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.

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...

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...

Thanks Flossie. Might be time to switch all my shipping to Pass the Parcel courier, which looks to be considerably cheaper - until they also put their prices up. I think the day will come when it’s just not economically viable to purchase items anymore due to prohibitive shipping rates. People are so used to paying low, subsidised shipping from large online retailers (who are able to negotiate cheaper rates or subsidise shipping) that they balk at the thought of paying anything higher. Unless they book and pay for couriers themselves, they don’t understand the true cost of shipping items.

Sorry to hear this Leanda. Unfortunately not everyone is honest or trustworthy and the golden rule is never ship anything until you have received payment. Many of us, myself included, have had to learn this lesson the hard way. If you haven’t done so already, I would email the buyer telling them that you shipped the item in good faith and now require payment. If the buyer has not replied to an email asking for payment, I would place neutral blue feedback stating that you shipped the item in good faith and are still waiting for payment. I would also state that unless payment is made within ...