topic Re: ITEM NOT RECEIVED - OVERSEAS SALE in Selling

ITEM NOT RECEIVED - OVERSEAS SALE

tboyallan — Sat, 04 May 2013 06:37:10 GMT

I've recently had two overseas buyers open cases against me claiming non-delivery of items purchased. They were sent by standard airmail at minimal cost which I find is usually necessary to prevent the total cost of the item being prohibitive to an international buyer. They have the option of upgrading to any postal service they wish at their additional expense. My complaints are as follows (and I've had this out with ebay too):

* I have no way of knowing if and when they do in fact receive the goods;

* Once they buy it, I no longer own it. I am obliged to post it by the postal service that they have selected and paid for. I have no control over the efficiency of any postal service;

* Though I can supply proof of postage, I was obliged to refund both these people their total payments. If for no other reason, this is because I simply have nowhere to go. It's either that or I get a black mark against me though I am totally blameless.

* Does ebay keep tabs on serial "Item Not Received" claimants? I am sure some buyers have made it an industry. It's not a bad deal when you can get the goods and your money back too!

I now insist that anybody wanting postal accountability pays for the top postal service. End of story.

I'd love to hear other sellers and buyers views on this.

Re: ITEM NOT RECEIVED - OVERSEAS SALE

annette_999 — Sat, 04 May 2013 06:56:56 GMT

I think it is better to lose a sale or two rather than losing a product every time you post O/S.

Put on proper postage, you are losing the item as things stand right now.

Re: ITEM NOT RECEIVED - OVERSEAS SALE

arcadiagp — Sat, 04 May 2013 07:06:10 GMT

Same thing here- had 3 Paypal cases opened for goods not received within the last 6 months and we don't sell that much overseas!!

So yes, I only offer Express Post International (which includes tracking) now. If it's a regular customer, I may make an exception but in the end, it's not worth the stress and time.

Re: ITEM NOT RECEIVED - OVERSEAS SALE

*new2vintage — Sat, 04 May 2013 07:12:19 GMT

I advise you to check with Aus Post and Paypal about Express Post International. I think the best option is Registered Post International.

Re: ITEM NOT RECEIVED - OVERSEAS SALE

putney32 — Sat, 04 May 2013 08:19:40 GMT

as a Seller, if you choose to sell o/s and you choose to only send by standard airmail, you have to carry the cost of the ''insurance'' yourself.

if you want PayPal Seller protection you need to follow PayPal guidelines
only you know whether or not you sell enough o/s with a good enough profit margin to carry some of the cost, or whether it is costing you too much. in which case you drop o/s selling and rely on the local collectors.

Re: ITEM NOT RECEIVED - OVERSEAS SALE

thesoulyearns — Sat, 04 May 2013 09:51:57 GMT

Simple answer, though you've probably already figured this out yourself judging by the last paragraph in your thread: If you don't provide a Signature on Delivery service, a buyer can claim Item Not Received and win. It's really as simple as that. You do understand this now and that's good. 🙂

Re: ITEM NOT RECEIVED - OVERSEAS SALE

*new2vintage — Sat, 04 May 2013 11:30:06 GMT

It now costs nearly $20.00 to post up to 500 grams via Airmail to the UK. They can post to here for under $10.00. I haven't sold overseas recently. I hope Aus Post are shooting themselves in the foot !

Re: ITEM NOT RECEIVED - OVERSEAS SALE

davewil1964 — Sat, 04 May 2013 12:20:30 GMT

Trev, you are doubtless aware that AP carry the can for delivery from OS once the item hits our shores.

So, Royal Mail are shooting AP (and us) in the foot.

Re: ITEM NOT RECEIVED - OVERSEAS SALE

*new2vintage — Sat, 04 May 2013 12:27:56 GMT

My point is that Aus Post are making it hard for us to sell overseas now - especially if you charge for Registered Post International. As for selling locally after I add a small handling fee I now charge nearly $9.00 which isn't very attractive to potential buyers.

Re: ITEM NOT RECEIVED - OVERSEAS SALE

cmcoins2000 — Sun, 05 May 2013 07:11:11 GMT

Good evening.

This is a first for me - have never bought into 'discussions' in the 7 years I have been doing this.

Since May 1 - I feel strongly enough to 'buy' in.

Those 7 years have seen a fairly 'even playing field' turn into what can almost be considered seller discrimination.

I have had PayPal debit my account on numerous occasions - for 'so called' items not received.

PayPal's policy - is - for a seller to be covered - we have to be able to provide 'proof of postage'.

This means - and no buyer understands the seller's side of that policy - we have to send - O/S either Pack & Track (which gives tracking) - $19.70 + Handling, ie packaging etc - or Registered International (no tracking but signature on delivery) - $19.70 + Handling again. (all based on under 500gms)

Bit Rich - if the item is $12.99 or even less.

Domestic - the same - Registered Post can be more than the item.

My listings - though as yet untried include - and they are terms & conditions of sale - which we are entitled to -

SALES OF $15 & OVER - SINGLE OR COMBINED - IF PAID THROUGH PAYPAL - MUST BE SENT REGISTERED POST.

UNLESS YOU ADVISE IN WRITING YOU WISH TO DECLINE THIS SERVICE.

Buyers always do their own invoice - I always email stating a thanks for their payment - but - as the listing states etc.

A buyer declining to pay the extra for tracking or signature - in writing - surely - legally - can be seen to negate any PayPal buyer protection claim.

As mentioned this so far is untried but would be an interesting 'trial' for any PayPal debit from an account.

Re: ITEM NOT RECEIVED - OVERSEAS SALE

tboyallan — Sun, 05 May 2013 10:04:41 GMT

Thanks to all who have replied so far. Your advice has been appreciated and useful. My main point is that the onus should be on the buyer rather than the seller. In any other auction situation, the item is sold as is, where is, and the buyer makes their own shipping arrangements unless otherwise advised. I have never seen a scenario such as this where the seller is responsible for the item until it reaches its' destination, even when the buyer has opted for the cheapest possible postage.

I think the seller should only be obliged to provide absolute proof of postage in accordance with the buyers' selected postal option.

With the recent increases in ebay fees, it's hardly worthwhile selling anything under $20.00 in value when you factor in paypal and postage costs too, plus the accountability. When I have to refund the item price and postage cost, it hurts. Because no one is honest enough to email a week later to say it did in fact arrive.

I do agree there are shonky sellers too so maybe standard registered post may be the answer?

Many thanks for your interest,

Allan

Re: ITEM NOT RECEIVED - OVERSEAS SALE

*sparklz* — Sun, 05 May 2013 10:14:39 GMT

If posting OS then do not give the buyer a choice of postage options.

State what the costs will be with registered post and leave it up to the buyer to make that decision of if they want to purchase at that price with that postage cost.

It does NOT cost the seller a thing to post the item as the buyer has paid for it so do not offer a choice.

Re: ITEM NOT RECEIVED - OVERSEAS SALE

*sparklz* — Sun, 05 May 2013 10:24:40 GMT

The main reason to NOT offer a cheaper postage OS is why would a buyer pay more to protect the seller when paypal is their protection.

Have the price of registered postage in the listing and let them decide if they want to purchase.

Re: ITEM NOT RECEIVED - OVERSEAS SALE

zenremix777 — Sun, 05 May 2013 10:40:48 GMT

If posting OS then do not give the buyer a choice of postage options.

State what the costs will be with registered post and leave it up to the buyer to make that decision of if they want to purchase at that price with that postage cost.

It does NOT cost the seller a thing to post the item as the buyer has paid for it so do not offer a choice.

Yep. When buying and selling, it pays (literally) to think about how you can best avoid getting screwed by either not receiving the item you paid for or a buyer making a false claim about the item.

For a $20 sale of a large letter sent with Reg. Post (putting in the exact postage cost in your listing too), it comes to $17.09 after the fees. Could be worse...

Re: ITEM NOT RECEIVED - OVERSEAS SALE

catsnknots — Sun, 05 May 2013 23:07:06 GMT

I just don't post OS...I can't be bothered... too much trouble.

Maybe in the future I will give it a go but for now I am happy