A returned package?

[frankelmama]

Ok - so just wanted to get opinions on this.

As many of you know I run co-ops on several boards. I work very hard to make sure they run smoothly and timely. I've never had any issues with packages shipping out before. Recently I had a package returned with a sticker from the post office saying "insufficient address". I printed the shipping label through paypal (as I do 99% of the time). It looks like the label was torn or cut so that the ship to address is missing. The rest of the label is totally fine. I've NEVER had a package returned. I do everything I can to package the orders properly and secure the package and label.

I feel really bad for the participant, but at the same time feel that I am in no way responsible to pay to ship the package back out again. I tried talking to my mailman (that was a total waste - which I figured - he was like "I just deliver it"). I also contacted the PO and they basically said "sorry about your luck the previous postage is used, to ship it out again you have to pay again". I know it totally sucks that now by paying double shipping the products are almost not even worth it. I just can't pay it myself either.

I've had communication back and forth about the situation with the ship to person, but they seems very hesitant to pay (as I would be upset too). It's been quite some time now and hasn't repaid the shipping. It hasn't gotten ugly or anything, but I feel like they are waiting for me to say I'll pay and I just can't/won't.

What do you think?

BTW, it was shipped priority with dc # so it does show it was shipped and returned to me.

Also, does it make a difference if it was a FSOT order, wahm order, or co-op order in how you would handle it?

I just keep thinking about this and feel so bad, but there really is no "happy ending" to this transaction that I see.

ETA: Also, should I give her a certain time to pay the "re-shipping" by. It's driving me crazy thinking about it and the package just sitting here.

6/16 UPDATE:
She pp'd the shipping to me this morning and I refunded $4 of the $7.75
I still feel that it was NOT my fault and I shouldn't have to pay any to re-ship. BUt b/c she wasn't nasty about it and she's been in my co-ops before I decided to refund her some.

As for all the posts about me not taping the label - I'm really not sure where that came from? Never did I say I didn't tape the label. When I was asked about it I posted that I tape (using packing tape) all four sides of the label (I don't use stickers b/c I don't trust them) and I put tape across the middle to cover my address and the ship to address. The bar code is untaped, but then you aren't supposed to tape over that.

There was at least one post that said something like "you are making enough that you can cover the cost to re-ship". I will re-state that I (and most co-op hosts I know) do NOT make $ on these co-ops. I generally charge $1 co-op fee (sometimes less or none at all and very rarely more) to help cover shipping supplies (mailers, tape, printing labels, paper, ect.). Most times that $1 does cover or come close, but in some co-ops I spend more than the $1 collected to do what it takes to get the package securely sealed and shipped. I also love a good deal, which is why I run co-ops. And I like the friends I meet along the way.

This thread seemed to spiral out of control and was never meant to say anything against the mama whose package was returned nor did I think I would get some of the remarks I received. I have been running co-ops on several boards for a long time and have 100% positive feedback and lots of mamas who routinely participate in my co-ops.

That all being said . . . her package will ship out again today and I'm done with this thread.

[frankelmama]

b/c I really want opinions.

[LKWMeg]

OK, here's how I look at it...

I assume you organize and coordinate the whole co-op, etc? That is a lot of work, and although it sucks for the buyer/member, you're already putting way more effort into this than the people receiving goods. (I had no idea until I joined a local produce co-op lately. The woman running it does SO much to make it work for us). So, that being said, as the member I would just pay it (depending on how much it is!)

How much is the shipping? Are we talking $3, $30, more? Is the amount of shipping passing the $ amount of the item? If so, it may not be worth it to the person to re-ship it. If that's the case, I would probably just ask for a refund on the product price (if you can easily sell it to someone else-and have them pay for the product and shipping) Is that an option? That seems like a win-win for all parties... The member is out the original shipping, but it doesn't seem like that could be avoided!

[frankelmama]

Originally Posted by LKWMeg OK, here's how I look at it... I assume you organize and coordinate the whole co-op, etc? That is a lot of work, and although it sucks for the buyer/member, you're already putting way more effort into this than the people receiving goods. (I had no idea until I joined a local produce co-op lately. The woman running it does SO much to make it work for us). So, that being said, as the member I would just pay it (depending on how much it is!) How much is the shipping? Are we talking $3, $30, more? Is the amount of shipping passing the $ amount of the item? If so, it may not be worth it to the person to re-ship it. If that's the case, I would probably just ask for a refund on the product price (if you can easily sell it to someone else-and have them pay for the product and shipping) Is that an option? That seems like a win-win for all parties... The member is out the original shipping, but it doesn't seem like that could be avoided!

Yes, I was the host. Not a tremendously hard co-op and I run it almost monthly, but nonetheless I don't make $ on these. Sometimes I wonder why I continue to do them b/c of cranky participants (not this one in particular b/c she hasn't been nasty or anything). I just don't think most realize how much time and work goes into a co-op. I think there should be a standard 15-20% tipping, just like waiting tables!

The shipping was $7.75 - so not just a buck or two, but not horrible. The items were very specific and I think I'd have a hard time re-selling some of theml. It was a Frontier order - so those orderes are random items.

Also, should I give her a certain time to pay the "re-shipping" by. It's driving me crazy thinking about it and the package just sitting here.

[wildeyes]

can you split the shipping with her?? i wouldnt want someone else's stuff laying around my house. lol i have enough of that with 2 kids!!

[frankelmama]

Originally Posted by wildeyes can you split the shipping with her?? i wouldnt want someone else's stuff laying around my house. lol i have enough of that with 2 kids!!

I guess I could, but I just don't feel like I should have to. I did everything in my power to ensure it would be delivered. And I think if this were from a "business" transaction - in that I was making $ I would pay shipping or offer to split it, but I don't make $ on co-ops (in reality it costs me $ to run them). Frontier is one specifically that I have to pay a fee to join to get the prices I do for the co-ops, but I order too and save $ that way. IDK - it just stinks for us both I guess.

[Deanner03]

Here's my While I realize it's not your fault that the label was torn, it's not the buyer's fault either. They paid for shipping, provided the correct address (I assume) and met their end of the bargain. So did you. I'd offer a split. That's the only fair way as far as I'm concerned.

[tranquilseeker]

hmmm... that's a hard one to figure out. I have run co-ops before and they CAN get absolutely INSANE. Even normal, easy ones are a LOT of work, especially when you have a family to attend to.

If it were me (being the co-op organizer) and my email to the co-op participant explaining the situation etc was ignored, I would just wait. Wait until the participant replied. I mean, you're not out money as of now because the items ordered were already paid for. I WOULDN'T pay for her shipping - regardless of how much the total was. Now, if she replied/cooperated and you both came to the agreement that it wasn't either of your faults I think split shipping could be an acceptable solution.

But, if she's NOT replying and expecting you to just dole out the $$ for shipping, she's not being considerate of your time or you pocket so I'd just wait.

OR I might send her another email giving her a time limit in which to reply/make her decision and if tell her if she doesn't reply by then I would try to return it to the company or sell her stuff (I know you said that would be hard to do with the stuff she ordered) and refund her money with the money you get from either the company or the sale even if it came out to less than she paid. People stalk co-op boards to get the "extras" you know? At least this way she'll be forced to reply/make a decision as to how to proceed. Maybe it's harsh but it seems that it may motivate her to reply.

[Crazy4Coffee]

Originally Posted by Deanner03 Here's my While I realize it's not your fault that the label was torn, it's not the buyer's fault either. They paid for shipping, provided the correct address (I assume) and met their end of the bargain. So did you. I'd offer a split. That's the only fair way as far as I'm concerned.

I totally agree. It wasn't your fault and it wasn't her fault. I say split it.

oh and BTW I usually TIP the co-op host if everything runs smoothly the first one i'm in i'll tip on all the rest of the co-ops ran by the same person. it might only be a couple of dollars but if you have 30 participants and everyone tips you $1 that $30 u get. but i've been known to tip a co-op host as much at $5 or $6.

[vickieboggs]

IMO as I see it you as the organizer you have 2 options.....(actually 3 but you don't want to pay for it all so we'll just say 2)

refund the mama in full and sell to someone else

or split the cost with her......3 $ really isn't that much and at least you keep the customers of the coop happy......without them there would be no coops.

Either way at least you aren't out all the money. being a business owner (x2) myself, the CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT.

**whenever I ship I use packing tape and I cover the label with tape to protect it to keep it on**

Sorry you are in this situation though mama.