Don’t Lose Your Mind Because of a Bad eBay Buyer
I sell original paintings on eBay, and every once in awhile I get an eBay buyer who sends me an email saying how disappointed they are in my services; and every time, I feel horrible.
I care about my customers. However, at times, I think I care TOO much.
Sometimes the customer’s disappointment is my fault, but I’ll do everything in my power to fix the situation. Most times those customers will leave happy or return again for more business. It makes me feel good to know that I’m trustworthy and I’m doing my best to satisfy my customers.
Other times, I get a customer whose problem I cannot fix. The disappointment usually has to do with the post office delivery time. I ship paintings within two days of receiving payment for the painting, and then the delivery is totally out of my control. If a parcel is late, open communication is essential. After I call the Post Office or US Customs, explain to the customer why the parcel is late, the customer is usually very patient. However, every once in awhile the buyer will reply with a nasty email, usually with reasons as to why they will never buy paintings from me again. Even though I know I can’t fix the problem and I had nothing to do with the slow delivery, I still feel horrible.
Again, I care TOO much.
There are those types of customers that you just cannot please, no matter what you say or do. I have to learn how to deal with such customers, without getting knots in my stomach and losing my mind. The illogical stress can’t be good for me. So when I have to deal with these bad eBay buyers who are blaming me for things that are obviously out of my control, I’m going to start repeating to myself:
“Their anger has nothing to do with me.”
There’s a problem with the customer that’s much deeper than getting a late parcel in the mail. My job is to make and sell art, not to fix people.
(You may also want to read How to be at Peace Around Negative People.)
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Tags: Artist Tips, eBay, eBay Customer Service, Stress and Anxiety
December 26th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Yes, that’s the best thing to do. Really, it’s the ONLY thing you can do. Some people just have it in their mind to be bitter, upset, or just plain mean, and there’s nothing you can do except keep telling yourself “Their anger has nothing to do with me”, just like you said.
I (for one) was absolutely thrilled with my experience with you on ebay. I count you among my favorite artists of all time, and I recommend you to everyone I know. Mainly because your art rocks the universe, but also because you’re a great ebay-er, too.
December 26th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
This is SOOO TRUE !!! Good advice. Stay positive !!!:-)
December 26th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
“My job is to make and sell art, not to fix people.”
Well said Soniei. What’s that quote… “What you think of me has nothing to do with me…” or something like that.
As long as you have more satisfied customers than UNsatisfied customers, BELIEVE me, you are doing something right (as I’m sure is the case).
*Jared
December 27th, 2009 at 2:27 am
“Their anger has nothing to do with me,” yes, yes, and I think too their anger gets a more raw, harsh expression online. I’m occasionally astonished at what people will say in a blog comment or email, things they’d never unleash in person. I guess sitting on the couch in a bathrobe while waiting for a late parcel with all the patience of a spoiled brat brings out the devil in some of us. Fill us in when you figure out the best system for dealing with them, okay?
Nice artwork, and nice blog– I found you through one of Chris Guillebeau’s books, and I’m glad I did.
December 28th, 2009 at 12:07 am
gosh, i fully support you! i used to go through similar feelings when i sold thru ebay. as someone else mentioned some people use their on-line anonymity as repository of pent up negativity. keep making your beautiful art! i also found you through chris guilebeau.
January 6th, 2010 at 5:31 pm
Some people are just plain miserable by nature. I totally sympathize with you after receiving criticism for things that are out of control – the major difference is, instead of feeling guilty and horrible, I get angry and defensive.
I’d like to know how many of these ‘loyal’ customers apologize to you and eat crow once they receive your wonderful work and realize that once it is shipped (the post date is on the box! DUH!) that it is no longer your fault. What do people expect you to do, hand deliver? Get real.
I’m on your side with this one – never let a few bad apples spoil the bunch. Pitch em out, and keep on pickin!
Your endeavors are really inspiring. I’m actually thinking of pursuing my own artistic goals myself – even beyond my meager blog and personal work. I’ve always wanted to do it, but haven’t explored it.