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FYI – Do you have a Walgreens in your town or close by? That is where I take my FedEx shipping. We do have a FedEx store in town, but it’s a good 10 min longer drive than just going to a Walgreens.
Did you submit your claim online? If so, you do have a “paper” trail. I wouldn’t refund yet. In addition, when you look up the tracking number in the USPS system, it gives you the chance to be notified when there is any movement on the package. You should go ahead and sign up with email or text so that you know when the package finally makes a move.
I would explain to your buyer that the USPS is having issues related to the pandemic and, while only a portion of packages are affected, it is not uncommon right now for a package to not show any movement for a while. You can google for a news story and send the link if you want.
If the buyer opens a case (or has already opened one), make sure to call eBay on the day that they tell you to. Tell them all that you’ve done to try to get the package moving (opened a case, called the post office, etc.). Ask for more time to get the package moving. eBay may not insure you due to a post office issue, but they can delay the case closing if you contact them and work it out.
I had several packages get delayed in the July-August timeframe. All of them eventually got to their destination. For one, the buyer opened a case and called on the final day. eBay closed the case and refunded them. I happened to be on vacation that day in an area with limited cell phone coverage, so I wasn’t able to call. I lost out on that one, but all the others worked out in the end.
For work, in the year 2000, I traveled to an Indonesian island off the coast of Singapore called Batam. During one of the trips, I purchased a few carved wood items. The mask below is about 3′ long and was made in Bali. I was told that the Indonesians make ancestral masks so that their deceased loved ones can look over them, but this one was for decor. It looks like the one in the last photo, but is a lighter wood and a bit longer. I’ve also seen similar masks at an Ethiopian restaurant near me. That, of course, would be African.
WedWoes #3
I also had no new Woe listings; however, the Corning hot plate magnetic stirrer did sell for $80!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/184434443121
Saturday, I told my family I wanted a Woebegone evening event. They actually agreed, and we got a lot accomplished! I’m ready to list a few items:
The two other hot plates were tested and are now ready to be listed
The kids tested a collection of “Hex Bugs”, an old toy of theirs. A remote controlled hex bug is ready for listing. I purchased new batteries and now need to test a few (non-remote) that didn’t work.
A 16 mm projector was tested and works. I should probably find a 16mm movie reel to show that it fully works, or just sell as-is.
A JC Penney stereo system was tested, and it partially works. I need to decide whether I just want to sell as-is, or try to fix it and sell it at a higher price.There were items I didn’t get to, but I’m very happy with what was done especially considering how long these things have been piled up!
I’ve always lived in the suburbs or smaller cities, but, when I visit a town, I often check out the real estate and day dream of buying a house there (which won’t happen any time soon). I find the stories about Luray and your different businesses very interesting. I did check out Ryanne’s Instagram account when it was mentioned last week. I really like the A-frame cabin she highlighted.
Week of Sept 6 – 12
Total Items in Store: 1292 eBay, 36 Etsy
Items Sold: 16 eBay + 4 outside sales
Cost of Items Sold: $33.25 + $37 Commission
Total Sales: $383.70 eBay + 117.90 outside sales
Highest Price Sold: $80 Vintage Corning Lab Hot Plate Magnetic Stirrer
Average price: $25
Returns: 1 (Also, forgot to mention a partial refund in last week’s numbers)
Money Spent on New Inventory This Week: $70.75 (one auction and a few garage sales)
Number of items listed this week: 20The outside sales were to forum user debitsendcredits who was looking for props at his day job. That was fun! I sold two items that I had bought earlier in the week and hadn’t even listed, and the other two were things he found in my store.
My highest sale was something I bought at the beginning of the year, but was lazy and hadn’t tested it. Then, because of forum user Amatino and her Woebegone challenge, I tested and listed it, and then it sold very quickly.
This forum has always been such an inspiration for me and my little business, but it was really amazing how some forum users helped me this week!
Steve – That is so nice of you to offer. You’ve answered my questions in the past, and it’s much appreciated!
The system I have is a JC Penney model 683-1765 with record, cassette, and 8-track players, AM/FM radio, and speakers. From what I’ve learned from you, I will have to replace the belts for three different systems and re-foam the speakers. I might need a replacement needle; possibly a de-magnetizing kit.
That is quite a lot to tackle for my first restoration! I can do it, but maybe take one step at a time.
Outwardly, it is in pretty decent condition.
Mike – I had a similar problem a while ago – maybe last year. I don’t remember the details. I think that the buyer was from that area of Europe, Scandinavia or thereabouts. I called eBay, and the customer rep told me that, while the country is in the GSP program, the item was not. I talked to the buyer about shipping direct, but I think that is when she finally got a cost and backed out. I forget what the item was, but it was a household item, like an art vase or something like that.
Steve – I am still amazed at your restorations of vintage record players. I have one sitting in my basement for a few years. I don’t know if I will ever get to it.
I purchased these thermal hunting pants at a recent flea market run by a church thrift shop. The shop is still closed due to the pandemic, but they needed to move some merchandise. I paid $4, sold for $34.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/184418569844
I think too many people know about McCoy ceramics, so I don’t find them in the wild very often. I got this one from my one commission. I take 50% after fees. It sold for $29.70. I would have held out for more, but it accidentally got caught up in a sale.
Quick update: I received another counter offer from the buyer for $5 more. He/she pointed out there was damage on the surface, which would need to be replaced. I double-checked Terapeak and decided to accept the offer of $80. So, assuming the sale is completed, I can get those extra points!
@debitendcredits – I tried sending an email, but I received a “Delivery Status Notification (Failure)”. I copied and pasted the email from your post above, so it shouldn’t be a typo edit.
WedWoes #2:
I listed the heat plate stirrer thing I mentioned last week. I received an offer for it yesterday. It was a little low, and, since I just listed it, I decided to make a counter-offer. I actually debated whether I should just accept the offer so that I could make sure to get those four extra points 😂
I started the repair on the teapot set, but asked my husband to do the drilling. Not that I can’t do it myself, but it helps me get stuff done when he does some of the work (good thing he doesn’t read this forum).
My next plan would be to test the two other heating plates (no stirrer function). I looked through my other “Woes” lying around, and some need research, test, or repair, but some are just things I’m not interested in. I think I should put those out for Freecycling.
I agree with VT that these challenges really help get shit done!!
I don’t really have much mine related here in NJ. However, I just bought a few auction lots yesterday, and this Protect-o-flash came with one of them:
It’s apparently some kind of emergency light. I think it could be something used in a mine. I’m sure it is vintage, but not that old. I haven’t been able to get the latch opened, but I assume there is a big heavy battery in there. It is 12x6x9, 27.5 (!) pounds.
If it is something you are interested in, respond here and I will send you an email.
