Should I Consider the Diamond Sold?

[Unicorn64]

I recently sold the 1.30 antique cushion, but I haven't heard back from the buyer as to whether she's received the diamond or not. I shipped it outside the US to a PO Box. I inquired with USPS and they wrote me a letter back to say that the diamond was delivered on or about December 22. I did offer a 3-day return period as well. I guess my dilemma is that I don't feel right about considering the diamond sold until I hear back from the buyer, however, I've emailed her and gotten no response. I'm curious to know how others feel about this and/or how you would handle it especially with the Pre-loved Jewels forum available now.

 

[sonnyjane]

Well...do you have the money? Did the check clear?

 

[Unicorn64]

Yes, I have the money in my PayPal account. That's kind of the other dilemma...don't want to transfer the money quite yet, but at what point is it proper etiquette to do so without hearing back from the buyer?

 

[Dreamer_D]

I think the sale is done, usually 3 days from delivery would constitute the inspection period, and it has been eight days. In addition, you seem to have made effort to contact the buyer.

The PO box thing is the only issue. I would not personally ship to a PO box because then there is no signature, right? The buyer could claim they did not get it but can you prove that?

 

[Unicorn64]

Yes, Dreamer, that is correct. I have all the receipts from USPS, plus all the tracking info. I agree with you that I should consider the sale done, but there's just that little hint of doubt in the back of my head ya know?

 

[sonnyjane]

I think the sale is done, usually 3 days from delivery would constitute the inspection period, and it has been eight days. In addition, you seem to have made effort to contact the buyer.

The PO box thing is the only issue. I would not personally ship to a PO box because then there is no signature, right? The buyer could claim they did not get it but can you prove that?

That part made me uneasy too, which I wanted to make sure the OP got the money. Is it being available in PayPal a done deal then? I haven't sold anything through PayPal before so I wasn't sure.

 

[Unicorn64]

No, not necessarily. PayPal guarantees the buyer a refund if they report the item as not being received, or not being happy with the item within the refund period. PayPal will allow me to transfer the money, but it's kind of my personal attitude that I'd like to make sure she got it (and loves it).

 

[diamondseeker2006]

It is just a courtesy to let the seller know you have received the item and whether you are keeping it. Perhaps the buyer is away for the holidays or something?

 

[Unicorn64]

Yeah, I was thinking that as well. It is the holidays after all...but she would have no reason to tell me that. ha ha

 

[denverappraiser]

Transfer the money out of paypal IMMEDIATELY. If something comes up that requires you to issue a refund for some reason you can transfer it back. Don't spend it for a while. If you don't hear from the buyer, assume it went through well. If the buyer claims it didn't arrive, track it through the post office. Do NOT issue a refund unless you've got the goods back and in hand and have had an opportunity to have it inspected by a pro. If there's a claim through Payapl that it didn't arrive, file a claim immediately with the postmaster but don't pay it until the PO has a chance to investigate. The most likely option here is that the buyer is just being rude or hasn't picked up her mail yet but there are more incidious options and you are at risk.

 

[Unicorn64]

Thank you everyone! DenverAppraiser, thank you. I just took care of that. I hope that everything is well with the buyer, but you're right on everything you said. I tried not to think about it that way just because I don't like to, but at the same time, I have to protect myself as well.

 

[Skippy123]

Yes, definitely sold; that was a beautiful stone!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Thank you everyone! DenverAppraiser, thank you. I just took care of that. I hope that everything is well with the buyer, but you're right on everything you said. I tried not to think about it that way just because I don't like to, but at the same time, I have to protect myself as well.

Good! My next suggestion indeed was going to be for you to tranfer the money out. If the buyer files a claim that the item did not arrive, and you say it did based on your evidence, then SHE has to file a claim with PayPal and prove it did not arrive. You can contest it, and PayPal will make a decision about it. You are not obliged to refund the money immediately until proof is provided that it did not arrive etc., as Denverappraiser said. So do not be too trusting, be a good seller but watch yourself too, eh?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Were you able to insure it?

 

[kenny]

The PO box thing is the only issue. I would not personally ship to a PO box because then there is no signature, right? The buyer could claim they did not get it but can you prove that?

FWIW, I have PO Box and if I get something that requires a signature they don't put it in my box.
Instead, they put a slip in the box.
Then I have to show the slip and my ID to a clerk and sign for it before they will go in the back to get the package for me.

 

[Unicorn64]

Were you able to insure it?

Yes, I definitely insured it; just hope I don't have to worry about that.

 

[Unicorn64]

Thank you, Kenny. I will definitely keep that in mind if I ever ship to a PO Box again. But, my feeling is I probably won't. ha ha.

 

[ruby59]

Did you sell through ebay. If so, then I can walk you through their rules on how to cover yourself.

You mention Paypal. I am surmising they did not put any kind of hold on your payment. The above poster is correct. As soon as funds become available, take them out of Paypal ASAP. Paypal is less then honest, imo. If a problem pops up, you can always put it back in.

I am assuming that this is an expensive item, so hopefully you got Signature Confirmation that can be viewed online. Signature confirmatiom will satisfy Paypal against any claims that item was not received. If item has been signed for then I consider it a done deal. Believe me, if there is a problem, she will contact you. There is a saying on ebay - Don't poke the bear. If she is not contacting you, I would consider it a successful transaction. I have found as an ebay seller, hardly anyone leaves feedback anymore, unless there is a problem.

 

[freddy]

Hi everyone. I am the buyer.

To let you all know, I actually picked up the diamond from australia post on the 29th december. I have contacted Unicorn64 this morning about the diamond. I picked up the package just before the po closed, and have been out of town for two days at my mothers, and have just returned home, and as such have emailed her straight away.

We have had a long wait to receive the package, normally before it has taken only two and a half weeks in total to receive a jewellery item from US, including customs etc, but this time was ridiculous. I am not sure it is because of the time of year and the sheer volume of mail, but it has been a nail biting time for sure.

The package had been in the country for a week and a half, before I even knew it had arrived, as I received paperwork from customs.Once I submitted the paperwork which I did straight away, they then contacted me again with an invoice. Once I paid customs, they released the package to australia post, and then a card was left in my po box, which I had to produce as well as my identification, and sign for the package also, if I did not have id or the card, i would not have been able to pick up the package.

The diamond is beautiful, although there are a few minor chips I have discovered, when having a proper look at the diamond this morning. Now I need to decide how to have the diamond set.

 

[Unicorn64]

Yes, she did!

I'm glad all is well with you. And I hope you post pictures of how you decide to set the stone. Wear it in health and happiness!