What on earth should I do?

Jorsha

I don't know how I've done it, and I'm prepared for a telling off, but I've managed to forget to send an item that was bought 12 days ago!
The buyer sent me a message today in a friendly tone, asking if it had been dispatched, and i replied saying sorry, it would be sent today. I'm wondering if I should offer a partial refund as an apology, because I have to admit, I'd be angry if this level of service happened to me.
I'm quite annoyed that I let it slip through the net to be honest, I wouldn't be too annoyed if I recieved negative feedback for this.
I think I've invalidated something as well, haven't I? for not sending it in seven days.
What a to do,
Your advice please

lolarentt

I'd apologise profusely and give (not offer) a percentage refund in compensation. If the buyer is friendly they'll understand and make allowances. If I was a buyer in that sitch I'd be happy and give + feedback

Jorsha

What percentage do you think would be reasonable?
The item cost £8, would half of that be ok?

kalaika

If you think the buyer is still friendly then I would probably refund the postage cost (or the equivalent to the postage cost if it was a free P&P item) and see what they say. You can always refund more if they aren't happy with that.

Jorsha

The postage was free, but cost 47p, so I don't really think that would come across as an overly generous gesture
In this case, I'd rather keep the buyer happy than try to keep as much of the money i've earned from the sale.

OrkneyStar

I would apolgise profusely, give a refund of at least 25% (£2!), and see how they go with that.
If it was me I would be a bit miffed by your forgetfullness but more than happy to forgive you.
I may mark your dispatch time down though!

kalaika

Ah! That's a bit less than I thought it might be! I was thinking it could be a couple of quid or so, which on an £8 item I would have thought could have been enough.

I guess it really comes down to how much you rely on your eBay income (and can afford). If I was the buyer and was still in a fairly good mood, the £4 refund that you suggested earlier would probably work for me to still give a +ve and good overall stars, although I don't think there's much you can do to avoid being marked down on your stars for despatch times!

cyberbob

it depends how much you want to keep the customer happy. Personally for such a low price item I would refund the whole amount and take the loss. I;m not convinced as a buyer £2 for an over 2 week delay would keep me happy.

keys_2

I would give the £4 refund and then emai lthem saying you have now sent the item first class and they should check there paypal funds as you have given them discount . I would also apologise again and explain this has never happened before and as you said they are friendly so the yshould leave you positive feedback then really as I know I would , as you have corrected the mistake and apologised

lolarentt

Jorsha wrote: »

What percentage do you think would be reasonable?
The item cost £8, would half of that be ok?

I'd go for the £4 discount - a 50% credit would be fine, giving a full credit looks a bit over the top

OrkneyStar

Perhaps £2 is not enough......£4 is perhaps better, as the others suggest.
What did they buy ? Could you also include a related freebie ?