What to do when an Ebay buyer is complaining about the shipping costs?

Question

I sold two items to this guy and now he is complaining that the shipping it too high. He has gone so far as to saying that I need therapy. (for what reason I dont know)

Do I have the right to refuse to accept his payment if he sends one at all or can I just send his payment back to him?

Any suggestions as to what I should do would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Maybe show the buyer how they can obtain a shipping cost by using the website of whatever shipping service you use (USPS for example).  Unless you really ARE overcharging for shipping, this will show them what the actual cost charged to you, the seller would be.  If you charge extra for packing material like bubble wrap, let the buyer know about those costs as well.

If the buyer pays the full amount as stated in the listing, you don't have the right to refund it.  You're obligated to complete the sale just as the buyer is obligated to pay for it.

Answer 2

There are some real Wackos out there, I have had the misfortune of having a run in with one or more of them. I was called a pervert by one of them because I bid against him..LOL!

If you clearly stated what shipping was and he bid on it anyway he should just pay up and shut up.

If he is sending you emails I would forward them on to eBay staff to investigate and block him from your auctions.

I have at times complained about shipping as it WAS too high as they multiplied it by the items I won and it was outrageous. I was ready to take a strike if I had to before I paid that money out. I contacted the seller, told them how I felt and they worked out an amicable shipping cost with me and the deal continued.

If it were me, I would cancel the transaction but you would be better off going into the eBay forums and asking this question of them as the people on those forums are buying and selling every day on eBay and know the ropes.

Answer 3

Hi, I work at a shipping service company. Actually, as I know, whenever you want to ship an item, you should ask for many lines or agents for shipping cost, although you cargoes very often or not, just update the cost and then try to know which line is better.

Answer 4

He entered a legally binding contract to buy the item and he will pay for every last cent, or you will report an unpaid item to eBay, and he will pay, or his account will be suspended.

Answer 5

Hi:   Once a buyer bids on your auction and wins, he/she has a legal obligation to pay. That is stated very clearly when one has typed in a bid and is ready to submit that bid.

Almost always, the shipping price is shown right next to price of the item you are selling. If this is the case, the buyer has no excuse for accepting the shipping fees, and later complaining about the shipping charges after winning the auction.

Occasionally, someone is selling a heavy item and says the shipping charges will be determined after the auction. The reason is that the shipping fees will depend on where the buyer lives. If that is the case with your auction, you might want to work out a compromise with the buyer.

It can help to check the buyer's feedback to see if there is any history of complaints in his transactions.

Refusing to accept his payment (if he sends it) can be tricky. I think you would have to email or call eBay (800-717-EBAY) to "explain your case"  and to figure out how to refund his payment. I recommend you save all the emails that you received and sent.

I have found that sometimes it is better to call eBay than email them. If you email them, sometimes you get ridiculous automated responses that don't answer your question. To play it safe, you can email them and call them on the phone.  Good luck!!!