| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| melody |
Posted - Apr 18 2015 : 2:48:07 PM
I am just sick. I sold a beautiful sewing basket lined with silk in excellent antique condition to someone on etsy just a few days ago. I shipped it Priority with insurance and tracking.
I received an email via Etsy from the buyer claiming that when she opened the basket she noted some insect "carcass' yep "carcass' and decided since I do not have a return policy-All sales are final with No refunds/No returns which is clearly stated in my shop policy and on each listing and receipt... She decided to soak the basket in water-pop the basket into the dryer, use a blow dryer on it and then sat it out in the hot sun. She actually sent me photos of the basket floating in the sink. She wants a full refund plus return shipping fee (this is a 12.00 basket-I charged 10.00 to ship) I responded at first before she sent the photos that I would gladly refund the original listing fee of $22.00 when she sent the basket back to me. I then asked her for photos of the basket. When I saw the basket I was gob-smacked! The lining is completely pulled away from the frame. The basket is faded and bowed. She indicated in her "claim" that the lining pulled a little away but that it would be repairable. I'm just sick. Etsy has a tendency to lean to the BUYERS point of view. She claims that the "item was not as described" Well, Hello! It's not even close to what it was when I sent the basket. I told her via email that I decided to "rescind" my offer of a refund due to the condition in which the basket is now---so she filed a claim against me. I contacted Etsy via email because Etsy does not have a contact phone number-which is in itself infuriating! And sent them before and after photos and all of the emails she has sent me in the last three days (about 8 of them) I am so fed up right now. I have had over 575 sales and a FIVE star rating throughout until this lady. I'd sure hate to deactivate my shop because I depend on the little extra cash that I make. What would you do in this situation?
Melody
Here is my listing photo and before the buyer destroyed the basket:
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| 15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| melody |
Posted - Apr 24 2015 : 12:45:49 PM
Thank you Carole!!
Melody |
| ceridwen |
Posted - Apr 24 2015 : 12:35:47 PM
Melody, as a business owner (quilt shop/fabric) I can sympathize. Please do not let one customer or anyone for that matter close you down. If you do, you are giving your power away.
Some people just cannot be pleased. That's a fact of life. Move on, and continue being who you are. I know it hurts to deal with people like that (been there done that), but you are not your business, you are much more. Do not take it personally. Let it go!
Farmgirl hug, ((((Melody))))
Carole
Farmgirl Sister 3610 - Nov 7/2011
http://www.carolesquiltingetc.com
http://www.fibrejunction.com |
| melody |
Posted - Apr 23 2015 : 08:27:40 AM
Thank you Marie---Time to rest.
Melody |
| churunga |
Posted - Apr 23 2015 : 08:18:34 AM
Maybe just take a break from it for a while. Do some meditating. Talk to another person who has been through this. Many professional business persons would be happy to help. Most importantly, forgive yourself for being human.
Marie, Sister #5142
Farmgirl of the Month May 2014
Try everything once and the fun things twice. |
| melody |
Posted - Apr 23 2015 : 06:38:03 AM
Thank you Sarah----WISE words indeed!
I am sorry to hear about your "client." She must be this ladies sister!
Since the very first day I started on Etsy-five years ago- I determined that I would treat my customers as I would want to be treated. Every single order I did the best I could without exception-sounds silly. I take great pride in finding quirky or interesting vintage stuff and I have such fun discovering them...exploring thrift shops-auctions and rummage sales. I take particular care in packing and made it a standard to ship within 24-48 hours-Because I know when I want something--I want it "yesterday!" It's just that it seems lately an increasing number of "buyers" have become downright NASTY. I think the phenomenon is due to the fact that since the buyer and the seller are not face to face on line it's okay to be like that and it isn't. The way I was brought up we had something we called RESPECT. I find that when confronted unfairly on line my response can sometimes be just as awful as the person slamming me---that bothers me a great deal. I don't want to be that person....Everyone tells me that is the nature of the beast with online sales that you have to "let it go" and plod on. I have to tell you though it sure takes the fun out of it and I find myself getting frantic with each new order---did I list it correctly-did I leave out any information-did I charge too much for it-should I have taken more photos--the Second Guessing kicks in. I would like to eventually within the next 6-months just devote my entire day to weaving rugs quietly. On-line sales can be brutal and my blood pressure is just too darn high.
Melody |
| SarahJ |
Posted - Apr 23 2015 : 06:05:07 AM
Melody, I know how you feel. I work through Elance as a freelance writer/editor, and every client has left glowing feedback. I have has clients come to me with repeat business for years, and I've built a reputation for my top-quality work.
I accepted a job with a new client who kept her crazy well-hidden until we started working together. She wanted me to edit her book, but deep down, she was a "special snowflake" who could do no wrong. She even accused me of not being educated enough to edit her work. I found out later she had already hired and fired several other people. I was devastated by her treatment, and second-guessed myself. It took my family talking some sense into me to see that one bad apple should not derail my successful business. If Etsy has been successful for you, don't let one clearly bad apple ruin it for you.
SarahJ
Farmgirl Sister #116
http://bayoumama.wordpress.com/ |
| melody |
Posted - Apr 21 2015 : 10:40:34 AM
I'm looking for another venue with better feedback guidelines...I'm all for rating a transaction but when a claim is made that is completely out in "left field" that's another ballgame altogether. Besides, it's awful trying to getting in contact with ANYONE at Etsy if you have a problem or a question---They rarely get back and then after a very long period of time if at all---they do not have a phone access availability just through email-very frustrating.
I have to learn how to take nasty customers---it's rare for me but it really stings---I take it personally.
Thanks Denise!
Melody |
| levisgrammy |
Posted - Apr 21 2015 : 09:44:34 AM
Sorry your experience with using Etsy had to end this way. It only takes one bad apple to leave a nasty taste in your mouth. Hopefully, nothing can be done with her CC company and that will be the end of it. Hope everything turns out in your favor.
~Denise~
Farmgirl Sister #43
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
http://www.torisgram.etsy.com |
| ceejay48 |
Posted - Apr 20 2015 : 1:51:17 PM
Hoping this is the end of it and in your favor. Sooooo sorry, my friend!
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
my aprons - http://www.facebook.com/FarmFreshAprons
living life - www.snippetscja.blogspot.com
from my heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
from my hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
| melody |
Posted - Apr 20 2015 : 09:58:51 AM
The case is officially "closed" Etsy determined since the buyer "washed" the item that it was no longer in the condition that it was sent. I assume that declaration is in my favor, but I am wondering if she still has recourse with her credit card company to reverse charges. Etsy policy states you have to chose one or the other---file a case with Etsy or file a claim with your cc company. Anyway, I still have the Nasty feedback but it did not affect my 5-star rating status. I plan on letting every listing expire (last one August 18th) and deactivate my shop. There have to be other venues I can feel more comfortable with and one that has a more fair and just feedback guideline. She in essence has slandered my shop by stating false claims. Anyone use a different online sale sight? I'd be interested in hearing from you!
Thanks ladies for all of your support. I knew if I came to the forum you GOOD girls would send me encouragement and kindness that's why I LOVE MaryJanes Farm!
Melody |
| notathreatinsight |
Posted - Apr 19 2015 : 5:16:58 PM
Melody I am so sorry. I have an irrational loathing of insects, and even I wouldn't freak about a bug being found in an antique basket. The listing pictures of the basket looked great. I don't understand why anyone would think soaking something like that would be a good idea, and then send pictures of it. She sounds like she might be a little koo-koo-bananas. Maybe she was trying to scam you, but I don't know why she would send pictures of the basket mid-destruction if that were the case. It seems like she's just nutty. Either way, that's no fun for you to deal with. I'm so sorry. :(
Erin
Farmgirl #3762
"It is... through the world of the imagination which takes us beyond the restrictions of provable fact, that we touch the hem of truth." - Madeleine L'Engle
http://www.etsy.com/shop/femmepostale/
http://www.pinterest.com/femmepostale/ |
| melody |
Posted - Apr 19 2015 : 3:42:43 PM
Here is her FEEDBACK left today:
Vintage Dritz "Footed" Sewing Basket-Wicker
Basket was filled with beetle larvae. Tried fixing problem after researching online. Lining of basket came undone in process (I've since fixed it). Explained woes to seller. She agreed to refund me the $22 I spent. I offered to send pictures of basket and larvae and after she saw them she rescinded her offer and accused me of being a scam artist and a liar. She suggested the larvae came from my house even though I wrote her the same day I got the basket on seeing the larvae! She was immediately hostile and difficult to work with when she perceived I damaged a basket that was by all accounts already damaged by the infestation of larvae in the silk lining! Should be a zero star rating.
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Response by Long Tall Sally's (shop owner)
LIES. I only heard from the buyer after she destroyed the basket. Initially, she claimed it was a bug "husk!" She completely destroyed it by her own hand a beautiful CLEAN antique wicker basket by soaking it in sink full of water and throwing it into a dryer-used a blow dryer as well and sat it outside in the hot sun! She even took photos of the damage she inflicted. THEN and only then did she contact me NOT when she first received it and noticed an alleged bug “husk.” See my “SALES” portion and you will note the TRUE condition of the basket . There wasn't any LARVAE as she claims! What she saw was bits of wicker falling off the basket because of the WATER she was soaking it in. She tried to bully me into refunding her MORE than she paid for the basket & I wouldn't play her game.
*******************I am just SICK about this.
Melody |
| churunga |
Posted - Apr 19 2015 : 1:54:18 PM
First of all, an insect carcass. Give me a break. Just pluck it out. There was no need to soak it and dry it as she did.
Second, keep the no return policy. The damage happened after you sent it to her in good condition. Too bad she is so afraid of bug kooties that she destroyed it.
Third, don't make promises until you have all the evidence. Get a lawyer if you have to and send Etsy a message. I could be on Etsy myself but I do not like their policies.
I am angry now. Give that customer a half peace sign and stick it to Etsy. I apologize for my harsh words.
Marie, Sister #5142
Farmgirl of the Month May 2014
Try everything once and the fun things twice. |
| levisgrammy |
Posted - Apr 18 2015 : 7:42:04 PM
So sorry this has happened to you. Since the basket is no longer in the condition in which you sent it I would stand by your no return/ no refund policy. I have an Etsy shop. Not active with it now but I don't remember what their policy is so don't really know what they can do. I would be feeling the same way. I hope things turn out for the right and the truth comes to light for Etsy to know.
~Denise~
Farmgirl Sister #43
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
http://www.torisgram.etsy.com |
| ceejay48 |
Posted - Apr 18 2015 : 3:15:29 PM
Melody, I'm sooooo sorry!
I have no suggestions to offer,. . . wish I did!
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
my aprons - http://www.facebook.com/FarmFreshAprons
living life - www.snippetscja.blogspot.com
from my heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
from my hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
