famedglory wrote:Aw Trethowan! I really hate getting dental work done. I hope the pain dies down quickly. And I think by "I'm so lame" you really mean "I'm so awesome" because that's really far more accurate.
Minor suck from me. I just had an Etsy and Paypal claim filled against me. My store policy is it can take up to two weeks for a custom order to ship. It's pretty clearly stated but the claim is because it's been one week and the item hasn't arrived yet. The item is going to Singapore. Even if I had completed the custom item the night it was ordered and shipped next day, it would probably still take a few more days to arrive there. If the buyer doesn't remove the claim the only way for it to not escalate to a Trust and Security issue is for postal tracking confirmation, which USPS doesn't let you have on international packages and I'm not dealing with FedEx or UPS and the extra charges. So this is probably the end of me accepting international orders.
That is terrible for you! :hugs: I don't know why but I've encountered many international buyers who are really impatient---just as you said, expecting to receive the items almost 1-2 days after they paid!
The only way you can have a tracking number through the USPS is via Registered Mail or EMS. THe registered mail is the option I use on eBay (since eBay and Paypal require tracking numbers on all items for seller protection) but you need to use special tape. (Sometimes the USPS will do it for you, but mostly, they'll tell you to buy your own tape to use.)
It's gotten really crazy though, shipping internationally since January. USPS nearly doubled their 1st class international rates! So adding those rates to the $13 registered mail fee, makes it nearly impossible to ship! (At least $19 for a 1 oz - 4 oz packet!)
Last week, I spent two days changing all my int'l rates on eBay, to allow for the doubled USPS rates. I had been selling as usual, but not making anything on items because the postage out of the country was so high! :laughs: So I just bit the bullet and went through hundreds of auctions to reflect the new rates.
I'm so sorry for your problems, FamedGlory-san! :hugs: It IS awful when that happens! Tell your buyer that the item is custom made and takes _____________ weeks to create, and that doesn't include the shipping time. Ask them nicely to close the dispute so you can continue to create the item for them, and be sure to specify the timeframe involved so they can see it clearly. Sometimes, I think it's just that foreign buyers have a difficult time understanding English, so that's where it gets confused and where they miss your specifications.
If they won't close the dispute despite your explanation of their error, you may have to tell them that you'll just have to cancel the transaction and give a refund, so the dispute will close. That's what I've had to do a few times and it's usually for the best anyway.
Good luck!
