PJ@PJCReptiles
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I think I am too soft...
- Thread starter PJ@PJCReptiles
- Start date
kathylove
Pragmatic & Logical
If they really, really need it this week, they can pay via PayPal or through Western Union or another similar payment option. Then you will have your money immediately. If it is too inconvenient for them to do that, then they must not need the snake all that quickly.
Although I sometimes send out small dry goods shipments before a check clears, I don't send out animal shipments until I am sure it cleared. That is for 2 reasons. One is that the dry goods shipments are often worth less than the $30 or more that most banks charge for a bounced check. So I know that a customer is unlikely to bounce it on purpose for such a small amount. And the other reason is that a customer rarely has "buyer's remorse" from a non-emotional purchase such as a book or bottle of Nutri Bac. But they sometimes will over a baby snake. Or they might do something to cause problems with it. If so, I would rather know that I have been paid up front, and can deal with a potential problem myself instead of have the customer decide that I don't deserve to be paid if the check bounces.
BTW, I don't resume shipping until after the holidays are over. Although most of the big Christmas volume is probably already finished by now, I still feel more comfortable waiting until it is completely finished, after this weekend.
Although I sometimes send out small dry goods shipments before a check clears, I don't send out animal shipments until I am sure it cleared. That is for 2 reasons. One is that the dry goods shipments are often worth less than the $30 or more that most banks charge for a bounced check. So I know that a customer is unlikely to bounce it on purpose for such a small amount. And the other reason is that a customer rarely has "buyer's remorse" from a non-emotional purchase such as a book or bottle of Nutri Bac. But they sometimes will over a baby snake. Or they might do something to cause problems with it. If so, I would rather know that I have been paid up front, and can deal with a potential problem myself instead of have the customer decide that I don't deserve to be paid if the check bounces.
BTW, I don't resume shipping until after the holidays are over. Although most of the big Christmas volume is probably already finished by now, I still feel more comfortable waiting until it is completely finished, after this weekend.
Irish Eyes (Mrs.Z)
Zookeeper
I don't sell anything, and I buy very little in the way of herps, so I'm no expert, but to me, at least, what Kathy says makes perfect sense. If it were me, I'd probably want to go at it the way she does. I'd definitely hang on to the snake until all funds clear.
Heck, Z just bought me a pomeranian girl for Christmas (kinda...), and we paid with a post dated check. They offered for her to come home with us on the day we looked at her. We said "no" in case something unforeseen happens--so we'll pick up the dog when the check clears, and all will be well with the world. Not only that, but if we ever decide to do business with this show breeder in the future, she'll know that we're honest people, and be more likely to want to sell us a show pup if we ever want one.
It just seems like the best way to go about protecting yourself and your animals, imho.
Heck, Z just bought me a pomeranian girl for Christmas (kinda...), and we paid with a post dated check. They offered for her to come home with us on the day we looked at her. We said "no" in case something unforeseen happens--so we'll pick up the dog when the check clears, and all will be well with the world. Not only that, but if we ever decide to do business with this show breeder in the future, she'll know that we're honest people, and be more likely to want to sell us a show pup if we ever want one.
It just seems like the best way to go about protecting yourself and your animals, imho.
Karoni
Cornaholic
PJ,
Just my two cents, as I do not sell reptiles. It sounds to me like you already know exactly what you need to say. The trouble is that sometimes we're afraid to say it. I say "we" because you aren't alone in feeling hesitant to stand firm. I sometimes feel the person I need to confront is going freak out or start yelling at me. I can get really worked up about it. But, usually, they handle what I have to say just fine. They even respect me more because I said it.
Tell your seller what you need him or her to do in order to receive the snake. I think you'll feel better for it, no matter what the outcome.
Just my two cents, as I do not sell reptiles. It sounds to me like you already know exactly what you need to say. The trouble is that sometimes we're afraid to say it. I say "we" because you aren't alone in feeling hesitant to stand firm. I sometimes feel the person I need to confront is going freak out or start yelling at me. I can get really worked up about it. But, usually, they handle what I have to say just fine. They even respect me more because I said it.
Tell your seller what you need him or her to do in order to receive the snake. I think you'll feel better for it, no matter what the outcome.
Blue Apple Herps
aka Matthew, PhD
Do not ship until the check clears. If they're pushing you, just push back. Let them know that you told them up front that you wouldn't ship before it cleared anyways. You're setting yourself up to be ripped off if you do ship w/o it clearing.
I also wouldn't ship on a Thursday either, if something goofs up with FedEx, the package won't get there until Monday, that's three days longer than was planned. I only ship M-W so that even if there is a problem, they usually get it fixed and the package is there on Friday, which if properly packed, the snake will be just fine for another 24 hrs.
I also wouldn't ship on a Thursday either, if something goofs up with FedEx, the package won't get there until Monday, that's three days longer than was planned. I only ship M-W so that even if there is a problem, they usually get it fixed and the package is there on Friday, which if properly packed, the snake will be just fine for another 24 hrs.
Allalaskan
The Crazy Alaskan
Why do they need the snake so soon? Why cant they wait till the check clears? I can understand being excited and wanting it as soon as possible but I would never expect some one to ship before a personal check cleared.
If it was me I would not ship the animal untill the check cleared. Just my .02
If it was me I would not ship the animal untill the check cleared. Just my .02
chris68
Arundel Reptiles
Stick to your guns; you've already given them a reduced price...There is still alot of small parcel packages "in the system" from pre- and post-holiday shopping too...Shipping Thursday for Friday delivery is a risk at the best of times...When the checks clear, they get their snake shipped on the 4th...simple as that
PJ@PJCReptiles
New member
Thank you Kathy for your input...I think I need to add in a few weeks of NON SHIPMENTS weeks to my policy!
Thank you Mrs Z...that is how I have always done things myself.
Nanci, thank you for your support!
Karoni, appreciated!
Lennycorn...you said it perfectly!!! :smash:
Matthew, I was trying not to feeling that, but it sits there making me think. Thank you!
Allalaskan, thank you!
Daenerys, I appreciate your thoughts and support.
chris68, thank you and I know what is still in the system and things can it left behind!
Thank you Mrs Z...that is how I have always done things myself.
Nanci, thank you for your support!
Karoni, appreciated!
Lennycorn...you said it perfectly!!! :smash:
Matthew, I was trying not to feeling that, but it sits there making me think. Thank you!
Allalaskan, thank you!
Daenerys, I appreciate your thoughts and support.
chris68, thank you and I know what is still in the system and things can it left behind!
Nanci
Alien Lover
This is how I worded my shipping policy:
I will only ship if the temperature at the destination is between 45F and 90F. I reserve the right to delay shipping if weather conditions are not safe. I ship Monday and Tuesday only, and do not ship on holiday weeks. I will not knowingly ship any snakes in violation of state and/or local laws. You are responsible for knowing the regulations in your location. I can only ship to the continental United States.
I will only ship if the temperature at the destination is between 45F and 90F. I reserve the right to delay shipping if weather conditions are not safe. I ship Monday and Tuesday only, and do not ship on holiday weeks. I will not knowingly ship any snakes in violation of state and/or local laws. You are responsible for knowing the regulations in your location. I can only ship to the continental United States.
Hypancistrus
New member
I like this!!!
kathylove
Pragmatic & Logical
I also would not ship on a Thur. to anywhere EXCEPT...
...a "real" FedEx office. That is because all of those offices that I have ever checked on are open on Sat. So you do have an extra day built in for delays "just in case." But if the customer is not picking up at FedEx (not some pack and ship place that accepts FedEx shipments - a "real" FedEx), then I would only ship Mon - Wed.
"...The trouble is that sometimes we're afraid to say it. I say "we" because you aren't alone in feeling hesitant to stand firm..."
That is often true. BUT - it gets easier if you already have a "standard reply" to certain, often asked, questions. If you say the same thing often enough, it starts to slip off your tongue more easily over time, lol!
...a "real" FedEx office. That is because all of those offices that I have ever checked on are open on Sat. So you do have an extra day built in for delays "just in case." But if the customer is not picking up at FedEx (not some pack and ship place that accepts FedEx shipments - a "real" FedEx), then I would only ship Mon - Wed.
"...The trouble is that sometimes we're afraid to say it. I say "we" because you aren't alone in feeling hesitant to stand firm..."
That is often true. BUT - it gets easier if you already have a "standard reply" to certain, often asked, questions. If you say the same thing often enough, it starts to slip off your tongue more easily over time, lol!
Allalaskan
The Crazy Alaskan
man, sounds like this one is being a pain. After reading all That I could understand what you were saying. You said it very clearly. I think who ever it is is being impatient and trying to push you into shipping sooner.
Stand your ground. Dont let them screw you over. Its really sounding to me like they are trying to push you into shipping those snakes before the check clears.
I dont know if you keep a list of people who you deal with but if you do I would mark down how difficult they were to work with.
Stand your ground. Dont let them screw you over. Its really sounding to me like they are trying to push you into shipping those snakes before the check clears.
I dont know if you keep a list of people who you deal with but if you do I would mark down how difficult they were to work with.
Nanci
Alien Lover
This is another part of my terms meant to deal with people who are very, very anxious to get their snakes. I was inspired by Sean Niland! I actually called it into play a few weeks ago. If the weather anywhere along the line is giving you a feeling of dread, it's better to just hold off. It would be horrifying to kill your snakes, shipping them, even if you are not guaranteeing live delivery.
No guarantees are provided if the forecast daily high is outside the 45°F to 90°F range. You will need to assist me in scheduling your shipment during periods of extreme weather. While delays in scheduling a shipment may seem unbearable, they are nothing compared to opening a box containing a prized baby snake only to find it dead. For areas where temperatures outside this range are expected, I may, based upon the weather forecast, allow the shipment be sent “hold for pickup” to the nearest FedEx Staffed Center.
No guarantees are provided if the forecast daily high is outside the 45°F to 90°F range. You will need to assist me in scheduling your shipment during periods of extreme weather. While delays in scheduling a shipment may seem unbearable, they are nothing compared to opening a box containing a prized baby snake only to find it dead. For areas where temperatures outside this range are expected, I may, based upon the weather forecast, allow the shipment be sent “hold for pickup” to the nearest FedEx Staffed Center.
El Jefe
Mark 16:18
GREAT advice Kathy...I've been doing it this way for years.
Also....the check is going to clear....I told you it was in the mail.... :sidestep:
Allalaskan
The Crazy Alaskan
Or you could send his animals to me! I will wait 2 weeks JK JK JK lol
JK JK JK lol
desertanimal
2003 UB313
Until all portions of the agreed-upon price are in your bank account (or paypal account), the buyer has not paid for the snake.
All you have to do is cheerily state that you will contact him to make shipping arrangements as soon as the full price has cleared your bank account. To be friendy and chatty you can even add something like, "So just let me know when the second check is in the mail so I can keep an eye out for it!"
You just have to get better at saying "no" by saying "yes" to the situation you desire by restating it in a cheerful and clear way.
Something like this:
"Hi Matt,
Thanks for your correspondence. I'm afraid I can't ship until the total asking price has cleared my account. At the moment, my bank is still holding your first check, waiting for it to clear. Let me know when you send the second check so I can be sure to keep an eye out for it.
I'll let you know the moment the full price clears my account and I will be able to ship any M-W thereafter that works for you, weather permitting!
Best regards,
PJ"
You give too much information, and justify too many of your actions--it makes you seem less firm than you want to seem. He doesn't need to know when you deposited the check. The bank is holding it--the end. He doesn't need to know why it took you until it did to deposit the check. The fact that you are defending to him every tiny action you have taken with this transaction makes it much easier for him to push you. It is a "tell" that you can be pushed. Even if you contacted him to say "Just got your check! Thanks! I'll get it to the bank as soon as I can get out of my driveway after the blizzard passes!", that would sound less defensive than "not able to deposit it due to our blizzard conditions that are now just calming down but we still have high winds up to 40mph."
You don't have to be defensive, even, to say no. You don't even hardly have to say "no" to say no most of the time. You might have to, but you can take care of a lot of that by stating that you are "only able" to do something else. And you certainly don't have to defend it with detail. You also don't have to list things out--it sounds aggressive. You didn't really need to correct him about your gender (it doesn't matter for the transaction).
These are only my opinions, of course, but I'm pretty good at not getting pushed around by people while also not eliciting their irritation (or at least having them express it at me).
I bet Kathy is a master at that. Next time you are having trouble, post the emails and get people to help you phrase your response. It's just a skill that you can learn through a little practice and through having seen how other people do it!
All you have to do is cheerily state that you will contact him to make shipping arrangements as soon as the full price has cleared your bank account. To be friendy and chatty you can even add something like, "So just let me know when the second check is in the mail so I can keep an eye out for it!"
You just have to get better at saying "no" by saying "yes" to the situation you desire by restating it in a cheerful and clear way.
Something like this:
"Hi Matt,
Thanks for your correspondence. I'm afraid I can't ship until the total asking price has cleared my account. At the moment, my bank is still holding your first check, waiting for it to clear. Let me know when you send the second check so I can be sure to keep an eye out for it.
I'll let you know the moment the full price clears my account and I will be able to ship any M-W thereafter that works for you, weather permitting!
Best regards,
PJ"
You give too much information, and justify too many of your actions--it makes you seem less firm than you want to seem. He doesn't need to know when you deposited the check. The bank is holding it--the end. He doesn't need to know why it took you until it did to deposit the check. The fact that you are defending to him every tiny action you have taken with this transaction makes it much easier for him to push you. It is a "tell" that you can be pushed. Even if you contacted him to say "Just got your check! Thanks! I'll get it to the bank as soon as I can get out of my driveway after the blizzard passes!", that would sound less defensive than "not able to deposit it due to our blizzard conditions that are now just calming down but we still have high winds up to 40mph."
You don't have to be defensive, even, to say no. You don't even hardly have to say "no" to say no most of the time. You might have to, but you can take care of a lot of that by stating that you are "only able" to do something else. And you certainly don't have to defend it with detail. You also don't have to list things out--it sounds aggressive. You didn't really need to correct him about your gender (it doesn't matter for the transaction).
These are only my opinions, of course, but I'm pretty good at not getting pushed around by people while also not eliciting their irritation (or at least having them express it at me).
I bet Kathy is a master at that. Next time you are having trouble, post the emails and get people to help you phrase your response. It's just a skill that you can learn through a little practice and through having seen how other people do it!
desertanimal
2003 UB313
Incidentally, I almost always have someone read my emails before I send them out when I'm dealing with a tricky situation. Sometimes two people. These people are always people who have relevant experience or understand the subtleties of the particular situation I'm dealing with. Doing this has definitely helped me get better at handling tricky situations.