Found your completed auction. I know tubies are a harder sell, but surprised you aren't able to get the same price for those here on the forum. Nice wheels!!

Thanks. I had them listed but no bites. I could have done a better job with description and pics but I assumed that bidder would be familiar with them and recognize the value. It blows me away that the buyer is not happy with these for $600. I wonder what he thinks he is going to get that is going to be a better deal?

"How do you handle an item that a buyer says is damaged during shipping since you're the expert? "


When a buyer filed a SNAD complaint with eBay due to damage during shipping, I immediately accept the return.

Just for perspective, I have sold way over $10 million on eBay.

Do you insure packages before you ship them, and if so how do you then get reimbursed by the shipper in these scenarios?

"Do you insure packages before you ship them, and if so how do you then get reimbursed by the shipper in these scenarios?"


I never buy insurance.

Good to know. To answer your original question, I take pictures so that in cases like your scenario, I can use the pictures to help my claim with the shipper since I typically take out insurance on higher value items.

The pictures that you take are of the item in proper condition before you ship it, correct?

I don't take additional pictures of the item beyond what I use in the listing. I was replying to your original question related to my post about taking pictures of the items wrapped/packed out of the box, within the box, and the condition of the box itself prior to shipping, which I do for the main reason of if an insurance claim is needed.

My nightmare ebay experience was the sale of a set of "new bike takeoff" Mavic wheels that actually were never put on a bike. Brand new. Everything was cool until the buyer received the wheels, then the chain of messages went something like this:

- "These aren't $500 wheels. Mavic sells wheels in Europe under the same name for $375. I want $200 back!" (In fact, several years earlier, Mavic HAD sold a cheap wheelset in Europe under the same name -- but the photos online showed that they clearly were not the same wheels.)

- "These wheels are out of true. My LBS says it will cost $150 to fix these wheels. I want $150 for the truing, plus $50 for my trouble." (I knew the wheels were true when they left. But I called his LBS direct and negotiated truing services for $20. The guy never took them in.)

- "The rear hub on these wheels is sticky. The wheel won't even freewheel. A rear hub rebuild will cost $150. I will take $100 refund OR you can pay to have the wheels returned to you and refund me $100 for my trouble." (I called his LBS. This time I asked how many times they had talked with the guy. They didn't know him. Never heard of him. Hadn't talked with anyone recently about rebuilding a hub on a Mavic wheel. I refused to refund anything.)

- "I'm going to file a complaint with ebay!" (Go ahead.)

- "I'm REALLY going to file a complaint with ebay!" (I said, go ahead.)

- "I really mean it now. I'm going to file a complaint." (Go ahead. You'll need to have documentation for your story. I will have a story to tell them, too. Trying to cheat someone through the Internet / mail / telephone is a felony. Either file a complaint or leave me alone.)

- He left "neutral" feedback -- something like, "this seller knows nothing about bike parts."

That really hurt.

Beware selling to a guy with a Dallas hotel for his shipping address. I think he just wanted something for nothing.

All of these responses have been huge help. It kills me when I get victimized by assholes - I assume that the rest of the world acts in good faith. I spoke with ebay and it seems I may have some recourse, I assumed they would put a hold on my paypal but it seems like I may have some recourse at least for the time and hardship.

Hi 1Poseur1,

I'm wondering about the high shipping cost of $135 to ship two wheels. Did you ship by air? I worked 20 years at FedEx. Ground speed is getting very fast now at a fraction of the price. I recently used UPS and got 2 day ground service from Florida to Pennsylvania. You can also open a UPS or FedEx account and get discounts (I just saw a 34% discount through ebay on UPS shipping).

Sorry about your ebay experience. It used to be a go-to place. Now amazon fulfills that function.

Mark

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Fast-Finishes.com
Triathlon and Running Race Timing
Athletic Event Management

It shipped in two separate boxes - each wheel was in a factory wheelbox - 3 day ground.

Did you ship from a UPS Store?

" I was replying to your original question related to my post about taking pictures of the items wrapped/packed out of the box, within the box, and the condition of the box itself prior to shipping, which I do for the main reason of if an insurance claim is needed."


The problem with that is that the shipping companies don't care what everything looked like before you shipped the package.

They want to see the damage after the package was delivered to your buyer.

And an eBay buyer has no reason to take pictures or show it to the shipping company. They just file a SNAD complaint and get a full refund.

from FedEx store.

FedEx Stores also charge a higher than retail rate for shipping and they charge an arm and a leg for boxes and packaging.

I ship wheels in a double wheel box and it costs about $54 for guaranteed Ground service to zone 8.

Post script is that buyer has canceled the return and apologized for the inconvenience. He must have spoken with someone that convinced him that he was a stone cold moron for wanting to return.....

that's good news. I've definitely had annoyances selling on ebay. a few times regarding people's perception of "very good" condition. even with photos I've had people want a refund for something where there is a minor blemish in a place that you have to go looking for it

Post script is that buyer has canceled the return and apologized for the inconvenience. He must have spoken with someone that convinced him that he was a stone cold moron for wanting to return..... //

A 9/11 miracle, congratulations on the sale, as stressful as it was...

I'm currently dealing with a guy who wants a partial refund because he does not know how to measure ETT they same way the industry does. Fooken people are dumb.

I've had more people that didn't pay since this thread was started.

Then I have another turkey saying a used a stolen CC number to pay for an auction I won. I have the item and paypal shows I payed with existing paypal funds ? Even worse the person is not using ebay message to communicate , but my personal email and following me around on other cycling forums.

ebay member since 1999.... it's getting tiresome lately. I'd almost rather be low balled on craigslist. It's no wonder I have a garage full of stuff, because every time I try to clear it out... it's a joke.

"I've had more people that didn't pay since this thread was started"


I always use fixed price listings with immediate payment required.

yes.. I'm going to edit my auctions from now on....

in fact I just cancelled one of the wheelsets I was selling.... I will take advantage of Enve trade in days.. I should be no hassle. Less money and I have to pay nearly retail, but I dont need drama.

I read through the posts in the thread. But I am still confused to What was the end result, sounds like you have the wheels back in your possession and you paid the return shipping and refunded the buyer? Or are you still arguing with him and waiting on eBay to make a final decision?


What is your eBay username?



I'm really sorry you got screwed on the shipping...


I have a lot of advise to share and more than willing to help anyone selling on eBay. The problem is it is all case by case, and there is no catch all.

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Grow with data: Dynamic Sports Data | eBay store

Years ago ebay was great when it was a way for normal folk to sell stuff they didn't need and other folk could buy stuff at a good price. Everyone knew where they stood.

In the UK at least it has all gone wrong. Sellers have NO safety net anymore - no way to advise others about dodgy/fraudulent buyers. We aren't all businesses but we are expected to adhere to the same distance selling regs, it is insane. If you want the protection and returns options that buying from a shop gives you then buy from a f*cking shop dont haul some guy who has a turbo to sell over the coals and demand your money back when you change your mind. Just sell the damn thing on yourself.

Rant over. Sorry.

I had something similar selling a pair of running shoes a few years ago and have not sold anything on Ebay since. I clearly marked them as used - I'd run about 20 miles in them before deciding they were not going to work for me - all clearly stated in the listing with no returns accepted. This went back and forth for weeks. Here is the transcript of that incident for your reading pleasure:

New message from: **** Hi, I am sorry that you have decided to close my request to return these shoes, but you have failed to describe them accurately. These are not US size 10.5, they must be 10 or even 9.5 US. If you choose not to offer returns on an item listed for sale, than they need to be described accurately enough to avoid any issues with the buyer. In this case, it must be mentioned that this manufacturer runs about a half size small, or if not for sure, take out a measuring tape and specify. Every shoe that I own, casual, athletic, or formal, my size is 10.5, therefore they should fit if they were true to US sizing scale, but certainly not in this case.


shredz2000: I'm sorry you feel the item wasnt accurately described, but I do not agree the listing was inaccurate based on your comments. The tongues of the shoes and their original box clearly show they are size US 10.5, as stated in the listing. I have worn over 15 pairs of Newtons, all size 10.5, and have never found any of them to be too small. Running shoes from different manufacturers all fit differently.Your belief that Newtons run small to their size as a general product is not my responsibility when listing the item. The shoes were listed as US 10.5, which you say you received, but you have issue with the manufacturer's sizing. This is the reason I do not accept returns. I am not a store or a business. I'm sorry that you feel the shoes do not fit you properly, but the shoes you received were correctly listed as Newton US 10.5.


New message from: ***** I fail to understand your reasoning. You say you have owned 15 pairs yet you are getting rid of these because you prefer the more common medial posting, buy their whole product line is geared towards a forefoot strike. As with most of those who sell on ebay, including myself, even though not the capasity of a store, you still bare much of the same responsibility as one, as with any form of selling, using the same ethics. You say that since the label reads 10.5 that that means it is what it says it is? Only in a perfect world where there are no errors and people do things the same. Things get mislabeled, and even if this is, or it is not as it says it is, I have no way of knowing the fitting of the shoe. Look friend, you are the only seller not offering returns on this newton brand for what ever reason may be, I don't know, but please see that you migjt be wrong in running your add this way. Usually i buy my runners at a specialty athletic store geared towards running, Fleet Feet Sports, thay carry one of the largest brand selections i have ever seen, and yet they do not carry the Newton brand, so I have no way of trying them out elsewhere. Please see that by blaming for not having been familiar with the sizing or fit of a little known brand of shoes just makes you look bad as a seller. You are only proving that you are not willing to satisfy or accommodate for your customers and take responsibility and understand concerns of your clients.


shredz2000: Dear ****, I know for certain that they are 10.5s because, as the listing stated, I wore them for about 20 miles. They fit exactly the same as the Motion IVs I'm using, which are also 10.5s. I wanted to try the neutral Gravity IVs, but after a few runs determined that I prefer the medial posting in the Motion IVs, which is the reason I'm selling the Gravity IVs. These were not a new pair of shoes I never tried on. >Please see that by blaming for not having been familiar with the sizing or fit of a little known brand of shoes just makes you look bad as a seller.< I do not agree. I'm not blaming you for anything. My listing clearly stated that returns are not accepted and you are asking to return them. The listing accurately represented the shoes you received in terms of their stated size and condition. I fail to see how I'm responsible if you disagree with the manufacturer's stated sizing or are unfamiliar with the brand. >Usually i buy my runners at a specialty athletic store geared towards running, Fleet Feet Sports, thay carry one of the largest brand selections i have ever seen, and yet they do not carry the Newton brand, so I have no way of trying them out elsewhere< In fact Fleet Feet as a chain does sell Newtons: https://www.fleetfeetsports.com/search?q=Newton Whether they sell them at your local store I do not know. Look I'm not trying to scam anyone here. I have a simple return policy to avoid all this back and forth, and thats to not accept returns. My seller rating and feedback are 100% positive. I fail to see how the listing misrepresented the shoes you received in any way when I know from having worn them they are the size that is listed.
- shredz2000




New message from: ***** I apologize for any trouble and inconvenience i have caused you and also for any accusations that were made regarding your add. I have not meant any harm. In a nutshell, I just wasn't pleased with the fit, although they did seem small for me, maybe that is the way they are supposed to fit considering their products are all built for the biomechanics of a forefoot strike, which is completely my fault for not having tried one on somehow somewhere before purchasing from you. Yet, still, unsatisfied customers on Ebay, in most cases, qualify for there Ebay money back guarantee, hence the reason why you are receiving these back to sell again. I just wanted to be completely frank and make my case clear with you, and I do regard you still as an honest "Ebayer" and person, so if we have an accord, I will put positive comments with highest rating, as long as you can do the same?


shredz2000: Dear ****, Here's what I'll do - I will refund you $50. Thats all that I got out of the sale after the ebay/paypal fees and shipping. I cant recoup those costs. How does that sound?

The guy went on to ship them back to me anyway. He then opened a Paypal claim against me to try and get his money back, and I sent them the above transcript. They ended up siding with me and I made the guy pay $25 to ship them back to him since he decided he wanted them after losing the Paypal case.


Talk about the biggest waste of time.