topic Re: Asking a question? in Buying

Asking a question?

nara_120 — Thu, 09 May 2013 00:48:36 GMT

I simply asked a seller, was the item they were selling being posted in a 3kg satchel or a 500 g satchel.

Their response, 'yes a satchel'. OK, I thought my question was fairly straight forward so I replied, 'which one' to their response 'why?'

I'm not sure why it's that hard for the seller to honestly tell me which satchel they'd be using and why so curt with the replies? If I'd walked into a shop and received comments like this to a question, I'd immediately walk straight back out! Common courtesy goes a long way IMO!!

Re: Asking a question?

extra-keen — Thu, 09 May 2013 00:56:33 GMT

That is a most odd response to your question. Perhaps they don't know which one it will fit in until they have tried packing it? I certainly would have taken the time to work out; how, what when and where to give you the answer you needed.

Re: Asking a question?

kopenhagen5 — Thu, 09 May 2013 01:36:03 GMT

Maybe do just that, walk straight out of that sellers items and find another.

It may also end up being an indication of how helpful they are should a problem arise. 😉

Re: Asking a question?

shepherdsrule — Thu, 09 May 2013 07:33:52 GMT

Playing devil's advocate here, and really not my business, but could I inquire as to why you needed that information ?

Sorry, it's just as a seller I don't think I have ever had that question put to me.

Re: Asking a question?

***super_nova*** — Thu, 09 May 2013 07:43:48 GMT

could I inquire as to why you needed that information ?

Anyway, it should be apparent from $ charged what size satchel is being used. The seller might not speak English very well.

Re: Asking a question?

i-once-was-bump — Thu, 09 May 2013 09:08:25 GMT

Are you concerned about the postage being charged?

Re: Asking a question?

digital*ghost — Thu, 09 May 2013 09:22:18 GMT

The conversation could quite possibly have been confusing from the seller's perspective...

Is this being posted in a 500g or 3kg satchel? The seller could have thought that was an either/or question, requiring essentially a yes or no.

Which one? If they're the only words to your next reply, perhaps they needed clarification as to what the "one" was since they might have felt they already answered your first question.

The seller may also have selected the appropriate satchel they will be using when they specified postage - they can choose standard delivery, but they can also choose specific satchels and the weight will be displayed on the listing, so check under the payments & postage tab first to see what kind of delivery service the seller has opted to use.

Re: Asking a question?

nonny_muss — Thu, 09 May 2013 10:28:03 GMT

It's possible that the seller misunderstood but to me the original question seemed very clear.

I also think its a legitimate question, especially if the listing stated item would be sent via satchel but didn't specify a specific price. There is a reasonable difference in price between 500gm and 3kg.

As a seller I always answer questions with as much detail as necessary. I wouldn't ask why unless I needed extra info to be helpful. Like you OP, this seller would have put me off too!

Re: Asking a question?

nara_120 — Thu, 09 May 2013 10:54:02 GMT

I believe the item would easily fit into a smaller satchel but I did want to check with the seller first which satchel they'd be using. This does affect the cost of postage and I take into consideration when buying. I'd rather ask the questions first before I buy and then there shouldn't be any surprises!

Re: Asking a question?

nara_120 — Thu, 09 May 2013 10:57:43 GMT

Yes, that's why I asked which satchel they'd be using. I've had a couple of sellers in the past quote 3kg satchel prices and parcels have arrived in 500g satchels, even ones that weighed more than 500g!! I was lucky not to have been slapped with a fine from AP because the seller neglected to put their return details on it! So, I now just ask if I'm unsure.

Re: Asking a question?

zenremix777 — Thu, 09 May 2013 11:02:39 GMT

Probably not uncommon but there are alot of great sellers and I love receiving detailed replies from sellers. Even if the item is exactly the same, communication between buyer and seller can really make a difference on how the item (and transaction as a whole) is perceived. Basic customer service 101.

Still, though, you can't please everyone... Maybe they just gave up bothering after alot of bad experiences with buyers/questions.

Re: Asking a question?

nara_120 — Thu, 09 May 2013 11:03:36 GMT

My exact words were (have removed my town and postcode) ...

"Hi there.
Just wondering would this item be posted in a 3kg satchel or a 500g satchel or by some other means?
I'm in xxxxxx 32xx.
Thanks, Lee"

I though that being within hours of each other, depending on how the item was posted, it should be fairly inexpensive. I did check the postage section and it only stated that it would be sent via standard postage. Most sellers here use satchels or the click and send satchels but I thought I'd just ask anyway before I bought it.

Re: Asking a question?

nara_120 — Thu, 09 May 2013 11:06:55 GMT

The seller has now responded saying they thought I was a scammer! My question still remains unanswered, so I guess I'll just buy elsewhere.

Re: Asking a question?

*new2vintage — Thu, 09 May 2013 11:17:20 GMT

The seller is a fool. There's no reason for a scammer to enquire about pre paid bags.

Re: Asking a question?

dylan11235813 — Thu, 09 May 2013 11:28:20 GMT

I would think it was sus also (as a seller). Why do you care? except for maybe paying more for postage, which no doubt includes a handling fee...

Re: Asking a question?

i-once-was-bump — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:05:39 GMT

It is your right to clarify all details before purchase and you have done the right thing if the cost of postage is unclear so why they thought you were a scammer is strange.

As for the "Why do you care?" question, what is wrong with wanting to know upfront what exactly the buyer will be paying for in the way of postage method?

A lot of buyers would care.

Re: Asking a question?

dylan11235813 — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:21:36 GMT

It is your right to clarify all details before purchase and you have done the right thing if the cost of postage is unclear so why they thought you were a scammer is strange.

As for the "Why do you care?" question, what is wrong with wanting to know upfront what exactly the buyer will be paying for in the way of postage method?

A lot of buyers would care.

A 500g over a 3kg really. I do agree but who cares with paypal protection

Re: Asking a question?

dylan11235813 — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:22:56 GMT

insert "so called"

Re: Asking a question?

peternt2001 — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:24:27 GMT

i have seen thread after thread and comment after comment, telling people they need to ask all the questions they need BEFORE they make a bid. Now we have a thread telling a person who has asked a question, that it seems strange that they need to know what sort of satchel their item would be posted in . You cant have it both ways, tell them to ask questions before they bid, and then when they do tell them that it seems a little sus as to why you would need to know that information.

It seems clear to me, from what the OP has posted, the seller has left the postage price blank with the exception of stating standard postage. So the OP would like to know what the postage will be if they win, will it be a 500gm satchel or a 3kg satchel.

If the OP came in here and started a thread stating they had won an auction but they were charged too higher postage fees, everyone would be telling them ask before you bid.

Re: Asking a question?

dylan11235813 — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:39:19 GMT

Yep