Deadbeats on Ebay

I just sold two Wisconsin motors and a Stover engine block on Ebay. They're HEAVY (not that that's a surprise to anyone). In the description, I listed their weight as 90-100lbs, and gave my zip so that the seller could calculate the shipping. Of course, the shipping is as much or more than the selling price on all 3 items. When I sent the total to each buyer, one never responded, and the other said that the shipping was more than the block was worth.

I'm just venting because I spent 3 hours in 90 degree weather finding scrap lumber, measuring and cutting it, and crating everything up. Now I'm sure I'll be left holding the bag because the buyers didn't have enough common sense to 1) check the shipping or 2) ask me to check the shipping, which I would have gladly done. Even if they didn't check, it shouldn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that a heavy item is expensive to ship.

The buyer of the Stover block even asked if he could pick it up, and I told him no problem. Still no response.

Am I being unreasonable expecting people to honor their word, or at least use some (very basic) common sense before bidding?

Thanks...

Chris

I have found that when dealing with the public at large "very basic common sense" is sorely lacking.

At least you got some responce

My son sold a motorcycle on e-bay. Went as far as to take it to the west side of Buffalo to deliver it. A distance of about 50 miles. And the guy turned it down. No gas money nothing. relisted it and sold it to a man from Conn. who did come up and get it.

I would not have bothered to crate them up until I had the money, because common items that heavy probably get deadbeated every hour on ebay. If you want to see another real shame, check this out. A fake paint job, and they have a private feedback rating. The bidders are hidden, so they can't be warned about past fake lures by this seller. it screams watch out.

I would post negative feedback on all three buyers of the gas engines. As far as the guy with the private feedback i would not buy anything off him with 6 negatives on 250 sales.I have seen 3000 ebay sales with 100 % percent positive feedback.Those are the guys to buy from.Some are even better than that.Dale

With 6 negatives I would stay away for sure. I just got burnt by a fellow who had gotten some negatives for being a cheat. But I just had to have the engine. It came in with a broken gas tank mount that he forgot to mention or show in the photos. If I give him a complaint he would just blame it on UPS. it was broken before shipping as the inside of the break was painted also. I later saw a Briggs engine go very cheap due to all the negatives this person had. I wanted it too but didnt bid due to the negs. The other problem is most folks are reluctant to give a negative due to the retaliation the other can give.

I would post negative feedback in a heartbeat.Duh they should have asked questions on shipping.BTW isn't interesting that the fishing lure had 1200 and some looks at and engine stuff is lucky to get a hundred on most things.Rob

Richard, your post is "right on the money" concerning feedback. The last time I got burned ( yes the "last time" as I've been burned enough times on ebay I don't care to remember ) we had some rather "nasty" emails fly back and forth and after I threatened him with negative feedback, his only reply was, "go ahead, you'll recieve the same right back". That ended my days on ebay and by golly I haven't had a problem since.

Mr. Kirk has jumped the gun. I am the "Deadbeat" who bought the Stover block. He did in fact get a response. I have been at an engine show in Maryland but have been trying to coordinate a pickup of the engine block. As far as common sense goes, would someone build a krate in 90 degree weather for an engine before he confirmed it was going to be shipped? Mr Kirk is not holding the bag. His money was mailed yesterday, the same day he chose to "vent" abut me. I have spent the day trying to reserve a spot at Kinzers so Mr. Kirk could sell his other engines. I have shown his list to others in an effort to sell his engines before Kinzers so I could bring them back with me. Although I am no rocket scientist, I am quite capable of buying and selling iron and do so often. Check my feedback @ PABESSI1 on Ebay or call me: Scott Siegfried (302)684-0242

Scott -

You're absolutely right...I did jump the gun with my posting, and I sincerely apologize. It's totally my oversight, and you have held up your part of the bargain, and I have no doubt that you've mailed the agreed upon amount.

As far as crating the engine, I do that so that I can give the buyer the most accurate actual charge, including packaging. When I pack engines, I crate them with 2x4s and 3/4" plywood, so that does add some weight.

I do appreciate your help regarding the show.

I feel bad about my post, and hope you will accept my apologies.

Corrected and duly chastised...

Chris Kirk

common sense is not very common

Today, I received a refund in full for a "lost" eBay item I had paid for. The seller wasn't thrilled with the tenor of my refund request, but was polite.

I emailed back an acknowlegement and thank you for his refund and an apology for a "strongly worded" refund request. Do I know what really happened here? No.

Earlier emails to the seller had gone unacknowleged, but things happen that cloud communication. The seller most likely wanted things to work out differently than they did, as did I, but s--t happens.

eBay and eBay people have been good to me, including all the Smokstak'r's I see buyin' and sellin'.... Thanks, people! I just wish I'd bought a couple thousand shares at the I.P.O. !!