Is 3 days handling time too long?

[uzumakey]

I specify three business days in the listing details and item description very clearly, although I usually ship out sooner. Specifying three days gives me some leeway as I'm not always able to mail items out next day. 

Typically this isn't a problem, but once in a while I'll run into buyers who claim "slow shipping." I just received a rude message from one such buyer accusing me of not having the item and requesting a cancellation/refund - despite the handling window being two days away. I may just do that as I'd rather not deal with a customer like this, particularly not for an item that's likely to sell soon anyway. 

Do you run into similar issues when using longer handling times? 

[sparkysretroelectro]

i only use 3 day handling time for items that ar oversized;difficult to pack.  just seems like common sense that if i quote a faster shipping date, and consistently keep it, i will attract more buyers

[uzumakey]

Sounds like this is a full-time job for you? eBay isn't a business for many of us, it's a side gig we do to declutter and make some fun money. It would be great to have the time to go the post office daily, but unfortunately this isn't always an option for those of us who don't do this for a living.

[ozarkjoe]

No, not a problem for me as a buyer.  If someone is  in a hurry then they can choose another seller who operates 24/7.  As a seller I can usually ship within one business day.  If I can't make it to the post office then I can drop off a package at the local grocery store which operates as a postal drop off center.  

[jklfindings]

Unfortunately you'll never be able to make everyone happy.  We live in a society where people expect immediate gratification.  3 day handling time should be fine, as long as you have that option selected.  Quicker shipping and handling will of course make people happier, but as you stated, not everyone can get to the post office on a daily basis.

[partial*eclipse]

Buyers are accustomed to 1-day handling and as you have seen many of them presume that all sellers offer 1-day handling.  So if you have 3-day handling you should state this clearly in the Descrirption sectinon of your listing, to help your buyers have reasonable expectations.

[chipper01work]

I think it depends greatly upon what you sell. Buyers are naturally going to be more patient when it comes to rare and hard to find items or items that they got a great deal on, simply because the deal is much harder to replicate with a faster/better one. If you're selling common items with tons of competition it is going to hurt your sales and DSR's (if those matter to you). 

[luckythewinner]

Do you run into similar issues when using longer handling times? 

I have had 3 day handling on every single item I sell since for years.  I have never had a buyer raise an issue about it.  How often is "once in a while"?

 I just received a rude message from one such buyer accusing me of not having the item and requesting a cancellation/refund - despite the handling window being two days away. I may just do that

I abuyer has requested a cancellation and refund before you shipped the item, and you "may just do that"? Why in the world would you consider doing anything else? 

Forcing someone to buy something they clearly do not want is a foolish course, IMHO. 

[nowthatsjustducky]

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@luckythewinnerwrote:

Do you run into similar issues when using longer handling times? 

I have had 3 day handling on every single item I sell since for years.  I have never had a buyer raise an issue about it.  How often is "once in a while"?

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Same here.  And to top it off, across all my selling accounts, I deal and dabble in a wide array of categories.  And since I have never had anyone give me trouble over my stated 3 business days handling, that would count as evidence against it varying based on category.

[uncseniorsportsfan]

I have had 3 day handling for the 18 years i've sold on ebay, and have not ever had a complaint.  Only once have I gotten a request for next day shipping for a birthday gift.  Since I usually ship next day whenever possible - it wasn't a problem.   Both my car and I are getting up there in age - 3 day handling has always been in case of emergency.  

And no I don't feel the need to put anything in my item description that does not pertain to describing what is being sold. 

[banana*shoe*boutique]

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@uzumakeywrote:

I specify three business days in the listing details and item description very clearly, although I usually ship out sooner. Specifying three days gives me some leeway as I'm not always able to mail items out next day. 

Typically this isn't a problem, but once in a while I'll run into buyers who claim "slow shipping." I just received a rude message from one such buyer accusing me of not having the item and requesting a cancellation/refund - despite the handling window being two days away. I may just do that as I'd rather not deal with a customer like this, particularly not for an item that's likely to sell soon anyway. 

Do you run into similar issues when using longer handling times? 

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You have to do what works for you.  If 3 days is the best you can promise, then that is what you have to do.  Better to under-promise and over-deliver.  

If someone is asking to cancel before you shipped, even if they are being unreasonable, you need to just do it.  It's easier than sending them something they will complain about or return.

Lastly, I would be sure to make a special note in your listings (forgive me if you do this already, I didn't check) that you have this handling time but try to ship faster and if it's very important that they get it sooner, the buyer should message you BEFORE committing to purchase to see if you can accommodate that request...assuming you are good about answering messages in a timely matter.

[partial*eclipse]

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@uncseniorsportsfanwrote:

I have had 3 day handling for the 18 years i've sold on ebay, and have not ever had a complaint.  ...

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I'm very happy for you.  But the OP's experience is markedly different from yours: "once in a while I'll run into buyers who claim "slow shipping." I just received a rude message from one such buyer accusing me of not having the item and requesting a cancellation/refund - despite the handling window being two days away"

[myboardid]

Sounds to me like your buyer has decided he just doesn't want his purchase and is using your handling time as an excuse to get out of completing the transaction.  I don't  think it is really the reason.  But it doesn't really matter why, if he want out, then let him out.  It is by far the easiest way for you to end it and move on.  Be sure to put him on your BBL. 

I have a one day handling and from time to time I still get accused of "slow shipping", especially when a buyer purchases on a Saturday too late to ship, and/or the Post Office takes their time about delivery.   

[itemsthingsandstuff]

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@uncseniorsportsfanwrote:

I have had 3 day handling for the 18 years i've sold on ebay, and have not ever had a complaint.  Only once have I gotten a request for next day shipping for a birthday gift.  Since I usually ship next day whenever possible - it wasn't a problem.   Both my car and I are getting up there in age - 3 day handling has always been in case of emergency.  

And no I don't feel the need to put anything in my item description that does not pertain to describing what is being sold. 

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I've had A LOT of buyers complain that I didn't ship their stuff out in one business day, despite having 2-3-5 day handling on some listings. And almost all my listings are 1 day. I've had a buyer from sunday, message me monday morning about why I haven't shipped their item out. No offense, but I find your claim of selling for 18 years with 3 day handling, and never having a complaint, rather dubious.

[maridon7280]

If you know the weight of your packages you can always print the postage before you get around to taking it to be mailed.  It is possible to put a future date on what you print and most people are pretty programmed to be happy as long as they se the box light up on the screen.  Ebay doesnt count it as shipped until it is scanned in, but the listing shows it as shipped as soon as the postage is printed.

I use one day handling, but items bought on Friday do not have to be shipped until Monday.  There are many times I print the label on Friday or Saturday with the date on the postage for Monday.  People seem to be much happier that way even though the end result is it is still mailed Monday.