Hi Ladies -
I've bought and sold some handbags privately and have now started to sell some on ebay. I read all the horror stories on tpf about "bait and switchers" so I decided to follow Material_Me's advice and put locks inside my bags (http://forum.purseblog.com/ebay-forum/best-way-secretly-mark-items-you-sell-ebay-175879.html)
I just listed an older Coach bag (retail $398) and the buyer won it for $81. I copied Material_Me's statements about using the lock for authenticity purposes and clearly stated that all sales were final. When the buyer got the purse, the questions started. We are now at email #6 or #7, I've lost count. Here is what was in my listing:
"This bag is in excellent condition, as it was seldom used, and it has no signs of wear at all. I've included many photos of the actual bag that is for sale. (11 photos to be exact)
Please ask all questions before bidding as all sales are final and there are no returns or refunds.
Authenticity is 100% guaranteed or money back.
...I have connected a lock with a secret code from the zipper inside the purse to the leash clip closure. If you are happy with the purse and are confident that you purchased an authentic purse (as stated in this listing), just email me and I will immediately give you the code to remove the lock. When you ask for the code via email, that is my written proof that you acknowledge that the purse is authentic, and you are happy with your purchase.
If for some odd reason you find this purse to be fake, (Which won't happen), and the lock is somehow removed, without ME giving you the code, I am not responsible -- as the lock is our binding agreement on authenticity. Once the lock comes off, I am not responsible for anything that has to do with the purse."
The buyer then starts with this:
Email #1 - I need to check the inside of the bag to make sure the lining is free from tears, loose stitches etc. How do I do this with this lock in place? I am sorry but, I need to see the inside of the bag,the lining, the stitches on the lining etc before I tell you whether I am satisfied.
Email #2 - I do not have any doubts about the authenticity. Just need to make sure there are no loose threads on the corner etc of the lining. I do not think the use of locks is widespread. Please give me the example of any other posting which says anything about putting locks. Like I said I do not have doubts about authenticity but, have to make sure the lining if free of damage.
Email #3 - There are many times a seller will say the sale is final but,in that case the bag must be EXACTLY as described. IF, you by mistake overlooked some flaw (I am sure you are human in that aspect) like a small tear in the lining then just saying all sales are final would not be valid. But, I will not just take your word saying the interior of the bag is immaculate. Not all flaws show up in photos.I have to see the inside, not feel it with my hands like you suggested.
The bag is in perfect condition and in each return email, I have told her that I only guarantee authenticity. She is now calling ME paranoid and delusional for putting the lock in the purse! I have told her that when she sends me an email, that states she is satisfied with the authenticity of the item and considers it a final sale, I will send her the lock's code. She keeps coming back with yet another email, accusing me of wrongdoing!
I have now sent an email to ebay asking them to step in and evaluate this situation. Was that the right thing to do?
The buyer keeps making comments that I am not selling a $3000 Hermes bag so the lock is not needed! Frankly, I am thinking that the buyer is a scammer because once I give them the code to unlock the lock, what's to prevent them from saying the bag's lining was ripped and sending me back a bag that isn't mine?
Has anyone else used the lock inside the bag for authenticity and had it work out in your favor? I even told this buyer to come to tpf to read that more people DO use these locks!
Sorry this is so long, but I can't believe this person is making such a big deal over an $81 sale, especially when the bag is in perfect condition.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
I've bought and sold some handbags privately and have now started to sell some on ebay. I read all the horror stories on tpf about "bait and switchers" so I decided to follow Material_Me's advice and put locks inside my bags (http://forum.purseblog.com/ebay-forum/best-way-secretly-mark-items-you-sell-ebay-175879.html)
I just listed an older Coach bag (retail $398) and the buyer won it for $81. I copied Material_Me's statements about using the lock for authenticity purposes and clearly stated that all sales were final. When the buyer got the purse, the questions started. We are now at email #6 or #7, I've lost count. Here is what was in my listing:
"This bag is in excellent condition, as it was seldom used, and it has no signs of wear at all. I've included many photos of the actual bag that is for sale. (11 photos to be exact)
Please ask all questions before bidding as all sales are final and there are no returns or refunds.
Authenticity is 100% guaranteed or money back.
...I have connected a lock with a secret code from the zipper inside the purse to the leash clip closure. If you are happy with the purse and are confident that you purchased an authentic purse (as stated in this listing), just email me and I will immediately give you the code to remove the lock. When you ask for the code via email, that is my written proof that you acknowledge that the purse is authentic, and you are happy with your purchase.
If for some odd reason you find this purse to be fake, (Which won't happen), and the lock is somehow removed, without ME giving you the code, I am not responsible -- as the lock is our binding agreement on authenticity. Once the lock comes off, I am not responsible for anything that has to do with the purse."
The buyer then starts with this:
Email #1 - I need to check the inside of the bag to make sure the lining is free from tears, loose stitches etc. How do I do this with this lock in place? I am sorry but, I need to see the inside of the bag,the lining, the stitches on the lining etc before I tell you whether I am satisfied.
Email #2 - I do not have any doubts about the authenticity. Just need to make sure there are no loose threads on the corner etc of the lining. I do not think the use of locks is widespread. Please give me the example of any other posting which says anything about putting locks. Like I said I do not have doubts about authenticity but, have to make sure the lining if free of damage.
Email #3 - There are many times a seller will say the sale is final but,in that case the bag must be EXACTLY as described. IF, you by mistake overlooked some flaw (I am sure you are human in that aspect) like a small tear in the lining then just saying all sales are final would not be valid. But, I will not just take your word saying the interior of the bag is immaculate. Not all flaws show up in photos.I have to see the inside, not feel it with my hands like you suggested.
The bag is in perfect condition and in each return email, I have told her that I only guarantee authenticity. She is now calling ME paranoid and delusional for putting the lock in the purse! I have told her that when she sends me an email, that states she is satisfied with the authenticity of the item and considers it a final sale, I will send her the lock's code. She keeps coming back with yet another email, accusing me of wrongdoing!
I have now sent an email to ebay asking them to step in and evaluate this situation. Was that the right thing to do?
The buyer keeps making comments that I am not selling a $3000 Hermes bag so the lock is not needed! Frankly, I am thinking that the buyer is a scammer because once I give them the code to unlock the lock, what's to prevent them from saying the bag's lining was ripped and sending me back a bag that isn't mine?
Has anyone else used the lock inside the bag for authenticity and had it work out in your favor? I even told this buyer to come to tpf to read that more people DO use these locks!
Sorry this is so long, but I can't believe this person is making such a big deal over an $81 sale, especially when the bag is in perfect condition.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.