eBay

chariot_badges · ‎03-23-2025

I got an order.

I didn't have it in stock.

Did NOT want another "Not in Stock" ding (too many on the books now).

I found the part in another store, ordered and paid for it to be drop-shipped.

Went to my list and tried to put the tracking number that the drop-shipper gave me in the system and I got a notice that "another user is using this number" and said no.

So, I just checked that "Item shipped".

But, it looks like I got a late ship ding because of no number entered.

Now, given a choice, I'll take a late ship over a not in stock any day ... fair trade in my mind.

But, how can I keep that from happening. Or can I?

nobody*s_perfect · ‎03-23-2025

Use a drop shipper who doesn't sell on eBay.

a_c_green · ‎03-23-2025

@chariot_badges wrote:
I found the part in another store, ordered and paid for it to be drop-shipped.

To be clear, that's not drop-shipping; it's retail arbitrage. That seller is not your wholesaler. But that's not really our topic here and obviously you had a bit of an emergency; it's not your business plan.

@chariot_badges wrote:
Went to my list and tried to put the tracking number that the drop-shipper gave me in the system and I got a notice that "another user is using this number" and said no.

Right; that tracking is for your seller's sale (to you, regardless of the Ship To address you provided), not for your sale to your buyer, as you yourself did not ship anything for this transaction.

@chariot_badges wrote:
But, it looks like I got a late ship ding because of no number entered.

Now, given a choice, I'll take a late ship over a not in stock any day ... fair trade in my mind.
But, how can I keep that from happening. Or can I?

A late-shipping ding by itself does not harm much of anything, and drops off your record soon enough. I'm not sure whether other circumstances relating to the sale would help to prevent it (as you really don't have any evidence that you shipped it). If the buyer is happy he'll leave a Positive for you, and you should leave a Positive for the seller who saved you.

chariot_badges · ‎03-23-2025

Yea, I kinda figured there's no way around it, unless I ship an empty package ... which would be stupid.

This happens about once a month, and that brings my 'not in stock' % up into the red zone. So, I guess I'll do the balancing act between the two metrics. I think the 'not in stock' dings are viewed much more harshly so, I'll do this about half the time.

gator08041971 · ‎03-23-2025

@chariot_badges

How is it that you are running out of stock so often? I'm just curious. Do you sell on other platforms and don't update your stock numbers on your listings or something?

Gator08041971 • Volunteer Community Mentor 2024
Member of eBay since 2000

buyselljack2016 · ‎03-23-2025

The OOS can send you to "below standard". (penalty box for fees or worse)

The tracking business just takes you out of TRS.

12345jamesstamps · ‎03-23-2025

You couldn't offer something else of the 1400 items in stock as a substitute?

I have given something for sale at $50. for an item I can't find for $10. to the buyer...Did it work...yes?

I did find the item later...LOL

Key is to work with the buyer ASAP...keep eBay out of the picture.

'how can I keep that from happening.'

Sometimes we will lose a profit...

I have also mailed a substitute even before letting buyer know...LOL..and usually the buyers are more than happy.

Key here is...buyer is expecting 'something' in the mail...do not disappoint the buyer even if it has to be free.

Business 101...

simba6 · ‎03-23-2025

You were not supposed to drop ship like that either. You can use a real drop ship company but, not just hand the order off to another retailer.

A much bigger problem is the NPS strikes your getting for not shipping paid orders. eBay does ban sellers from selling for life over that. Sounds like you have one foot in the " grave " already. There is no warning for that ban, it just comes one day.

I suggest you end any listings you thing could have even the slightest chance of that. Start there before it's too late

biggymoe · ‎03-23-2025

Seems to me that the best way, to keep it from happening, is to not list items that you don't have in stock.

kensgiftshop · ‎03-23-2025

@chariot_badges wrote:
Yea, I kinda figured there's no way around it, unless I ship an empty package ... which would be stupid.

This happens about once a month, and that brings my 'not in stock' % up into the red zone. So, I guess I'll do the balancing act between the two metrics. I think the 'not in stock' dings are viewed much more harshly so, I'll do this about half the time.

If it happens about once a month, you need to do a better job with your inventory.

Have a great day.

chariot_badges · ‎03-23-2025

@kensgiftshop wrote:
@chariot_badges wrote:
Yea, I kinda figured there's no way around it, unless I ship an empty package ... which would be stupid.

This happens about once a month, and that brings my 'not in stock' % up into the red zone. So, I guess I'll do the balancing act between the two metrics. I think the 'not in stock' dings are viewed much more harshly so, I'll do this about half the time.

If it happens about once a month, you need to do a better job with your inventory.

I just can not put more time into this gig.

I'm as careful as I can be, it is daunting.

And, I'm not real smart.

I told a boss once, "Hey, I'm doing the best I can."

He nodded slowly and said, "Yea, that's what I'm afraid of."

chariot_badges · ‎03-23-2025

@biggymoe wrote:
Seems to me that the best way, to keep it from happening, is to not list items that you don't have in stock.

I remember being in court once waiting for another matter.

There was a lady there who had been arrested for simple assault. She'd been in a car accident where she drove thru a red light and got t-boned.

She was leaning up against a cop car pinching a bloody nose when one of the officers told her "Somehow, lady, you gotta remember not to drive thru red lights."

LoL. She slapped him. LoL.

The whole courtroom erupted in laughter. She said she did it without even thinking, "it was so rude."

The judge agreed.

And dismissed.

chariot_badges · ‎03-23-2025

@simba6 wrote:
Sounds like you have one foot in the " grave " already. There is no warning for that ban, it just comes one day.

I am at 1.25% -- I understand the limit is 2%.

jonathanbrightlight · ‎03-24-2025

Your goal should never be to push that limit. The goal should be 0%, not just stay under the danger zone. It's not that hard to keep inventory accurate.

Volunteer Community Mentor | Posting ID

soh.maryl · ‎03-24-2025

Just reinforcing the replies from others: You HAVE to have better control of your inventory. The fact that this has happened more than once is a strong indicator that you don't.

You would not have to take a late ship ding over an OOS if you would just keep track of your stock.