Buyer tries to negotiate after a purchase

[tommyexpress]

Not sure how to best handle this, any insight appreciated.  I was selling CDs in lots, each with a $2.99 shipping charge.  I have several listings of this type.  They both had “best offer” and one buyer made an offer on two of my lots which I accepted.  I don’t indicate that I offer a discount for combined shipping.  However they messaged me later asking to send them an invoice with a shipping discount.  I replied that the discount is already considered in the lower offer that I accepted.  They replied that they expect it mailed in two different packages “as they had paid” for.  Clearly bitter that I didn’t discount further even after the sale was agreed on.  

So I have a couple questions here... what would you do if this was your buyer?  Am i obligated to send in two packages?  

I know the bottom line is to make the sale as clean as possible , and I’m sure I will make it easier for the buyer, but I’d really like to know what the obligations are here.  Thanks in advance! 

[cynthealee2]

This buyer is going to be a pain... ship them separately as if 2 different buyers bought them.   If not I have a feeling he will claim the second order wasn't included with the first. 

[guangxi_hone]

I'd ship them separately just to be more on safe side. 

[terrycece62]

HI u should always when considering an offer only consider item not include the shipping
As u have discovered many buyers will expect discounted shipping whether it is stated or not

I would ship in separate packages since u did not clearly state that offer price included shipping

By the way you r not obliged 2 offer discount shipping at all but I find it is good 4 business

Other members may have a differing viewpoint but that's mine

[m60driver]

My guess is that if you give the buyer a $1.50- $2 shipping discount you will still come out slightly ahead.  And then ignore and block.

[mam98031]

While the buyer is incorrect in expecting a discount that you do not state you offer in your listings, it is a good business decision to offer combined shipping discounts.

For your specific issue at hand I would honor what the buyer asked and ship in two different packages.  I would not be in your best interest to ship them together so you can save a little on the shipping without extending a discount to your buyer since they have already told you they thought they should have one.

While 2.99 is a great rate as it will cost you 2.80 without any consideration to Ebay & PP fees or shipping supplies, when you get $5.98 for two, you are in great shape to cover everything and then some.

Considering the actual cost of shipping and just the Ebay & PP fees.  To break even you would need to charge about $3.30 per item.  But when you are shipping 2 it doesn't take 2x that to cover your costs, it is less expensive.  Buyers love shipping discounts.  It is a very good thing to offer them and will often result in repeat buyers.  And we all love repeat buyers.

Just something for you to consider for the future.

[pjcdn2005]

If it is for the 2 lots sold today, shipping shows as 3.99 each.  I don't know if that will make a difference in your decision or not but just thought that I would mention it.

[chapeau-noir]

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@cynthealee2 wrote:

This buyer is going to be a pain... ship them separately as if 2 different buyers bought them.   If not I have a feeling he will claim the second order wasn't included with the first. 

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This ^^^.  Or just send them the invoice for combined shipping - if you're shipping media mail it won't cost much more.  I just shipped 25 CDs for $4.50.

Also, combined shipping is the expectation here, so in a way the buyer was just going on 'usual practice'. 

[tommyexpress]

You're right, thanks!

[inhawaii]

If you'll save money shipping them together, why not pass some or all of that savings to the customer.  It will make the customer happy and probably earn you a positive feedback instead of a negative feedback from a buyer who is bitter at you for not giving him a shipping discount. 

Good luck and stay safe!

[luckythewinner]

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what would you do if this was your buyer?  

If it were my buyer, he would have been satisfied with the shipping discount that I offer - like 99% of other sellers would. 

Am i obligated to send in two packages?

IMHO yes, because that is the bed you made for yourself.