I need to vent. Perhaps I'm lucky to have gone this long without having a real problem with evilbay. Until recently.

The reason I want to post my story here is: a) I really need to vent, b ) the items sold by this vendor are guitar accessories, and including some Joe Satriani signature items to boot, so quite likely there are members here that may wish to purchase from him.

Here goes.

I found a vendor recently who was selling a few items I was interested in. The items were:
- a pack of 20 JS signature guitar picks
- a JS signature strap ("Up In Flames" is the one I was specifically after)
- a digital metronome (that makes a "tock" sound instead of an electronic beep)

The prices seemed very good, but shipping was a little on the pricey side and the shipping method and combined shipping were a bit unclear.

So I sent my first message to the vendor on Oct 7th asking for more specifics on shipping to Canada, what methods he offered and what the total combined shipping would be. (the reason I asked is often times vendors will refine the shipping amount with an "actual" once they know your specific location and exact items you're buying). This message was ignored.

I sent a second message on Oct. 10th. That one was ignored as well. That evening I decided to go on blind faith and purchased the items (they were "buy it now" listings). I hoped that now that I purchased from the guy, that I'd get his attention now and get some questions cleared up.

So then I get some auto-generated emails from evilbay now. I get some "please pay..." emails for each item that said "don't forget to take advantage of combined shipping.". And three "invoice" emails from evilbay, and when you clicked the "pay now" link for each item it said "combined shipping not available for this item". So now what??

It was also unclear exactly how much to deduct. It just said "save up to $1.00 on shipping when you buy additional items". So do I save $1 on each of the three items, $1 on just one item, or on the two additional items. (and btw, it struck me from the very beginning that this was pretty much a joke of a combined shipping "deal"... $1??)

So I sent another message on Oct 12th, asking how the combined shipping worked and if I could please get a combined invoice. Ignored. And again on Oct 14th. Ignored.

I messaged again on Oct. 15th and also clicked the "request total" link for each of the items. Finally that night I get a message simply stating "here is a new invoice".

So... the amount invoiced for shipping was $16.85 US. Ouch. I should've expected as much based on the seller's vague policy. But I also didn't know how large or bulky the packaging was for those items. I KNEW that was expensive, but at this point its too late. I committed to buying the items. So that night I paypalled the total amount.

On Oct. 18th I get an auto-email stating my items will ship out the next day.

On Nov. 1st the items arrive. The picks, the strap and the metronome are all in a single bubble-envelope with a printed shipping label (USPS) stating $3.76 US total paid.

I open the envelope and inspect the items. The metronome is fine (put batteries in and tried it), the strap is fine. The pack of JS picks, 2 packs actually (1 pack of 10 black, 1 pack of 10 white) are all medium gauge! Ack! My stupidity again I guess. I mistakenly thought the packs were a mix of gauges. I really wanted heavy gauge. I went back and looked at the ad and the pick thickness/gauge was not specified anywhere. Damn. Well, I guess I can take some blame for not asking the question ahead of time... (but would that message attempt have been ignored as well? Hmm.).

Ok, feedback time. Understandably I was furious about the discrepancy between the shipping charged to me and the actual the guy paid. But I was also annoyed with the pick issue. Anyway, I didn't have the heart to give this guy "negative" feedback, so I settled on NEUTRAL feedback. I gave him neutral on the three items stating the "items were ok, but communication very poor and combined shipping was a rip off".

Well the next morning (Nov 2nd) I log on and find a very nasty email from the seller basically saying "Don't ever buy from us again" and "go shop in your own country!". Wow... Then I check the feedback, and to my shock the b@stard gave me a NEGATIVE rating on the items! His only stated complaint was that I "complain too much.". WTH??

A negative feedback in return for a neutral, and his only beef is that I complained?? How dare I have any complaints?

I sent the auction site an email requesting a look at the feedbacks to see if there was anything under the "abuse of feedback" policy, but unfortunately there is nothing they can do.

I am just steamed now. I have the first negative feedback blemish on my record and I don't think I deserve it. What do you guys think of my story? Do I have reason to be pissed?

And, just to complete the story. The power seller in question is "powerhousemusical", based in Iowa.

Based on my experience I most certainly won't ever attempt to buy from this person/business again. And I absolutely cannot recommend them to others!

Well, he should have responded to your emails at least. Feedback is tricky on eBay. When I'm the seller, I always give feedback as soon as the item is paid for, and when I'm the buyer, I usually don't give feedback until the seller has given it first. I feel that if the seller doesn't give feedback right away, that they are holding it hostage on you, to give you a negative if you give them a negative. I know some people leave negative comments in "positive" feedback to kind of get around this, but to still warn people who have done their homework.

It is totally your fault about the picks. You HAVE to ask, and if they didn't answer your questions before the sale, DON'T buy from them, as they should be most motivated to answer your questions at the potential to get your money rather than when they already have it. But I guess this is just putting salt on your wounds at this point...

Anyway, the guy is still wrong to give you negative feedback, but I think most people who buy actually read the feedback to see what the issue was - "complain too much" probably wouldn't affect me purchasing from you.

I'd just take it as a learning experience. eBay isn't your friendly local store - you've got to always be on the defensive.

That seller really isn't a good seller. The best tips I could give you is too always make sure before buying anything and not buy an item even with the slightest doubt unless you are certain. I got screwed that way a couple of times, luckily not so badly but still.

I do the same thing as gruskada about the feedback. I think it's the best way. ebay is all about being defensive, never trusting anyone and simply forget about those sellers won't don't answer you they will be your best source of problems and frustrations.