it.

I am going to suggest what Dolfan suggested at the bottom of his post

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

- like others say, just suck it up with the refund and you have your shirt back to resell, maybe at a higher price. BUT charge him a restocking fee, plus make it clear he is responsible for getting it back to you (i.e. he needs to use tracking) and you are not refunding the original cost of shipping. All of that is perfectly reasonable and what any bricks and mortar retail establishment would do. That way you have some ammunition if it comes back to bad feedback.

This is the wrong guy to fight something on principle with. He sounds like a conspiracy theorist: once you address one hole in his argument he'll simply find another detail and hone in on that one, and so on, and so on...

PS I've used what I've suggested twice, once to process a refund, once the buyer passed - and both times got excellent feedback. I also recommend doing it early, while you're in the kiss ass phase, I don't think it'll work if the conversation has turned antagonistic.

I've had a rough week on ebay. I was going to get a few items out later than I have listed on my handling time, so I let them know. No responses until the end of the week when they all ask: "Where is my package?!"

One guy didn't send me a message and instead just left negative feedback, my first ever. It simply says "paid and never got the item." I immediately sent him a message explaining that it would be a bit later and that I had given him the tracking info. No response. I saw that he received the tie a couple of days ago and sent him another message asking him if he was happy with it/sorry it was late/would you mind revising your feedback?

What's the story with ebay removing negative feedback again?

Next is a teenager (I'm sure) that has sent me a message every day asking where his package is. It was sent over a week ago to Germany and it normally only takes 3-4 days. I told him that I called the post and they said that snow likely delayed it. I made sure he had the tracking info to follow it. He continues to email me every day even though the tracking is continuously updated. It's now in southern Germany. Why don't people understand that I'm not driving things to their house and that I have no idea why the post seems to be using camels to bring packages to his house.

 

[VLSI]

I called ebay as recommended and she said that I should win the case, but I believe she was really just reading off the policies. Still haven't been impressed with their phone support -- maybe you get directed to a better call center since you sell a much great volume, Brian.

Anyways, decided to fight this jackass

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Hello ... The shirt finally got here today and I am disappointed. I like the shirt BUT cannot get it on. I usually buy LLBean 2xltall and they fit perfectly. This one has okay sleeves but I cannot even button it. It seems this shirt was made China and has Ceylon on the attached tag.
I read your no return policy, but I see it is covered by eBay Buyer Protection. Do you want it returned for $51 credit or shall I make a claim?

Thank you for expressing your concern about the item. What is the size tagged on the shirt? This item is indeed covered by buyer protection, and I will do my best to assist you.

Hello ... Per your title line and the tag in the shirt "Tagged Size XXXL"
I never bought TRUE RELIGION and thought it to be a premier brand. Apparently shirts from Asia are not the same as the USA. This shirt is WAY too small for me, but XXXL may work for a smaller Asian. XXXL in the USA is not the same. I can return it. I sell on ebay too and dislike the occasional unhappy person who wants to "work' the Buyer Protection Plan. Best bet is a refund after I send it back.

I am very sorry to hear that you are unhappy with this shirt. It is highly advisable to know your size and measurements when buying clothing online, and if you were unsure, you should have contacted me prior to purchasing this item. As you know, I do not accept returns as stated on my listings and am unable to provide you with a refund.

Most sites that sell clothes list sizing information ... yours did not. Furthermore with two different labels stating two different countries of origin and the condition of the tags, I am led to suspect this shirt was bought and sale and listed as new with tags. You say you are "unable" to provide a refund. Translated that means you would rather not provide a refund. A $51 dollar shirt from a reputable manufacturer usually fits as advertised. I will apply for the Buyer Protection from eBay. Sorry you feel okay about this.

I will await the case.

Yes, I bought the shirt on sale from a store! And then I had the audacity to list it as new with tags because it was ******* new with tags! And I even turned a profit #capitalism

How can he sincerely believe that he is correct here? He seems genuinely convinced that I conned him. Does he realize how many clothes for the US market are made in Asia? Pretty much ******* all of them.

Oh cool, he just opened the case. Should be a slam dunk, but who knows with ebay.

The messages between the buyer and me should cover explanation of the problem. I bought a 3XL western shirt with the expectation it would fit. The tag looks original, but I wiped off the residue from a prior tag to reveal a $146 retail price which is consistent with prices for True Religion shirts, however the XXXL shirt is so small, the buttons are not close enough to be snapped shut. In short, the Asian XXXL is possible meant for the smaller Asian user because XXXL in the USA easily fits me. LLBEAN 2XL shirts fit perfectly. In my opinion, the Seller's description should have listed sizing information or at least a notice that imported shirts run smaller than a USA made item.

Need to craft my response carefully nonetheless. Any thoughts? Basically just he admitted it was as described, not his size in an unfamiliar brand, and that two of the pictures clearly indicated it was made in China.

 

[caseyfud]



I called ebay as recommended and she said that I should win the case, but I believe she was really just reading off the policies. Still haven't been impressed with their phone support -- maybe you get directed to a better call center since you sell a much great volume, Brian.

Anyways, decided to fight this jackass


I will await the case.

Yes, I bought the shirt on sale from a store! And then I had the audacity to list it as new with tags because it was ******* new with tags! And I even turned a profit #capitalism

How can he sincerely believe that he is correct here? He seems genuinely convinced that I conned him. Does he realize how many clothes for the US market are made in Asia? Pretty much ******* all of them.

Oh cool, he just opened the case. Should be a slam dunk, but who knows with ebay.
Need to craft my response carefully nonetheless. Any thoughts? Basically just he admitted it was as described, not his size in an unfamiliar brand, and that two of the pictures clearly indicated it was made in China.

Looks like he's trying to claim the shirt was intended for the Asian market, which you'll have to refute.

 

[VLSI]

He thinks that only because it was made in China And frankly, I made no claim about where it was intended to be sold, although it definitely was more the American market given that I picked it up at Saks Off 5th.

 

[HansderHund]



I called ebay as recommended and she said that I should win the case, but I believe she was really just reading off the policies. Still haven't been impressed with their phone support -- maybe you get directed to a better call center since you sell a much great volume, Brian.

Anyways, decided to fight this jackass


I will await the case.

Yes, I bought the shirt on sale from a store! And then I had the audacity to list it as new with tags because it was ******* new with tags! And I even turned a profit #capitalism

How can he sincerely believe that he is correct here? He seems genuinely convinced that I conned him. Does he realize how many clothes for the US market are made in Asia? Pretty much ******* all of them.

Oh cool, he just opened the case. Should be a slam dunk, but who knows with ebay.
Need to craft my response carefully nonetheless. Any thoughts? Basically just he admitted it was as described, not his size in an unfamiliar brand, and that two of the pictures clearly indicated it was made in China.

I'm sorry I can't offer any real advice, but please keep updating this situation. It really makes me cringe just reading about it.

 

[Tweets]

Ebay needs some rule about if you open a case and you lose, you're banned for x number of days...people would think twice about abusing the system if there was some punishment. Sellers have very little rights on Ebay.

 

[VLSI]



I'm sorry I can't offer any real advice, but please keep updating this situation. It really makes me cringe just reading about it.

Will do! At least someone is enjoying this debacle -- I could personally do without it. Just responded and escalated the case. I tried to steal verbiage from ebay's terms on buyer protection so help make their decision a little easier. May our ebay overlord make the right choice.

The shirt was described consistently and accurately throughout the listing. The buyer admits that this shirt was listed correctly as a XXXL. He stated that this is not his usual size and that he is not familiar with the brand, but he chose to buy the shirt regardless. Ebay's buyer protection does not cover items described accurately that do not meet buyer's expectation. If he had questions regarding the item, he should have contacted me prior to purchasing it and I would have been happy to assist him. A large portion of clothing sold in the USA is made in China. Furthermore, there are two separate pictures in the listing that clearly display that the shirt was made in China, so this should not have been a surprise to the buyer. I purchased the item from a USA based retail store. The message history between the buyer and me clearly illustrates and reaffirms that the shirt was as described. The buyer has acknowledged my no return policy but threatened to “work” the ebay buyer protection if I did not accept the return.

 

[gettoasty]

How do you guys package suits / orphan jackets & trousers? Do you assume people who are buying them will know they will need to get clothing ironed out?

 

[VLSI]



How do you guys package suits / orphan jackets & trousers?

Jacket gets folded (the inside out way) and put in a 12x15" white poly bag. Pants folded and put in same kind of bag. Then both bags go into a regional rate A box.

Do you assume people who are buying them will know they will need to get clothing ironed out?

Yes