My buyer is threatening to leave negative feedback due to item arriving late
My buyer is threatening to leave negative feedback if I don't refund the shipping costs due to USPS redirecting their package to another state, causing the package to be late. The package is still currently on its way to the destination. Should I refund the shipping costs back to them? I'm not sure why I am liable for USPS mishaps. Can eBay remove the negative feedback after they give it as well?
10 comments
cambriachick
·2 years agoI would just tell them you regret the USPS is running behind and the progress of the package can be followed through the tracking eBay provides. Do not offer to refund any shipping and do not offer to take it back. If they state they want to return it, tell them to follow eBay procedure and open a case. NEVER offer concessions up front. Don't worry about feedback, it kind of takes care of itself, if you're a responsible seller.
Goodluck.
mam98031
·2 years agoThe simple answer is NO. But be very polite and professional.
I'm unsure why some buyers think we can control a carrier. It has never made sense to me.
You could politely remind the buyer that the timeframe on the purchase for delivery of the item is an ETA, ESTIMATED time of arrival, NOT a guarantee.
I'd be curious to look at the buyer's feedback page, then go to Left For Others, do you see them doing this to other sellers??
monster-deals
·2 years agoNope. BBL.
cstpos
·2 years ago@folder777 That definitely sounds like feedback extortion. I would make sure to save all the messaging between you on ebay. You can have proof of their messages that way if the transaction drags on. I would not refund the shipping. I would apologize that USPS has been experiencing so many delays and that they are welcome to open a return for a refund. Just let them know you understand their frustration. You could open a Find Missing mail search on USPS. The item does have a deadline for when it should arrive. I'm not sure if it's just later than you expected it to be, or if it's later than the promised delivery window. You can also open a case with USPS if you sent it insured. As @rosszonebricks suggested, follow that link and report the buyer for feedback extortion. I would also add them to my Blocked Buyer List. Good Luck!
caldreamer
·2 years agoEBAY holds Sellers responsible for late shipments. EBAY allows customers to open "did not receive item" claim against you (Seller would be forced to provide tracking# proving that item reached final destination). If Seller couldn't prove item was delivered on time (EBAY will force you to refund "purchase price + shipping).
If item gets delivered to customer after you "issued refund" (customer does not have to pay). Customer will get the item for FREE.
Personally, I don't reward "bad behavior" but you have to decide if "refunding postage" is better than getting negative feedback. Remember EBAY, rarely if ever, removes negative feedback.
rosszonebricks
·2 years agoThis may qualify for Feedback Extortion: https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/feedback-policies/feedback-extortion-policy?id=4230
Buyers aren't allowed to:
I can appreciate the buyer wishing their package arrived on time. But once they 'threaten negative feedback if you don't/do X'.... they've crossed a line.
wildathletics
·2 years agoAs long as you shipped it out in time, being late is out of your control. I would not refund any shipping costs, but I would allow a return if they wanted. If they leave you negative feedback for something out of your control like that, Ebay should side with you and remove the feedback.
dirk12955
·2 years agoI wonder if the buyer would have offered to pay the seller more $$ if the package
had arrived early?
m*and*l*sales
·2 years agoOr if the buyer chose not to upgrade to a faster delivery method, but took the cheaper way and then was unhappy at the speed (or lack thereof)?
mam98031
·2 years agoNot all sellers offer an expedited method of shipment.