This is what's wrong with the average ebay buyer

[ASF123]

As a buyer, I see so, so many cards with firm BIN prices or starting bids that are way above what it seems like anyone would even consider paying. Do a huge portion (majority?) of cards on eBay just not sell?

[ASF123]

eBay buyer etiquette question: I just received a card that was shipped in a soft sleeve, between two pieces of paper (not cardboard) in a plain envelope. It was not an expensive card (about $10) and the seller only charged $1 for shipping. But I would have expected at least some protection - a top loader, a padded envelope, or cardboard backing. Any one of the above.

The card arrived undamaged, fortunately, so all's well that ends well. The seller only has 18 feedback, all positive, so I don't want to drop a neutral on him as all the other elements of the deal were fine. But should I send him a private message, just as an "FYI" for what appears to be a new seller, or is that considered obnoxious?

[Tabe]

That's a new option on ebay - the $1 shipping in PWE. If you're expecting a padded envelope for $1, you're mistaken.

I believe they're supposed to use a toploader though.

[ASF123]

Originally Posted by Tabe

That's a new option on ebay - the $1 shipping in PWE. If you're expecting a padded envelope for $1, you're mistaken.

I believe they're supposed to use a toploader though.

No, I'm not expecting a padded envelope - that was just one option for some protection. A toploader or even putting it between a couple of pieces of something stiffer than cardstock would have been fine. I've had several cards shipped in the new envelope option and they've all had some sort of protection.

[cardsagain74]

Originally Posted by ASF123

eBay buyer etiquette question: I just received a card that was shipped in a soft sleeve, between two pieces of paper (not cardboard) in a plain envelope. It was not an expensive card (about $10) and the seller only charged $1 for shipping. But I would have expected at least some protection - a top loader, a padded envelope, or cardboard backing. Any one of the above.

The card arrived undamaged, fortunately, so all's well that ends well. The seller only has 18 feedback, all positive, so I don't want to drop a neutral on him as all the other elements of the deal were fine. But should I send him a private message, just as an "FYI" for what appears to be a new seller, or is that considered obnoxious?

Whenever I have those < $10 pwe orders with $1 or less shipping cost (that you accept will come by carrier pigeon), I've never had no protection like that (if no toploader, then there was the cardboard backing).

So while I've probably been pretty lucky about that, I'd still guess it's less likely to have your last pwe experience

[mikemb]

Originally Posted by ASF123

eBay buyer etiquette question: I just received a card that was shipped in a soft sleeve, between two pieces of paper (not cardboard) in a plain envelope. It was not an expensive card (about $10) and the seller only charged $1 for shipping. But I would have expected at least some protection - a top loader, a padded envelope, or cardboard backing. Any one of the above.

The card arrived undamaged, fortunately, so all's well that ends well. The seller only has 18 feedback, all positive, so I don't want to drop a neutral on him as all the other elements of the deal were fine. But should I send him a private message, just as an "FYI" for what appears to be a new seller, or is that considered obnoxious?

Most of my ebay sales are single cards I ship in a PWE. I charge 60 cents. The card is put in a penny sleeve then a toploader secured with a piece of removable tape. Then I protect with light cardboard on both sides inside the packing slip. I have done this for years with no issues from buyers or the post office.

When I started selling on ebay over 20 years ago, several buyers gave me tips or suggestions. They were very helpful so I think you should do the same.

Mike

[Jim65]

If a standard white envelope is over 1/4", it should go up to a large envelope, not a package. I regularly send cards in PWE with 2 pieces of corrugated and it costs $1.16. If the clerk is charging you for a package, I would talk to the Postmaster.

[jh691626]

Originally Posted by mikemb

Most of my ebay sales are single cards I ship in a PWE. I charge 60 cents. The card is put in a penny sleeve then a toploader secured with a piece of removable tape. Then I protect with light cardboard on both sides inside the packing slip. I have done this for years with no issues from buyers or the post office.

When I started selling on ebay over 20 years ago, several buyers gave me tips or suggestions. They were very helpful so I think you should do the same.

Mike

I agree. It seems like a number of us have independently come to a similar solution (card in penny sleeve and toploader, taped to piece of folded paper, with or without cardboard) with good luck, and it might be nice to suggest that to this seller. Jeff