Additional charge for faster shipping

[timwsimmons]

I purchased an item this evening that is to be shoppe from Israel. After paying for the item with paypal, I receive a message from the seller informing me that it would take approximately 45, maybe longer, before I would receive my item as economy shipping meant that it would be shipped via a boat. The seller indicated that if I wanted the item in 15 days or less, I could pay an additional fee and the item would be shipped via air and I would receive the item much sooner. We came to an agreeable fee and the seller indicated that the invoice had been sent to PayPal and that I could access it by logging into my paypal account. I was just wondering if this eBay recognizes this as a legitimate practice or should I be concerned?

[femmefan1946 · Accepted solution]

Well, yes and no.

A seller cannot demand more money after the purchase. However, a buyer and seller can agree to a different service which may cost more. This has to be a mutual agreement.

Usually it is the buyer who makes the offer.

The seller is more at risk by choosing Surface shipping. As the buyer you can start an Item Not Received dispute within 45 days and if the seller cannot prove delivery to you, he must refund your payment. Starting the Dispute gives both of you another 20 days for the purchase to be resolved.

And yes, you can Dispute the slow delivery even if you agreed to it. The seller is required to get the item to you within 45 days.

Personally, I would tell the seller that I bid on the basis of the advertised price and that I would expect him to choose a shipping service that would deliver the item securely and promptly.

The error is his. If he did this deliberately, he was misleading his customers, who should expect prompt delivery at the advertised price.

If he offers a mutual cancellation, you can accept and leave appropriate feedback and Detailed Seller Ratings. The normal DSR is 5 stars. The lowest is ONE star.

If you decide to pay the extra fee, make sure that the entire amount of asking price and shipping is on ONE invoice. PP will not allow refunds made with multiple payments.

And pay through Paypal from your credit card, not your PP or bank balance. This gives you the option of following up with a credit card chargeback if the item never arrives at all, or if it arrives late and is not satisfactory. Credit cards have longer deadlines than Paypal.

[timwsimmons]

Thanks for the info. The seller informed me of the shipping details after I paid for the item through Paypal. The estimated shipping date on the item on the item before I purchased it was 27 days. I just feel like I was somewhat mislead and this additional shipping charge would mean there are two separate invoices, one of which is outside of eBay, through Paypal. Since the up charge is the transaction which would be completed outside of eBay, I'm guessing that I wouldn't be able to dispute the matter if I didn't end up receiving the item in the newly agreed upon shipping time of 15 days or less.

[chiccottageindustry]

Hi there,

I think that your transaction is the best way to deal with issues like shipping times, costs and other expectations!  You made it clear that 45 days was too long in your opinion to wait so you choose a quicker shipping service and you pay for the additional fees - its a no brainer! 

What a co-incidence In reverse!

My buyer in Israel purchased item without ever asking about fees or shipping costs prior to item ending.  There was a shipping calculator in the listing so really quite simple to use.

After the auction the buyer complained that the shipping fee is so high so I reviewed it and discovered that from Canada to Israel it is $10.48 for the surface international shipping (not by air) from Canada Post Corp.

Advised buyer this is the least expensive method and they accepted that when they paid the bill.

Canada post policy is No tracking and estimate of 4-6wks delivery time for that particular shipping service. (the cheapest) 

Now the buyer, after 4wks time, out of the blue opens a case with EBAY to have a refund  for the item that has not been received and is accusing me of lying, making things up and then before the case is even dealt with slams me with negative feedback that has ruined my 100% standing.  And of course PayPal is now holding the funds in abeyance.

So to make my point:  I believe people are entitled to pay what they see fit for shipping but they must accept that you get what you pay for and must be prepared for the time it takes.  Communication between the parties is key!     

[femmefan1946]

cottage-- I think your first error was giving your customer a choice. In my experience, the customer will always choose the cheaper option but will expect the service of the more expensive option. Human nature.

There is also the problem that a surface shipping service will not have tracking /Delivery Confirmation. So you may as well refund now, whether your customer is merely unhappy or outright scamming. You can't win a Dispute about delivery without Confirmation of Delivery.

Don't you hate learning experiences? I certainly do.