Missing item in post, HELP!!??

[Neil]

Re: Re:

He doesn't know the service used because I don't want to drop myself in it any further. This guy sent me a message which I didn't reply to inside of 24 hours because I have other things to do than check my eBay every couple hours, so he assumed I'm ripping him off or something and opened a case the next morning. This guys patience is clearly not one of his strengths, I have had items taking longer than this to arrive with second class so I am still optimistic that it'll turn up. He thinks after being 3 days late it must have been lost forever....

This paints things in a slightly different light.

As fluffy points out - ebay almost railroads buyers into making things official when wanting to contact sellers about things not yet received. By default, it would go through as a case. In many cases, I'll contact a seller using a more general subject to enquire about dispatch / delivery.

What you've said, implies the auction page states one class of postage, and you've used something, perhaps, cheaper. Whether that's the reality, or not, it's certainly what your comments hint at.

If the auction states first class, and it's already late for a second class package, he's bound to wonder where the hell it is.

Recognising all those things, and bearing in mind, if you've sent something, untracked, not requiring a signature, and not insured, you are, in effect, trusting the honesty of the buyer. If I was you, I'd be as polite and helpful as possible - what you've described, doesn't necessarily imply he jumped the gun - sounds like he messaged you first, and threw snake-eyes, then followed the path of least resistance in eBay's contact section - possibly, completely reasonably.

Take a step back, deep breaths, and think smart. How out of pocket you're going to be over this may have some factors you can still influence. If it is just a bit delayed, then he may well be honest. On the other hand, you being off-hand, evasive, or confrontational, and he's holding all the cards, and you none. Let that sink in a bit before making any further contact.

 

[SEANSTEPHENS]

Re:

okay thanks, that does help. its hard to remain calm when somebody is being arsey with me and (after such a short period of time) is already demanding refunds as if money grows on trees and this money is just burning a hole in my pocket... ive explained that i have more to lose here than he does and he needs to be more patient because being arsey with me will get him nowhere. all things considered i am trying to approach this logically

sean

 

[Neil]

Re: Re:

okay thanks, that does help. its hard to remain calm when somebody is being arsey with me and (after such a short period of time) is already demanding refunds as if money grows on trees and this money is just burning a hole in my pocket... ive explained that i have more to lose here than he does and he needs to be more patient because being arsey with me will get him nowhere. all things considered i am trying to approach this logically

sean

Whilst I understand your predicament, don't misunderstand the position you're in. It doesn't matter if he's arsey with you, or not, if it doesn't arrive, or even if it does turn up and he's savvy and morally flexible, he will get somewhere - he'll almost certainly win the case pretty much by default, and he'll get all his money back.

Sure, if you resist, his refund may take a little longer, but he'll likely still get it.

He doesn't have to keep you sweet, he's holding all the cards. In contrast, if you're difficult with him and he's sufficiently misanthropic, he could just decide to stick the boot in - not least with feedback.

Your best hope is it still turns up, and he's relatively content. If he's wise to the situation, and either predisposed or encouraged to be, then it could be an injustice that you'll always suspect, but can do nothing about.

 

[Midlife]

As has been mentioned...........was the buyer expecting it to be delivered first class /next day? if so then I guess he has cause to be a bit miffed.

Shaun

 

[SEANSTEPHENS]

As has been mentioned...........was the buyer expecting it to be delivered first class /next day? if so then I guess he has cause to be a bit miffed.

Shaun

nope, first class standard. but i posted it second class standard with a load of other stuff. must have forgot what was in each packet by the time i got to the post office

Sean

 

[suburbanreuben]

As has been mentioned...........was the buyer expecting it to be delivered first class /next day? if so then I guess he has cause to be a bit miffed.

Shaun

All for the sake of 30p extra for 1st class...

 

[SEANSTEPHENS]

As has been mentioned...........was the buyer expecting it to be delivered first class /next day? if so then I guess he has cause to be a bit miffed.

Shaun

All for the sake of 30p extra for 1st class...

1st class doesnt increase its chance of arriving anyway so either way that comment is irrelevant. if its not helpful to me or the matter at hand then please dont post anything. i asked for friendly advice, nothing else

thanks

 

[suburbanreuben]

As has been mentioned...........was the buyer expecting it to be delivered first class /next day? if so then I guess he has cause to be a bit miffed.

Shaun

All for the sake of 30p extra for 1st class...

1st class doesnt increase its chance of arriving anyway so either way that comment is irrelevant. if its not helpful to me or the matter at hand then please dont post anything. i asked for friendly advice, nothing else

thanks

Maybe 1st class doesn't increase the chances of safe arrival. It increases the chances of quick arrival.
Safe arrival chances are improved by sending it "signed for". That only costs a quid.
You could have pushed the boat out and sent it Special Delivery. Guaranteed next day delivery with up to £500 insurance for £6-7.
Quick and safe!

 

[WD Pro]

Re: Re:

okay thanks, that does help. its hard to remain calm when somebody is being arsey with me and (after such a short period of time) is already demanding refunds as if money grows on trees and this money is just burning a hole in my pocket... ive explained that i have more to lose here than he does and he needs to be more patient because being arsey with me will get him nowhere. all things considered i am trying to approach this logically

sean

I have been watching this with interest as I have been on both sides of the fence ...

I was going to keep shut but some of your comments have prompted me to respond ...

A couple of questions :

• I appreciate that you may not have spare cash hanging around but how do you know that he is any different ? He might have saved for a while to afford this ...

• How do you have more to lose than him ? He was prepared to stump up the money for the item and 'could' have just been expecting it to turn up when it should have done. From his perspective it 'could' be you who's the scammer ...

Stick yourself in his shoes and think what you would do.

Hope it works out for you both though

WD

 

[FluffyChicken]

Re:

Neil, I'm not saying the buyer should get the compensation. I said it was up to the seller to decide.
I've not looked to see if the buyer can get P&P compensation from eBay if the seller has not given the service the buyer paid for.

I couldn't be bothered to work out the morality of it all. Buyer pays you for 2nd class RM service, but you're not providing it, yet still you claim from RM for not providing it. It the chain of claims.
Either way it may or may not be relevant to the post. Time will tell.