Shipping Issue.. Venting, but would love some feedback as well.

[porterbass]

Speaking with one of the most reputable guitar builders on the planet last evening only went to reinforce what most of you all are saying.

The buyer said my packing was not "worthy of the trip overseas."

Um, that's because my shipment wasn't going overseas.

Also, already had an in-depth conversation with the folks at PayPal with favorable results and feedback.

I am just so over this. Cannot thank you all enough for taking a few seconds to weigh in. Been a member of the board for years and this is one of many reasons why.

Regarding PayPal, keep an eye on that... If he opens a case, just follow through with PayPal and stay on top of it. They have a process they follow that takes a little time. If he does file a claim, I would recommend calling PayPal again to discuss live vs replying via the website. They'll talk to you, put notes in the system while you're on the phone with them, and they can even take action immediately while you're on the phone. Then monitor and follow through with a phone call to them again if needed. How they rule can depend on the person from PayPal you get on the phone.

(I had a similar situation with an eBay buyer last year on a brand new, (sealed in the factory box) home subwoofer amp I sold him. He claimed 2+ months after receiving it that it was damaged and didn't work. PayPal sided with me immediately, then with him on appeal, then with me when the appeal was re-evaluated after I spoke with them again. I eventually received it back and it was all scratched up with a different serial number... Thankfully, PayPal saw through his scam and backed me. I'm not sure if it helped that I had perfect eBay feedback of over 1600 and/or no previous issues on either PayPal or eBay...not sure if they look at that.)

@DanBass Bottom line, follow through with them if a claim is filed. I've read through and followed this thread since you first posted, and I do think PayPal should back you on this. Your responsibility was the shipping to his parent's in your state, and you shouldn't bear any responsibility for what occurred after that with the overseas shipping.

 

[munkeyfish]

I'm sure it's been covered. But if he opens a PayPal dispute, I'm pretty sure you'll win. You shipped it to the destination on the transaction with tracking and all that. Him almost 3 months later with this claim from overseas, will not hold water. You sent it where it was supposed to go. He took responsibility for shipping it beyond that, that is on him.

In a big picture, it almost looks like buyers remorse. Cant help but to wonder in the back of my mind if that damage wasnt manufactured to get a refund out of you. Maybe he is an upstanding guy, but I question that due to outrageous expense he is claiming for said repair. Something just dosent sit right. And almost 3 months later is out of line as far as I'm concerned.

 

[bdplaid]

Out of curiosity, what would a repair like that cost?

 

[DanBass]

Out of curiosity, what would a repair like that cost?

I am good friends with a few highly respected builders and asked them that very question. Always beneficial to know such folks professionally and personally. It was helpful.

I am being told $100 - $200..