How to deal with impatient buyers?

[pokemoncookie]

Hi everyone,

I am a new ebay seller. I will start selling either next week or the week after. A friend of my friend used to sell things on ebay. He quit six years ago. He told me that he always provided his buyers with tracking information. But some of them were very impatient. Especially, during the holiday season, deliveries take longer than normal. When they complained about the delays, my friend asked them to wait a little bit longer. They got grumpy and opened cases. So he had no choice but to give them refunds.

I don't want this to happen when I sell things. How can I deal with impatient customers?

Thank you very much for your help.

[msau4301 · Accepted solution]

Most buyers, unless they are new buyers, should be aware of roughly how long shipping will take. I know there are always still impatient types but assuming you are using tracking they should be able to see where the package is at. When you do up a listing eBay automatically puts in an estimated delivery date based on what shipping service you are using. Most times delivery will be within this time frame. If someone is asking you can tell them the estimated time/date and that there are some times delays and you are sure it will be to them soon. Myself I aways have a small blurb at the end of my listing "Please be aware of possible shipping delays beyond my control" (and during the holidays add "especially during the busy holiday season".

Your friend who said he had grumpy buyers that opened cases, a case can't be opened until the estimated delivery date has past, and even after opening one there is still a few day (I believe 4) window.

Remember that while there are always grumpy/impatient sorts out there, I like to think the majority of us are normal/patient types! Good luck selling here! 🙂

[byto253]

Sounds like your friend did not make a good choice when choosing the type of shipping service stated in their listing.  It is important to look at the time frames for delivery provided by the different options as they can vary considerably.

For example if you choose "Canada Post Regular Parcel" it provides 2 to 10 business days while the "Economy Shipping" provides 1 to 15 business days.  I also prefer the generic shipping service as it gives me the flexibility to either use other Canada Post services, or someone like Chitchats.

When shipping to the US, I use Standard International Shipping instead of the US Tracked Packet options as it provides more days for delivery.  And again, the flex to use other services.

[reallynicestamps]

Thank you for your query.

Your purchase was paid on December 23 and sent on December 24 by Santa Express.

The Tracking number  is CA1234566NA.

At the moment the tracking shows that it was recorded in Iqaluit on December 31, and the last estimated date for delivery will be March 32, 2025.

[reallynicestamps]

I'd suggest doing a little buying from Canadian and US sellers to see what the Buyer is getting in the way of updates and information.

[pokemoncookie]

Thank you very much for your excellent suggestions.

[valuestore]

I would start off with a risk limit on what youre selling, say $30-$50 or whatever you're comfortable with, maybe limit to domestic tracked, no customs. Christmas can raise risk of delays, delays starts about 3rd week November. I don't shut down but you could if you don't want to deal with postal delays. Lastly relax, problems happen don't get to attached, avoid conversation rabbit holes. Stick to eBay's returns and dispute system, if they don't or won't open a dispute/return, don't refund.