Ok, now I'm MAD

[megasdkirby]

Ok guys, so I recently purchased Kingdom Hearts for the GBA. This is the auction link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=130304939951

I added insurance and all, and today I received it!

Yay....right?

Well, I wish it was. The seller placed the game inside a bubble envelope, so you might guess what the condition of the game was on arrival. In fact, here are some pictures:

http://s631.photobucket.com/albums/uu34/littlemanboy/

Why in the world would the seller send the game in a bubble envelope? He should have known that the game would have arrived with damage.

There is no way I can keep this game as a collector's piece. It angers me the the seller would use such a cheap method of shipping, specially since of the fragility of the item. Also, he could have used a small box and still pay less than $3.50 to ship...with Delivery Confirmation.

Also, yes the game was insured. But I don't think the PO will do anything about a crushed box. The game does work, however.

To be honest, I don't know how to proceed. What can I do in this situation?

BTW, if anyone has a replacement box for the game in good condition, let me know. :)

[Sniderman]

I understand your anger. I really, really do. But all shippers seem to use padded envelopes nowadays. I fairly well expect it. So, if I want something to be protected in a box, I ASK TO HAVE IT SHIPPED IN A BOX. If you asked for it to be shipped in a box, you have a right to be pissed. If you just ASSUMED it would be shipped in a box, you have learned a valuable lesson and will probably make a point to request in-a-box shipping from now on.

It was insured, yes. But I agree that the post office isn't going to do anything over a squooshed box. And the seller probably won't either. Ask for a shipping box from now on if gamebox condition is that important. NEVER assume the shipper is going to box it because, 9 times out of 10, they won't.

[megasdkirby]

Gotta check on that. I usually do ask to be shipped in a box, so I gotta check past correspondence, just in case.

[Sonicwolf]

Someone shipped me a PSone with lcd screen, controller, power supply and car power supply in a paper bubble wrap bag and what do you know, it ripped open somewhere and the power adaptor and car adaptor fell out in transit. :(

Those paper shipping envelopes should not be allowed for anything video game related.

[megasdkirby]

I agree with Sniderman, but those sellers should use common sense and avoid bubble envelopes depending on the item.

A strong item can resist it, but game boxes can't resist it. I would have even agreed on the box being flattened before shipping, to prevent crushing.

I'm so mad, I think I'm going to eat cookies to make me happy. :)

[Kyle15]

Just make it simple: contact the seller and tell him you want a refund due to the damage.
Send it back, but be sure he pays for return shipping.

Anyway, sending games in envelopes is nothing new. Over 50% of the games I've won in the past year have come in them.
I literally cannot stand it, but what can you do? One can only hope their stuff won't get ruined, and lucky for me it hasn't happened yet.

Sorry to hear about the damage, btw. I hope all goes well. ;)

[Geddon_jt]

I bought a complete boxed semi-rare turbo game a couple months ago off ebay from a BIG seller. The boxes for these games are hard enough to find, but this guy did the courtesy of sticking it in the same damn type of bubble mailer. So now what was once a 9/10 box is more like a 7/10. Sucks big time - I feel your pain.

Although, to be fair, your box fared much worse :(

[Policenaut]

a padded envelope works well for items that resist well within the envelope, as the jewel cases and such. But for that kind of games, where the can be damaged or crushed easily, it is better to be sent in a box.

If I were you, I'd ask for a partial refund.

[RoyVegas]

I think alot of us have been in this same boat. I know I have. I had new/sealed games shipped to me from South America only to have customs cut one of them open. I agree with the posts above though, always ask for it to be shipped in a box if you are getting a game with the original box. Sorry to hear about your bad luck

[Nico87]

Weird, I live in Norway and have bought over 100 games from eBay sellers. Most of them came in bubblewrap envelopes, and I've never experienced a crushed disc/box/whatever. Even my mint CIB Chrono Trigger arrived as described in the auction.

[nebrazca78]

I would first ask for a partial refund or if the seller will accept a return. If they decline, give them negative feedback and DSR bomb them. There's not much else you can do...

[megasdkirby]

Hey guys, I thought about it a bit, and decided that I will see if he will offer a partial refund.

However, before contacting him, I did purchase the box through another seller (BRE Games...purchased stuff from them before and everything was great). I mentioned this to him, with item number and everything, as a type of proof that I was not kidding. Also I linked him to the pictures, so he can see it first hand.

I hope that in the future he changes his shipping practices, as this will help him in future sales.

I will let you all know the outcome of this situation. Hopefully he will help. :)

Thanks guys!

[Cornelius]

That really does suck to have your box crushed like that. Most people aren't collectors and aren't even aware of collectors for this stuff, so it really isn't too surprising unless you asked for a box.

I'm guessing 90+% of the time if you ask that a box be used, and are willing to cover the small added expense, that a seller is going to be happy to comply. As a seller that uses almost exclusively those bubble mailers, I know I wouldn't mind going to the extra trouble if asked (and reimbursed). Of course, when appropriate I do use a box or flatten boxes (ask megasdkirby, who bought a boxed GB game from me recently). I also state that I use bubble mailers most of the time. I've probably sent 1000 things in bubble mailers and have never had a single complaint. Actually, quite often I get 'excellent packaging' or the like in my feedback, probably because I take 10 seconds to secure the disc or put foam between multiple carts.

The fact is that most buyers are not willing to spend an extra buck or two for boxed shipping, and sellers just about have to use bubble mailers to be competitive. It also doesn't help that shipping charges bear no correlation to quality of shipping, or often times reality (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160334188288&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&viewitem=&salenotsupported).

[megasdkirby]

Of course, when appropriate I do use a box or flatten boxes (ask megasdkirby, who bought a boxed GB game from me recently). I also state that I use bubble mailers most of the time.

:):):)

I agree as well: flattening boxes is an option is sending items in a bubble mailer. I don't mind "unflattening" the box when it arrives...it's kinda fun! And since it protects it from crushing/damage, it's ok with me.

And WOW on the link, Cornelius! $40+ for shipping! WOWZERS!!!! O_o

[jb143]

And WOW on the link, Cornelius! $40+ for shipping! WOWZERS!!!! O_o

Um...yeah...That's in violation of both Fee Circumventing policy (http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/listing-circumventing.html) and Excessive Shipping Charges Policy (http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/listing-shipping.html). He even admits it in the questions and answers at the bottom. I don't see that auction staying up too long.

[nebrazca78]

Boxes cost like 10 - 20 cents in quantity, bubble mailers can't be THAT much cheaper.

Anyway how does that guy get away with charging over $40 shipping for a video game? I thought the limit was supposed to be $4.

[megasdkirby]

Boxes cost like 10 - 20 cents in quantity, bubble mailers can't be THAT much cheaper.

Anyway how does that guy get away with charging over $40 shipping for a video game? I thought the limit was supposed to be $4.

My friend told me that it's possibly because it will cost a bit more to ship. But wouldn't that be like 30 cents or so?

When I sell on CTC, I try my best to ship in a small box, and even with heavy items, like SMS games, it comes out to $3.50 shipped First Class w/DC.

[jb143]

I ordered a big box of bubble mailers off ebay several years ago for dirt cheap and I still havn't used them all. They are a bit cheaper to ship in but they're also much more convinent to use if what your shipping makes sense to put in one. You just slide the item in, seal it up, slap on the adress and your done. No packaging peanuts, no tape, no bulky box. They certainly aren't for everything though...like anything that can get crushed.

[Cornelius]

Um...yeah...That's in violation of both Fee Circumventing policy (http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/listing-circumventing.html) and Excessive Shipping Charges Policy (http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/listing-shipping.html). He even admits it in the questions and answers at the bottom. I don't see that auction staying up too long.

This auction has been up for several days since being reported. You can charge anything you want for shipping, you just have to do 'calculated' shipping and enter whatever weight you choose. I use that method, but, of course, enter in the real weight.


Boxes cost like 10 - 20 cents in quantity, bubble mailers can't be THAT much cheaper.
I haven't actually looked for boxes, so I don't know about the 10-20 cents first-hand, but a couple issues come to mind, at least for someone like me that sells as a (very active) hobby. How much is bulk, and are the boxes self-sealing (major convenience issue right there)? I bought 400 envelopes last time, and even that caused a minor storage inconvenience. Is that 10-20 cents each shipped? I calculated those 400 envelopes to cost 4-5 cents each after shipping to my house. An envelope weighs 0.5 oz, the smallest size USPS priority boxes weigh 1.5 oz and often require additional packaging material; so a little more shipping cost there.

I'm not lucky enough to always be selling something for enough that those little things are 'small'. Instead I'm often selling SMB3 for 10 bucks shipped, which isn't bad, but I'd only pocket, well, let's see... $6.02. So, the extra, say .40 cents is a real percentage. And since I'd be the only seller using a box, it would come out of my pocket and not the buyer's. Now, if you could get all sellers to switch, then it would moreso be coming out of the buyers' pockets, and that'd be fine with me.

I guess what it comes down to is that it isn't the envelope that's the problem, but rather sellers using them improperly. Why would I stop when I've NEVER had a complaint from a customer? I and many other eBay sellers aren't dumb... if we could get more/higher bids by shipping everything in boxes, we would!

[Insaneclown]

I would return the game and ask him for a full refund. Like...why in his mind would he ship it in an envolope...like what an idiot. Someone has done that to me before and I was pissed. If he wants his buyer happy (you) he better do the right thing.

[ryborg]

Why would I stop when I've NEVER had a complaint from a customer? I and many other eBay sellers aren't dumb... if we could get more/higher bids by shipping everything in boxes, we would!

Yeah, that's basically how I see it. I've shipped literally THOUSANDS of boxed games, all in bubble-mailers, and I haven't heard ONE SINGLE complaint about an item showing up damaged in any way.

I'm not made of boxes. They are either expensive to buy new, or bulky and time-consuming getting them used from BJ's or Sam's Club. Not to mention the time it takes to ship with a box. If someone expects their Lee Trevino's Fighting Golf or MKII to arrive in a box, they have another thing coming.

As a buyer, if you absolutely MUST have your game shipped in a box, ask BEFORE you bid/buy, because a lot of sellers simply aren't going to bother. Complaining after the fact is unfair to the seller because the industry default is the bubble mailer. Sorry.

BTW, that game with the $40+ shipping was listed in the "Everything Else" category, so the "Video Game" rules do not apply. It's still an obvious violation though.

[Diosoth]

Most people regard the box as store packaging, which is why used game stores tend to throw them out. Also why some of them charge CIB prices for cartridges.

[ScottK]

Boxes cost like 10 - 20 cents in quantity, bubble mailers can't be THAT much cheaper.

I wonder where you get your boxes from? I'm usually charged about $1/box when I buy in quantity of 10 or 25. Bubble Mailers cost me about $5 (with tax) for 25 at Sam's Club. That's about 20 cents each. If I'm mailing a boxed game worth some money, then I'll just mail it priority mail and use a free box.

[Daria]

Pussies.

With some Card board and duct tape I make my own boxes. :P

[dendawg]

sellers just about have to use bubble mailers to be competitive.

"Competitive" my ass. Priority Mail boxes are free, and they can be wrapped in Kraft paper so they can be sent First Class, or Parcel Post. There's no excuse for not using a box.

[Cornelius]

"Competitive" my ass. Priority Mail boxes are free, and they can be wrapped in Kraft paper so they can be sent First Class, or Parcel Post. There's no excuse for not using a box.
Hahahaha! You are too funny. Wait, are you serious?

Um, well, there are still some of us who are law abiding citizens (at least most of the time*). And that's a big one, since isn't stealing from the post office a federal felony? Or maybe that's just messing with other people's mail.

*In the past 3 years I've turned priority boxes inside out 4 times, and once it was a previously used box.

[ryborg]

"Competitive" my ass. Priority Mail boxes are free, and they can be wrapped in Kraft paper so they can be sent First Class, or Parcel Post. There's no excuse for not using a box.

Yes, and it's also a federal crime to misuse free Priority postal supplies. If you use a Priority Mail box in any way, it must go Priority. Got any more brilliant ideas?

edit: damn you cornelius... you are too fast

[megasdkirby]

Yes, and it's also a federal crime to misuse free Priority postal supplies. If you use a Priority Mail box in any way, it must go Priority. Got any more brilliant ideas?

But is it even possible?

I remember checking the back of a Priority Mail box and it's marked everywhere with "PRIORITY MAIL". So it's hard to pass it as anything but Priority.

I would guess that if they put a wrap around it, that it's possible. But that must be one desperate person! :)

[Kitsune Sniper]

You're not even supposed to wrap your package in paper because it makes it seem suspicious. My post office has an old flyer up on their wall which describes "home made bombs" and the warning signs (oil on box, wires sticking out, wrapped in paper, so on and so forth.)

You CAN flip over Priority boxes if you use them for Priority again. You can't reuse them and send them via any other USPS shipping method.

[Diosoth]

I have an Aldi store near me. It's a cheapo grocery chain that ditches shelves in favor of just using delivery boxes for food display. They have to ship back empty boxes but they let customers take it because it saves them on travel costs to lighten their loads. I get free cardboard that way.

[Kitsune Sniper]

I have an Aldi store near me. It's a cheapo grocery chain that ditches shelves in favor of just using delivery boxes for food display. They have to ship back empty boxes but they let customers take it because it saves them on travel costs to lighten their loads. I get free cardboard that way.

I just check the trash bins at the post office (and my private mail place) when I get back from my daily hunts and get boxes there, too. And all the ads at these bins? FREE PADDING.

[Jimmy Yakapucci]

The office where I used to work was located right next to the loading dock for the building where I worked. It is a building full of high-tech offices so there were always people buying stuff and tossing out the boxes. Sometimes they would even toss out good equipment too. That was harder to get by security, though. :wink 2: For years I didn't have to buy any boxes or bubble wrap.

JY

[Lerxstnj]

Auction states "Box shows some wear".
So you knew it was not perfect anyway.
You could keep it as is or try to put an insurance claim in.

I'm happy when I get a DVD game in plastic case or jewel case shipped in bubble mailer. I don't buy games with cardboard boxes so I can't relate to that part.

Since this is a mad rant thread...
Once I got in the mail a game in a plain thin cardboard box with no padding or bubbles at all and that was much worse. I've even purchased brand new games at GameStop that had a cracked case, like RE5 inside the Elite 360 box. How the heck did that crack and everything else inside was fine? That pissed me off.

[megasdkirby]

Auction states "Box shows some wear".
So you knew it was not perfect anyway.
You could keep it as is or try to put an insurance claim in.

That's the same thing the seller thing. However, there is a distinction between "some wear" to "completely crushed/destroyed". Also, the picture does show integrity of the box, and not all squished/crushed.

I'm still in contact with the seller. Let's see what happens.

Also, I have a very similar situation. Another seller sent the game (F1 Race for GB) in a regular vanilla envelope, slightly wrappedin bubble wrap. The game was squished as well, though not as much as the first game (Kingdom Hearts).

There is one key difference, though. I did send the seller a note specifying NOT to ship in a bubble envelope, but to ship ONLY in a BOX. Guess the seller did not read my message.

Can I do something in this case? Regarding the first game, I know I sent a similar message to the seller, but I am still trying to locate it.

[gum_drops]

There is one key difference, though. I did send the seller a note specifying NOT to ship in a bubble envelope, but to ship ONLY in a BOX. Guess the seller did not read my message.

Can I do something in this case? Regarding the first game, I know I sent a similar message to the seller, but I am still trying to locate it.

I really don't think either seller deserves a negative. You have to get this stuff nailed down before the transaction is completed.

There is a simple solution to this issue in the future. Stop sending payment until you get a response from the seller. Wait for them to state that they will ship in a box, then send payment. Otherwise, you are going to keep running into this situation over and over.

Also, did you message them or just send on of those paypal notes, because they are not very useful and easily missed.

[megasdkirby]

I really don't think either seller deserves a negative. You have to get this stuff nailed down before the transaction is completed.

Nah, I don't plan on giving either a negative, UNLESS they start treating me badly. So far, it's not warranted.


There is a simple solution to this issue in the future. Stop sending payment until you get a response from the seller. Wait for them to state that they will ship in a box, then send payment. Otherwise, you are going to keep running into this situation over and over.

Actually, that's a great idea! Never thought about doing that, but I will definitely do that from now on. So when an auction ends, I will send them a message about sending in a box so they can know ahead of time. Once I receive a response, then I send payment.

But what if the seller tries to con me out of more money? Sometimes, I have had sellers think that it will be more expensive sending it via a box when it's not (it's the same, or under the amount stated in the auction). If they do complain about shipping, what is the best strategy to use in this situation?


Also, did you message them or just send on of those paypal notes, because they are not very useful and easily missed.

What I did was, once auction ended, I sent payment, then I immediately when to the actual listing and sent a message directly via the Ebay message system. I don't send a note via Paypal during payment because I figured that some sellers won't read this.

[Starwander]

But what if the seller tries to con me out of more money? Sometimes, I have had sellers think that it will be more expensive sending it via a box when it's not (it's the same, or under the amount stated in the auction). If they do complain about shipping, what is the best strategy to use in this situation?

Admittedly most sellers on Ebay are pretty cheap when it comes to shipping, although the previous posts that mention that bubble mailers being the new standard are right on. Sellers work off of the assumption that they will be mailing the game in a bubble mailer, which is a lot easier and less expensive than a box. Boxes start at about .40c each with shipping at Uline and go up from there.

Your best bet to get sellers to use a box is to be willing to pony up extra cash for the “upgrade”. Simply contact the seller and state that you want the item sent in a box and that you are willing to pay the additional charges related to your request. Often times sellers won’t charge you more and if they do it typically is a dollar or two. Really the extra money is worth the knowledge that your game will arrive exactly like it was described. The amount of fustration that it will save you is worth it, trust me I know from past experience.

[ryborg]

There is a simple solution to this issue in the future. Stop sending payment until you get a response from the seller. Wait for them to state that they will ship in a box, then send payment.

Actually, that's a great idea!

Actually, that's a terrible idea. You can't make demands AFTER you've already won the item. Once you've bid, both parties are legally bound to the terms of the auction, not extra stuff the bidder asks for later.

If you insist on having the seller go out of his way to please you, you must ask before you bid to see if the seller will acquiesce. It's only fair.

[tubeway]

Actually, that's a terrible idea. You can't make demands AFTER you've already won the item. Once you've bid, both parties are legally bound to the terms of the auction, not extra stuff the bidder asks for later.

If you insist on having the seller go out of his way to please you, you must ask before you bid to see if the seller will acquiesce. It's only fair.

Disagree. You may be legally bound to the terms of the auction, but on average, the terms probably won't even state what kind of packaging will be used. If you're willing to pay the difference in shipping costs for a box, then I don't see how it would be a problem for 99% of sellers. Holding off on paying simply delays the shipment of the item, giving you a chance to quickly make sure they've read and responded to your request, because... well, sellers want their money more than they want to read you messages. With the nature of ebay and its auctions ending in a limited amount of time, you won't always have the opportunity to wait for a response to your message before your item ends.

I mean, it's not like you're bidding on an auction that only mentions shipping to the USA, then trying to haggle over cheaper shipping or something.

[neojapan]

MAN So sorry, the same thing just happened to me! I ordered 5 cheap sealed cosmic fantasy 2 for the TG16 and guess what? YEP they where shipped in 2 large bubble mailers and of course they came squached, I cant even begin to say teh things I started to shout, and of course the guy charged a LOT in shipping, I just asked for a partial refund, I hate going to the post office.

[megasdkirby]

Actually, that's a terrible idea. You can't make demands AFTER you've already won the item. Once you've bid, both parties are legally bound to the terms of the auction, not extra stuff the bidder asks for later.

If you insist on having the seller go out of his way to please you, you must ask before you bid to see if the seller will acquiesce. It's only fair.

But wouldn't this fall on the classic "The customer is always right"?

As a sales person, I try my best to please the customer and make them happy. If the customer pays and simply requests that the item be sent in a box, there is no reason for the seller to be angry or have a fit.

I would understand if the terms were outlined in the listing (like firm shipping charges, which cannot be altered). But if there was no mention on how the item will be packaged, then there is no reason for the buyer to be tied by a leash to the sellers terms.

At work, if the customer buys an item and would like to test it before taking it home, we try our best to do this. If the customer needs double bags, we give it to them. If the customer wants it to be carried to his/her car, we do this.

Why we do this? Because it's good customer service. Not doing this and sellers being angry only demonstrate that those same sellers are a PITA. Those who want customers happy will try and make them happy with small requests.

And no, there is no distinction between an Ebay seller to a retail seller. A seller is a seller is a seller is a seller, no matter what venue they choose to sell.

BTW, thanks Jerr. :) Need to pass by soon by your store sometime this week. :)

[ryborg]

But wouldn't this fall on the classic "The customer is always right"?

No, that's a hackneyed slogan that no business truly follows to the letter. If they were to, they'd be out of business in no time. Yeah, you start by treating everyone with respect, but it all comes down to what you do with the 1% of customers who clearly are wrong.


And no, there is no distinction between an Ebay seller to a retail seller. A seller is a seller is a seller is a seller, no matter what venue they choose to sell.

If you honestly can't see the difference between a brick and mortar store with a limited local customer base and an internet store with an unlimited worldwide customer base, I don't know what to tell you. I think you've even admitted on these forums that you haven't really sold much on ebay, making your naive opinions even more so.

B&M stores typically go out of their way to keep local customers happy. Piss enough people off, word spreads and people go elsewhere. This does not happen on ebay, unless you are one of the dozen or so unbelievably terrible sellers, you are famous for it.

Let's say the seller you bought the now-damaged GBA game from just tells you to piss off. No refund, no anything. The worst you can do is neg him, and pass his name along on forums like this. Guess what, this will not affect his sales one bit. His feedback is already excellent, better than most game sellers. There are enough customers out there that will buy from him if his prices are good and feedback is above atrocious.

[megasdkirby]

No, that's a hackneyed slogan that no business truly follows to the letter. If they were to, they'd be out of business in no time. Yeah, you start by treating everyone with respect, but it all comes down to what you do with the 1% of customers who clearly are wrong.

You are correct. Even at work, some of the customer demands are exceedingly....stupid, to be perfectly honest. Like today for instance...a customer who I sold a camera 31 days ago and I specifically told her that the camera had only 30 DAYS warranty. So today she comes to return it because she does not need it. I tell her that her warranty ended yesterday and she tells me that the person who attended her (me, btw) told her she could return it whenever she wishes. I told her that was not possible, because I would never say such a thing, specially when I clearly printed the final day she could return. She gasped, realizing I was the same seller and she demanded to see the manager. So I called my ex manager and told her "Well, the customer demands a return, even though I clearly told her that she only had 30 days. I even stamped it on the receipt, as you can see. Unfortunately, I cannot accept the return, as it is per store rules, and going against the rules would be against store policy." She nods in agreement and denies the customer the return.

So long story short, you are right. Some times the customer is right...sometimes the customer is dead wrong.

In this case, I don't think requesting a box for the item is not a far fetched thing to do. It's a little suggestion I would like in order to have the game protected. Most sellers would be happy to help me with the suggestion. But if the seller in question answers with a "hissy fit", that does show poor customer service. I would understand if the buyer asks something exceedingly difficult and unrealizable, but not something as sending the item in a little box.


Let's say the seller you bought the now-damaged GBA game from just tells you to piss off. No refund, no anything. The worst you can do is neg him, and pass his name along on forums like this. Guess what, this will not affect his sales one bit. His feedback is already excellent, better than most game sellers. There are enough customers out there that will buy from him if his prices are good and feedback is above atrocious.

Well, if the seller does do this (hasn't replied yet, still waiting to see what he says...IF he ever replies), it would imply horrible customer service. Sure, it might affect some of his sales but it will be in the minority, so it won't hurt him much. However, if he did this to me, he is bound to do this to others. And then to others. And he continues the cycle, then he is in a "real pickle". Sure, this may not happen, but this isn't to say that this cannot happen.

I don't think he will do that, though (piss me off). But heck, who knows.

[slidee]

This is an honest mistake. The seller is probably not a collector, I would not neg him or DSR bomb him. BUT there is no sense in keeping the game if you are not happy with it. I would just send it back for a full refund... if he doesn't comply, file an Item Significantly Not Described dispute with Paypal and do it anyway. Then buy the same game from a different seller. As a collector, the condition of the game box and packaging is extremely important to me too. In my opinion, you might as well keep one you're happy with if you are going to keep one at all!

[megasdkirby]

I kinda forgot about this topic ^_^

Well, the seller gave me a partial refund, which is very nice of him. I used that to cover part of what I paid for the replacement box.

I feel that it is best that I don't rate him. I don't want to hurt him with a neg (I only use negs in extreme cases), and I could give him a positive, but I dunno if it's possible to leave a postive and not rate him via DSR. Would this hurt the seller, if I leave the DSR part in blank?

I have also began contacting the seller when I win an item, about them placing it in a box. So far, it has yielded excellent results, as every seller was friendly enough to do so. Two of them asked to raise shipping a bit, but it was only a few cents to a buck or so, and that's cool with me.

I'm happy it ended on a postive note! :)

[Ed Oscuro]

I've had stuff slightly (or even highly) damaged in transit from Japan even with a semi-stiff cardboard backing, and in one case a power supply slid around and the prongs tore up keys on a keyboard.

Makes me unhappy, to say the least, to see some old game that survived years in perfect shape and it gets messed up because of negligence / cost-cutting / mishandling in shipping.

:sob:

[ryborg]

I dunno if it's possible to leave a postive and not rate him via DSR. Would this hurt the seller, if I leave the DSR part in blank?

Nope, DSR's are totally optional and do not help or harm sellers if you choose to not use them. I don't agree with the process at all, so I have never personally used DSR ratings when I buy.

[megasdkirby]

Did not know that. Thanks for the info, ryborg! Now I know I don't have to fear not leaving DSR's. :)