Eve - hatred of canadians++ (j/k I love most of you)

So I sold my iSight on eBay this morning and the winning bidder sends me this email.

Hello to you

I very much hope you shall take the time to read what follows and reply to me that you have read it and understand it.

I am very pleased with my purchase, I already own and use one of these units and am extremely satisfied with their performance. I purchased this unit on behalf of a friend /client, please note they are being sent a copy of this message.

You are in the US and I in Canada . Of the approximately 270 eBay transaction I have had, many have been with US Vendors and Buyers. Therefore I have learned how to deal with and do well when it comes to cross border issues. The key is to keep it as simple as possible and just be honest with them, it works every time.

The name and address you shall be mailing to is mine and is as follows.

[omitted]

Here are some tips on sending stuff across the border, after several years they are tried and true. Please read and understand them.

A) Use the Post Office -- Do Not repeat Do Not Use a Courier Service, as they open all packages and charge a non refundable service fee for doing that. Then they charge customs duty even when none is due, as in the case of incorrect values or used items & gifts.. They maintain one can always reclaim the duty fees from Canada Customs. But then it is only a portion and it takes takes about 90 days, if ever. Canada Customs reclaims it from them ( the courier ) which they are not too crazy about. They would much rather the amounts are not reclaimed.

B) Package the item in a small safe package as plain as possible , the plainer and smaller the better. Do not show or affix any company Logos as they act as a flag to stop the package for inspection.

C) Clearly mark on the outside what is inside ( name of the item) ( a new or used whatever ) and the value I paid you prior to shipping costs( $0.00 ) A copy of the auction page within the package also helps. That way if it is opened , then what is stated is exactly what is found.

May I suggest ---- Used Apple iSight Web Cam ---

D) following these simple steps usually results in the package just sailing right through, unstopped unhindered.

May I also suggest that due to the higher value of this item. It will be likely this item will be stopped, and Duty may be charged, that will be dealt with when it happens. However even if you have to ask me for additional money get a tracking number. That number usually comes along with a default insurance of $400. because they the post office want themselves covered against loss.

That is it Please acknowledge or get back to me if something is not crystal clear.

So I spend most of my days stuck in meetings and 5 hours later, I get this email from him.

I know I wrote this very early today and perhaps you have not had a chance to respond Understandable, but please do respond it makes me feel comfortable that you have read the instructions .

Thank you
[insert original email here.]

So I reply back "Hi, I have read this and I will be sending this Friday morning. Thanks!"

Yes I am aware, it's not a very well thought-out sentence but there really isn't anything wrong with it, I have read this email and I will be sending this friday (not next friday!) morning. I was in meetings, wanted to send him a quick reply to get him off my back right? NO.

I get this email back...

"Thank you for responding Eve . I hope you did understand it, because I think English may not be your first language. if you need me to explain send me a phone number and I will call you at my cost."

Bold added for effect.

First I thought it would be pretty hilarious if I quoted his original email and highlight every missing punctuation mark or bad grammar/sentence structure and send it back without anything else. Then after laughing about it for a while I sent this back.

"I don't know if you mean to be insulting, but you should really spell check, grammar check, and punctuation check your own messages before you make such assumptions. I've been an eBay member since January 1999, I've shipped many packages all over the country so I am very aware of the process. In the past month I've sent at least 5 packages to Canada without problems to friends, so your original email felt a little insulting, but I chuckled at it because I assume you send this to every U.S. seller you come across. But to assume my grasp of the english language is lacking based off of one sentence is completely disrespectful even if you just wanted your package to arrive promptly. So please, have a little faith in people, especially one that's been on eBay for longer and has more feedback. Rest assured that I have the mental capabilities to drive to the post office and fill out the forms correctly.

Like I said, I will be sending Friday morning."

I'm curious to what the next email will be. God I loathe crazies on ebay.

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