Playing with Bubblewrap

How to Lose Sales and Irritate People

I found a book on Ebay and I'm interested in buying it. Only problem is that it's described as 'ex library' and 'no dustjacket' while the only photo on the listing is of the dustjacket of the book. So it's obviously not a pic of the actual book being sold.

I feel this is a bit misleading, but still would like to buy the book, but not before I've seen a photo of what I'm actually buying. So I send the seller a polite question, asking for a photo of the actual book.

Their reply:
No way. Too much hassle to get the digital camera and all that. For $20 it's not worth the hassle.

Unbelievable! This seller has just lost a sale and a potential customer. For anyone who might be interested, it's item number 180195267581. But beware, I can almost guarantee it's in very poor condition and the seller doesn't want to admit it.

I wouldn't touch anyone with such a poor attitude to customer service. Ever.
ghostlyone777
Unbelievable. I don't blame you. I wouldnt buy from someone like that either.
Dec-14-07 23:00:10 PST Report this comment
victorian_rose_inc
Wow Judy. That is just sad.
Dec-14-07 23:00:59 PST Report this comment
annamenter
amazing but not surprised. :o)
Dec-14-07 23:01:53 PST Report this comment
linnieb123
When you think you have heard it all.It is amazing the way some people think. they need a course in sales 101.
Dec-14-07 23:02:50 PST Report this comment
marylynnp2007
Unbelievable indeed.
Dec-14-07 23:08:34 PST Report this comment
seasonedwithtime
wow - the only time I have ever said no to a buyers request was when they wanted me to bake the cookies and give my opinion of the recipe/taste before they decided whether or not to buy a cookbook from me, lol. It was about question # 6 about the book and I finally just said no...but not wanting to show a photo? I cannot even imagine!
Dec-14-07 23:27:55 PST Report this comment
judy-oz
Gee, the things some people ask or expect. LOL treasurechase, yes I agree that's taking things a bit too far. Were you then meant to send the baked cookies to the potential buyer?

I guess I see online selling as pretty much the same as shopping in a store, but without the parking hassles. As a buyer I expect to see what I'm buying and receive it in the same condition as it was shown and described.

As a seller I think my customers have the same expectations - good photo, accurate description, fast shipping and to receive the item as it was described. If there's a problem I want the opportunity to fix it for them. I'm past caring about feedback, it's more about providing good customer service.
Dec-14-07 23:41:51 PST Report this comment
treasuresgoround
And they're also charging $18 for shipping on the book! Whoa! I definitely wouldn't buy with that attitude, either!
Dec-15-07 00:25:41 PST Report this comment
a-book-amore
Ex-library, no jacket, but - it's very good condition?

Yeah - and I'm the fairy on top of the christmas tree.
Dec-15-07 19:27:27 PST Report this comment
kj-kj-kj
They are now saying that it's an illustrated hardcover and the picture is a scan. Have they changed it, Judy?
Dec-15-07 21:36:57 PST Report this comment
judy-oz
Yes, the listing description has been changed, possibly in response to a question (not from me) about the cover, which has been posted and replied to on the listing. I wasn't aware that any of the Tomorrow series had been published with illustrated hardcovers. All the ones I own and have seen have plain coloured boards with dustjackets.

I wonder why he didn't just tell me that in response to my question.

PS jilly, you're looking gorgeous up there on top of the tree!
Dec-15-07 22:29:52 PST Report this comment
a-book-amore
Gee, thanks Judy! (preen, preen, twinkle).
Dec-23-07 00:13:05 PST Report this comment
westgarthworldwide
Ex library = 95% chance it is a rubbish-tip book. Definately a reading copy.

BTW you can get a new paperback copy of this book in most K-Marts for around $12 - FYI.
Jan-16-08 16:00:09 PST Report this comment
mombasa_solutions
The buyer who ended up buying had left positive for the item.
Jan-22-08 01:49:01 PST Report this comment
judy-oz
Yep, saw that Alem - my loss, perhaps, but the attitude of the seller really put me off buying.
Jan-29-08 00:47:51 PST Report this comment

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