OK, I'll weigh in. I am probably much more liberal than most OM sellers,
primarily because I do a pretty big 'volume'. I offer an no-questions-asked
14-day return policy, even on my ebay auctions. At any time during that
period, they can return it, less shipping, for any reason -- even if they
just changed their minds. Of course, if there is any problem with it, I also
cover shipping both ways. Let's face it, I've missed some things, so I want
to make it right. Sometimes I ship a replacement, sometimes a partial
refund. I've even sent partial refunds when they didn't ask for it, if I
wasn't comfortable that it was a fair deal anymore. For list members, I am
even more liberal and will generally accept a return at pretty much any
time.
Sometimes I get things back I didn't expect, but I'm not out much, and in
the long run I have a happy 'customer' and, most likely, a repeat customer.
That's not an issue for most on the list, as you're just occasional sellers,
but it is to me.
I guess I look at it that may reputation is more important to me than a few
dollars. In one case, there was a problem with a 75-150 that I shipped to
Japan (long story, the lens was returned to me without the buyer mentioning
that they had broken it, and I resold it). By the time I shipped a
replacement and got back a broken lens, I had essentially given the lens
away. Oh well.
There are times when 'as is' may be appropriate, if there is a known
problem. That's rare, and needs to be fully disclosed.
I also try to take the approach that I offer things to the list at a bit of
a discount from ebay 'retail'. Again, that is easier for me, as I trade a
lot.
Hope this point of view helps.
Tom
> I have always given an inspection period. I have had two people send items
back,
> which I then sold to someone else. Different people have different
expectations. An
> inspection period gaurentees that the customer is happy with the product.
If you have
> a happy customer they will buy from you again. Believe it or not, this is
the easiest
> way to deal with 'picky' customers. No back and forth flaming e-mails, bad
feedback,
> or list grumbling. It is far easier to just refund the money than to deal
wth someone
> who is unhappy. I feel it is also fairer to the seller and buyer both.
When I
> describe a lens as excellent, or near new, or whatever, no one has a firm
idea what
> my standards are. The return period also covers us both if I miss
something in my
> inspection or description. Short of meeting in person to inspect the items
I think
> the evaluation period is the best way to go. I think people are also
willing to bid
> higher, or pay more for an item that has an inspection period available.
>
> Jim Couch
>
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