Seller threatening negative feedback if I don't leave positive feedback!

[hippy_duck_boutique]

Would like some advice on this small dilemma, please.

Won auction, paid for item (clothing) immediately and received item in less than satisfactory condition i.e. wet from rain and  seller failed to mention top was Target brand instead of Stella McCartney. Not so upset about brand but the fact that seller charged $8 postage and sent item in a paper envelope (middle of winter in Melbourne) that cost $1.20. Emailed seller with concerns and asked for refund of $6 postage or total refund. Seller refused and said they would leave me negative feeback if I did the same to them.

Is this ethical? I thought it was impossible for seller to leave negative feedback unless I didn't pay? I feel an obligation to leave neutral or negative feedback to warn others that seller is making a profit from postage.

Advice would be much appreciated, thank you.

[dylan11235813]

is this a joke.......

[dylan11235813]

buy something of mine and leave 1000 feedback and get a bonus

[***super_nova***]

Ducky, this is why many sellers do not buy on their selling ID.  Block this seller so she cannot buy something from you and leave retaliatory FB.

[koalablue12]

dylan ?????

[leader-of-the-band]

I thought it was impossible for seller to leave negative feedback unless I didn't pay?

Sellers can not leave negative feedback even for non-payers.  If the seller leaves a +ve feedback with a negative type comment the buyer needs only ask eBay to remove it and it will be removed.  Buyers don't even have to justify why they want it removed, just say "eBay, please remove the sellers feedback as it is inconsistent with a +ve rating" and it will be gone for good.

[lilys_playhouse]

Hate to say it Ducky but your Negative was unjustified.

The seller clearly states 'do not bid if you are not happy with the postage charge'. Regardless how the seller posted it, you agreed to pay $8.

Also if the package got wet during postage I would be contacting Australia Post and claiming compensation through them, as you can not hold a seller responsible for a third parties actions.

As for the brand, was it a Stella McCartney top? Yes or No.

I believe the answer is yes.

Again, I have to say I wouldn't know the difference between a Stella and a Stella sold by Target, really it wouldn't matter if it was sold by Coles, as long as the tag stated the brand that the seller specified.

Being both a seller and buyer on eBay, buyers (sorry but especially new buyers) often have unrealistic expectations.

Regarding the refund, if you wanted a refund you should then open a paypal dispute - this is the correct procedure.

I think all things considered the Neg was harsh, if anything a Neutral would have been appropriate simply on the grounds that the seller was unwilling to assist with your concerns, but not because you didn't agree with their postage methods.

I must say personally I would never have posted etc the way the seller did, but that is besides the point.

Also remember that if they are sending out items in incorrect parcel sizes Australia Post will send them the invoice for the correct amount that they will need to pay.

[foxette-in-sox]

That seller has now received a neutral for almost similar issue as OP had & I bet she'll get more plus her postage charge stars are rapidly going south.

[phorum_junkie*]

Also if the package got wet during postage I would be contacting Australia Post and claiming compensation through them, as you can not hold a seller responsible for a third parties actions.

Nothing to do with AP although they could have done better. Even if a parcel is placed in a mailbox rain can still get in very often and items should have protection from the rain.

the OP was not complaining about the cost of the postage just that the service provided fell far short of what they expected for  the price they paid.

The very fact that the seller is ignorant enough of ebay policy to threaten the buyer with a neg is reason enough to neg them.

[tonalidesigns]

Hate to say it Ducky but your Negative was unjustified.

The seller clearly states 'do not bid if you are not happy with the postage charge'. Regardless how the seller posted it, you agreed to pay $8.

Whilst this is true, if i agree to pay $8 for postage it is reasonable to expect that the item will cost somewhere near that mark to post - eg as a small parcel with reasonable protective packaging.

If it gets sent for $2.50 in packaging that doesn't protect it then I haven't got what I paid for.

[koalablue12]

I disagree lily, the neg was warranted, it is up to the seller (regardless of postage quoted/accepted) to send in a manner that protects the item. If you want to stuff something willy nilly into an envelope or small packet at least put the protection of a plastic bag around it, poor form seller IMO