An unusual request by a potential customer
Summary: needsmorerobots discusses a request from a potential customer to purchase CDs without the jewel cases to save on shipping, expressing concerns about sealed CDs and potential disputes. marnotom! suggests declining the request if uncomfortable. flipistics advises creating a special listing for the customer, outlining their request clearly. needsmorerobots agrees and mentions using plastic protectors instead of paper sleeves. lotzofuniquegoodies suggests buying paper sleeves cheaply and using cardboard for protection. femmefan1946 raises concerns about smuggling, suggesting the customer may be overseas, while pjcdn2005 believes the customer simply wants to save on shipping. femmefan1946 later suggests informing the customer about international mail regulations.
A potential customer wants to purchase CDs, but wants the discs and paperwork removed from the jewel cases and sent in one envelope to save on shipping cost ( I assume).
I see this as a problem because two of the CDs that are not mint are still factory sealed.
The other issue is this could open me up for a "product not as described" complaint. I don't believe the customer would do this and the customer's request is saved in my my Ebay messages, but the potential is still there.
Thoughts on this?
femmefan1946
·2 years agoGood point.
Telling the customer that the Universal Postal Union is no longer allowing goods to be mailed internationally as "letters and documents" may clear up his problems.
That has been the practice for low value items for so long, customers are unlikely to be aware of it.
femmefan1946
·2 years agowants the discs and paperwork removed
Let me guess. They are overseas, right?
I suspect smuggling, perhaps because the contents are banned in his country.
I may be overly dramatic.
While I'd go with the papersleeves, which would be an extra cost to obtain I assume, and the special auction listing, think about this angle.
Also it's my observation that someone who will cheat on import fees will cheat on you. But politics may make that differ. For example Beyonce is banned in Malaysia.
https://www.watchmojo.com/articles/top-10-celebrities-who-are-banned-from-countries
pjcdn2005
·2 years agoI vote for overly dramatic. 😁 It's more likely that they want to save on shipping imo. Without the jewel cases more cd's could be sent via lettermail.
flipistics
·2 years agoWhy don't you create a new listing for the customer that clearly outlines that in the listing? Call it something like CD bundle for prearranged buyer, and in the description clearly state that it will be shipped as he requested you to do.
I would recommend that you at least put the discs in a paper sleeve if you have them though.
needsmorerobots
OP2 years agoThat's actually a very good idea.
I don't have paper sleeves, I only have plastic jewel case protectors. That would still work in a pinch.
lotzofuniquegoodies
·2 years agoRe: Paper or plastic sleeves.
If you wanted to go that way you can usually pick them up in any fine dollarstore. 50 for a couple of bucks. I have done in the past when a buyer wanted to cut down on shipping costs. Definitely add cardboard back and front for added protection. I wouldn't be trying to USA or Internationally because you won't be able to use letter. They require customs documentation. Either it will be returned at your expense or scrapped.
-Lotz
marnotom!
·2 years ago