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Post by stephan on Apr 16, 2021 17:04:01 GMT -5
Yes, it goes both ways: bad sellers and bad buyers. I just had a bad experience with buyer Aaron Reed from Sammamish, WA. I sold him two good-sized slabs of Stone Canyon jasper for $15, which, after Etsy fees and shipping, yielded my $6 and change. When he received it, he sent me a demand for a return label, even though my shop clearly states no returns or refunds. He claimed that the slab "broke into four pieces." while technically true, it meant that three small pieces crumbled off the edge. My description clearly stated that brecciated jasper may contain fractures ("how did the cracks get into my brecciated jasper, damnit?"), and I had cobbed off any loose pieces, prior to photographing/listing it). In spite of all that, I offered him a replacement slab from the same rock, or something more stable, if he preferred. After that, he became abusive, and he opened a case against me, so now it's F*** him! my sales on Etsy aren't anything that remotely pays the bills or even gives me any appreciable rock-buying money (partly my fault -- I haven't put a whole lot of effort into it). Besides that, Etsy's own seller protection policy states I'm not responsible if the shipper broke it and I packed it adequately -- which I did, which is why I only made $6.00.   I feel that the offer of the replacement slab was more than fair, as was the "surprise bonus" I included in the original shipment -- which he did NOT mention. Anyone who has bought from me here can vouch that I don't skimp or profiteer. I was already on the fence about leaving Etsy. It's more fun to share here. |
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Post by roy on Apr 16, 2021 17:35:54 GMT -5
it happens ! one thing to if you sent it in a flat rate box it has 50$ worth of insurance to so the guy could have filed a claim ! you just cant please everyone!!
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Post by stephan on Apr 16, 2021 18:48:27 GMT -5
Exactly. And I thought sending a replacement was a very fair offer.
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Post by stardiamond on Apr 16, 2021 19:18:13 GMT -5
The first question to ask yourself is why are you selling? For me, if it was a job, I wouldn't bother. I sell as an extension of the hobby. Making the hobby self funding and having my work seen. Some people are difficult to please and that needs to be accepted. My return percentage on orders is 1.5%. I offer dissatisfied customers a choice of a full refund or a replacement and then move on.
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Post by jasoninsd on Apr 16, 2021 20:40:19 GMT -5
Things like this is what makes me have a few trepidations with regards to posting my wraps for sale online. Generally, it's the buyer who seems to have far more advantages than seller if/when something goes awry...or "supposedly" goes awry.
Sorry to hear about this Stephan. I very well know the care you put into the packaging of your items...and that you err on the side of caution when it comes to trying to make any kind of profit whatsoever.
Some people just suck!
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Apr 16, 2021 20:57:48 GMT -5
Sorry you had an a$$ wipe for a buyer. I agree with jasoninsd -- some people just suck! |
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Post by stephan on Apr 16, 2021 21:56:10 GMT -5
Thanks all: stardiamond I largely sell for the same reason as you. It has, however, become obvious that many buyers on Etsy have lost sight of the hand-made aspect, so it has become much like eBay, where the majority of people want stuff for cheap. I haven’t felt like doing the work of standing out from the other 137.8 bazillion sellers on Etsy, or paying them to advertise for me. jasoninsd I think you are in a different category than me. Selling wrapped jewelry, you can attract a lot more attention and command better prices. You are versatile enough to appeal both to those who prefer the “Stone is king/queen” look, and those who like an ornate wrap. You have genuine talent cabbing AND wrapping. hummingbirdstones it happens. I’ve had good customers as well. Among the many things I’ve done, retail has been one of them — including the toy department at Christmas. I knew full well that customers can be kind, indifferent or challenging. roy yup, that would be good with a larger transaction, but $8 in shipping for a $15 purchase isn’t worth it. That what makes it nice to help out newbies here. I don’t have to worry about a formal listing. I can just fill a box for an agreed-upon price, and go from there. It’s a lot more gratifying. For the most part, it doesn’t bother me too much. Irritating, yes, but it’s not going to keep me up at night, either. I mainly posted to warn anyone who might be trying to earn a living at this. I have accepted the fact that the universe does not want me to have money. Maybe it’s karma and I was a Getty or a Sackler in a previous life, but it would be nice to be able to buy a new set of wheels for the ole Genie. She is a hard worker and deserves them. I have been toying with the idea of setting up my own website, but wouldn’t know where to begin, and don’t have time to learn. In any case, the fun is in the creating. |
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Post by stephan on Apr 16, 2021 23:31:30 GMT -5
He is now trolling me about my sexuality. Luckily he doesn’t realize I don’t give a f*** what he thinks about that. It just shows his character.
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Benathema
has rocks in the head
God chased me down and made sure I knew He was real June 20, 2022. I've been on a Divine Mission.
Member since November 2019
Posts: 703
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Post by Benathema on Apr 17, 2021 0:15:50 GMT -5
Heh! Woooowww...
If he's coming at you like that, do you think he really opened up a case against you? Wonder what etsy would think of his emails...
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Post by stephan on Apr 17, 2021 1:10:09 GMT -5
He did, and I mentioned them in the case, and in my reply to his negative review. I am no longer afraid of bullies like him.
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Post by HankRocks on Apr 17, 2021 1:33:08 GMT -5
This is one of the reasons I only plan on doing in-person sales; Craft Shows, Rock Shows, etc. I am lucky to have a venue about 6 miles from the house that hosts about 10 of them a year; High School FFA and High School Band fundraisers. There must be another 8 to 10 Shows I have not done that are in the 10 to 15 mile radius. One good thing about the High School Shows is that they always have kids available earning their volunteer hours to help setup if one needs it. I usually do it all myself as there are a number of people who are less physically able than I. My time will come!!!
I have set my goal to try and do no more than 6 or 7 Shows a year. I have managed to make some sales as a result of contact with someone at the Show. One young couple That came by my booth at the Clear Lake Rock Show needed about 18 polished slabs with stands as centerpieces for their wedding, they were both geologist, which was to be held near London England. Through e-mail I arranged to meet them in a parking lot of a public shopping area with a couple boxes of 40-50 polished slabs, they ended up buying over half. They sent me a few pictures of the tables at the wedding. I think they ended up giving away some of the slabs. An overall great experience. One rule for these type of meetings, always in public, never at my house. I have several repeat and referred customers at the Craft Shows, "where's the rock guy!!"
Another big reason, it's not a business for me, it's "beer and gas" money generated by doing what I love, playing with rocks!! No pressure to sell every day, no need to ship anything, no need to be in the picture management business(I have gotten better!) I consider it a win-win for me.
One other big plus, I enjoy talking to people and being socially active. That and the planning of layouts, pricing, etc all provide good mental stimulation. Win-win-win!!!!
I might eventually dabble with selling an occasional parcel out here on the forum, just no hurry to do that.
Good luck to all who travel down the selling road.
Henry
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Post by jasoninsd on Apr 17, 2021 1:33:51 GMT -5
What a freaking headache to have to deal with crap like this... It's not like you had anything better to do with your free time other than respond to and deal with pieces of garbage like him...  |
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Post by HankRocks on Apr 17, 2021 1:36:15 GMT -5
He did, and I mentioned them in the case, and in my reply to his negative review. I am no longer afraid of bullies like him. Wow, putting things in writing, sounds like on top of everything else, he has very poor judgement!! I would certainly hope that Etsy takes a very dim view of this type of unacceptable behavior. |
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Post by Rockindad on Apr 17, 2021 8:26:42 GMT -5
Something I never really thought about until I started my home improvement business was that not only could employees, contractors, etc. be fired, but poor (as in quality of, not financially) customers could be as well. Dealing with many people you meet the good, bad and the absolutely miserable creatures. The two best feelings I had in that business were 1) completing a job well done and having the customer appreciate it, and 2) "firing" a customer and have them chasing me down their driveway begging me to come back.
Good on you for sticking up for yourself. When in the moment it is easy to forget that if you are providing a quality product and treating people fairly your positives will far outweigh the negatives.
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Post by rockjunquie on Apr 17, 2021 9:34:46 GMT -5
Man, that really blows. I've had a few awful customers, but no one like that. Yes, make sure you report everything. Etsy frowns upon harassment.
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Post by stephan on Apr 17, 2021 10:07:02 GMT -5
This is one of the reasons I only plan on doing in-person sales; Craft Shows, Rock Shows, etc. I am lucky to have a venue about 6 miles from the house that hosts about 10 of them a year; High School FFA and High School Band fundraisers. There must be another 8 to 10 Shows I have not done that are in the 10 to 15 mile radius. One good thing about the High School Shows is that they always have kids available earning their volunteer hours to help setup if one needs it. I usually do it all myself as there are a number of people who are less physically able than I. My time will come!!! I have set my goal to try and do no more than 6 or 7 Shows a year. I have managed to make some sales as a result of contact with someone at the Show. One young couple That came by my booth at the Clear Lake Rock Show needed about 18 polished slabs with stands as centerpieces for their wedding, they were both geologist, which was to be held near London England. Through e-mail I arranged to meet them in a parking lot of a public shopping area with a couple boxes of 40-50 polished slabs, they ended up buying over half. They sent me a few pictures of the tables at the wedding. I think they ended up giving away some of the slabs. An overall great experience. One rule for these type of meetings, always in public, never at my house. I have several repeat and referred customers at the Craft Shows, "where's the rock guy!!" Another big reason, it's not a business for me, it's "beer and gas" money generated by doing what I love, playing with rocks!! No pressure to sell every day, no need to ship anything, no need to be in the picture management business(I have gotten better!) I consider it a win-win for me. One other big plus, I enjoy talking to people and being socially active. That and the planning of layouts, pricing, etc all provide good mental stimulation. Win-win-win!!!! I might eventually dabble with selling an occasional parcel out here on the forum, just no hurry to do that. Good luck to all who travel down the selling road. Henry At the moment, I don’t have that kind of inventory, storage room, or the means/time to produce it. Definitely something I’m keeping in the back of my mind for retirement |
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Post by MsAli on Apr 17, 2021 10:26:16 GMT -5
I am sorry this happened to you. I sell now on Etsy as an extension to the hobby. Something to make a little to just buy more.
I have been lucky and have not had any bad buyers on Etsy.
I have however, had several when selling vintage items and Lps on Ebay. One in particular was very difficult to deal with to the point where I also questioned whether this is something I wanted to continue.
In the end it came down to, 99 times the interactions are positive, so why let that 1 ruin my day?
Obviously there are some issues with this person and I would not even engage with someone like that. There is no winning. Report, Delete, block whatever you've got to do and move on. Plenty of GOOD people out there that are better worth spending your time on
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Post by lpl on Apr 19, 2021 15:49:02 GMT -5
He is now trolling me about my sexuality. Luckily he doesn’t realize I don’t give a f*** what he thinks about that. It just shows his character. He's seriously doing that??? Wow. And I thought I had a bad buyer experience on Etsy. I hope you have reported that to Etsy. It sucks that this is happening to you stephan |
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Post by stephan on Apr 19, 2021 15:57:51 GMT -5
He is now trolling me about my sexuality. Luckily he doesn’t realize I don’t give a f*** what he thinks about that. It just shows his character. He's seriously doing that??? Wow. And I thought I had a bad buyer experience on Etsy. I hope you have reported that to Etsy. It sucks that this is happening to you stephan Yeah. I did report, and Etsy has removed everything, including the negative review. And, in the words of the Black Knight, "I've had worse." |
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Post by stephan on Apr 19, 2021 16:01:03 GMT -5
I am sorry this happened to you. I sell now on Etsy as an extension to the hobby. Something to make a little to just buy more. I have been lucky and have not had any bad buyers on Etsy. I have however, had several when selling vintage items and Lps on Ebay. One in particular was very difficult to deal with to the point where I also questioned whether this is something I wanted to continue. In the end it came down to, 99 times the interactions are positive, so why let that 1 ruin my day? Obviously there are some issues with this person and I would not even engage with someone like that. There is no winning. Report, Delete, block whatever you've got to do and move on. Plenty of GOOD people out there that are better worth spending your time on All good now. Glad that Etsy removed the review. When you don't have a busy shop, one review has one heck of an impact. |
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