What Do You Do When A Card Has Been Lost In The Mail?

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Posted By: Joann

Wow. I think I am missing something here.

We have had this debate several times before and I don't remember it ever being so unanimous, or represented as being so clear. There have been very vigorous and healthy arguments for both sides, and although I think it often leans in favor of seller responsibility, I don't think it has been the bright line that is being tossed about today. Maybe it's because in those cases the seller was a well-known board member and some people wanted to defend? I don't know. I'm just a little surprised by the vehemence about it here.

And Dave, you know we have no beef between us and that I usually agree with you, but I don't believe that there is anything at all presumed on the BST about what is or isn't implied in a stated price wrt to shipping cost and responsibility. I know some people assume it, but it is not any kind of policy or even overwhelming practice. So yes, people CAN jump in and say they want something immediately without haggling details first - they just have to be prepared to possibly pay something in shipping on top of the sale price or at least have a discussion about it. It happens, and there is no clear yes or no on any assumptions that BST prices are out-the-door prices.

But Addie, I think you should probably make the refund. I'd be just sick about it if I were you, and this thread has me resolving to be more careful about getting insurance when I'm a seller - sometimes when I'm in a hurry I skip it. But I'd be pretty upset.

A case can be made either way as to whether the risk should have been negotiated or not, and whose responsibility it was to initiate that discussion. But it would probably tilt toward a seller-responsible verdict. More important is the other point a few have brought up. The BST flies and dies by individual reputation, and even though $150 is a lot of money you will be worse off if you dig in, reputation wise.

So I'd pay it. It's not like it's out-of-the-zone unfair for you to do so, and you will be better off for it when you continue to use the BST.

Finally, here is one way to think about it. If the buyer had sent cash in the mail - something that anyone that got their hands on it could keep and use - and you never received it, would you feel like you should still ship the card? Probalby not.

I still think there is gray area here, but the above analogy may help make some of the logic clearer.

But like I said, I'd be just sick about it if I were you. But I'd refund it.

Joann

(And I will NOT get in too much of a hurry to skip insurance on more expensive items again!)