Ebay etiquette

[erilyn]

Question for more experience ebay users than me.

I just received a hardback book I bought from someone in the US. The item only cost me 1 cent, but they charged $US13 postage for it. When I got it, the book looks like the new, unused that they described it as, but the corners are dented and the cover a bit damaged, I'm assuming in transit. Because they posted it in a global priority cardboard envelope, with no padding, which only costs $US9!

Is it ok to be pissed about being ripped off $US4 for postage and handling, when they've done nothing to ensure the item arrived in as good a condition as it left? Can I leave negative feedback because of this (and risk getting negative feedback in turn)?

Edited to correct amounts.

The book, aside from minor damage, was well worth the money. I wouldn't object to the inflated postage if they'd gone to even the slightest effort!

Comments

[iibnf.livejournal.com]

I'd just write and point it out, politely, see if you get any satisfaction.

If not, then I'd probably leave neutral feedback. Something like: good item, fast service, but damaged through poor packing.

[erilyn.livejournal.com]

Thanks, that sounds like the best option :)

Poor battered book ::pets book::

[lydia-petze.livejournal.com]

Some folks charge a little extra over the actual postage cost to cover things like petrol and time spent, etc, which I actually have no problem with at all. It sounds like they should have at least told you what they were going to be sending it in, though.

[erilyn.livejournal.com]

If they'd gone to any trouble with packaging it, I wouldn't have been bothered, or probably even noticed, the postage. As it was, it just really bugged me :)

[lucylooo.livejournal.com]

I _always_ ask in advance what shipping costs will be before I bid on anything, because shipping prices listed tend only to be for US bidders. That saves me from getting ripped off by someone who ships in a plain envelope with an 80-cent stamp on it and charges me $10 for it - or, alternatively, only ships via UPS which will cost me $50 for a $5 item.

$3 isn't a lot - you have to factor in taxes and packaging materials, too. Plus ebay fees, which are %5, so. Eh. I'd definitely contact the seller before doing anything.

[erilyn.livejournal.com]

I did inquire first, and the amount didn't bother me until I got it, and I saw that there'd been no apparent expense on packing or handling, and that the book was a bit battered. It was an otherwise very good copy of the Official Backstreet Book, with all the beautiful Andre Csillag pictures and comments from the Boys. It dampened my squee (a little *g*).

But yes, I've emailed, so we'll see what happens, and I've learnt to be more specific with my questions about shipping costs I guess :)