@cremo1 wrote:
The language barrier has been a challenge already with this buyer...
What happens if someone leaves bad feedback because of something that is totally out of your control due to this Virus stuff?
Thanks
Bruce
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As for the language barrier, you could use a translation website and try to write to them in German. I've done this sort of thing before (you've been a bit unlucky to find a European who doesn't have a working grasp of English). If nothing else they'd probably appreciate that you went to the effort of trying to communicate. They may also find it amusing 🙂
As for bad feedback as a consequence of virus related delays - I'd recommend getting onto an eBay rep (or agent or whatever they call themselves). It was easier when you could talk live, but chat is better than nothing. I've found that reps will be helpful and sympathetic - I've come away with strong assurances that negative feedback would be reviewed in my favour, given that
. I have an electronic 'paper trail' of doing the right thing, communicating with the buyer, etc.
. I've refunded the payment
Get a reference number for the conversation - you can get this even with chat.
It really helps if you get the eBay rep on your side from the get-go. It's harder when you're limited to text, but as soon as they introduce themselves I always open with "Hi, (whoever) - how are you?" I'm sure this is such a rare occurence that they definitely notice it, and immediately feel more inclined to help you.
Refunding:
If you refund, make sure you use the 'problem with buyer's address' reason. It won't count as a strike against you. I've done this quite a few times lately with overseas buyers who intially were somehow able to buy despite my having closed overseas sales. None of them left negative feedback after I'd politely explained my reasons.
And lastly, though this won't help with this particular case - just stop selling overseas until things change for the better.. I did this weeks ago, when os post was supposedly still functioning, and didn't regret it Every time I used to sell a higher priced item, I'd wince when the buyer turned out to be overseas, worrying some sort of late item issue. It's a big relief to know I only have to deal with local transactions now.
Also - and I admit this might not automatically be the case for everybody or all types of items - my local sales have gone ballistic this month, which has made up for the overseas stuff anyway.
