Buying and Selling on eBay: Tips, Tricks, Problems & Questions

[TheNeedMachine]



I guess I appreciate the honesty, but really, do I look like Nordstrom? I got this message this morning: "Hello, wondering if you can be flexible with your return policy. I see the listing says "only accepted if item not as described". I want to order these shoes for my wedding but need to know I can return because I need to see them in person with my suit and everything to be 100% positive." Of course, he could have simply bought them and invented a reason for return and I would have no recourse, but still. Can I state in my communications with him that I will relax my return policy, but that the original shipping cost cannot be refunded in the event of a return? Would that hold up in a dispute?

Sounds like the guy should be shopping in stores, not online. I'd tell him nicely to take it on the arches and hit his local mall.

 

[Fueco]

Sounds like the guy should be shopping in stores, not online. I'd tell him nicely to take it on the arches and hit his local mall.

+1

That being said, I'm finding that I get far more sales when I have a return policy than without one.

 

[hbkshin]

So I just shipped something USPS 1st Class to Canada. I was at a Brick and Mortar Post Office and they said Tracking isn't available? That seems really strange to me. Apparently it's only available on Express Mail?

 

[hooker4186]

Tracking on First class is upon request only - it's about 90 cents extra. It is included standard on priority and express, but going to Canada I'm not sure if you'd have to send it registered to get the tracing. O

 

[hbkshin]

I totally requested it. She said she couldn't. I think she just kinda sucked at her job.

 

[DanM]

eBay app notified me of a message from someone that bought a pair of pants from me a week back. With my recent luck (item delayed in shipping, phantom stains on a Versace tie that necessitated a return) I started tensing up for another aggravating issue. Then I read this.

"These pants are beautiful, and have just become my favorite! Are there any more Oxxford trousers (or anything else) from this man's closet available? Thanks"

 

[hooker4186]

Ha I thought it was only me that instinctively starts gearing up for issuing a full refund every time a message from an ebayer comes through. I actually audibly respond with an audible "oh come on what now" whenever that box pops up now.

 

[stevent]

Well express mail is the only one they for sure scan in Canada I believe. Not sure about the new systems but I've had 'tracking' before on non express mail that was never scanned. Also had buyers not 'receive' packages in this case as well.

 

[Fueco]

Express Mail is the cheapest way to get tracking to Canada. I shipped a package Standard Air Mail to Ontario. It would've been $35 (vs $11). I skipped it and am hoping that someone with over 600 feedback wouldn't be a scammer...

 

[FaceOfBoh]

Wes has sent me stuff to Canada using First Class International, partly - I think - a mix of price, tracking and home pick up. It's the one I recommend to trading partners here. Maybe it's better suited to SF business rather than eBay business. I'll have to look into this Express class.

 

[Brianpore]

I use 1st class mail for under 4lbs and $250. I see no reason not to unless you want to get it there faster. Shows up delivered on my end.

 

[Snoogz]

Ditto the first class through eBay (Delcon) shipping to Canada. Cost me 20$ to ship a suit. Comes with tracking. Had no problems with it thus far.

 

[Fueco]

So, the postal service employee was lying to me earlier today?

I shipped a 15 ounce package to Ontario and was told that there was no option that included tracking which would cost less than $36. Obviously, I opted for the $10.55 option!

 

[Distorbiant]

Does anyone know how to qualify for seller protection with an item over $250 sold internationally?

 

[capnwes]

Tracked and insured. Priority or express international.

Fed ex is probably your best option once you start getting into large numbers.