Oh, and another eBay learning experience.

[valis2]

I put up these magazines I bought when I was around 10-13 in lots of three. Guy from Italy sends me a message asking me if I can ship to Italy. Sure, I replied, it's $12. Well, he gets three lots, and I think, hmm, this is going to be more than $12 shipping, but I've already quoted him $12, and he doesn't seem to understand English really well, so I just go ahead and invoice it at $12. It turns out to be $25 shipping.

I should also mention that these mags seem to sell for $5-8 each on eBay, and I did lots of three, and started them at $0.50 each to get the bidding going. So the Italian guy got three lots at $0.50 each, and they cost $0.70 each to list. So you see, I am already out $13 + $0.60 + Paypal fees, etc.

The address seemed a little strange, but it had an apartment number, so I just went ahead and shipped it EXACTLY as it was listed in the Paypal payment notification.

It came back.

I sent an email explaining, and I tried to be very clear. I typed out exactly what was in the invoice. He replied with: "I beleave mail has returned... You did not write my name in the address!! How can it got me?" I replied again with "This is exactly what YOU have listed with Paypal."

I thought about it and thought about it, and finally chalked the whole thing up to a learning experience and shipped it again with the name on the box. Another $25. An expensive learning experience.

Then someone told me, "You should have refunded him his money and not sent it out again." *headdesk* Some days I really am obtuse.

Comments

[snapesforte.livejournal.com]

I had an annoying experience with ebay a couple of years ago, and have not visited since.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Yes, I have a feeling that many people have had the same reaction.

Despite my very clear shipping/billing instructions on each and every auction, at least twice a week I have a message waiting that says, "Do you combine shipping?"

Despite my very clear descriptions, at least twice a week I have a message that could have easily been avoided had the prospective buyer actually read the description.

Despite my brain telling me that this is not a great way to make money, my wallet insists on trying anyway.

[cantatrix05.livejournal.com]

Then someone told me, "You should have refunded him his money and not sent it out again." *headdesk* Some days I really am obtuse.

Sometimes being a nice person really bites, doesn't it.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Absolutely. I sent an email to him yesterday, and I was a bit short, but still civil. Not that it matters, I don't think he'll understand what I'm saying anyway.