Advice on saying "no" or "tough luck" nicely

[Richard]

Advice on saying \"no\" or \"tough luck\" nicely

How do I get into these things...

Setup: Was trying to sell Wifes "John Hardy" necklace on ebay. (Retail maybe $650) Didn't sell. One of the bidders emailed me later and I told them my reserve was $500. She said she'd take it.

Long story short, it was for her FIANCE (a ladies necklace? /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif) Anyway, she paid for it, I sent necklace and all is "fine".

Today I get an email from her... seems at 16" it was too small for her fiance and NOW she says

"I gave the necklace to my fiance on Friday and unfortunately the necklace was too short. It caused a choking effect instead of being a choker. Therefore, it is pretty much useless and I would like to return the product and get something worth while for the money I spent. Something he pretty much can wear. Let me know what is the most convenient way for us to handle this situation. Thanks. "

Uh... I'm not a retailer and although I can empathize with her situation, it's not for a man! Besides, if you buy a "used" car from someone you buy it realizing it's "yours" and you don't have a return situation (unless specified, which in this case, it wasn't)

How do I politely, but firmly tell her to go fly a kite? I hate to sound rude doing it /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Any advice is appreciated, I've already started & terminated three different responses to her...feeling that they all came across as me being abrupt and rude.

/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[EddieWalker]

Re: Advice on saying \"no\" or \"tough luck\" nicely

I sold a jeep to a guy who called me about six months later asking me if I wanted to buy it back. Seems he didn't like the whole soft top thing after all. I wasn't really prepared for such a phone call, so I just told him the first thing that came to my mind.

Sorry, but I already spent the money.

 

[Tractors4u]

Re: Advice on saying \"no\" or \"tough luck\" nicely

It shouldn't be too hard to say "sorry all sales are final", the problem is that today people are accustomed to the Wal-Mart treatment, you know, the customer is always right, we will take anything back! She probably won't like it if you won't return the money and she will threaten or go ahead and give you negative feedback. You could be really polite, but make it a hassle for her to return and let her decide she doesn't want to return it. Did she send the money Paypal. Have her pay the Paypal commision that lost, for example $500 + 25 or whatever. Have her pay the shipping and insurance. And then recommend to her that she try selling it on Ebay. People want everything their way these days. I wish you the best.

 

[Gatorboy]

Re: Advice on saying \"no\" or \"tough luck\" nicely

I'm sure you will find someone with a golden tongue that can provide a great response.

I would say something like:

I am not a retailer, and I listed all the specifics on the necklace that I offered for sale. I am sorry it does not fit, but the necklace is now yours. You may consider putting it up on eBay to sell just as I did.

Good luck in your future marriage.

 

[Gatorboy]

Re: Advice on saying \"no\" or \"tough luck\" nicely

<font color="blue"> She probably won't like it if you won't return the money and she will threaten or go ahead and give you negative feedback </font>

I don't believe she can post negative feedback in this case -- she was not the high bidder, and this sale happened after the fact. I think the eBay system has changed in that only the winner can leave feedback.

 

[Richard]

Re: Advice on saying \"no\" or \"tough luck\" nicely

Dave, you got it. The ebay was a no sale situation, so this ended up being a private transaction.

I kinda like the "I spent the money" idea. She sent a credit card "check". I initially said (in my ebay listing) that I'd hold item 10 days pending check to clear... Knowing how excited she was to give this (ladies) necklace to her boyfriend, I even sent it out after the second day to try to help her out.

Guess I need to get my email to her out...

Not to steal my own thread (is that possible?) but I worked in retail years ago...

Some guy (of foreign nationality) brought back a childs playhouse. Seems he'd bought it 12/18 months prior.

When asked if he had the receipt, yes
When asked if anything was wrong, no
When asked if it was defective, no
When asked why he was trying to bring it back ofter a year minimum his respone was

"my daughter no longer derives satisfaction from it"

/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[bczoom]

Re: Advice on saying \"no\" or \"tough luck\" nicely

Dear ______,

In my listing, I noted that this necklace was 16" which was an adequate length for my wife's neck. In our correspondence you never mentioned that this purchase was for you fiance so I assumed the purchase was for yourself or another female (in which case the length would normally be sufficient). Had you mentioned it was for a male, I would have been able to guide you further about it being a necklace for a female and sized accordingly but I had no idea of your intentions.

In that most men have a neck circumference of greater than 16” your selection of a choker style necklace should have been sized more accordingly.

I am sorry if my listing led you to believe that this item could be returned if the size was inappropriate. I would definitely be able to work something out if the item was “not as advertised” but since my listing provided an accurate description of the product, I apologize but I can not accept a return of this merchandise.

Since the product is in fine condition and marketable, I would propose that you consider selling through e-bay or keep for yourself.

Sincerely,
Richard

 

[jmc]

Re: Advice on saying \"no\" or \"tough luck\" nicely

Dear Gentle Reader,

I suspect there is a greater chance that she simply changed her mind than that her story is the real reason for the request. And as informal as buying used stuff from a private party is, she should have asked about returns beforehand. Being too tactful may encourage someone that brazen to be persistent.

Mr. Manners

 

[Indydirtfarmer]

Re: Advice on saying \"no\" or \"tough luck\" nicely

I see no need to "explain"..... Simply stae that you're not interested in buying it back. Case closed.... If anything, explain to her how she can sell it on Ebay herself. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Something rather odd about a woman that buys womens jewelry for her boyfriend anyway. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Tractors4u]

Re: Advice on saying \"no\" or \"tough luck\" nicely

OK, I wasn't paying close enough attention.

Just tell her "NO" then. Suggest she sell it on Ebay.