"Ask Nick": Item Shipped Email Notification

Ask Nick · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 9

As a seller, do you send your buyers an email to let them know when the item has shipped?

(See article in AuctionBytes-Update February 16, 2003, to read more about this issue.)
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Ask Nick: nick@auctionbytes.com

kjp55 · Joined: 18 Aug 2001 Posts: 1972 Location: East of Rockies

Always

Romahawk · Joined: 26 Oct 2001 Posts: 151

I send notice when payment is received, when item is shipped, and when feedback is left.

kjp55 · Joined: 18 Aug 2001 Posts: 1972 Location: East of Rockies

Okay, the big question is........
Who is nick@auctionbytes.com?

dsteiner · Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2003 7:20 pm Post subject:

kjp55 · Joined: 18 Aug 2001 Posts: 1972 Location: East of Rockies

dsteiner · Posted: Sun Feb 16, 2003 11:00 am Post subject:

Kim,

That mouse looks like it could use some detox.

Here's the link to the column: http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/abu/y203/m02/abu0089/s07

We hadn't published yet, so that's probably why you couldn't find it. Thanks for bringing the Archive issue to my attention. I forgot to change that in January

It's fixed now.

Dave

rickstrading · Joined: 11 Feb 2003 Posts: 4

I too always send an email saying an item has been shipped. Just a short standard note to keep the buyer informed. Here is a copy..

Hi
Just a quick note to say your payment was received, thank you for your promptness. Your item was sent and positive feedback has been left.
Thanks again,

gruff · Joined: 16 Feb 2003 Posts: 12 Location: Golden Valley, AZ

[quote="Ask Nick"]As a seller, do you send your buyers an email to let them know when the item has shipped?

I've been selling on eBay for almost 5 years, though I'm not a big seller. My feedback is excellent and I think its primarily because of the communication I maintain with my customers and potential customers.

I always answer every email, and when an auction is over, I notify the winning bidder, then as the transaction progresses, I send confirming emails. I send an email when I receive their payment, when I ship the merchandise (together with tracking numbers and expected delivery date), when I post feedback for them, when they receive the merchandise, and when they put up feedback for me.

As a result I get a lot of return bidders, and some high praise in my feedback. After all, in an online auction, all the customer has are your pictures and your words. So I highly recommend maintaining a constant flow of email communication with your customers.

Its not difficult. I've created half a dozen form emails to cover most situations and then add a small personalized touch to each one as I send it out so the customer knows that I'm writing directly to him or her. It really pays off.

Ed Tomchin (gruff)
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the truth is as elusive as ever

mizzcrowley · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3 Location: Missouri

WHen I get that Paypal payment, if everything is in order, I click on that blue highlighted buyer's email and write them that their Paypal payment was received and their package will be shipped tomorrow/next business day (whatever).

A 2 line email doesn't take that much time and saves them emailing you, usually without identifying the auction. SO you have only an email address to pour over your saved emails or Paypal account using FIND. Now that takes time.

WHen the payment is a check or money order if it is for a substantial amount I usually email them also. Some folks who bought a $2 thingie often mention after they send their payment to email them when I will ship or when the mailing has been received. I usually do so.

Otherwise, as suggested. Set it up as automatic (don't foreget the disclaimers) (wink). Best of luck online. MizzC

oafum · Joined: 16 Feb 2003 Posts: 23

If i recall correctly, ebay places a advisory at the top of a closed auction that buyers and sellers should contact each other within 3 days of auction close. I always email when something ships, as a buyer I have too much anxiety about being ripped off to not email when I am a seller
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David L Rimmer

eric123 · Joined: 19 Nov 2003 Posts: 1

I have been in business many years, and the biggest bunch of bunk I have ran across "the customer is always right". Some people are just mean hearted and nasty. You just have to deal with them. No need to go overboard. They are not going to change. Especially on Ebay, with a poor feedback system. A system in which anyone can you use their own relative "everything is a rip off attitude" to judge a seller. Im sorry but if you give a negative that wasnt warranted there is no justification. Trying to sugar coat someones pesimistic sour approach to life will not gain you business. Period!