What to do if a buyer tells you a sad story, then asks to get an item cheaper

[juules66]

Well, I am at a bit of a loss and hope someone can help. I have a buyer that messaged me several times about a shirt she has bid on. Then tells me she saw that I sold information on autism, I won't go into the whole story. But I did promise to give her free postage for 2 items she has bid on. But now she is worried she won't win. What can I say to her? My experience on eBay is rather limited to selling my own information over the years but now I want to build up my business by selling more of everything. Does this happen to most sellers? I don't want be hard as nails, yet I don't want to be a soft touch either.

[amber-eyed-girl]

OK, here is my request for payment mercy:

 I am not going to pay because I just don't feel like paying. Post my item now.

[hidden-gems-and-current-trends]

So am I correct in thingking she is trying to get you to end the auction early for her, at the price she wants to pay?

When she messaged saying she is worried she will not win the auction I would have replied something like;

" Yes I know - it's horrible, that feeling of dread & excitement you get when you're bidding and don't know if you will win the item you really really want at the price you want to pay, I guess that's why people love auctions - the adrenalin rush. At least you have a one up on the other bidders though - because I've given you two lots of free postage you've got an extra $xx to play with in case you need it" Good luck & I hope you win.

[nowayjose13]

did she win it??? ooh please tell me no!!!

[juules66]

Well, I ignored the 5 emails she sent before the bidding ended, sadly she won. Then asked me to cancel her bid for the second item, so she has free postage for one item. "I have to buy a birthday card and paper too" she said. I HAVE LEARNT A VERY GOOD LESSON. 1. Never reply to a message immediately. 2. Come and ask these wise and funny people on this discussion board before I start to feel sick. 3. I am selling on eBay to make money not give it away.  I have never cancelled a bid but I pushed my brain to the limits and figured it out, simple really. Thank you to everyone, I do love all the humour and experience expressed in your reply's.

[*crikey*mate*]

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@juules66 wrote:

Well, I ignored the 5 emails she sent before the bidding ended,

well done!

sadly she won. Then asked me to cancel her bid for the second item,

decline and send her through UID

so she has free postage for one item.

I thought that was only applicable offer for two or more items? If so, hold your ground (not knowing how the items were listed of course)

"I have to buy a birthday card and paper too" she said.

and? That's not your problem - but as it happens, i sell gift wrap etc - send her to me LOLOLOL

I HAVE LEARNT A VERY GOOD LESSON. 1. Never reply to a message immediately. 2. Come and ask these wise and funny people on this discussion board before I start to feel sick. 3. I am selling on eBay to make money not give it away.  I have never cancelled a bid but I pushed my brain to the limits and figured it out, simple really. Thank you to everyone, I do love all the humour and experience expressed in your reply's.

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You're doing ok - the whole thing is a huge learning experience for everyone!

But tes, the boards are a brilliant place to get advice on how to deal with situations as they crop up.

I hope that it is a while before you have another tricky customer (well never again, but we know that aint gonna happen LOL)

[beach_and_home]

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@amber-eyed-girl wrote:

OK, here is my request for payment mercy:

 I am not going to pay because I just don't feel like paying. Post my item now.

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ha ha , must admit I've never had this one but there is always tomorrow.......

[*crikey*mate*]

I've read storiesd where people think they don't need to pay until they receive the item

[cq_tech]

If you haven't already done so, instead of cancelling the second item, which will count as a defect on your account, issue a UPI and tell her to simply ignore it and you can then close it after 4 days. She won't know the difference and neither will she know that she now has an non-payment strike against her name. Also, make sure you add her name to your BBL so she can't annoy you again.

[*crikey*mate*]

and remember to leave her feedback so the rest of us can work out who we need to add to our lists

[juules66]

The sad story lady has 40 all positive feedbacks for this month, jewellery, many clothing items and posters from Britain. All her  feedback is super positive so maybe she just thought after seeing my information on autism that I would be a soft touch. She maybe one of those people that keeps eBay going by buying everything and not going out. Most of the feedback is gushing about how wonderful she is. I am not going to worry about it, no no no no. I don't think she would try it on to any other sellers and never me again.