Buyer Behavior

[coffeebean832]

Does this ever happen to you?

A buyer asks you to lower the shipping rate. The buyer is adamant that they don't have a penny over $X to spend. You let the buyer know that shipping rates are determined by the carriers and you have no control over those rates, but that the shipping method offered is the most affordable.

Then they make the purchase anyway.

This happens all the time. Sometimes it goes fine, and other times- a lot of times- the buyer continues the complaints post-sale about shipping costs through feedback, DSRs and messages. I'm not quick to BBL, but I can see why others are. Nobody wants to deal with the hassle.

Do these same people call up Macy's and complain that they want their $10.95 shipping refunded because they only had $20 to spend so they couldn't meet the $25 free shipping minimum? Probably.

[7794heather]

I've had a few ask if I would take a very low offer for something because" insert pity excuse here".

Or they'll ask if I can "hold" the item (lets say its the beginning of the month) until the end of the month until they get paid. 

I shake my head at these people. I mean....if you can't afford the item.....don't buy it. Simple as that. 

I'm not sure who falls for these pity parties and go ahead and indulge, but I just let the ones who can't afford my cost that I am sorry they can not afford it, perhaps it will still be listed when they save up for it, and same goes for the "hold it" guy....I say sorry I can't  hold it, but since its been up for awhile, it may still be there when you get paid. 

As long as you are not padding your shipping, then basically there is nothing else you can do for these people. They have to realize postage has gone WAY up and if they don't want to pay the shipping, they need to shop locally, or elsewhere.  Why should we eat the postage to ship to them? 

If a potential buyer make too many requests and I get that weird feeling, I will block them because I don't want the hassle of them later on after the sale, because you know it'll be coming.

[wrong66]

I'm surprised some don't just ask you for a loan. So they can buy it.

[a_c_green]

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@coffeebean832 wrote:

A buyer asks you to lower the shipping rate. The buyer is adamant that they don't have a penny over $X to spend.

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The best part is when they're paying umpty-hundred dollars for the widget itself, then suddenly shrieking poverty when it comes to the Shipping.

I would quietly BBL such complainers if they haven't already bought the item. If they have, send them a note saying something to the effect that you charge only what is needed to get the item safely delivered to them, and that you will be happy to cancel if they wish.

It's not a foolproof solution (because the fools are so darn clever! Har!), but can at least give those with cold feet or Buyer Remorse a chance to back out before things get worse (e.g. fake damage claims or later return requests).

[katzrul15]

Yes and those who complain the loudest are buying "wants" vs needs, but will pay $200 for a lego set, but be unhappy about $14 priority to ship, argue it should be cheaper parcel post (it is, 1 dime) demand PP and then scream when it takes 8 days longer than Priority to arrive.

Yes.  BBL. 🙃

[toysaver]

For me anyone who complains before a purchase is blocked do they can't make trouble afterwards. 

If I'm going to pay shipping it will be something coming to my house for my family not a random stranger.

[vintagecraze50]

At time you may have some mighty entitled people on here who DEMAND all kinds of things. Their momma did not teach them proper etiquette.

[coffeebean832]

Most days I let it roll like water off a duck's back. Dealing with this stuff is part of customer service and I chose online retail as a source of income. It comes with the territory. I have standard, well-written, professional replies that I can copy/paste which helps. Some days- like today- enough is enough and I don't want to deal with that stuff. I think I need a vacation. 🏖

[postingid7659]

If they email complaining about something before a purchase, block them because they most surely will be a headache after a purchase. 

[bigdeals.etc]

Yes. Happens to me all the time to the point that it's quite surprising that this may start to become quite common.

As you mention, I've begun to BBL buyers based on the verbiage of their messages, and not the severity of their request. Just to avoid potential headache. Sad that this is how we are adjusting to ebay's evolving policies.

OT, I just had a buyer purchase a $15 item, then message me to cancel and he'll buy it again from me in 1-2 days. Originally I would just message back and say I can hold it for 1-2 days for him if that would help. But I didn't bother because that might not help him. I just cancelled it and BBLed him.

[ittybitnot]

Do these same people call up Macy's and complain that they want their $10.95 shipping 

@coffeebean832 

Macy's probably doesn't care.  They are not subject to bad seller metics, threats of fvf punishment camp, suppression in search, red donuts,  and the consequences of phony snad claims like eBay sellers.  That is why that behavior is likely more successful on this platform. 

[coffeebean832]

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@katzrul15 wrote:

Yes and those who complain the loudest are buying "wants" vs needs,

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Everything I sell is non-essential.

To keep this wonderful day of buyer communication going- a buyer is asking me to sell them a $115 purchase for $30 flat. This one really will make it to the BBL.

[coolections]

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@coffeebean832 wrote:

You let the buyer know that shipping rates are determined by the carriers and you have no control over those rates, but that the shipping method offered is the most affordable.

Not in all cases. Some items can be shipped cheaper than a seller is using. It depends on the item.

[my_boston_baked_beans]

BLOCK these buyers they will and do cause problems. There are honest buyers out there block the bad ones so it does not happen all the time. Once a buyer sends you an email check their feedback left ASAP. Shipping in NOT negotiable. Buyers will twist and turn and wring you out for the last dime. Evaluate these buyers before putting yourself through this nonsense.....

[katzrul15]

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@coffeebean832 wrote:

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@katzrul15 wrote:

Yes and those who complain the loudest are buying "wants" vs needs,

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Everything I sell is non-essential.

To keep this wonderful day of buyer communication going- a buyer is asking me to sell them a $115 purchase for $30 flat. This one really will make it to the BBL.

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Ouch!  Yes.  BuBBLegum them!

Because, really.....we're just here for the "hars", not to actually sell anything for a profit!  lol

You know how the "bell" dings on your phone (or cha-chings or whatever it is).  I think every time you add someone to your BBL, a song snippet of your choice should play.  (i'd ever pay extra each month for that service - not much extra, but to get the songs I want....LOL)