Fellow Chippers please help (2 Viewers)

[Dr Newnham]

Hi Fellow Chippers,

I am a relatively new member who joined this year to PCF. I have recently purchased some chips from a pretty notable chipper in the community. The chips were paid for on the day, however, it has been 2 weeks since I asked for confirmation on whether the chips have been sent or not and have received no replies. I have asked just 3 times in this 2 week duration and have not bombarded the seller with too many messages.

I live in Australia and I know international shipping generally takes about 2 weeks. However, it is quite concerning since all I requested was a confirmation on the chips being sent.

Any suggestions?

 

[Potsie1]

I can understand your concern. My main question is when did they last login? I can understand if they haven't logged on in a while otherwise there's no excuse for not at least acknowledging your question.

 

[Psypher1000]

That's an unfortunate situation, doc. I know there are a number of members on the forums - noteworthy or otherwise - that take a while to ship, and sometimes there are uncomfortably long times between responses. Not saying there's an excuse...just saying it happens. Many times members will get called away on business w/no notice or suddenly fall ill. Don't panic just yet. Be persistent in your attempts for a confirmation, and afford grace consistent with their feedback rating and/or member rating on the forum. If you continue to ask for confirmation and receive no word from them, give an ultimatum..."I need to either receive the chips or hear from you by X or I'll need to go to the boards publicly to discussed what's happened."

I've been in your shoes once or twice...it isn't fun, but again, afford the member grace. The last thing you want to do is put someone on blast when they've ended up in the hospital or some other such tragedy has occurred. More often than not, these situations are resolved on their own and uneventfully. If it isn't, though, please do - as politely as the situation warrants - discuss what's happened with us in case someone has indeed gone rogue. We live by trust and reputation here, and if it comes to light that a member has in fact made a deal in bad faith (however unlikely that may be), we all benefit from knowing who it is.

 

[Dr Newnham]

Yea thanks man, that is why I did not wish to reveal the name of the member as of this stage. As a buyer not hearing back, just causes extra stress that we don't need. However, I do understand that there may be some unforseen circumstances.

The member I've checked has logged in a couple of times already since I replied. On the profile, I've seen 'Seen in a conversation a moment ago' multiple times. After each time, I've sent another message for confirmation. I've been patient, like sending a message every 3 days or so as to not hassle that member. That what is causing me to worry since still no reply... I thought it would be a courtesy to simply acknowledge like.. 'Chips sent' .

 

[Psypher1000]

I thought it would be a courtesy to simply acknowledge like.. 'Chips sent' .

Indeed, and typically with a tracking (or, where tracking isn't available, a label) number as well. Some folks have gone so far to send pics of receipts/customs labels.

But yes, a simple return message is reasonable to expect.

 

[Chicken Rob]

I'd out him. This lack of communication is not cool.

 

[DrStrange]

My last experience getting chips from Australia to the USA took almost four months, not the "less than a month" we had expected.

Shipping from the USA to Australia does not normally include tracking. My local post office said the tracking system stopped working early in the process and wouldn't show anything afterwards. I suspect a picture of the shipping receipt would bring some comfort to the buyer.

Whatever the case, there isn't any reason not to communicate -=- DrStrange

 

[detroitdad]

Same here. 4 weeks. However that doesn't make the lack of communication acceptable

 

[DJ Mack]

Once it's in the mail it is what it is, but there's absolutely no reason for someone to blow you off on a quick status update. A place I worked at had what they called the sundown rule. The idea was that any message would be acknowledged by the end of the day even if it was just to say I'll get back to you. In practice that's kind of silly when people are still sending you stuff at 4:30 and you're packing up to head out. The more accepted practice was within one business day, except for vacation or whatever and then an out of office message was expected. It worked reasonably well.

I could see if there was a family emergency or whatever but If this someone is still trolling around on the forum there's no excuse.

This is now the third "complaint" post I've read in the last week, the first two concerned eBay. You'll note that people consistently want the offender outed. I have to say in my limited time here I'm very impressed with the ethics of this crowd on the whole - fair dealing, chip karma, etc. We really police our own and look out for each other, far better than many other hobbyist websites out there. The mentality seems to be if someone's getting screwed then everyone's getting screwed. Pretty cool. I would have no qualms meeting up with just about anyone with a decent posting history or sending them money for something.

 

[mummel]

I'd out him. This lack of communication is not cool.

I've got to completely agree. How difficult is it to send a 1 line PM with a short follow up??? WTF?? He is avoiding you and that's total BS if there is a transaction pending.

Where is your tracking number? Something seems off.

 

[Psypher1000]

We really police our own and look out for each other, far better than many other hobbyist websites out there.

If there's one thing we do well besides chips, it's circle the wagons.

Whatever the case, there isn't any reason not to communicate

This, particularly if they've been on the boards recently.

 

[ssanel54]

Just throwing it out there, that these are pretty popular vacation weeks in the States.

As others have said, if he is logging into PCF and posting, but not responding to your PM's then its not cool, but if he has not been active, then I'd cut some slack before you get overly concerned

 

[mummel]

Once it's in the mail it is what it is, but there's absolutely no reason for someone to blow you off on a quick status update. A place I worked at had what they called the sundown rule. The idea was that any message would be acknowledged by the end of the day even if it was just to say I'll get back to you. In practice that's kind of silly when people are still sending you stuff at 4:30 and you're packing up to head out. The more accepted practice was within one business day, except for vacation or whatever and then an out of office message was expected. It worked reasonably well.

I could see if there was a family emergency or whatever but If this someone is still trolling around on the forum there's no excuse.

This is now the third "complaint" post I've read in the last week, the first two concerned eBay. You'll note that people consistently want the offender outed. I have to say in my limited time here I'm very impressed with the ethics of this crowd on the whole - fair dealing, chip karma, etc. We really police our own and look out for each other, far better than many other hobbyist websites out there. The mentality seems to be if someone's getting screwed then everyone's getting screwed. Pretty cool. I would have no qualms meeting up with just about anyone with a decent posting history or sending them money for something.

Looking at the history of group buys, I would say this forums integrity is strong and intact. We just all have to work hard to keep it that way.

 

[B.C.]

Shipping between the US and Aus can be a bit hit and miss in terms of timing. Recently I've had packages get to buyers in 10 days other 4 weeks.

Hope everything works out for you.

 

[DJ Mack]

Looking at the history of group buys, I would say this forums integrity is strong and intact. We just all have to work hard to keep it that way.

I was trying to explain to my wife the whole concept of group buys and she wasn't quite getting it. I just participated in my first one and she was a little astounded - "you're going to send money, to some guy in Canada for something that you don't even have a real use for or even know if you'll receive it?" Yeah pretty much but I'm pretty confident it will work out. Then I showed her the group by thread for folding chairs and she walked away shaking her head. But seriously people seem to go above and beyond to be transparent - posting invoices, accounting for the cost of each item to the penny. That's the way to do it.

 

[stocky]

Shipping between the US and Aus can be a bit hit and miss in terms of timing. Recently I've had packages get to buyers in 10 days other 4 weeks.

Hope everything works out for you.

Yes I've had the same experience. @MatB are they there yet?!?!

 

[Dr Newnham]

Yea, thanks for the support guys. Don't worry, I'll keep it updated. Just the seller seems quite reputable so I was quite surprised that it happened. I'll give it a few more days. Will try and reach out to the seller one final time.

My last experience purchasing here was amazing, well packaged and arrived in like 2 weeks. PCF has been great!

Keep on chipping guys.

 

[MegaTon44]

Yea, thanks for the support guys. Don't worry, I'll keep it updated. Just the seller seems quite reputable so I was quite surprised that it happened. I'll give it a few more days. Will try and reach out to the seller one final time.

My last experience purchasing here was amazing, well packaged and arrived in like 2 weeks. PCF has been great!

Keep on chipping guys.

I know this is a frustrating situation. As a new member, I had a few experiences where communication was awesome and the chips got here quickly. After all, that's exactly what I would have done if I was the seller. However, one transaction ended up with 2 weeks of radio silence, and 3 PMs ended up not returned.

Not knowing how to proceed, I reached out to a very respected member and asked his opinion, to which he replied to find patience, as people have jobs/families/trips, so chips could be low priority at the moment. Sure enough, a few days later, I received an apology and even had a few extra chips tossed in as a courtesy.

TL;DR - Though you wouldn't act that way, he's probably not trying to be a dick. Give it a few days.

 

[AllinBallin]

Yea, thanks for the support guys. Don't worry, I'll keep it updated. Just the seller seems quite reputable so I was quite surprised that it happened. I'll give it a few more days. Will try and reach out to the seller one final time.

My last experience purchasing here was amazing, well packaged and arrived in like 2 weeks. PCF has been great!

Keep on chipping guys.

Was it a fairly large sale? Might be busy tracking and sending orders to multiples? Just trying to help with justification, since I have had nothing but great transactions with the community here.

 

[RowdyRawhide]

If I understand you correctly....you paid for said chips 2 weeks ago and have yet to hear back from said seller since paying them, AND they have been on here since then but have not contacted you in regards to this transaction? I would be blowing ther inbox up for the next 48 hrs and then I would put there name out here for everyone to see. This is complete bullshit, I understand the shipping complexities of sending chips to another country and the time it takes to get there. I'm probably damn near in the middle of f#%*ing nowhere as any body......except maybe a few of our Australian and Canadian friends, and it doesn't take much to say "yeah they shipped" or "I'm still trying to get to the post office" or "I dropped the f*#king ball". If you can get on here to browse, you can at least reply to a pm....just a little communication goes a long way

Sometimes I am perplexed by the passiveness vs overzealousness of this site sometimes at similar situations. I recall a GB in the last year where people went apeshit when their shit wasn't shipped in a certain amount of time....i'm not saying they were wrong for getting fired up and I'm not saying they were right. I've already said it once today and I'll say it again .....let's have some parity no matter how rookie or veteran the member is. Let's hold EVERYONE to the same accountability, it will only make the community stronger.

 

[BPTDirector]

I have been guilty of assuming delivery and not communicating properly. Luckily the member chose not to out me at the time. I thought they had probably received the shipment but it had been lost and never delivered. I refunded his money and apologized but know he was still upset at my lack of communication. It happened, but I did try to make it right and apologized.

 

[MatB]

Yes I've had the same experience. @MatB are they there yet?!?!

LOL.. I think the QE2 Cruise Ship docks in a couple of weeks. The ships mailbag will be unloaded to the new local Wells Fargo wagon delivery service..

Barring any unforeseen revolutions, or civil wars, i think they might be here by christmas

 

[Chicken Rob]

I am all for cutting anyone slack. And being patient. But if they're on the site, a 2 line PM to let you know where things stand seem reasonable.

 

[MatB]

Hi Fellow Chippers,

I am a relatively new member who joined this year to PCF. I have recently purchased some chips from a pretty notable chipper in the community. The chips were paid for on the day, however, it has been 2 weeks since I asked for confirmation on whether the chips have been sent or not and have received no replies. I have asked just 3 times in this 2 week duration and have not bombarded the seller with too many messages.

I live in Australia and I know international shipping generally takes about 2 weeks. However, it is quite concerning since all I requested was a confirmation on the chips being sent.

Any suggestions?

I do apologize. i was responding to Stockys post without even reading the OP.

Regarding the OP.
I think sending a PM to the seller asking for confirmation is legit and expecting a reply is legit.
For the majority of us here this is not our day job. Shipping is a pain. but yes. seller has an obligation to at least let you know they have been shipped or not, and if not. then why.

 

[Dr Newnham]

Was it a fairly large sale? Might be busy tracking and sending orders to multiples? Just trying to help with justification, since I have had nothing but great transactions with the community here.

It was a decent size sale, but all I really asked for was just a confirmation that's all.

 

[Dr Newnham]

If I understand you correctly....you paid for said chips 2 weeks ago and have yet to hear back from said seller since paying them, AND they have been on here since then but have not contacted you in regards to this transaction? I would be blowing ther inbox up for the next 48 hrs and then I would put there name out here for everyone to see. This is complete bullshit, I understand the shipping complexities of sending chips to another country and the time it takes to get there. I'm probably damn near in the middle of f#%*ing nowhere as any body......except maybe a few of our Australian and Canadian friends, and it doesn't take much to say "yeah they shipped" or "I'm still trying to get to the post office" or "I dropped the f*#king ball". If you can get on here to browse, you can at least reply to a pm....just a little communication goes a long way

Sometimes I am perplexed by the passiveness vs overzealousness of this site sometimes at similar situations. I recall a GB in the last year where people went apeshit when their shit wasn't shipped in a certain amount of time....i'm not saying they were wrong for getting fired up and I'm not saying they were right. I've already said it once today and I'll say it again .....let's have some parity no matter how rookie or veteran the member is. Let's hold EVERYONE to the same accountability, it will only make the community stronger.

Yes that's exactly what happened. I simply typed:

"Hi ***,
Just confirming with you whether you have sent the chips already?

Mark

Note: that message was sent 22/06/16 and I made the payment on 17/06/16. Since then 2 other messages was sent and haven't gotten confirmation. I really am making it easy for the guy. Only messaged 3 times.

 

[mummel]

If I understand you correctly....you paid for said chips 2 weeks ago and have yet to hear back from said seller since paying them, AND they have been on here since then but have not contacted you in regards to this transaction? I would be blowing ther inbox up for the next 48 hrs and then I would put there name out here for everyone to see. This is complete bullshit, I understand the shipping complexities of sending chips to another country and the time it takes to get there. I'm probably damn near in the middle of f#%*ing nowhere as any body......except maybe a few of our Australian and Canadian friends, and it doesn't take much to say "yeah they shipped" or "I'm still trying to get to the post office" or "I dropped the f*#king ball". If you can get on here to browse, you can at least reply to a pm....just a little communication goes a long way

Sometimes I am perplexed by the passiveness vs overzealousness of this site sometimes at similar situations. I recall a GB in the last year where people went apeshit when their shit wasn't shipped in a certain amount of time....i'm not saying they were wrong for getting fired up and I'm not saying they were right. I've already said it once today and I'll say it again .....let's have some parity no matter how rookie or veteran the member is. Let's hold EVERYONE to the same accountability, it will only make the community stronger.

What group buy went apesht? Geez if someone is offering up their time to handle a group buy at cost, with all the work involved, how the heck do guys not have some patience????????

 

[stocky]

What group buy went apesht? Geez if someone is offering up their time to handle a group buy at cost, with all the work involved, how the heck do guys not have some patience????????

Without knowledge or involvement you can't really comment on the situation. How the heck do you know if the "GB" organizer wasn't making a profit?

 

[chkmte]

I've recently fired off three shipments to Australia, one to Canada and one to France...not to mention all the other CONUS shipments. Its not that difficult to snap a photo of the package/receipt and drop the buyer a note. It's called basic `customer service` and is hard to find these days.

I wish you the best on this delay. It sounds bad, I mean...no communication after sale - there's really no excuse. One can punch out a short note sitting on the toilet for Christ's sake.

 

[Potsie1]

One can punch out a short note sitting on the toilet for Christ's sake.

As long as you're not packaging the chips that way.