Are fruitcakes running rampant on eBay lately? Selling, buying, listing, feedback, etc...

[BillyBricks]

27 minutes ago, KvHulk said:

I haven't heard a peep regarding shipping time from any of my buyers so I'm assuming my packages are arriving on time, in perfect condition by a happy smiling USPS mail carrier.

Ugh. Less than a day after posting about these delays, I get a message from a buyer of a Detective's Office wondering where his package is and if he needs to look into getting a refund from Ebay. I hope my message assuaged him (it's currently only 1 day past delivery...), and I understand why someone might be worried about their $400+ item going missing, but I really wish Ebay would make a banner pop up when someone buys an item that states information about COVID delays (maybe Ebay has this; I haven't bought anything in a couple of months).  

[brickology101]

I write a warning now in the item description about ongoing shipment delays, especially with USPS. And I answer all the complaining messages apologizing asking for patience in these unusual times. If they message again I tell them to open an item not delivered case with EBay. I have not had one case open against me yet but I spoke to Ebay trying to prepare for it (them). I was told that due to covid19 Ebay takes more time to close such cases knowing that the package may arrive at any time. It is a very very common occurrence all over right now. I also was told that provided evidence the item was actually shipped Ebay would remove negative feedbacks due to shipping delays/losses. I am not sure how much of that it is true. I have not been at that stage yet.

[exracer327]

On 5/14/2020 at 8:47 AM, BillyBricks said:

Ugh. Less than a day after posting about these delays, I get a message from a buyer of a Detective's Office wondering where his package is and if he needs to look into getting a refund from Ebay. I hope my message assuaged him (it's currently only 1 day past delivery...), and I understand why someone might be worried about their $400+ item going missing, but I really wish Ebay would make a banner pop up when someone buys an item that states information about COVID delays (maybe Ebay has this; I haven't bought anything in a couple of months).  

I had a $750 package arrive at the destination 5 days after it's scheduled delivery date and that was with 3-day priority shipping.  So it took exactly a week to arrive.  I sent the guy multiple emails but he has never responded to any of them.  He hasn't left any feedback either.

I now write everyone who has purchased a large set (24x20x4) from me that there are shipping delays.  The wort part is, USPS tracker says "on time" even though the package hasn't even left the distribution center.  So tracking went from "on time," to "late," to "in transit" and it hadn't even left the immediate area.  idk how USPS tracking system works but it's bogus.

[keymomachine]

Oh yeah, I bought some washing machine hoses from a guy in Missouri, I figured sure, a few days to get to Chicagoland, no problem. It hit "in transit" for like 12 days and then suddenly showed up. Wild times.

[BillyBricks]

7 hours ago, keymomachine said:

Oh yeah, I bought some washing machine hoses from a guy in Missouri, I figured sure, a few days to get to Chicagoland, no problem. It hit "in transit" for like 12 days and then suddenly showed up. Wild times.

I dropped off a package at my local PO, which is about an hour drive from the Elk Grove, IL regional facility. On the tracker, it showed that it took 7 days to arrive there..

[MusiKyle]

I have someone who immediately opened a claim on eBay stating item not delivered.  USPS says item delivered on front porch/door.  Insurance was only up to $50 (my bad).  It was Destiny's Bounty $205 + shipping charge.  What are my options?  If someone stole it I can't do anything about that but I know eBay favors the buyer.  The buyer did note a USPS claim number and that they'll search through next Thursday.  Do I have many options beyond claiming $50 and refunding the difference?

 

Buyer has 100% feedback (9 transactions) and based on the address doesn't live in a crappy part of town.

 

[enotoga]

Sounds like you stand a good chance of being covered by Ebay.  My guess is that in a situation like this, they'd quickly evaluate your feedback and defect rate, and if everything looks ok, find in your favor - the package got delivered.  

Edited May 16, 2020 by enotoga

[MusiKyle]

8 minutes ago, enotoga said:

Sounds like you stand a good chance of being covered by Ebay.  My guess is that in a situation like this, they'd quickly evaluate your feedback and defect rate, and if everything looks ok, find in your favor - the package got delivered.  

Thanks you guys, I think I just got nervous as this was my first instance of this issue.  It does look like eBay seller support has an FAQ stating that if a buyer issues an item not received request that it'll likely be closed within 24 hours if tracking shows it has been delivered.  Phew!

[jerphisch]

It must be something in the water.  I just got a question asking where an item is that shows it was delivered on APRIL 9th.  

[brickology101]

Don’t you guys ship with signature required ?

[jerphisch]

8 minutes ago, brickology101 said:

Don’t you guys ship with signature required ?

No, and they aren't really enforcing signatures right now anyway.  Mine was only a $70 elves set, but I mean, it shows delivered over a month ago and they just now sent a message.

[brickology101]

What do you mean they don’t enforce signature ? Of course they do. Besides preventing the item from being stolen on porch’s, or delivered to the wrong address, it is also a great way to protect yourself as a seller against payment reversals especially if PayPal is used for the payment.

[iahawks550]

4 hours ago, brickology101 said:

What do you mean they don’t enforce signature ? Of course they do. Besides preventing the item from being stolen on porch’s, or delivered to the wrong address, it is also a great way to protect yourself as a seller against payment reversals especially if PayPal is used for the payment.

It's a good thing for the seller (minus the expense) , but a real PITA for most buyers (during normal times). There are many households that don't have anyone home when mail is delivered.

[Pseudoty]

5 hours ago, brickology101 said:

What do you mean they don’t enforce signature ? Of course they do. Besides preventing the item from being stolen on porch’s, or delivered to the wrong address, it is also a great way to protect yourself as a seller against payment reversals especially if PayPal is used for the payment.

They are just asking someone at the residence to confirm the name on the package currently to help keep the process contactless. You are still paying the same rate for signature service but technically you are not getting a signature. 

[rpaulson7]

Not ebay, but Bricklink on this one.  Its regarding an order for 31084 Pirate Coaster.

Yesterday I got this email: 

So USPS flat rate box or calculated cost comes in the low $20. I requested a quote to specifically avoid the situation of someone overcharging me shipping. Your quote said $0 shipping, which considering I recently had a free shipping for a $100 order would not be unreasonable. Please either send me a reasonable shipping cost or cancel my order. I will not pay $40 shipping when I can verify it should only cost @ $20 via USPS. You sent me a quote with no shipping charge which I still have to send to bricklink if there is a disagreement.

 

And I replied: 

Hello, and thank you for contacting me with your concerns.
 

I have attached two images for your reference, which I will explain.
 

First, I was confused yesterday that I had a quote request and an order from you at the same time.  I went straight to the order and entered the shipping charges.   I don't recall having send a quote at all, because I had an order from you.  According to the attached image, I never did send you a quote.  You are the 3rd line of data, quote number 257943.  The line above you is quote number 258000, and the green box on that line means I sent that person a quote.  You don't have a green box, because I didn't send you a quote.
 

The 2nd image is regarding the packaging cost.  This is my actual note I used yesterday morning, I got it out of the recycling bin just now.  The set weights 1877g or 4 lb 2 oz, and I added a pound for the box and packaging.  The next info is the set and my outer box dimensions.  You are welcome to use the USPS postage calculator to determine cost yourself from 55379 to 94952 for a box that is 5 lb 2 oz and 23" x 16" x 5". 
 

In regards to the Flat rate box, I typically do not use those, I find my own boxes.  BUT, that's a good tip for me going forward, thanks for that.  However, the largest one the USPS offers is 23 11/16 x 11 3/4 x 3 1/8.  The set measures 3.54 inches tall, and the flat rate box is only 3.125 inches tall.  So that box will not work.  Unless you want me to stuff it in there, and if the USPS will accept a fat box (I'm not sure if they will).  But mailing perfect Lego sets jammed into a box it doesn't fit into is NOT my style. 
https://store.usps.com/store/product/shipping-supplies/priority-mail-large-flat-rate-board-game-box-gbfrb-P_GB_FRB
 

So, the shipping is $40.55.  If you want to cancel the order, you can do that on Bricklink.  Also, I used that box for a different set, but I have a replacement, which could increase my cost, I don't know.  The box I quoted was perfect for this set, but also pretty good for the other set I used it for.  I'll still stick to charging you $40.55 and I'll be responsible for the difference.
 

Thank you,

[iahawks550]

Weird conversation, but would FedEx be about half the cost of USPS in your situation?

[rpaulson7]

10 minutes ago, iahawks550 said:

Weird conversation, but would FedEx be about half the cost of USPS in your situation?

I'm not sure, I only use USPS.  Maybe I should check on that. 

[glostik]

USPS is way too expensive for larger boxes.

Fedex or UPS is the way to go

[iahawks550]

5 minutes ago, glostik said:

USPS is way too expensive for larger boxes.

Fedex or UPS is the way to go

Depending on distance, of course. 

[chicharito_98]

Hi all,

   There's a new website out called Vince's Box. It's essentially eBay but without listing fees and only a one-time payment fee to list there for life. I personally know the guy and am wondering if anyone would be interested in selling there. If you have any questions the site has a contact us link where you can ask whatever questions you might have and again I am personally interested in selling there. I already have a few items up just to make sure it's legit but it seems like a good idea even though it is unprofessional. The link to the site is https://vincesbox.com/ let me know what you all think. 

Thanks

[Jackson]

Are you the one still driving to the post office and standing in line and paying retail for postage?

[exracer327]

1 hour ago, glostik said:

USPS is way too expensive for larger boxes.

Fedex or UPS is the way to go

We've had this conversation before.  Fed Ex charges by size of box (https://pages.message.fedex.com/weight_calculator/), not actual weight.  I've had Fed Ex cost twice as much as USPS for a large box too.  So I would suggest researching options.

Of course, this assumes you're using ebay shipping discounts for USPS.  

[Jackson]

Regarding signature confirmation, pretty sure PayPal requires it only for orders $750 or more.

"Proof of Delivery is online documentation from a qualified shipping company that includes all of the following:

Signature Confirmation, if the full amount of the payment (including shipping and taxes) is $750 USD or more, a signature confirmation is required. This documentation can be viewed at the shipping company’s website and indicates that the item was signed for on delivery."

[Alpinemaps]

I think everyone is arguing around the point, but not understanding the point that’s trying to be made here.

It’s not about how it normally works. What some are trying to say is they, right now, with COVID practices in place, drivers are not actually having you sign for anything. Instead some are having you verbally acknowledge that you’ve received (and then “signing for you”) and some are just dropping off but still signing for you.

No one has said anything incorrect, but rather right now, there’s no guarantee that the driver will actually deliver to John Smith though a signature is required.

[Saruman]

23 hours ago, chicharito_98 said:

Hi all,

   There's a new website out called Vince's Box. It's essentially eBay but without listing fees and only a one-time payment fee to list there for life. I personally know the guy and am wondering if anyone would be interested in selling there. If you have any questions the site has a contact us link where you can ask whatever questions you might have and again I am personally interested in selling there. I already have a few items up just to make sure it's legit but it seems like a good idea even though it is unprofessional. The link to the site is https://vincesbox.com/ let me know what you all think. 

Thanks

You have 4 sets up for sell, and there are 0 other sellers on your site. Also, there is no search bar, so as people list stuff you just have to scroll through 1 page dedicated to EVERYTHING listed on your site. This is extremely poor UI. Your "Why we started" page has grammar errors, and can you at least LINK me to your eBay store so I can have some reference.

I can see that Carlos has sold something, but I can't seem to find what he sold or how much he sold it for. So this appears VERY fishy.

This is so OBVIOUSLY a scam. All your tabs at the top of the site just lead to each other, and NOWHERE on your site do you even EXPLAIN how it works. On your 4 items for sell, I don't know who the seller is(I am guessing you) and if I list something will it just be thrown into your list of items for sale. With no search bar and NO FILTERS, I am to assume that everything that is listed is thrown into ONE HUGE LIST, with NO WAY of organizing it. If there are 10,000 items in your store nobody and I mean NOBODY will scroll through them all, however is numbered 10, 000 will never sell their items. Sales with fees are better than no sales with no fees.

I have seen tons of scam sites x10 better than this, but if it is your first scam site then I can tell you are still working out the kinks!