0 feedback - cancel order?

[skippypb]

I'm a new part time seller and have actually been fairly successful up to this point. However, now I'm running into what I suspect fraudsters. I've already had to deal with a few shipping issues. Thus, a buyer with 0 feedback and joining date of July just bought my highest margin product. I'm very reluctant to sell this product to the buyer (although I received payment). The issue is that I've already had to cancel two orders upon the buyers request. When I first began selling I didn't realized I'd be penilized for canceling orders. What would you all do. I have a total 49 sales. Two cancelations and I shipping disput that I lost. Your help is appreciated.

[blackbird*singing]

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@skippypb wrote:
 The issue is that I've already had to cancel two orders upon the buyers request. When I first began selling I didn't realized I'd be penilized for canceling orders. What would you all do. I have a total 49 sales. Two cancelations and I shipping disput that I lost. Your help is appreciated.

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What reason did you select when you canceled those previous orders? If the buyers requested the cancel and you selected buyer's request as a reason there would not be a defect. If you select a seller's reason for canceling (out of stock or other) then you would get a defect. What is your seller dashboard showing?

FWIW, I have had plenty of 0 FB buyers without issue. We all have to start somewhere. You started with a 0 FB account, too. The buyer may have created an account in July, bid on an auction and lost, so this is their first purchase. There could be any number of reasons for the info you're seeing on their profile page. If this is for the concert tickets, then that is the type of item I could see someone creating an account here just so they could purchase them.

It is up to you how you want to proceed, but I would ship the item. You may want to consider adding signature confirmation - but if you do that, be sure to message the buyer in advance as it could be an inconvenience for some people who are not expecting it. Sig confirmation is only required for items $750+ though a lot do it for $500+ or even $200+ as they feel more secure. Your item is $400 and if I were shipping something in that range I would consider a signature confirmation... Nevermind. I see the concert tix were from June. Not sure what high value item you are referencing.... oh, I see you said highest margin - is it the $9 baseball cap? Just ship it.

I would also reconsider selling items of higher value until your FB score is MUCH higher. High value item + low feedback = target for scammers, unfortunately.

[Anonymous]

At some point, we all run into fraudsters but eBay has taken a stand with regard to cancellations. If a buyer purchases and pays, you ship.

[yuzuha]

If you're going to sell collectibles, get used to selling to 0 feedback buyers-- many people will make eBay accounts specifically so that they can purchase that one thing they've been looking for.  That being said, I've sold to plenty of 0 feedback buyers with no issues whatsoever.  I find they often make some of the best customers as they're genuinely happy to get their hands on whatever it is that they bought.

[skippypb]

Thank you all for your reply. Prefontained, the item that sold was from my wife's account (we have two accounts per the recomendation of reading other post on this message board). She has a feedback score of 27. The question pertains to her account. The product was similar to my Ketel mule mugs, but a 6 count, the price was sold at $99. Also, I selected the buyer requested the cancellation option. However, reading this board, I thought we'd be pentalized for all cancelled transactions even if the buyer requested it?

Reading all three of your comments, I will proceed with the transaction. This product was a collectable so I suppose that can make sense. I'll just take plenty of pictures, pay for sign confirmation (if affordable) and message the buyer.

Thank you all.

[blackbird*singing]

@skippypb If a buyer requests a cancellation through an eBay message, then you do a cancel and select the reason that buyer requested, then you will not get a defect.

If you choose the reason that seller cancels then you will get a defect.

If you choose the reason that buyer cancels, but the buyer never requested a cancel, then you will get a defect.

If you go to your account and click on the seller dashboard you will see how many, if any, defects you have. That is a good place to check in at least once a week, especially since you are new here.

As to signature confirmation, I really don't think it's necessary on a $100 item. And, since it wasn't noted in the listing, it could end up being more of a hassle for the buyer and a negative experience for them. But it is your decision and if you choose to purchase signature confirmation, be sure to notify the buyer in advance as they may need to make arrangements to stay home from work to sign for the package, or figure out if they have time to pick up the package from the PO to sign.

If anything, you can get insurance for a couple of bucks just in case of damage by USPS in transit. Priority mail includes $50 insurance though, so if you're willing to risk the other $50 then no need to buy insurance for the full $100. That is a personal choice.

As I and others have noted above, 0 FB typically isn't cause for concern.

I hope all goes smoothly for you and your wife! If you run into any problems along the way you can come back here and the helpful posters will offer advice.

[mudshark61369]

skippypb,

You will always run the chance of having (0) feedback new members, bidding or buying.  Most are serious, but there are a few "sport bidders" among them.  Generally setting the "Has a PayPal Account" buyer requirement keeps them from bidding/buying. Lately I have noticed that requirement has blocked a lot of members, so I have put a blurb just under my description, explaining the block, and a link to linking the accounts.  I've disabled the no contact from blocked buyers as well.

The few problems I've had with new members had to do with not having properly set up or verifying their PayPal accounts.  I worked with them until they paid or requested canceling the transation.

[the*dog*ate*my*tablecloth]

If the OP is selling collectibles then sport bidders are not as much of a problem as for sellers who sell iPhones or gaming systems.

The required Paypal link cuts out a lot of good buyers who may not have set up their Paypal accounts and/or prefer to check out through Ebay.

I'm not sure the payoff of stopping a very small number of sport bidders is worth the loss of potential sales.

[soh.maryl]

I am always bewildered by sellers who come hee and inquire about 0 FB buyers, especially those sellers who don't have a whole lot of FB themselves.

It seems to me that, 21 FB ago, someone took a chance on you.

And I would also like to point out that, since many of us have more than one account, you may be dealing with Mr. 1400 FB.

[strumleroy]

the OP is expressing frustration in the type of bidders that just randomonly bid on things - and THEN ask alot of qeustions, have demands etc - its very frustrating - getting to the point im going to look for an alternative to Ebay - about 20% of my auctions get won by 0 rated bidders who than have strange requests/questions -and i have to find ways to cancel or go to the next bidder. I would prefer there to be an option (like there used to be) where you can set a minimum amount of feedback on a bidder - especially if you are selling higher end items.

[chiaretta]

There never was an option to set a minimum amount of feedbacks a potential buyer/bidder would need to have in order to be able to buy/bid, the only one which ever existed, and still does, is the one for people in the minus, but it became obsolete in May 2008 when negatives and neutrals were taken away from sellers