dropping standards

[Paul Johnson]

Last few months have seen problem after problem with selling programmes. Had someone asking for Cardiff programmes so sent a list of what i had. He then sent me a list of what he wanted so after about 2 hours getting his order together then tells me a few days later he doesnt want them.
Now had a couple on ebay last few days with one wanting a refund because of a programme that was marked but was mint and unread when i sent and after receiving photos of the item this clearly isnt the copy i sent and now have 2 people who say they havent received their programme though this cant be proved.
A few apples are spoiling it at the moment and ebay is just stacked against the seller that dishonest buyers are having a field day

[DySporting]

Had similar problems with a Cardiff fan funnily enough, bought the programmes then complained that they weren’t mint even though the description clearly said fair condition and a few creases around the corners - and there were photos.

I haven’t had postage problems since I started using the PO’s Drop & Go system - I put that on my listings saying that proof of postage always obtained through it.

You always get a few rogue buyers unfortunately

[kenners46]

I had one last year who bought a mint programme and said it had a small tear on rear cover a few days after leaving positive feedback, I asked him to send it back and it was if he had left it lying in a pool of water as last few pages were wrinkled and did have a tear, this wasn't the programme I sent or after dropping it in water he thought he would get his money back...I didn't refund him and banned him from bidding

[martino]

kenners46 wrote:

I had one last year who bought a mint programme and said it had a small tear on rear cover a few days after leaving positive feedback, I asked him to send it back and it was if he had left it lying in a pool of water as last few pages were wrinkled and did have a tear, this wasn't the programme I sent or after dropping it in water he thought he would get his money back...I didn't refund him and banned him from bidding

The same has happened to me a couple of years ago. The programme the guy sent back was definitely not the one I sent him.

It is no secret that some people use E Bay as a means of upgrading the quality of a programme for free. E Bay are not interested.

As a "one off" (hopefully) I put it down to experience and moved on.

[Paul Johnson]

DySporting wrote:

Had similar problems with a Cardiff fan funnily enough, bought the programmes then complained that they weren’t mint even though the description clearly said fair condition and a few creases around the corners - and there were photos. I haven’t had postage problems since I started using the PO’s Drop & Go system - I put that on my listings saying that proof of postage always obtained through it. You always get a few rogue buyers unfortunately

the proof of post means nothing to ebay

[beaudog]

I had a case over a year ago when I sent a Cardiff home programme from very early 1960s and described it as very good and so it was. Not mint, not excellent but still a very good copy. The customer had purchased hundreds of programmes and been [pleased with 99.9% of his purchases. He complained to ebay that the programme was creased and had a fold and returned it. I gave him a full refund and even paid his postage with of course an apology. He left neutral feedback before complaining to me and this stayed on my record for 12 months and stuck out like a sore thumb. Thank you very much. I will bend over backwards, as it were to accommodate people but after another low rating, from a customer who did not get in touch I have been downgraded. I have finished with ebay when my shop lease ceases in a few days. The programme was returned but certainly I would not have described it as I did, Could this have got wet?

[Wullie]

Hope people don't take this the wrong way, but why bother selling this stuff ? It seems a lot a stress and hassle for very little return.

[beaudog]

Sometimes if you are unaware that a programme may have little or no value, and have a slight niggle that perhaps it could be worth be worth a punt on ebay you try it. I have had an experience where I thought a programme was worth maybe £10-£20, and was told by an "expert" that was its worth, having tried it on ebay just as a hunch, when it realised almost £2000, you realise there are a few surprises round the corner and it is not such a waste of time. However, the unreasonable approach of some ebay customers, pointless questions, promises to collect items, non -payment, and not following ebay procedure has made me opt out of selling in this area for a little while.

[martino]

Wullie wrote:

Hope people don't take this the wrong way, but why bother selling this stuff ? It seems a lot a stress and hassle for very little return.

Sellers only tell you about the (very, very, few) problems and not about the thousands that go through with no problem.