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**soap queen** · 15-07-2009, 06:35 PM

what a shame. you are right that it is only 1 person though. Not liking an item is only a matter of taste and you are right that it can be difficult online. They are not complaining about the quality or the workmanship and I think that you just have to accept that it may not be to their taste. I think under distance selling regulations (which you presumably have on your site-right?) they have the right to return the item at their expense and within 7 days to receive a refund of the cost only (not original P&P) as long the item is received by you in good condition. Remind them that insurance etc etc is their responsibility.

It is horrid to have this happen but you must expect it sometimes and maybe this is a good opportunity to check that you are selling in accordance with the distance selling regs and to work out a policy for returns.

Don't worry about it though.... in the global scheme of things it' not such a biggy...

**Meljov5** · 15-07-2009, 06:37 PM

I think if you have responded to them quickly and offered a refund you have been fair. I would not stress about it, your mirrors are lovely and you will soon sell it again!

**greannancrafts** · 15-07-2009, 06:41 PM

By offering a refund you have shown credibility.

It is upsetting when someone doesn't like your work, but just concentrate on all the happy customers you have had

Jane

**Katianne** · 15-07-2009, 06:42 PM

Have just being reading up on this on Ebay:

Distance Selling Regulations

The Regulations also provide a period of seven working days after the date of receipt within which the consumer can cancel the contract (often referred to as the "cooling off" period) and get their money back, including the original postage and packing charges. The consumer can be asked to return the goods at their own expense, but only if the seller informed them of this requirement before the contract was made (otherwise, the seller is responsible for collecting the goods).

I do state in my returns policy that I accept returns within 7 days, but I haven't said anything about the buyer paying the costs to return it, so for this one I will need to refund for everything. Oh well, it's a learning curve! I will have to go and amend my listings!

**soap queen** · 15-07-2009, 07:14 PM

If you didn't inform them, then you will have to accept it this time but I would correct it straight away. A friend of mine had terrible trouble when a particular customer ( & all his family) started buying stuff and then returning it at her expense. In fact I think they wouldnt even take it to the post office. She had to send a courier to collect it. That was purely malicious, but it is a thought. Another 'friend' just about put a rival out of business by phoning her 0800 phone from Bangkok and leaving it off the hook for 4 days !! There is no end to peoples horribleness ( & Niceness) so be careful to protect yourself.

**Katianne** · 15-07-2009, 07:24 PM

Forget my last post, I am going mad! In my listings it states under the returns policy the following:

Returns accepted for this item.
Additional return policy details: Returns are accepted within 7 days of receipt. This is on the basis that the buyer pays for the postage costs. The refund will be for the cost of the item only.

Am I therefore ok to just refund the price of the mirror and the original P&P charge?

**boden girl** · 15-07-2009, 08:32 PM

Originally posted by Katianne View Post

Forget my last post, I am going mad! In my listings it states under the returns policy the following:

Returns accepted for this item.
Additional return policy details: Returns are accepted within 7 days of receipt. This is on the basis that the buyer pays for the postage costs. The refund will be for the cost of the item only.

Am I therefore ok to just refund the price of the mirror and the original P&P charge?

From your return policy it sounds like you don't have to pay pp cost?

**Lilac Moon** · 15-07-2009, 08:36 PM

I think if you have stated that you 'will refund the cost of the item only' then you dont have to refund any P&P but if you want to refund the original p&P as an act of good will, then that is up to you.

**Katianne** · 15-07-2009, 08:49 PM

Right, I have just amended all of my listings to read:

Katian Mosaics adheres to 'The Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000; which applies to sales which have been made at a distance. In other words, where there's no face-to-face contact between the seller and the consumer before the contract is made.

In line with the Regulations, I offere a period of seven working days after the date of receipt within which you, the consumer, can cancel your order and get your money back, including the original postage and packing charges. In order to qualify, your purchase/s must be returned at your own expense. I also advise that you obtain proof of postage, in case of the event of the item/s arriving damaged or being lost in transit.

Does that sound ok?

**Moonbeam Angel** · 15-07-2009, 10:17 PM

Sounds fine to me. I can understand that someone not knowing their mosaic tiles might find the vitreous glass ones a little "imperfect", I know they are perfect but the surface is not smooth and shiny, that is the nature of the tile unfortunately (why I don't use them any more!), as you say because they have had to rely on a picture they wouldn't be able to see this in the tiles, just remember, it's the tiles they don't like not your workmanship or the mirror itself.

**Katianne** · 15-07-2009, 10:29 PM

Originally posted by Moonbeam Angel View Post

Sounds fine to me. I can understand that someone not knowing their mosaic tiles might find the vitreous glass ones a little "imperfect", I know they are perfect but the surface is not smooth and shiny, that is the nature of the tile unfortunately (why I don't use them any more!), as you say because they have had to rely on a picture they wouldn't be able to see this in the tiles, just remember, it's the tiles they don't like not your workmanship or the mirror itself.

Thank you Moonbeam! I know what you mean about the tiles, although funnily enough, I did a fair a few months ago and I had a number of customers comment that they preferred the mirrors I had made using the vitreous glass tiles, as oppose the the smooth tiles. I too had thought people would prefer the smooth ones, so I'm guessing it just comes down to personal taste at the end of the day.

I have been including close up shots in my listings and these will also be on my new website, so hopefully this will give people a true idea of the actual tiles before they purchase.

**just sally** · 16-07-2009, 12:55 AM

i`m sure this must be down to personel taste as from the pict`s i have seen your work is beautiful, this is the down side,the buisiness side, that has me worrying about selling "properly"
why cant people just smile and give me money to buy more beads

**soap queen** · 16-07-2009, 10:59 AM

not to be too picky but I would be wary about offering to refund the P&P. Things online are generally a little cheaper than in shops and no refund of P&P is usually part of the deal. I would also point out that a proof of posting is worth very little.
You should be stating that the goods are to be RECEIVED by you in the original condition. If something arrives smashed a 'proof of posting' is useless. The item should be insured by the purchaser as until you get it back it is in their care. In my shop I would not accept returns that have got damaged on the wayu back! It is the purchasers responsibility until it is back. If you ask for insurance & they dont bother then it is not your problem.
I think up to £32 insurance is included by normal post.

Soz to rant but it is so much better to really think it through & try to anticipate every eventuality no matter how unlikely. People are really stroppy these days and think nothing of dropping you in hot water with trading stamdards etc - often only as a bit of revenge but it is unpleasant. If you did not refer to distance selling regs before this then even that is an offense ( I think!). Take this as an opportunity to 'tighten up' your procedures.

PS your stuff is lovely-they are obviously MAD!!

**goblindreams** · 16-07-2009, 01:06 PM

Just a quick note..

If I remember rightly from selling on eBay, the DSR only apply to 'Buy it Now' or shop items - not auction - don't know which one yours was but useful to know (if I am right that is - not sold online for about a year).

Don't worry about an unhappy customer.. They are out there and you can't do anything about it unfortunately

I am usually 'very nice and polite' and then forget about it... and on more than one occasion have had them thank me and they've bought more and been fine! xx

I once had to refund £900 - had to actually take out an overdraft to do so as money had already gone back into stock!!!

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