Messed up on postage, what would you do?

Saffronsmum

I know this is my fault, should have weighed the item before quoting overseas postage but we all learn from our mistakes.

I sold an item on e-bay, the item only sold for 8.79 and the buyer is from Spain, for some reason i quoted shipping for 9.95 for all overseas bidders, when i took it to the post office i was quoted 30.00 :eek: for airmail and was told because its just over 2kg i could not use surface mail. I know its my mistake and i should pay for the extra postage but it's over 20.00 extra and the item only sold for 8.79 so i would be very out of pocket. Im really angry with myself for messing up but it looks like i have 3 options.

1- Post the item and be out of pocket (by 20.00)
2- Contact the seller and explain which may result in bad feedback.
3- Don't send it, wait for them to say it hasn't arrived and then give them a full refund (make out its gone missing in the post)

I really don't want to risk a bad feedback as in a few weeks i will be on 100% with 2000 feedback.

What would you do?

StaffsSW

First off look to see if the weight can be reduced - can batteries be removed, cardboard replaced with foam or bubble wrap for example.

Also look at other ways of sending - parcel2go are £13.99+vat for up to 5kg - https://www.parcel2go.com/parceldelivery-euro.aspx - and many other parcel companies are available that may be cheaper.

Don't get hung up on the feedback though. Too many people stress way too much over a single neg, and too many people also use this to their advantage.

Establish all facts, communicate with the buyer, then see what happens.

jaydeeuk1

Failing that, say you sent it. It won't arrive (obviously), refund paypal. Only lose out on listing fees.

But you didn't hear that from me.

pinkshoes

Tell the buyer the item has been broken/stolen/burnt in a fire/flood damaged, apologise, and issue them with a refund?

(then I suggest you don't re-list it for a few weeks, just in case they're watching your accout...)

Saffronsmum

To send it with parcel2go will cost me 16.00 including VAT, i could send it but will still loose a small amount.

jaydeeuk1- I think that's what i will do, they will just think its gone missing (like things do) and will be happy when i fully refund them and hopefully not leave neg feedback. I know its not the right thing to do and i will feel a little guilty but as i'm making so little on e-bay at the moment i cant afford to loose money.

vangirl_2

[QUOTE=
3- Don't send it, wait for them to say it hasn't arrived and then give them a full refund (make out its gone missing in the post)

I really don't want to risk a bad feedback as in a few weeks i will be on 100% with 2000 feedback.

[/QUOTE]

Im sorry but havent you read all the ebay threads full of angry buyers because the seller doesnt deliver?

Its funny that your more bothered about your feedback becuase you dont want to come across as a bad seller but youll actually lie to your customer to maitain your 100% 'good customer service' badge .

Its a shame that you will loose out on postage but at least be honest with the buyer and tell them your not going to post it. At 2000 feedback i assume your a business seller so you must understand how difficult things are for sellers and doing something like this just makes it worse for everyone

*LoopyLaura*

You should post it as it's your own fault for not looking into postage rates first. It's not fair on you but you did have the chance to enter the postage rate when you listed. Nor is it fair to lie to your buyer. Not nice to take a loss but its a hard way to learn a lesson

steviebabes

Post it and lose £6, at least it will be tracked via a courier. You could have sent it untracked and lost the lot if they claimed no receipt. Treat yourself to some digital scales!

StaffsSW

I wonder how many MSE members like being lied to when they buy something...?

chja

Fraud is probably not the answer.

Either post it and take the loss or tell the buyer that you are sorry, but it is not financially viable to post at the quoted rate.

They may offer to pay more to get it, or you may need to take a neg, but at least you will sleep well.

frivolous_fay

I would ask if they could meet me halfway, and most likely just give in and send it if they didn't.
I've messed up in the same way before, although not for that much