We are a distributor of Spirit Masters stencil paper and hectograph paper. We also stock Tattoo Needles, Medical Supplies and other Tattoo equipment and supplies.
If there is anything about your buying experience with Southern Tattoo Supply that would cause you to leave less than a 5 Start rating in each category...please contact us before leaving feedback.
Feedback
eBay's change to their Feedback system has had a major impact on both the way buyers and sellers leave feedback, as well as the effect of the DSRs on how a seller is rated. eBay is sending mixed information to buyers and sellers regarding the star system. Buyers are told that a "4" star rating in a category is a good rating, while sellers are given lower than standard treatment if their star ratings (at least on shipping charges) fall below a 4.6.
In order to provide guidance to buyers, I would like to offer these definitions on how you should judge a seller's performance.
Item as Described
Evaluation of item description should not only include the description of the item itself but also any guarantees, warranties, the shipping method, or any other information that the seller includes in the auction. This would also include consideration for damage in shipping or lost items. When a buyer is unhappy with an item, the buyer should first re-read the auction to make sure it is not something they missed. If the item condition does not meet the description, the buyer should contact the seller and let them know of the situation.
5 - Item meets or exceeds description in auction. There is no undisclosed damage to the item when received and item was shipped by the method stated in the auction OR if there was damage or other issue(wrong shipping method, etc.) the seller willingly addresses the issue and resolves it with the buyer.
4 - Item may have MINOR cosmetic damage that was not disclosed but generally does meet the description OR seller is somewhat hesitant or accusatory when contacted with an issue but ultimately resolves it with the buyer.
3 - Item has more significant damage or issues that was not disclosed in the auction - to a point where the buyer is not happy. Seller does not reply to issues or is VERY hesitant in responding. Seller ultimately does make good with the buyer, but it requires more effort on the buyer than it should.
2- Item has more significant damage or issues that was not disclosed in the auction - to a point where the buyer is not happy. Buyer is forced to file Paypal or eBay claim, but seller ultimately refunds or otherwise makes good on the sale.
1 -Item has more significant damage or issues that was not disclosed in the auction - to a point where the buyer is not happy. Seller will not stand behind the item and buyer is forced to file Paypal or eBay claim, through conclusion.
Communication
Buyers should not expect a high degree of communication, unless there is a problem. Buyers should expect - notification that the item is shipped and communication with the seller if the item is lost, damaged or otherwise does not meet the description in the auction. When buyers initiate communication, they should always do so through the ebay system unless directed otherwise. Many sellers rely on the ebay message system for communication.
5 - Seller lets the buyer know when item is shipped. If any issues come up during the transaction, the seller repsonds quickly and helps buyer to resolve them. NOTE: Sellers may let buyers know that item is shipped in a variety of ways - email communcation, feedback, or Paypal notification.
4 - Seller may or may not let the buyer know when item is shipped. Seller may be somewhat slow to respond to issues, but does help buyer resolve them after communication is established. NOTE: Buyers should allow 1 business day before considering the seller slow in responding. I would suggest a "4" rating for any smooth transaction even if seller does not let the buyer know when shipped.
3 - Seller may or may not let buyer know when item is shipped. Seller is slow to respond to issues, but does help buyer ultimately resolve these.
2 - Buyer if forced to use Paypal or eBay claim to initiate any communcation, but after the communication is established, seller works with buyer to address issues.
1 - Buyer is forced to use Paypal or eBay claim. Seller is still unresponsive.
Shipping Time
Buyers should remember that shipping time should only include the time it takes a seller to ship once payment is made. It should not include transit time by the shipper UNLESS the seller used a lower grade of shipping than stated in the auction.
5- Seller ships within 3 days; uses method stated in auction.
4 - Seller ships within 5 days; uses method stated in auction.
3 - Seller ships within 7 days; uses method stated in auction.
2 - Seller ships within 10 days OR does not use method stated in auction.
1 - Seller ships longer that 10 days.
Shipping and Handling Charges
Before a buyer can evaluate shipping charges, they must consider several issues - how well was the item packaged, how quickly was it shipped, what was stated in the auction, how does the seller's charges compare with other sellers of similar items. Shipping does not only include postage or carrier charges, but also handling and packaging fees, as well as insurance. Buyers should expect handling charges to be reasonable and to be commensurate with the service that is performed.
Handling charges will vary depending upon what items are being shipped. Persons selling CDs may charge $1.00 handing. Moderate, non-fragile items may have $3.00-4.00 handling. A set of fine china may have $15.00 in handling. When evaluating handling charges, be sure to consider how much effort went into packing in order for you to get your item safely.
When multiple items are purchased, buyer can and should expect the handling charge to be higher than if just one auction was one. For lower value items such as CDs, the handilng charge may seem abnormally high. If the seller has provided a reasonable discount for combined shipping, the buyers should weigh their response based not on what the total shipment cost, but on what they would have rated the buyer for a single item, as well as the amount of discount provided.
5 - Shipping charges are resonsable for the packaging and service provided.
4 - Shipping charges are slightly high when compared to the packaging and service provided.
3- Shipping charges are somewhat high AND the packaging and service is somewhat below what is to be expected. When compared to sellers of similar items, the shipping charge was above normal.
2 - Shipping charges are HIGH and the service in not up to standard.
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