Just a heads up for NZ users of trademe

[Marlin]

Heya kiwis

Myself and another NZ collector recently purchased some ponies from seller jjm281, and neither of us have had a terribly positive experience. The upside is that our trades were ultimately completed and we have our ponies, but it was a long slog getting there, so this is just a heads up in case this person lists again in the future.

In my case I bought some buy nows, and emailed the seller straight away for payment details. I heard nothing for several days and in the end had to contact the seller by asking a question on one of their current live auctions. That finally prompted a response that their email wasn't working; they could receive, but not send, and... 'lol'. 

That was it. Nothing else, and personally, I didn't find that response that funny. I wrote something a little more professional in reply and finally the seller was able to contact me by emailing from their parents house. I gave the benefit of the doubt and paid straight away. Then again, nothing... no acknowledgement or contact for over a week and no ponies in the post.

Long story short I emailed again a couple of times and finally got a response that the seller had had a vomit bug and the ponies were on their way. They finally arrived yesterday, 18 days after I bought them, which here in NZ, is a long time to complete a trade.

Again I will make a point of saying that 'in the end' we got there, but 'whether or not' there was sickness or email problems, the lack of and vague communication was immensely frustrating. I am generally an understanding person, but doesn't take that much to contact your buyer and let them know what is going on.

Further, some of the ponies were in worse condition than advised, and the packaging was terrible - a recycled (non-bubblewrap) parcel post bag turned inside out with the ponies just thrown inside. The last bit of salt in the wound was being overcharged for postage.

This person I suspect is not a collector, so granted they wouldn't know much better, and perhaps all their problems were legit and unfortunate. However I am still very disappointed in the lack of thought and respect throughout this trade. It might also be prudent to note that the seller I dealt with was not the holder of the trademe account, which is apparently 'shared'.

Again - I did finally get my purchase, but if you ever buy off this person, my advice is to proceed with caution.  And wash your ponies.

[ponylady]

  I am sorry you had such an ordeal with this seller.

I am sure our fellow Kiwi's will appreciate the warning.

[lovesbabysquirmy]

Thanks for letting us know!

[foalpatrol]

Just came to add my own experience with jjm281.  My trade took 11 days to complete and my ponies arrived on the same day as Marlin's. 

To the seller's credit, the ponies were as she had described them, however I was unhappy with the time taken and the lack of packaging - there was no padding, just a plastic mailer envelope, not even bubble wrap.  I was very lucky they weren't damaged.  Also, I believe she slightly overcharged for postage - she quoted me $4 and the ticket would have cost $3.30, I'm not petty but I do think this is poor practice. 

I was also unhappy with the lack of communication, it took 3 days for her to send payment instructions and there was no other communication at all, not even to tell me when I could expect my ponies.  I thought this was a bit off as I paid within minutes of receiving the payment instructions.

Finally, make sure you give your ponies a good scrub if you do buy off her, just in case there's any truth to the "vomit bug" story which she gave Marlin.  I'm not saying you shouldn't buy off this trader, but be warned and proceed with caution!

[Endocat]

Ohhh Good to know thanks girls!  I was watching a few auctions there....

[Ringlets]

I'm sorry to hear you had a less than positive experience with this seller - thanks for letting us know