Calibrating feedback for a lackluster seller

[31HZ]

I feel ya. As a buyer of instruments on both TB and Reverb, my only broad complaint is that sellers consistently package the instrument with little regard for the handling that it is likely to see during shipping.

Specifically, instruments need to be protected by shipping materials inside their cases (or outside of their gig bags) to keep them from moving around, and the shipping box should have dense foam (or multiple layers of quality bubblewrap) at both ends. Bonus points for reinforcing the box ends with additional corrugated under the end flaps.

I have started asking for pictures of the packing process as a condition of the sale, so as to offer constructive criticism in the hope of avoiding problems for the seller and disappointment for myself. Maybe that's a good place to start.

 

[Seth Shonefeld]

That extra roll of foam in the box is totally useless and comical, like emotional support for the journey. Anything more than 2 stars would be dishonest.

 

[Joe Nerve]

When on the fence I leave no review at all. Its not a requirement. I feel much better just moving on.

 

[KohanMike]

I'm very surprised so many people say to give a higher than 2 rating or none. To me the discount doesn't negate the negatives of this transaction, especially with having an attitude about giving a discount. I rarely read the higher ratings when I see a low rating, and will read the details of the lower so I know exactly what happened. Also, I'm a very meticulous wrapper, I sent out a set of bass uke tuning machines yesterday, each inserted in a small plastic bag, then the four inserted in a larger plastic bag, then double wrapped with mini bubble warp, and placed in a small box that holds the contents firmly, then taped every seam of the box.

 

[Zooberwerx]

As a potential customer, I'd like some forewarning. The assertion you should cut the seller some slack because he provided a partial discount is BS. The new price tag should mirror the actual condition of the goods received.

Riis

 

[kmon]

Thing is that I wonder if negative retaliatory feedback on reverb really matters for someone who is largely a buyer.

It's less important for buyers, but eventually I'm gonna sell something and I like keeping my feedback clean. Even one negative feedback is gonna raise eyebrows among some buyers. To me it's not worth it, and in this case the partial refund should really be the end of this. That seems like the negotiated settlement of the disagreement. One man's opinion...

 

[Seth Shonefeld]

I think that the guy did the least he could do, that he knew better, and that something happened when you tried to confront him about it. The attitude.

If

It's less important for buyers, but eventually I'm gonna sell something and I like keeping my feedback clean. Even one negative feedback is gonna raise eyebrows among some buyers. To me it's not worth it, and in this case the partial refund should really be the end of this. That seems like the negotiated settlement of the disagreement. One man's opinion...

I agree with most of what you said, but I feel that the fact that the seller was "grumpy" indicates that he didn't feel he did anything wrong. But he did a lot of things wrong in the transaction including lack of awareness of his sub-par transaction. That's why, all due respect, if it were me it would not be over. I would go full refund and a 1.

 

[Hurricane Jimmie]

So Anyway, looks like he didn't even try with the packing. If you're not going to put any effort into packing and shipping a bass, then sell it locally. A little respect for the instrument is all that's necessary.

3 rating because he gave you the discount that you deserved. Hopefully that will encourage him to up his packing game.

 

[Jazzkuma]

You owe it to future buyers to let them know the basic facts 1) listing overstated the condition, 2) packing was inadequate resulting in shipping damage, 3) seller provided partial refund.

yep. I dont rly understand why some are suggesting giving the seller 5 stars….

I am active as a seller and as a buyer on Reverb and I always read the feedback before deciding to hit the checkout button. If the seller is going to be shipping basses like this then I would want to know from previous buyers experiences. Thats the whole point of the feedback system.

 

[Ralph Manak]

It appears the seller over-described, under-delivered, and tried to blame you (buyer’s remorse does not stand in the face of the evidence). The partial refund helps, but it may only be serving to make the seller’s problem go away. Rating: 2.

@31HZ asking for photos of packing as a condition of sale is a great idea, offering protections for both buyer and seller.

 

[vvvmmm]

At the end of the day as a buyer, it is your responsibility to ask for details if you are expecting a pristine bass. Otherwise, the “mint condition” label is totally subjective in my opinion.

Of course it is, but there is a common, accepted good-faith range of meaning to "mint" - seriously, would you call that bass "mint"?

I'd go, "1", mebbe "2" if the discount made the deal - which was not the original deal - so acceptable you ended up happy, as opposed to compromising.

And I'd give a detailed, critical review - ex., mebbe he was arguing with his SO about the sale, but he should'na taken it out on you. Be sure to blow him up for the bad 'tude.

 

[Jazzkuma]

Of course it is, but there is a common, accepted good-faith range of meaning to "mint" - seriously, would you call that bass "mint"?

I'd go, "1", mebbe "2" if the discount made the deal - which was not the original deal - so acceptable you ended up happy, as opposed to compromising.

Yeah from my seller point of view I totally get what you are saying. But from a buyer point of view I typically dont take that label too seriously. Pictures or asking for detailed information on the state of the bass in private messages tend to be more accurate in my experience.

 

[vvvmmm]

I understand, but I gotta say - the seller is selling something and is well-advised (has a duty, even) to be accurate, particularly when that something is used.

As a buyer, I rightfully rely on that representation, and if it's inaccurate, well, I return or seek that discount (actually I demand return, may accept a discount if it's offered but as a matter of principle I don't request one).

A buyer will usually entertain a bigger price for "mint" than, say, "good", and the seller knows that (why they advertise "mint"). Labeling something "good" as "mint", to me as a buyer, is fraudulent.

And yes, as a practical matter as buyer you gotta exercise due diligence, but even if he bought based on the verbal description and poor photos, the seller apparently lied.

I'll also note that many sellers are unsophisticated and post inadequate photos - by the time you ask for more they sell the item elsewhere. If I really want that item (even if it's because of a great price on an alleged "mint" item) I may buy it based on the description (without the updated pix which an unsophisticated seller may not want to/be able to send) - relying on my ability to return the item. In that event, everyone loses.

 

[Wilmingtonian]

That packing job alone is a one. (They don't allow zeroes.)

 

[bass12]

I was going to agree that a "3" rating was fair - and then I saw the packing photo. The rating system exists to give other potential buyers or sellers an idea of what to expect from a given buyer/seller. The fact that the OP's bass arrived intact is not a reflection of the seller's care in packing - it is the result of pure luck. You're not just reviewing the bass here - you are reviewing the actions of the seller, and that kind of packing job is totally unacceptable. There's no way I'd buy a bass from someone who I knew packed that way and I'd want a heads up from buyers with previous experience with such a seller. You got lucky with this bass - the next person very well might not.

 

[Zoffy]

I'm in a bad mood today; give him a 1.

 

[TOOL460002]

Even with a partial refund, here's the way I see it: Would you have bought it for the "reduced" price if you knew how it would be shipped and the condition it would arrive in? It's not like it was listed as "mint" but was more like "good." Feedback exists because of this kinda stuff. 1/5 for sure. And detailed feedback, otherwise the one star isn't as useful to other potential buyers.

 

[Seth Shonefeld]

That packing job alone is a one. (They don't allow zeroes.)

When added up all the dings for this transaction, 1 point per ding, I got to -1.

 

[Basslice]

Did he acknowledge the crappy packaging job? Could someone have opened and "inspected" the package and done the re-wrap? I only ask because TSA (I know it is a different entity), has done things like that "for" me. I've had my bags ransacked and then re-packed.

As far as a rating - why do anything? You accepted the bass and his discount. Leave it alone. If you returned the bass, that would be a different issue. No rating, no review is what I'd do. Karma.

 

[lucas303]

I went with 3 stars and left as much info as I could (Reverb only allows 500 characters).