topic Re: Global Shipping Program - do you mention it in feedback? in Buying

Global Shipping Program - do you mention it in feedback?

chezzy — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 08:40:02 GMT

Recently I had my first experience with Global Shipping, a small light weight item that would have cost USD$12-$13 by USPS First Class International normally. Instead it cost twice that and took twice as long. I have always tried to avoid GSP but was unable to in this case.

The item was despatched quickly, the item itself I am very happy with.

Was not happy that the package took a tour of America and also sat in Melbourne for a week before it was delivered.

GSP/Pitney Bowes has really let the team/transaction down I feel. Should I mention it in the feedback or mark DSR/stars

accordingly. Dilemma! What do others do?

Re: Global Shipping Program - do you mention it in feedback?

digital*ghost — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 09:07:05 GMT

@chezzy wrote:

GSP/Pitney Bowes has really let the team/transaction down I feel. Should I mention it in the feedback or mark DSR/stars
accordingly. Dilemma! What do others do?

All GSP related feedback comments and postage DSRs are removable.

Re: Global Shipping Program - do you mention it in feedback?

chezzy — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 09:16:32 GMT

@digital*ghost wrote:
All GSP related feedback comments and postage DSRs are removable.

I thought ebay 'encouraged' honest/factual feedback. I don't necessarily have to mention the words GSP or PB to get my point across....

Re: Global Shipping Program - do you mention it in feedback?

digital*ghost — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 09:25:47 GMT

@chezzy wrote:
@digital*ghost wrote:
All GSP related feedback comments and postage DSRs are removable.
I thought ebay 'encouraged' honest/factual feedback. I don't necessarily have to mention the words GSP or PB to get my point across....

On the one hand, I can see that the seller has some responsibility for their decision to use the GSP when you consider there's a lot of information available out there about it resulting in disappointing transactions.

On the other hand it still (just to me personally) seems equivalent to giving bad feedback to a seller over Australia Post issues, and that's the tact eBay have decided upon, I presume - in that a seller using the GSP has no control over how the shipment is handled once it has left them, and because everything can be proven via tracking (being a part of eBay's system helps), eBay extends some measure of protection to the GSP and the sellers who use it.

I'm not saying it's right, just saying what is - it's annoying, especially when you consider that it's perfectly fine by eBay for buyers to leave bad feedback etc over non-eBay sanctioned postal service failures, and even in their feedback extortion help pages, they say it's perfectly ok to threaten sellers with negs if an item doesn't arrive 'tomorrow' (where tomorrow is the day after eBay's estimated delivery date).

Re: Global Shipping Program - do you mention it in feedback?

chezzy — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 09:37:14 GMT

@digital*ghost wrote:
@chezzy wrote:
@digital*ghost wrote:
All GSP related feedback comments and postage DSRs are removable.
I thought ebay 'encouraged' honest/factual feedback. I don't necessarily have to mention the words GSP or PB to get my point across....
On the one hand, I can see that the seller has some responsibility for their decision to use the GSP when you consider there's a lot of information available out there about it resulting in disappointing transactions.

On the other hand it still (just to me personally) seems equivalent to giving bad feedback to a seller over Australia Post issues, and that's the tact eBay have decided upon, I presume - in that a seller using the GSP has no control over how the shipment is handled once it has left them, and because everything can be proven via tracking (being a part of eBay's system helps), eBay extends some measure of protection to the GSP and the sellers who use it.

I'm not saying it's right, just saying what is - it's annoying, especially when you consider that it's perfectly fine by eBay for buyers to leave bad feedback etc over non-eBay sanctioned postal service failures, and even in their feedback extortion help pages, they say it's perfectly ok to threaten sellers with negs if an item doesn't arrive 'tomorrow' (where tomorrow is the day after eBay's estimated delivery date).

As I understand it my seller was kinda pestered by ebay to offer GSP with their listings. They were unaware of what seems like 'gouging' for intl shipping. The seller isn't necessarily going to know about any issues if they haven't been digging around for info or it hasn't been brought to their attention. I tried to do my part in creating some awareness - sent them some links and screen shots (tracking info etc). I still feel i need to put 'something' in the feedback (other than great seller/great item) that reflects the issue....

Re: Global Shipping Program - do you mention it in feedback?

cherry*135 — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 11:56:32 GMT

Are you the poster that started a thread about buying an item delivered by GSP ( so you knew the item went from seller to a distribution point in US then its sent internationally)? You knew the problems other buyers have had using that service but still decided to try it and see what happened.

I think it unfair to leave any comments in the sellers FB and/or mark their DSR's down. It is a service they offer and you chose to buy the item knowing it was going to be sent by that service and correct me if I am wrong but you were aware of potential issues with that service before you bought the item.

Re: Global Shipping Program - do you mention it in feedback?

cherry*135 — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 12:52:11 GMT

Global Shipping Program User Agreement FAQs

How will the program affect my Detailed Seller Ratings?

........

3. If a GSP Item is delivered to your Buyer and your Buyer leaves you detailed seller ratings for shipping and handling charges or shipping time that are below 5 stars, eBay will not count those detailed seller ratings for that GSP Item against your seller performance standards.

http://pages.ebay.com/sellerinformation/ship-smart/advanced-shipping/Global-Shipping-Program/GSPUAFAQs/#830502856

Re: Global Shipping Program - do you mention it in feedback?

thecatspjs — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 14:21:03 GMT

Its soooooo wrong on sooooooo many levels.....

Re: Global Shipping Program - do you mention it in feedback?

cq_tech — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 16:06:08 GMT

Absolutely, and it doesn't give Pitney Bowes much incentive to do the right thing either.

Re: Global Shipping Program - do you mention it in feedback?

lyndal1838 — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 16:53:33 GMT

There are so many steps in the GSP where problems can arise.

The seller packs the item and hands it to USPS who deliver it to Pitney Bowes in Erlanger KY. Pitney Bowes repacks (or Not) the item and prepares the Customs forms. For Australian delivery the goods then go to FedEx and when it finally arrives in Australia it is either delivered by FedEx themselves or in the case of smaller items it is handed to Australia Post for delivery as an eParcel or an ordinary parcel.

It is a recipe for disaster.

Re: Global Shipping Program - do you mention it in feedback?

cq_tech — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 17:19:32 GMT

Which is why I can't understand why eBay feels the need to offer PB special protection against legitimate claims. In doing so, they're treating their so-called 'loyal' buyers and sellers with complete and utter contempt, and if they tried it here the ACCC would come down on them like a ton of bricks.

Re: Global Shipping Program - do you mention it in feedback?

chezzy — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 21:13:17 GMT

@am*3 wrote:
Are you the poster that started a thread about buying an item delivered by GSP ( so you knew the item went from seller to a distribution point in US then its sent internationally)? You knew the problems other buyers have had using that service but still decided to try it and see what happened.

I think it unfair to leave any comments in the sellers FB and/or mark their DSR's down. It is a service they offer and you chose to buy the item knowing it was going to be sent by that service and correct me if I am wrong but you were aware of potential issues with that service before you bought the item.

Actually am*3, I had read numerous comments/posts, I just didn't have first hand personal experience. I did want to see for myself if it was as bad as it was cracked up to be. I do believe it is, I can say this now as I have been through it myself and not just take other's word as gospel. I know now to avoid the service as much as possible for small light items and I am happy to continue to create awareness!

Re: Global Shipping Program - do you mention it in feedback?

lyndal1838 — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 01:36:15 GMT

@chezzy wrote:
@am*3 wrote:
Are you the poster that started a thread about buying an item delivered by GSP ( so you knew the item went from seller to a distribution point in US then its sent internationally)? You knew the problems other buyers have had using that service but still decided to try it and see what happened.

I think it unfair to leave any comments in the sellers FB and/or mark their DSR's down. It is a service they offer and you chose to buy the item knowing it was going to be sent by that service and correct me if I am wrong but you were aware of potential issues with that service before you bought the item.

Actually am*3, I had read numerous comments/posts, I just didn't have first hand personal experience. I did want to see for myself if it was as bad as it was cracked up to be. I do believe it is, I can say this now as I have been through it myself and not just take other's word as gospel. I know now to avoid the service as much as possible for small light items and I am happy to continue to create awareness!

So are you saying that the posters here are telling porkies when relating their personal experiences of the GSP?

Do you have to learn everything the hard way....by personal experience? And does that mean that you ignore a seller's bad feedback on the grounds that it has not happened to you?

Re: Global Shipping Program - do you mention it in feedback?

chezzy — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 02:40:29 GMT

@lyndal1838 wrote:

So are you saying that the posters here are telling porkies when relating their personal experiences of the GSP?

Do you have to learn everything the hard way....by personal experience? And does that mean that you ignore a seller's bad feedback on the grounds that it has not happened to you?

Perhaps part of me was holding out a bit of hope that I would have a good experience with it and that it might just be luck of the draw with some? Nothing wrong we me wanting to weigh things up myself rather than just running with the mob.

Anyway I have decided how I will word the feedback when I get around to it, and I won't be touching the stars in relation to postage and handling charges so all should be fine I guess.

Re: Global Shipping Program - do you mention it in feedback?

cherry*135 — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 05:53:08 GMT

I won't be touching the stars in relation to postage and handling charges so all should be fine I guess.

As I posted above, that wouldn't have any effect on the seller performance standards anyway, so not much of a 'concession' from you to the seller.

Why do you think the seller should have your message/thoughts about 'GSP' left in feedback for one of their items they sold?

Using feedback to campagin against/warn others about GSP isn't right., especially when you received the item as described and the time it took to receive it took about the same time as many others have posted in their experiences.

Re: Global Shipping Program - do you mention it in feedback?

chezzy — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 06:26:49 GMT

I have no plans to mention GSP, nor to leave neg/neutral fb or ding stars. Seller will receive appropriate feedback.

All I will say is thankyou for popping up the link for the GSP policies and faqs and I will leave it at that for now.

Re: Global Shipping Program - do you mention it in feedback?

gunnaparty2 — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 07:50:43 GMT

Maybe it has a lot to do with the fact ebay takes a slug out of the final value,so if it's a $10 item and $10 to post,they get a cut of $20,but if it's $10 item and $50 post ,they get a cut of $60.It's the same with free shipping and why ebay encourages it.If I buy small items,say cheap jewellry and its $5.00 for the item and $5.00 postage,so it's $10 with free shipping.If I was to buy 5 of these,it will cost me $50.00 so ebay gets a cut of $50.00.Without free shipping the items would cost me $25 and all put in the $5.00 package,then ebay would only get a cut of $30.00

Re: Global Shipping Program - do you mention it in feedback?

dfboy40 — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 02:49:45 GMT

Look I'm an anarchist when it comes to using the GSP.

VOTE WITH YOUR FEET.

Do not buy items where the seller only ships via the GSP. EBay will eventually get the message that the GSP in it's present form is a TOTAL FAILURE.

eBay has confirmed there is a technical issue with the GSP that buyers only get the message to 'Contact the Seller' in relation to postage costs. International buyers are being hoodwinked to believe the seller offers Priorit yPaid International when they are really offering the GSP. This amounts to misleading conduct on the seller's and eBays part because the service is not correctly described.

In Australia I'm launching legal action against eBay for "deliberate and unconciable misleading conduct" with regards to the GSP service.

Also I now contact all international sellers before I bid that I won't bid if they are offering the GSP as the only International Post service. If everyone does this sellers will get the message and untick the GSP box when they determibe there shipping method.

DO IT NOW. Contact the seller for every international item and clearly state you won't bid if they offer the GSP. Selllers can't afford to lose their international buyers.

I'm currently sending up to 100 messages a week to International sellers with the following (please copy):

Sorry I would have bid a substantail amount for this auction but I see you are offering the GSP as a poastal service. I won't bid on items where the Global Shipping Program is the poastal service. This is due to the very high cost for no benefit over thw normal cost of USPS Priority Paid International Service. Please complain to eBay that you are losing buyers due to the GPS.

Also use a similar text when providing feedback on postage costs.

YOU can bring eBay to its knees if you follow this advice.

Darryl

Re: Global Shipping Program - do you mention it in feedback?

digital*ghost — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 04:15:31 GMT

@gunnaparty2 wrote:
Maybe it has a lot to do with the fact ebay takes a slug out of the final value,so if it's a $10 item and $10 to post,they get a cut of $20,but if it's $10 item and $50 post ,they get a cut of $60.It's the same with free shipping and why ebay encourages it.If I buy small items,say cheap jewellry and its $5.00 for the item and $5.00 postage,so it's $10 with free shipping.If I was to buy 5 of these,it will cost me $50.00 so ebay gets a cut of $50.00.Without free shipping the items would cost me $25 and all put in the $5.00 package,then ebay would only get a cut of $30.00

Except that unlike here in Oz, in the US, where the GSP is limited to and only concerns international shipments, the FVF is only charged on the first domestic postage option.

Meaning if the seller posts within the US for $0, and an international buyer purchases the item and is charged $50 in postage either via the seller's own choice of postage service or the GSP, FVF is charged on item price plus $0 postage.

Re: Global Shipping Program - do you mention it in feedback?

bigbrickshop — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 04:51:08 GMT

Re: Global Shipping Program - do you mention it in feedback?

It is clearly advertised on every listing that the item is to be shipped via the GSP. Feedback should be about the transaction itself, not the method of shipping used, except if there's been a problem due to the seller shipping differently to advertised.

I recently saw feedback left for a seller where the buyer left multiple negs because items were damaged during shipping and they had to pay the cost of shipping to return the items to the seller. Why blame the seller?

Anyone buying fragile or hard to find items should try and avoid the GSP or take the risk that the item will be poorly re-packaged at Pitney Bowes and damaged during shipment.