What Would You Do?

[ari4l2010]

So I won an auction a couple of nights ago. I'm located in Ontario and the seller is located in Saskatchewan. Seller had shipping set at $25. I sent them an e-mail after I had won and asked if he wouldn't mind adjusting the shipping price since we are both in Canada and he could send Express Post for much less. He said no. I said okay not a problem and just said that he could probably send Express Post for about $15 insurance included. He just sends me the invoice with no response. I have yet to receive the item but if it comes and the postage comes up around what I was suggesting, would it be justifiable to leave neutral feedback? I feel that negative is out of the question as I did receive the item but I will no doubt have a bitter taste in my mouth knowing he pocketed $10 from me. Thoughts?

Thanks,

Alberto

*****UPDATE*****

So I won the auction on the 12th. Paid for it on the 13th. Asked for tracking number on the 16th. Makes an excuse (forgot it at work) and gives me the tracking number on the 19th. Card arrives today. Package was marked as shipped on the 19th (6 days after I paid for it) and the postage was marked as $18.05. Now what should I do?

[adamslogik]

it's a shady practice for sure, but you clearly read the listing and knew what the shipping was listed at.

My advice, next time don't expect that someone will make an exception for you, if you are not happy with the shipping cost listed, then just don't bid. Better yet, ask your question BEFORE you buy the item.

[ari4l2010]

Absolutely. I have no problem paying the $25 but I do have a problem when the shipping doesn't reflect the actual cost charged!

[73ToppsMann]

I see that all the time.

I know that in the states, shipping a single card (or up to about 6 cards) in a bubble mailer costs $2.07. A lot of sellers are now charging $2.07 for shipping since the postal rates went up. I like dealing with these sellers, as I know they're being up front with me.

However .... I also see a lot of people charging $3 or $3.50 for shipping. I usually just don't deal with them, as I don't like the high shipping cost, plus, I KNOW they are pocketing an additional $.93 or $1.43 in excess of the shipping. And I know that they are factoring that into their sales, and they usually hate it when someone asks them for lower or combined shipping. (this is from experience asking some sellers)

And then there are those that charge $3.50 in shipping, and then the card arrives in a PWE for $.42 with NO protection. So they pocketed an additional $3.07 off the shipping, while exposing my BV $65 card to the mercies of the US Postal System. <shudder>

The short of this long explanation is - if you want reduced shipping when you know the cost will be less than advertised, definitely contact them before buying. I know sometimes they won't answer, or there isn't time to contact them, but it pays to try. He could have agreed with you about the shipping, but he doesn't have to, as you didn't ask before the bidding ended.

He's shady, to be sure, (and rude as well) but I'd say you have to leave a positive review, as he did hold up his end of the bargain, even if he is pocketing $10 on you. I know it sucks, but I'd say make this a learning experience, and just be sure to ask sellers a day or two before the bidding ends.

[centrehice]

You have no problem paying $25.00 for shipping? Then why start a thread here?

When I see auctions or BIN's like this, I report the auction to eBay. Unfair shipping practices are part of the reason for a person to be reprimanded as anything else is on eBay.

I would have shipped you the same card for $1.50 from Oregon.

You should have reported the item to eBay, then rebid on it when the shipping was changed.

[73ToppsMann]

ari4l2010 - I was under the impression that it was a set or large group of cards, for a large shipping cost of $25 or $10. It is a set or something like that, correct?

[ari4l2010]

1 BGS graded card.

[subban7677]

I just stay far, far away from guys like this. But, wait and see how much he actually paid for the shipping. Give him a $1 or so leeway for supplies etc. If you are still way off the amount charged, it's a positive feedback but slam him on his DSRs.

[ari4l2010]

What does giving him a 1 star on his DSR shipping method do?

[centrehice]

If his rate goes low enough they freeze his Paypal account on 21 day permanent, or suspend him for a limited time until his DSR's improve. At least they used to. I don't think they care any more.