Need some advice on feedback on ebay please

[Rhubarbpie]

I bought 2 ponies on ebay in 2 separate lots.  Whilst I was waiting for the auction to end, I messaged the seller to ask if s/he would combine the shipping if I won both lots.  I did but the auction ended before I got a reply back.  So I paid for them plus both shipping charges assuming that the seller would either ship both separately or ship in one box and refund me the extra charge.  Well the ponies were delivered the other day and they were both in the same package and no refund on the extra delivery charge 

What feedback should I give for this?  I am definitely not happy and the star ratings will be reflecting that with no communication and what i think is unreasonable delivery charges, plus the comment I shall leave will also sum up my disappointment.  I think a negative feedback is too harsh since they were shipped quickly and in good condition as described, but i certainly don't want to rate this as a positive experience either.

[kakenterprise]

I would contact the seller before leaving feedback.  They might be willing to work something out. 

[Rhubarbpie]

Thanks kakenterprise - I have contacted the seller, fingers crossed it will end well 

[Galactica]

I agree contact the seller first-

If you don't hear back, I still wouldn't give the seller a negative or a neutral-  she or he didn't promise anything not delivered.   You might give them a lower score on the shipping price, 

[little.fox]

Personally I think not responding to comms warrants a neutral all on it's own. They might not have promised to combine shipping, but it's not ok to just pocket the excess shipping cost either.

[ponylady]

I would message your seller and politely ask? But I usually wait till my seller gets back to me or I send a request total before I pay.  The reason being is she is charged FV fee's on that shipping charge and when she has to refund me the difference she does not get those fee's back. I only mention that because you say you paid before she responded back.

Do I feel she deserves a neutral? No, I do not.  If you want to leave a lower star rating for communication and shipping and handling charges, I feel that is warrented. But a neutral or negative, no.

[Ringlets]

I agree with Ponylady ^^ Normally its best to wait for a response before paying in this kind of situation   While I dont think its right for the seller to overcharge for shipping  the items together, I would wait for her response (she may be willing to refund some of the difference) , and then (if she doesnt offer any solution or doesnt respond) only lower the star rating - I dont think she deserves a neutral or a neg in this case 

[Rhubarbpie]

The thing is I didn't have the time to wait, and I did not really want to loose the ponies.  I have had no response from the seller so I shall leave the feedback positive, but with lower star rating for communication and shipping charges.

Thanks for your help guys!

[FantasticFirefly]

When did you send the message? 72 hours from a message being sent is what I allow for a response on ebay. If you sent this message yesterday, she may not have even checked yet.

[Rhubarbpie]

Well, its been 6 days since my first message asking about combined postage, and 24 hours since my 2nd message when I received them both in the same package.  I'll give it another day, then give a positive with reduced star rating.

[HawaiianRain]

My question is, when did you send the message while the auction was still running? i.e. how much time was left on the auction when you contacted her about the shipping the first time?

[Rhubarbpie]

The auction had about 20 minutes left. I guess I shouldn't have bid with out getting a response first, but it was too good to miss out on.