does this seem harsh to you?

[tinklykeys]

I am an eBay newbie, but a house move has made it necessAry, so I've been selling baby clothes and doing reasonably well. Last week I sold a lovely bundle of clothes, all of which held really special memories of my daughter wearing them. One item was slightly stained and I mentioned this in my listing although I couldn't get it to show up on camera.

When the item sold I communicated with the buyer immediately to say thank you and tell her when it would be posted. I posted it within 24hours and marked as despatched so she would know it was coming.

I heard nothing for about a week and then yesterday found she had left me negative feedback. 'Really not happy. Small stain turned out to be stain all over!' I disagree with this but understand people have different perceptions and expectations... I sent her an apologetic message immediately offering a full refund (but letting her keep the clothes). I think this was quite generous considering the item she had an issue with was one of about 10 lovely items, but I just didn't want to be left with a bad taste. It was hard to part with the clothes but we need the money more than the clutter!

I've heard nothing back and unfortunately because I'm new to eBay this makes my feedback 80% positive. Is it me or was it a bit mean to jump strAight to negative feedback? Feel a bit sad about it really...

[BoiledPiss]

This is no help now but I have given up selling on ebay for this very reason, yes it was incredibly harsh to go straight to bad feedback, but having recently opened a new customer facing business I have learned the hard way that some people are utterly horrible.

[tinklykeys]

Thanks for your understanding! My husband and I agreed that unfortunately this is the risk you take when you start dealing with people...especially people you can't see who just have a computer between you and them....

Sigh...

[HattyMonkey]

It was harsh and Ebay can be like this. You sound like a considerate seller. My friends now sell all baby things on facebook pages. No posting, no hassle as buyers collect and say there and then if it isn't what they were expecting plus no fees. Don't let this upset you, the buyer sounds shitty.

[43percentburnt]

I too would never sell again on ebay. In fact selling annoyed me so much I no longer buy on there either. Too many scammers moaning to get full refunds and to keep the item as they know it's easier for the seller to give them a cheap item for nothing rather than argue the toss.

[Ronmione]

Arrghh eBay can be shit sometimes, but just keep going hopefully in the end you will be better off.

Someone neg'ed me I was so pissed off because she asked for a refund ( which she was entitled to late on Christmas Eve ) and neg'ed me on Boxing Day saying I didn't responsed.

[SistersOfPercy]

I think it was harsh.
Personally I'd set up a new account. Use your existing one for buying from now on (always best to have a separate buying and selling account) and start again as a seller with a new account.

[WanderingTrolley1]

Why is it better to have separate accounts for buying/selling?

[HelpMeGetOutOfHere]

definitely harsh, I hope you didn't refund. If she was unhappy she should have asked for a refund or partial refund. Unfortunately I think some people just like trashing peoples feedback and are spiteful.

[HelpMeGetOutOfHere]

you can add follow up feedback so that people looking at your feedback know you tried to resolve the issue.

'offered refund but no communication re the refund or problems from buyer just neg left' or words to that effect.

[mindyourown1]

Wandering - to protect you from disgruntled sellers wrecking your auctions mainly.

And don't refund until an item is returned.

[SistersOfPercy]

wandering as mind said it's to protect yourself from pissed off sellers.
If you have to leave negative feedback there is sadly a few sellers out there who will seek out your auctions and win them just to return the feedback.

Also, many people check feedback before bidding. If you bought yourself say a dress for £5 a month ago and decided to sell it on your potential buyers can see when you bought it and how much you paid, so if you are in the habit of buying on to sell you might not make as much as some buyers can have the mindset of 'well she only paid £5 I'm not paying more".

[WanderingTrolley1]

Oh, I see . Thanks.

[tinklykeys]

Thanks for all your kind responses. Faith in humanity restored!