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Posts: 114
| So I just wanted to highlight a recent transaction that I had here on the Buy/Sell board, and how well it went despite numerous issues from outside forces. Honestly it shows the integrity present among the musky anglers here.
Here's the story:
I posted that I was looking for a lake master WI chip and "S" responded that he had one to sell. After agreeing on a price, I mailed him a check. We also messaged about musky fishing and agreed to someday trade an outing, he would show me some Wisconsin spots and I'd show him around Tonka next time he was in town. Surprisingly, the check did not arrive after 4 days, and S contacted me to let me know. I was surprised and a little worried, because I started being concerned that S could cash my check without sending me the chip, and claim that it wasn't him who actually cashed it. But my fears were unfounded, and after a ridiculous 7 days (really USPS?), S had my check. He let me know, and mailed the chip to me. Two days later his envelope arrived in the mail, but USPS had screwed us over again. The envelope was ripped and torn in the corner and the chip was gone, although S's note "thanks again, stick a big one!" was still inside.
Now I was really frustrated. I looked all over my mailbox and on the ground, hoping somehow that the chip had made it that far, but no dice. I knew that resolution was going to be difficult, because frankly I would have the same concerns that I knew S was going to have-that I had actually gotten the chip and now was trying to screw him over by getting my $ back too. So I took pictures of the envelope and emailed him to explain the situation. I gave him my phone number and we spoke on the phone. Both of us (naturally) were a little concerned that the other was trying to rip us off, but we decided ultimately to split the loss 50/50 with him sending me back a check for $32.50. We both had independently decided that was the fairest way to handle the situation. Plus we agreed to still do the trip swap someday.
This was a solid resolution to a difficult situation that was not either of our fault. S showed that he is a man of class, and I really appreciate the honesty that is present among those who frequent these boards. Keep it up guys.
Edited by WallyGator12000 4/13/2012 10:50 AM
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Location: Green Bay, WI | Wow...great to hear you got it resolved. However there IS insurance on any UPS shipment. At least $100, as I've been told. You have to pay for additional insurance. The shipper has to initiate any claim though, as I understand it. In the future I'd suggest a big old box to ship the chip in, LOL.
Hope that you get everything worked out with UPS though, as then you can get your chip--and both might be able to get your money back!
TB
EDIT: Oops...missed the extra 'S' in there. You guys sent it USPS, *not* UPS. Bummer. Glad everything worked out though.
Edited by tcbetka 4/13/2012 11:00 AM
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Posts: 1901
Location: MN | Glad yours worked out so well. I had the same thing happen with USPS, with a little bit different outcome. In my case, after I sent payment, my guy tried to send the main drive gear and a pinion gear for a reel in a regular white envelope through the post office! Needless to say that one didn't make it, and he was not near as understanding as your seller was. Oh well, we live and learn. |
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Posts: 2894
Location: Yahara River Chain | Whenever I mail a small item in an envelop I also tape it to a piece a paper so if it gets ripped the things doesn't easily fall out.
Also glad you guys were able to resolve it. You are are classy guys!!! |
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Location: Green Bay, WI | Not trying to pick on anyone here, as this was a very unfortunate turn of events. But there really is no reason whatsoever to send that stuff in an envelope these days. The USPS is all over the TV with their "if it fits, it ships" box shipping ads. I would gladly pay an extra $2 or so to make sure I get something so important. I mean, how much is that $2 worth if the product never arrives--but the one to have put it in a regular envelope and sent it, really needs to be the one to take responsibility. Then again, one could argue that the buyer should be very explicit in terms of requesting shipping instructions.
Here's a relevant but non-fishing-related story...
A friend took a snare drum to a music store in Appleton a couple years ago. Some yutz took out the little 3-4" steel tension rods that hold the head in place, but didn't tell him (he left it there for a couple days). So when he got the drum home and opened up the case, gone was one of the tension rods. Only problem was that this was a $1000 snare drum, with bronze tension rods. So he calls the store, and sure enough...it's laying there. The counter clerk says "I'll send it back to you, what's your address?" So guess what...two days later, sure enough, here's this envelope in his mailbox. Except it's torn open and the tension rod is gone. And the other problem is that these are specialized bronzed rods, and are no longer made. But who thinks it's a good idea to put a 3-4" steel rod, about 1/4" diameter, in a regular envelope--and then mail it? Two years and $25 later, we finally found him another matching tension rod, albeit about an inch longer.
Live and learn, indeed.
TB
Edited by tcbetka 4/13/2012 4:18 PM
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Posts: 114
| I think you've touched on part of the issue here Tom, and the reason why both myself and the seller decided a 50/50 split was the most equitable solution. The chip should not have been sent in an envelope that could tear or be destroyed. But I could have requested different packaging or insurance as the buyer, before he sent the chip, and I did not. As a result we both shoulder part of the blame.
Edited by WallyGator12000 4/13/2012 4:43 PM
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Location: Green Bay, WI | Well, people make mistakes all the time. As long as we learn from them...all is good!
Funny end to the story about my friend's snare drum though. The clerk at the drum shop who shipped the tension rod, kept telling him "I'll find you a new one!" Well that went on for like almost a year; at least 8-10 months anyway. I kept telling him that we should just look for one ourselves, but he kept telling me he was going to let the store handle it. Then one day we both went in to the store together, and that clerk was there. "Sorry man...I just *can't* find one of those anywhere." Heh.
In like two days I found him the one he ended up with, but it was longer than the one that was lost. But the guy who we got it from said "Oh, I just sold my last one of that length about a week ago."
Sheesh.
TB |
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