Mr. Saltwater Tank

Just ship it already!


Last Sunday I bought 2 ballasts from an individual online. 5 days later, they still haven’t shipped the ballasts citing “I haven’t had time to ship them but they will on today…”

Needless to say, I’m not happy and considering I only saved $20, I wish I had bought it new so that I could have the ballasts by now.

Selling online is a great way to get top dollar for your used equipment if you follow a couple of easy steps, then do what you say you are going to do.

In addition to being in communication with your buyers you MUST, I repeat, you MUST clearly say when you will ship the item. If you don’t, buyers will be left wondering when the item they just bought will show up (that was me) and if you are indeed a human being behind that paypal address (also me).

Then you MUST ship it by the time promised!

Remember people want instant gratification and if you don’t let them know when they can expect to get their item, then they’ll be left to make up their own expectations on when the item should arrive and rest assured they will want it yesterday.

Keep in mind if you say in your for-sale ad when you will ship the item, e.g. “Shipment will go out 3 days within receiving payment” then people can decide if they are willing to buy your item knowing it will take you 3 days to ship it. Obviously the faster ship times are better (most online retailers offer same day shipping) and you’ve got your own life so set the ship time for what works for you.

Oh..don’t forget to send them tracking number when you let them know you shipped their item.

Remember, selling online is all about trust and the more things you can do to build trust with your buyers, the better.

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Comments for this article (2)

  • Chris Fowler says:

    I ordered ballasts and reflectors from an individual and they shipped in a reasonable time from NJ.

    They made it from NJ to Dallas in 3 days.

    Then they spent 11 days in Dallas before making it to Austin, and they attempted delivery when I wasn’t home (because they had the estimated delivery date two days later)

  • 11 days? That’s really strange and lame at the same time. Surely you could have called the carrier and gotten that worked out.

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