Re: preventing a negative?
Hi Tim,
The problem is, if the customer is the sort who'd leave a neg, you'll get a Neg either way - either for slow postage or for listing something you don't have. However, if it is an understanding buyer, he'll be ok about it, and you may get better feedback for your trouble.
Your first option - Honesty. Honesty is the best policy - plus if he has just bought the item, and you refund immediately with a very apologetic email stating it was an error on your behalf, chances are he will be ok about, and he can purchase from elsewhere immediately.
Your second option - Buying In. Not the best idea - you can purchase from another seller, but if you want the item shipped direct to your buyer, the seller may not allow it, and if they do, they may include their own invoices/promotional materials, making it obvious what you have done. Plus you cannot guarantee the seller you purchase from has listed their item correctly - the item may be damaged/fake/drop-shipped and take 3 weeks to arrive. If you buy in and have sent to yourself for you to post on, the same problems may exist, making it impossible to forward to the buyer, and taking even longer to sort out whilst the buyer wonders where his purchase is.
Option 3 - Honesty & Supplying - My preference. Why not try emailing the buyer, explaining that due to a listing error, you are unexpectedly out of stock. However, you can still supply the game, it will just take a few days longer than expected. Then buy in from elsewhere, have the item sent to you so you can inspect, and fulfil the order with no need for deception. The buyer will know the situation and be able to request a refund, if he prefers, and will probably think more of you for trying your best.
Good luck, whatever you decide to do!!
Gail
Linear Mode
November 2009
