I Rarely kvetch, but C'mon, 181.75 in Refunds This Month, Majortiy Are Overseas !!!

[bb_cool_stuff]

Always optimistic, Always sell with Honesty & Integrity, but C'mon Now !

Three from Germany, one from Brazil, one from the US, one from Canada to the tune of 181.75.

Have never had a problem with Germany or South America previously.

I understand some claims could be legit but i have my doubts now.

Just too many refunds sent this year.

No tracking, too expensive for overseas shipments, no chance of winning a dispute.

Always leave a polite message to let me know should the item arrive.

How many have let me know the item has arrived over the years ?  None !!!

Will remain optimistic, the UK & other European Countries are fine, Australia, New Zealand are great also.

Germany is toast.

Rant over, feel better already.

[msmaggie060]

Yes, Germany is toast and so is the Ukraine for me. Although, possibly it is their postal systems but strange that I never seem to hear from them again even if they do receive the items at a later date.

[rose-dee]

I have to admit that I've never had a problem with German buyers, but I think the category I sell in is probably less prone to attract naughty people. 

'bb', I feel for you, sorry to hear this -- it's clear from your posts on these boards that you're an upfront, honest, friendly seller with integrity.  I'm afraid there are always going to be people out there who will take advantage.  I would not be surprised if there's been an uptick in claims because eBay has left a few gaps in their policies where buyers are concerned.  

If you've been here for a few years, you'll remember that sellers grossly overcharging for shipping started popping up here and there, then it became an epidemic, and eBay finally had to do something about it.  I'm hoping eBay will recognize this gap regarding buyer claims and get those brains in San Jose to think up some way to help sellers ensure that claims are legitimate.  I don't really know what that policy might look like, but it's overdue, in my opinion.  

[nan*55]

I seem to have few more than usual too. All overseas 😞

[ricarmic]

Two close calls last couple weeks, one to Colombia, one to Brazil, both received refunds and contacted me afterward once the stamps arrived to pay for the material again. My form letter seems to be working in these situations....here is a copy anyone can use any portion of this wording that works for them too....

Hi! I received a case notification today advising that the stamps have not yet arrived. The stamps were mailed as promised on September ??th. They will go through your customs there, unfortunately packages like this going to ???? can sometimes take a very long time, as long as 90 days to arrive. Unfortunately once a case is opened, I only have a short time to respond and in this case all I can do is refund you your money. This is not a problem, I have refunded the money already, out of my own funds, you should find it in your PAYPAL account now. Almost always the packages do eventually show up. On the assumption that the stamps do eventually arrive, please just let me know so I can send you another invoice so you can pay for them again (small lots like this are self insured so I am out 100% if it does not ever show up). I am sorry for the frustrations around the timing, rest assured it is frustrating to us both, but there is a very good chance you will still receive the stamps in the next couple weeks (or so!). Thank you for your patience to date and have a great day!!

I also find having the form letter helps desensetize me, I find these blasted cases very frustrating, many countries often take longer than the current timeframe, I am hopeful this will imrpove with some of the upcoming eBay changes...

[bb_cool_stuff]

Thanks for the replies.

Little late getting back, colleague was sick at work & i had to cover her shift. Get today off though.

Heard from three friendly competitors, because of too many refunds two charge full price with tracking overseas & another ships to Canada & the US only. Just our demographic i guess.

I'm okay with it, i know i shipped the items, i can sleep well at night.

Cost of doing business.

I know Pierre, Brande & Steve have had some bad experiences, so it happens to who i consider honest sellers also.

[mr.elmwood]

BB, you have the 'tude that will keep you successful: "Cost of doing business".

I dodged a few refunds with good communication with customers and then wham, this last weel happened. Oh well. What I have found, Karma works. I refund and I get it back in sales the same day.

I further rationalize that all I really lost was the postage costs. So, a $70 refund is really only a $10 loss.

[brandeentertainment]

The first time i got scammed was from germany .. the second time I almost got scammed From germany got a neg because they lost the dsipute because tracking showed delivered..

I block germany a long time ago ..

Next year i will be revised to ship to US,UK and Australia all the rest are too expensive to ship to risk losing a case ..

Bad places I have has experience with are Germany,Italy,brazil...

Best international experiences UK,Australia,Sweden,finland Basing that on arrival time and customers satisfaction

[bb_cool_stuff]

Funny Brande that German Buyers have been one of the best, but this just came out of left field. Guess it was just my time.

According to competitors Germany has been a problem followed by the UK & Spain.

I have never had a problem with the UK, Spain or any other European country.

Australia & New Zealand are great also.

I guess it just depends on what you are selling.

This is the only claim received from South America & i have shipped a lot of items there. Two more strikes before the continent is off my selling list.

Hey it happens. Like Pierre mentions "And Life Does Go On. "

[ricarmic]

BB...does this mean you think I'm a dishonest seller? 😉

PS Over the course of time I have had wee bursts of claims, so it might just be you hit one of them....the buyers are from all over - were they mailed on the same day? (A couple of my problem lumps, were a result entire day's post office drop being delayed - affecting all non-Canadian buyers....)

[bb_cool_stuff]

BB..does this mean you think I'm a dishonest seller ?

LOL, What do you want to hear ?

No, they weren't mailed on the same day.

I just put it in perspective. I seem to recall someone had a thousand dollar loss recently though i could be wrong with the total amount.

Pierre had a big loss one time, Brande & Steve had a horrible winter, Inuk & PJ had some losses also.

Frustrating yes, but my loss at cost & shipping pales in comparison to others.

I may have mentioned it a few years ago.

We have three mentally challenged on a work share program on our floor.

As always there is a big hug waiting for us when we start our shifts.

They always have a big smile on their faces throughout their shift.

That also keeps things in perspective.

[mr.elmwood]

BB. I had a couple of zero sales days, did @ $70 refund, then did a $319 sales day. Ya get it back, ya just do.

[bb_cool_stuff]

Thanks Inuk.

I know i will make it up.

No longer a big deal.