how to handle buyers that ask for specific packing instructions frustrating?

[incrediblefinds199]

i keep getting buyers that ask for items to be packed a particular way.  most of the time they ask for it to be with bubble wrap and packing peanuts and that is fine i ship it that way anyway. 

today i have a buyer that sent me very detailed instructions with a odd wat to pack that would say is not as good, i just told him that it will be shipped with bubble wrap and packing peanuts

buyer asked me to use a large box that is extra heavy duty (item is light very light) wants its wrapped in bubble and a minimum of 6 inches from box edge all around and wants me to used the krincked paper.  its  small clock. almost all metal. if they or anyone reads my feedback you will see that people are super happy with my packing skills, i have OCD on packing and i pack very well with all new packing supplies.  this was the most detailed guidelines i have ever got so far. 

like i said previously is that i told him how i would ship,. curious how others handle these buyers. i am not about to go buy special crinkled paper for this one order as that stuff is cheap and not as good as the peanuts and bubble wrap combo. i can ship in a bigger box but seller picked medium flat rate box. i always leave the option for the flat rate box with standard shipping in case standard is more than the flat rate.  this case its almost the same amount of money but with my discount. i know i will always get buyers like this and never had a issue yet but it's aggravating when someone tells you how to do your job.  they probably had some bad experience but i ain't a half ass seller. been selling stuff online for 22 years. i do have a newer ebay account as my last account with thousands of feedback was under my wife and i. we closed and now its just me no wife. so i started a new account couple years ago. 

[wastingtime101]

Most of the time I get that note added to an order it's clearly a copy/paste that the buyer adds to every order. I ignore them.

Every once in a while a buyer will send an actual eBay message. In that case it depends what the item is and what the shipping timeframe is. With a buyer that's nervous about a breakable I will reply (ignoring their special packing requests) and reassure them that the item will be well-packed and should they have any concerns after the package arrives that they can send a message.

To the buyers sending eBay messages that are flat out obnoxious (as it sounds like your buyer is), I let them know that I pack securely and that I'm unable to accommodate special packing requests. I offer to cancel the order and give them a deadline to make that request based on my handling time. I'll also throw in a line that it's better to ask before bidding/buying to make sure a seller can accommodate such a request. Post-sale the buyer has already agreed to the shipping method and price in the listing.

[l5vw]

When we get messages like that it's usually from an Amazon drop shipper.

[mr_lincoln]

@incrediblefinds199   "Dear Buyer,  thank you for the message but custom packaging as you described is not included in the price that you paid.  Based on my account settings this item will ship within my 1 Day Handling time per eBay's expectations.  Historically, I pack items very securely.  If between now and when I ship this package you would prefer to have the purchase cancelled please message me at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,

Mr. L"

[soh.maryl]

Most buyers who offer packing instructions have probably received an item they very much wanted and found it to be damaged due to careless packing.  If you choose to do so, you can message the buyer that you are an experienced seller and your FB has often congratulated you on your packing skills.  You can even ask if they want to cancel, although they will have to make that decision quickly in order for you to comply with the estimated delivery date.  

[incrediblefinds199]

thats a good response

i usually write, i seen your message and want to ensure you your item will be packaged very well with all new supply new box bubble wrap and secured in packing peanuts. i have had some bad experience's myself and always pack items as if i were shipping them to myself to ensure safe delivery. most of the time they message me back and say they really appreciate that, this guy just sent me new instructions, don't have time for that **bleep**. such a low value item. 

i added on the bottom that with the demensions you mentioned the item will fall into ballon rate shipping which was over 60 dollars.

that did not include that it will be heavier as well cause a big rugged box weight is over a pound and was going to go in a medium flat rate box that are designed to be very weight efficient.  

so buyer sent me another packing directions  cause he did not want to pay the upgrade cost and he said please ship in a double walled box that is 16x10x10 and he dont want packing peanuts and wants layers of bubble wrap cut to the size for the box and the clock to be put in the middle loosely so its floating. i am just going to cancel. called ebay they told me that was ridiculous and just to cancel and they will protect me from feedback. 

16x10x10 box with layers of wrap will use so much bubble wrap. in a huge box that the item is so small. i think that a huge box for a small item just gives it room to loosen up and move around. 

[hawkwind5454]

TG those type buyers are few and far between; I haven't had one in probably 12 years....And certainly never had one as particular as yours. On the few times I've had one of these buyers. they didn't ask for anything impossible, or too far out there, and I accommodated them and they were happy. In your case, I would be very cordial, and say something like: "I don't like having to deal with a damage claim any more than you do.  This will be packaged and packed to our discerning standards.

My buddy, Gus owns a diner up the street. I never tell him how to make an omelet, and you know why? Because he already makes a killer omelette! "🤠.  I don't know if it's because of what I sell, but I always have great  rapport with my buyers.... I treat them with respect, and I try to accommodate them, because they are of that rare invaluable commodity. They are actually willing to part with their money-

[fab_finds4u]

This I know from experience shipping items that are fragile like clock works.   Items should be wrapped in bubble wrap and put in a box with at least 2-3 inches of peanuts or padding on all sides.  If the item is fragile (glass faces and clockworks are), then it needs to be double boxed, which means putting that box in another box surrounded with 2-3 inches of padding between the boxes.  The result is 4-6 inches of padding surrounding the fragile item. So their request isn't unreasonable especially if they say they are willing to pay you extra for the extra expense to pack and ship it properly.

I'm wondering why you listed the clock for parts or not working but then said clock works in the title but said in the description selling as is, selling as found?  Everything you sell is as is because otherwise it would be as isn't. I get the feeling you think as is and for parts and not working will protect you against a return. It won't.  It just looks like a seller who is trying to get out of refunding if the buyer wants to return it because it's  really in worse condition than you described.