8mm Forum: Ebay madness. Is it just me?

This is topic Ebay madness. Is it just me? in forum General Yak at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by John Yapp (Member # 2873) on November 25, 2013, 04:18 PM:

I have just won a super 8mm film on ebay with a bid of £3.95. The seller informs me that it has been sent recorded delivery, to be signed for. When this does not happen, due to me being at work when the postman delivers, I will face an 8 mile trip to my local sorting office to pick up the film, where I will wait in line for 10 to 15 minutes (if I'm lucky) to sign for my film. Why? it was a £4 item for Chrissakes!! This seems to happen quite regularly. Anyone else suffer from this one?

Posted by Dominique De Bast (Member # 3798) on November 25, 2013, 06:08 PM:

It happened also several times with me. The post office is not far away but is often busy and if the postman lets you the note on a Friday, you have to wait until the next Monday to pick your mail up. It also happens with some labs when you have a film processed. The post & packing can be more expensive than the process itself !

Posted by Bryan Chernick (Member # 1998) on November 25, 2013, 06:35 PM:

The only time it happens to me is when there is postage due because the seller didn't weigh the package. I always complain and get a refund even if it's 5 cents just to make a point.

Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on November 26, 2013, 12:50 AM:

And that will be the very reason people these days prefer to send things recorded as some are quick to complain even just for a few bob. Far better to know something you have sent has been received than chance your arm as they say.

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on November 26, 2013, 02:44 AM:

My postman gives a real personal service, he signs himself for delivery, and then pops it through my letter box.

Posted by Paul Mason (Member # 4015) on November 26, 2013, 03:05 AM:

You can get recorded parcels re-delivered if you're out by going on the Royal Mail website if you know the tracking number.

Posted by Dominique De Bast (Member # 3798) on November 26, 2013, 04:22 AM:

The choice should be left to the buyer as he is the one who will pay.

Posted by Terry Sills (Member # 3309) on November 26, 2013, 12:22 PM:

I always send 'signed for' having been the victim of certain buyers claiming not to have received the item sent by me. A sign of the times I'm afraid. While the majority are honest Ebay also attracts the other sort, who are out to make a quick buck.

Posted by David Guest (Member # 2791) on November 26, 2013, 12:28 PM:

terry your right I send my items recorded has some buyers say they have not received it so seller loses out ,when selling on ebay I always put on postage charge and include recorded .if buyer thinks its to much then he has 2 options pick it up or don't bid

Posted by Dominique De Bast (Member # 3798) on November 26, 2013, 12:33 PM:

Why not letting to the buyer the choice of a non registred invoice at his own risk ? It happened oftent (not only on Ebay) that I cancelled an order at the last step when I saw the post and packing costs. Of course, it happens more often to people from small countries as they have to buy specific items from abroad.

Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on November 26, 2013, 12:37 PM:

I agree, it seems like an awful lot of effort for such a small dollar amount film. I only do the signing sort of thing when it's a very valuable package.

Posted by David Guest (Member # 2791) on November 26, 2013, 01:07 PM:

tried that dom then if item gets lost buyer files a claim item not received so you end up paying him out and you lose out .I never send anything unless its recoreded if buyer does not want this service then he should not bid

Posted by Paul Mason (Member # 4015) on November 27, 2013, 03:03 AM:

David is right. Paypal make it a condition that a seller uses a delivery service with proof of delivery. I don't bother for anything under £5 and take the small risk.

Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on November 27, 2013, 03:20 AM:

I’m with you David, people have a choice to buy something or not and in the same way a seller has a choice to chance it or take sensible precautions on tracking goods. Better safe than sorry as they say.

Posted by Adrian Winchester (Member # 248) on November 27, 2013, 07:18 AM:

I fully understand the rationale to send something recorded, in view of the cases of buyers who claim they haven't received a package that has almost certainly arrived. However, in the case of something up to the value of £20, if you have proof of posting (which is free), I'd be inclined to tell a buyer who doesn't request recorded delivery that I'd obtained proof of postage, which I'd hope would discourage them from claiming that the item hadn't arrived. If they did do this, the Royal Mail would contact them to ask them to confirm that the item had not been delivered, as this would follow on from my putting in a compensation claim with the relevant evidence. The recipient might get away with a free item, but I expect the RM keep a record of such addresses and they may not wish to push their luck by repeatedly saying that eBay items have not arrived.

Incidentally, recorded delivery seems to be meaningless in my area as my postmen often ignore the recorded delivery sticker and post the item (or leave it in the porch if it won't go through the letterbox) without finding out whether I'm at home or not!

[ November 27, 2013, 11:30 AM: Message edited by: Adrian Winchester ]

Posted by Dominique De Bast (Member # 3798) on November 27, 2013, 09:08 AM:

I have to say that a recorded item was lost by the Belgian post and I never received any compensation for it.

Posted by Paul Mason (Member # 4015) on November 27, 2013, 09:15 AM:

I agree that you can get redress from Royal Mail even if Paypal refunds the buyer but this process is very lengthy. If you use recorded delivery or a courier then your money is protected against most Paypal claims especially if you have tracking details. Every seller has to decide whether they take the risk for lower value items.

Posted by Robert Crewdson (Member # 3790) on November 27, 2013, 09:53 AM:

As Adrian pointed out, there is a growing tendency for Royal Mail to deliver Recorded Delivery items without obtaining a signature. Best to use a courier service, often cheaper and you can follow its progress.

Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on November 27, 2013, 12:27 PM:

Sent all my business mail today. Interesting to note First class recorded was only 10p more than second. Whats afoot I wonder? Send for Paul Temple.

Posted by David Ollerearnshaw (Member # 3296) on November 27, 2013, 05:11 PM:

Lee, The thing at the end of your leg [Smile]

Posted by Winbert Hutahaean (Member # 58) on November 27, 2013, 07:35 PM:

This is the thing in Canada.

1. Apart from individual Post Office, there are so many post offices attached to "Shopperdrugmart", i.e the chain stores you may find in any suburb. In case of undelivered items, I need only to collect them at neighborhood store. Cost me nothing and no lines. If I prefer to collect them at a particular store that is e.g. close to my office, I call the PO's toll free number to redirect them.

2. I once sent a non-recorded and non-traceable parcel to Thailand (a small packet international). It was lost in transit. I called the PO's toll free number to report this case. The agent collected my data as well asking me for the item value (it was $60). Not too long a cheque from PO arrived at my door for $90 because the PO also reimbursed for the cost of shipping. The PO did not need to see me in person nor asking for a copy of my ID card.

This is what make me comfortable using Canada Post Office.

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