How to handle conflicting shipping directions from buyer

[jorusr.9uw7kxbwe]

How should I proceed with shipping: Buyer completed payment, including the amount for USPS flat rate box that I had designated for the item. However, when the buyer paid via paypal he added a "note to seller" that he did not want to use priority mail.

The priority flat rate box was the only option I provided, and I want to stay with the flat rate box.

Should I proceed to ship at all?

Very concerned here becase the ship to address is a forwarder in New Jersey and the buyer is in China.

[rock.star]

What kind of shipping is the buyer asking for ? You should stick to priority mail but the medium flat rate box may not be big enough for the camera.

[plumbingspecials]

Yes, if your listing stated that PM Flat Rate was your shipping method, the buyer does not get to tell you how he prefers it to be shipped after he's agreed to purchase it. If you do not ship it the way your listing states, and if you do not ship it to the address on the invoice, you could lose your seller protection.

Ship the way your listing states.

[jorusr.9uw7kxbwe]

Thanks for reply. The FR medium box is plenty big. The buyer is asking for "Not Priority Mail" and for the difference to be refunded. I have sent two notes that the FR Box is the only method I will use, but I don't want to lose my money or merchandise either.

[jorusr.9uw7kxbwe]

PlumbingSpecials:  Thanks for reply. I have sent two notes that the FR Box is the only method I will use, but I don't want to lose my money or merchandise either. Your reply seems pretty clear.

[dakotasmoke]

Just out of curiosity, what would the difference be between shipping FR and another method? If FR is cheaper, it might help to explain that to your customer

[jorusr.9uw7kxbwe]

Dakotasmoke: The buyer did not pay within 48 hours, then sent a note apologizing for that and requesting shipping method. My reply restated that the product was set up to ship in a FR Box, and that UPS would cost more. Then he paid the correct amount, but added instructions to "not ship Priority mail." In addition, he won't be paying for insurance or signature, but from what I can gather about shipping to a foreign buyer via a private mail box, the cost to me seems worthwhile.

[missjen831 · Accepted solution]

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@jorusr.9uw7kxbwe wrote:
Dakotasmoke: The buyer did not pay within 48 hours, then sent a note apologizing for that and requesting shipping method. My reply restated that the product was set up to ship in a FR Box, and that UPS would cost more. Then he paid the correct amount, but added instructions to "not ship Priority mail." In addition, he won't be paying for insurance or signature, but from what I can gather about shipping to a foreign buyer via a private mail box, the cost to me seems worthwhile.

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inSurance and signature confirmation (except being of the sale is $750 or above and only sig conf. Is required then) aren't required and you can't really charge the buyer for them anyway. Priority includes a minimum of $50 insurance. Just ship priority mail. For items over 16oz, there priority is usually the cheapest, but most buyers and a lot of sellers don't know that. Parcel select/retail ground is just as expensive  (oftentimes more expensive) and slower. You would have to downgrade shipping in order to give the buyer cheaper shipping which is what he wants and downgrading means slower shipping and I wouldn't do that on eBay myself. Too many of these numpty buyers want cheap but FAST shipping and you are opening the door to an INR if you ship using the slow boat when got listing specific you would use a jet if you catch my drift. And contrary to what a blue said on the selling board the other day, the "system" will not place the INR on hold if there is tracking showing the item is in transit.

[postingid2017]

@jorusr.9uw7kxbwe - what missjen316 said - and if you feel compelled to insure it, pay for the exact amount of the value of the item (and shipping to be on the safe side), especially if this is an international transaction.  I personally feel the more time the item is in transit, the more chance of a mishap.  I know I have trust issues with shipping, but I rather be safe than sorry 🙂   

I find w/Parcel Select, the difference is not that much more of "helping a buyer" save on shipping costs, unless it is a really large item.  

[missjen831]

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@missjen316 wrote:

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@jorusr.9uw7kxbwe wrote:
Dakotasmoke: The buyer did not pay within 48 hours, then sent a note apologizing for that and requesting shipping method. My reply restated that the product was set up to ship in a FR Box, and that UPS would cost more. Then he paid the correct amount, but added instructions to "not ship Priority mail." In addition, he won't be paying for insurance or signature, but from what I can gather about shipping to a foreign buyer via a private mail box, the cost to me seems worthwhile.

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inSurance and signature confirmation (exception being if the sale is $750 or above and only sig conf. Is required then) aren't required and you can't really charge the buyer for them anyway. Priority includes a minimum of $50 insurance. Just ship priority mail. For items over 16oz, priority is usually the cheapest, but most buyers and a lot of sellers don't know that. Parcel select/retail ground is just as expensive  (oftentimes more expensive) and slower. You would have to downgrade shipping in order to give the buyer cheaper shipping which is what he wants and downgrading means slower shipping and I wouldn't do that on eBay myself. Too many of these numpty buyers want cheap but FAST shipping and you are opening the door to an INR if you ship using the slow boat when the listing specific you would use a jet if you catch my drift. And contrary to what a blue said on the selling board the other day, the "system" will not place the INR on hold if there is tracking showing the item is in transit.

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So many types in my original response because i was on my phone when I replied. I fixed them above 🙂

[jorusr.9uw7kxbwe]

Typos on a phone? No way! Thanks for the info. Good advice.

[muttlymob]

Don't try to defend your choice of Priority Mail in the listing - justifying your terms opens up to more arguments from the buyer.  Keep your response simple - that according to your listing choice, the package will be mailed by USPS Priority.

As for the cost, have you compared weight/zoned based Priority to the Medium Flat Rate Box?  Chances are that camera will ship cheaper from Maine to New Jersey by regular Priority than by FRB.

[duchess-at-speakeasy]

Just tell the buyer that the package is too heavy for any other class of mail -- that Priority Mail is the only option.  Offer to cancel the transaction and refund the payment.

I do agree that zoned Priority Mail may cost less than the FRB, given the relatively short distance to NJ.  But how would someone in China even know about that?

~~C~~