I don’t mind paying the additional 2.1% if my customers pay via Ping. For me, it saves so much work and streamlines the whole process. But what I do object to is losing sales in an already tough market because customers are suspicious of Ping and either don’t know how to set up Ping or simply don’t want to. I have a lot of elderly customers who like to pay via Internet banking and will no longer be able to.

S - that seems a bit strange and incorrect of your seller. I understand denying liability for parcels that have been stolen after delivery to the correct address when the parcel was sent non signature. However, they cannot escape liability for non signature parcels that are lost or damaged prior to delivery. This would also include delivery to the wrong address, if you were able to prove this. I have definitely had Aramex pay out on parcels that were sent non signature and never delivered to the correct address.

Callum- maybe you’re a kinder person than me. I think the key element in dealing with such matters is good communication - from both sides. I certainly wouldn’t be bending over backwards to immediately refund a buyer who hasn’t given me the opportunity to sort matters before pushing the nuclear button. In the past, I’ve never had a problem with buyers jumping the gun and placing negative feedback & opening a dispute with Trade Me over a lost item. I always open an enquiry as soon as the buyer informs me of the problem and send them the reference number. Any communication from the courier co...

Have a look at Pass the Parcel. I sent a large box inter island yesterday that was a lot cheaper than Aramex or NZ Post Courier. You can use your own box but you have to have the ability to print your own label. They will pick up from your door. Re post bags, I certainly wouldn’t be buying those for your buyer. They are expensive and it’s his responsibility to sort his own packaging if he has on sold items. Very cheeky of him! If Pass the Parcel doesn’t work for you, I’d talk to Trade Me via the Live Chat about your options about cancelling this trade. Do not be bullied by your buyer into ...

Hi Lindsay. Sometimes either of the BAC couriers go offline and only one option will show. It doesn’t last long, so sometimes it pays to wait and try again, especially if you want to book with Aramex because it’s generally cheaper. Another option is to try Pass the Parcel courier. At the moment I’m finding their prices very competitive and delivery times are pretty good. You need the ability to print labels if you’re sending a box or using your own courier bags. Alternatively you can request their delivery bags, which are free but slightly more expensive to send.

Hi there. Shipping addresses are a funny thing. Some look like rural delivery, but aren’t and vice versa. Just run their address through www.addresscheck.co.nz - you might find a courier company that you could easily use that classifies your buyers address as urban.If not, I would give them the option of providing an urban address or paying the rural delivery surcharge. S is kinder than me. Even though it’s Christmas, I wouldn’t send the item until you have the received the correct shipping payment. It sends the wrong message and Santa doesn’t deliver presents to naughty boys and girls ;)

Hmmm, that’s a tricky one as you did agree to the $20 shipping fee. However I would feel ripped off too as that’s almost a 200% markup. I personally would drop the seller an email, thanking them for the charger and saying that you will be placing feedback, but before doing so, you wanted to check if there was a reason for the high postage charges. If not, would they consider refunding you the excess postage costs? A smart seller would offer an excuse and a refund. But if that doesn’t happen, warn them that you intend to place negative feedback and if still no joy, place feedback so that fut...

Absolutely. Just email him stating that the payment terms were clearly stated in the auction and by placing his bid, he agreed to abide by those terms. If he is not prepared to complete the trade in accordance with your terms, you will cancel the trade and place the appropriate feedback.Incidentally, what is the buyers feedback rating like? He might be using this as an excuse not to complete the trade or wanting to bargain you down upon pick up.My only other comment is that I can’t see your feedback rating so I don’t know how many trades you have completed. If you’re a new seller, he might ...

I wrote a reply and it has ended up in Pending. Hopefully it will be approved soon but in the meantime check out Pass the Parcel for cheaper courier options :)

Used clothing is a tricky one as people have very different opinions as to what constitutes excellent, good or poor condition. Sometimes it can be hard to see faults in a photo and at other times buyers are just plain picky and want a discount. If you do decide to offer a full refund, you will also need to refund all shipping ie there and back. Say for example, it costs $5 each way, you are out of pocket $10. If you were to repair, relist and sell the item again for $50, your profit would be $40 (less TM fees). I would offer the buyer the option of a full refund upon return or a $10 discoun...