topic Re: Buyer didn't answer my message in Selling

Buyer didn't answer my message

teratakashi — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 14:31:00 GMT

I'm selling bodysuits and I have 3 different colours and sizes. In the description of the item, I asked to the seller to send me a message with the information, if not I'll send a random bodysuit. This lady bought a bodysuit and I sent her about 4 messages asking for the information but she answered after I sent the item. Now she wants another size and colour, not sure what to do. Do I have to ask her to send me the item and I will send her a new one?

Re: Buyer didn't answer my message

curraone — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 19:15:20 GMT

IMO it is a bit silly to send a random bodysuit - how can that work?

In this case, you could advise the buyer that the item has already been sent - she could mark the item "return to sender" unopened. On a good day this will not cost you anything - but sometimes, apparently randomly, Aust Post will charge you for the return.

And explain that when you receive the returned item, you will send the correct one. Explain about the 4 unanswered messages.

Or you could just send the correct one now and rely on her honesty to return the other.

Re: Buyer didn't answer my message

clarry100 — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 19:59:17 GMT

Why do you not use a listing with variations?
Does the particular category not support this?
That way the buyer just selects the size and colour they want from drop down on the listing and that is what you see on your order details.
Most of our listings make extensive use of this feature.

Re: Buyer didn't answer my message

teratakashi — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 20:39:42 GMT

I had problems with this before, the buyer did not answer my messages about colours and I waited for their answer and later they complained about how fast I did the delivery.

Re: Buyer didn't answer my message

teratakashi — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 20:41:50 GMT

I want to try listing options but I'm not a store and my understanding is that eBay charges additional fees.

Re: Buyer didn't answer my message

transport-posters — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 20:51:38 GMT

You should never send an item without confirming exactly what the buyer wants.

But, I can understand if you were worried about shipping it too late and the buyer opening eBay and/or PayPal claims against you, making you want to get it sent sooner.

I make and sell customised posters and I get buyers who buy a poster but forget to send me the required information for the poster. Eventually they wake up and respond. I do not send anything until I get the info, and it hasn't caused me any problems even if a week plus has passed before the buyer got back to me.

Re: Buyer didn't answer my message

whiznumber6 — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 22:39:07 GMT

For future listings where more than one colour and size is available, when you request that the buyer specify their preferred colour or size, also clearly state that if they don't, you'll send out a "default" colour and size (eg: Small, in White).

Re: Buyer didn't answer my message

springyzone — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 23:17:21 GMT

Wow, I understand sellers get spooked by the idea of being dinged for slow postage, but sending a random bodysuit is just as likely to get you into hot water in my opinion. As someone else said, that was never going to work.

A drop down menu as clarry suggests would be the best way to go, even if it costs a bit more.

If you don't want to do that, then I would say this is where you need to have a short sentence in caps or larger and in colour, right at the start of the ad, to say buyers need to contact you after purchase to let you know size and colour.

Personally, I would never have a default or random size/colour that I sent out. You can perhaps do that with beach bags or that sort of thing, but not body suits.

You say she answered after you had sent the item. Did she answer before she actually received the item though or did she message you only after it arrived?

I think you do need to offer an exchange in either case but if she answered before receiving the item, I really think you need to offer the return postage too.

Re: Buyer didn't answer my message

clarry100 — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 23:19:06 GMT

As far as I know multi-variation listings are available to a non store holder as long as the category you are trying to list into permits it.

There is no extra fee to create a multi-variation listing.

Try it... if its not allowed then you will not see the option to add variations.

Re: Buyer didn't answer my message

teratakashi — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 00:14:24 GMT

Wow thank you very much. I didn't know that I can send the item one week after if I'm unsure of the size/colour. Next time I'll wait for an answer.

Re: Buyer didn't answer my message

teratakashi — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 00:17:44 GMT

I send her another message about it but she doesn't answer. So not sure if she wants another colour. I think I would offer a refund and she can keep the item or offer her to send me the item and I will send her the new bodysuit but it will cost me more than the item.

Re: Buyer didn't answer my message

phorum_junkie* — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 00:26:33 GMT

If the cost of return is not worth it then I would definitely just refund and tell them to keep it or resell it if they wish. A variation listing does not cost any more if you are not a store, it just does not qualify for the 3 free relists however if you list BIN for 30 days it is only using up one of your free listings a month.