posted on September 20, 2001 09:03:58 AM
Hi guys! I need some help with wording an e-mail, and this board always seems to generate great advice. I had a 0 feedback newbie win my auction. The text of the auction states:
<i>Buyer to pay shipping charges of your choice of $1.50 for regular mail or $3.50 for priority mail. International shipping may be more depending upon location.</i>
The buyer sent payment immediately after the auction by BidPay (which I do not state in my auction that I accept, but since it's a money order essentially, I guess I don't mind). It turns out she is in Australia, but she has only included the $1.50 for US shipping. Is this e-mail reply informative and tactful enough? Should I give her options for how to send the difference? Won't it cost her a BidPay fee to send another money order?
<i>Hi Ruth! Thank you for the quick payment, but you should have contacted me before sending the money order through BidPay. As it states in my auction, international shipping may cost more than the US rates, depending on location. The $1.50 postage charge you included in your total is for US shipping. According to the US Postal Service website, it will cost $5.00 to mail this item to Australia. Please let me know how you would like to proceed.</i>
posted on September 20, 2001 09:11:09 AM
Hi: I like your wording. I am getting a little tired of "the bidder is never right". You have pointed out the mistake (which is what I think it is) and asked for her opinion. Good for you! If I know anything about Aussies this will be sorted out quickly. They know that live a long way away and are used to high shipping charges. Good for you for giving her the benefit of the doubt.
posted on September 20, 2001 10:32:07 AM
I would soften it just slightly:
Hi Ruth! Thank you for the quick payment, but international shipping often costs more than the US rates, depending on location. The $1.50 postage charge you included in your total is for US shipping. According to the US Postal Service website, it will cost $5.00 to mail this item to Australia. Please let me know how you would like to proceed.
If she writes back and says your auction listed $1.50 for shipping, you could gently tell her to reread the description.
That's why when I list shipping costs in my auctions, I say something to the effect of, "Buyer to add $3.50 for priority mail shipping within the US."
