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[Charlottechicken]

Just asking for opinions really. I've sold a couple of items, and now I'm quoting the postage separately. I quoted two separate items of clothing at small parcel rate, which is £2.60. However, when packing them I realised with a bit of clever folding I could get them into a large letter envelope and the much cheaper postage rate So have done so. The cost was £1.20, and first class, rather than 2nd.

 

The question is, do I refund the difference to my two buyers or not? They were happy to pay the postage and I did not get much for the 'as new' items of clothing. I'm also not sure if I have to pay paypal again to refund, what in effect will be £1.40. However, I have noticed nowadays that folk do not like leaving feedback, so would this encourage them to do so?

 

Your thoughts please

[soapdragon]

This happened to me several times and, in each case, I have e-mailed the buyer and said that I have managed to post for less and so have refunded part (not all so as to allow for a bit of packaging - I think its the thought that counts!) postage.

 

In three cases this prompted excellent feedback and in one case no feedback at all but I, personally, feel its a fair approach (and one that I'd like applied to me too, under the circumstances )

[WitchHazel]

I second what soapdragon says.

 

When this has happened to me, I have made a partial refund and emailed the buyers to let them know that I have done so.

 

A small gesture, but it makes everyone happy.

[Chucky Mama]

If you have factored in your envelopes and packaging material and there is still a significant saving you could refund. You should also get a small refund on your Paypal fees. I would email them to tell them if you do

[Charlottechicken]

Thanks for your replies.

 

I have partially refunded the £1.40 on the two sales. I'm using envelopes up that I bought years ago and recycled packing stuff so not really any cost involved there. I've messaged the buyers to let them know why they have cash back

 

I really hope I get positive feedback now

[The Dogmother]

I'd do that too, but don't count on feedback

 

It irks me when you pay postage on a purchase, then receive it to find that it actually cost considerably less to post

[Bramble]

I've done the same too on the rare occasions I've managed to post for less than I though (I think sometimes it depends which PO you use, some follow the rules MUCH less slavishly than others - I've posted identical parcels at different POs and been charged different rates!)

As others have said, don't count on positive feedback, in my admittedly limited experience, lots of people just don't bother with it.

[soapdragon]

When I have posted a parcel not only do I 'mark as despatched' but I send a separate e-mail along the lines of

 

'Just to let you know that your parcel is now on its way to you and should arrive by ...?... I should be grateful if you would be kind enough to confirm safe arrival, either via feedback or e-mail, as whilst I havn't lost one yet, I am always a bit on edge until I know that things are where they should be and that buyers are happy.

 

Kind regards etc'

 

This usually works!

[Charlottechicken]

(I think sometimes it depends which PO you use, some follow the rules MUCH less slavishly than others - I've posted identical parcels at different POs and been charged different rates!)

 

I have one of the old rigid card slot things, same as they use in the Post Office but theirs are perspex, so I know the sizes for large letter However, I have found that by putting small items of clothing in a fine plastic bag, sealing when all the air is squeezed out and then putting in an A4 type envelope, the teller at the Post Office will always measure the parcel. If I use a poly bag they always assume it is a parcel so just charge accordingly, which is naughty.

 

I used to send a separate message to the buyers, but after a while it became extra work for me for little gain, so now I just mark as dispatched The buyers I have refunded and messaged have both replied positively, so fingers crossed!