As usual, eBay woes

[valis2]

Every time I get a message from an eBay member I break out in hives, I tell you.

(This does make me feel doomy about making eBay so important in my life...)

Long story short--this person feels that I didn't include the "book" with the game. I immediately replied, "Did you check the packaging?" and I also asked them which was missing--the book or the map or both.

Listen, I've learned that a lot of people do not completely inspect the box. I know that sounds patronizing and evil to ask that question, but it's true.

I didn't hear anything back for a day and a half, so I emailed again, asking if they had found the book or map.

I received a reply finally (this morning) that the book was missing (but they did not clarify whether the map was missing (I HATE IT WHEN PEOPLE DO NOT PAY ATTENTION TO DETAILS (though I recognize the irony in that statement))) and a bit of not-quite-strong language wanting a refund or at the very least a refund for the book part. (Why does it matter if the map was missing? Well, they were together. So if only one is missing, that's strange. If both were missing, well, then, I might have shipped them to somebody else, though I doubt it highly.)

So I responded by refunding the entire purchase price (but not the shipping) and I said:

Normally I would wait for one more email just to be certain that the book or map is not there before I send out a refund; I've had people overlook things before only to find them later (multiple times, actually).

However, you are clearly upset about this issue, so I've just processed the refund (but not the shipping charges).

Thanks and have a nice day!

What's your opinion, flist? Was I too nasty? patronizing?

Comments

[ms-hecubus.livejournal.com]

If I got the email I'd probably think you were a little bit of a bitch but would let it go because I got my money back. At worst I'd not leave feedback for you. Although I do know how to check packaging and read emails so I doubt we'd be in that situation. ;)

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I was being a bit passive-aggressive, definitely, and I felt a bit bad about it after I sent it--but honestly, how difficult is it to answer the single question I asked? That makes me crazy.

I mean, clearly I want to communicate, or I wouldn't have sent two emails in response to one.

Thanks--I needed to hear that.

[ms-hecubus.livejournal.com]

I think the guy was being a tool, clearly. I'm just trying to look at it from his perspective. He decided you were trying to screw him before you responded to the first email. There's really nothing you could have done to change his mind. He'll be happy with the refund and it's possible he's too dumb to pick up on the passive-aggressive tones. :) I wouldn't worry too much about it.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I really hope that's the scenario. Because I honestly don't want to talk further.

I just wanted him to know that I was bending my usual rules. Not that he'll care at all. So--an exercise in futility, as always.

The video game sales I've made rarely leave feedback, too, so all in all, it's been useless.

[ms-hecubus.livejournal.com]

That sucks. Ebay used to be such a community type swap meet. It's gotten too big for its britches.

[ook.livejournal.com]

He decided you were trying to screw him before you responded to the first email.

I've been accused (directly and indirectly) of running scams on eBay by 3 different buyers (who knew full well when they bid on my auctions that they could pay with money order only). eBay sure has changed. People now automatically assume they will be ripped off. :P

[ook.livejournal.com]

I forgot to add "In the last MONTH." :P

[valis2.livejournal.com]

When I first started, I received a threatening email from a guy who was convinced that I had another ID and was bidding just to screw over his wife. That was quite eye-opening.

This round of video games was rather nerve-wracking--I ended up with at least three people who begged me to let them send MOs after they won the auction, despite the Paypal Only portion of the listing. *rolls eye*

[ook.livejournal.com]

Well, I see nothing wrong with taking money orders (of course), but it's people who insist on paying with checks that really irk me. I've learned to just accept checks if the check is for a fairly small amount and the Buyer has been on eBay with a few years with a lot of feedback.

I just had someone win an item for $330 and I'm expecting them to renege on paying. It's so weird, they've been on eBay for 4 years and yet only have zero feedback. I guess if they try to renege then they'll end up with a -1 feedback which will keep them from bidding on a number of auctions. :P

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Well, I see nothing wrong with taking money orders (of course), but it's people who insist on paying with checks that really irk me.

MOs are fine with me--but my auctions don't say that. People who contact me before they bid--well, I have no worries. People who contact me after? Well, that means they didn't read the listing, and that's what makes me pull out my hair, because it doubles the chances of someone being put out about what they receive.

I just had someone win an item for $330 and I'm expecting them to renege on paying. It's so weird, they've been on eBay for 4 years and yet only have zero feedback.

!!! Wow, that's crazy! I'd be so worried. I can't imagine that they're going to pay for it! (Sorry to be doomy!)