Customer had a 0 hatch rate, what should I do???

[faykokoWV]

so I've been selling and buying hatching eggs for a while now. I think we all realize that its a gamble with shipped eggs. I wanted to ask other sellers what they do with customers that end up with a 0 hatch rate. Should I replace the eggs? Should I ask them about their incubating technique? Should I just say tough luck, not my fault?

For buyers, what are your expectations in this situation?

I want to do the right thing, but I know that I'm getting good hatch rates here at home so I'm guessing there was a problem during shipping or during incubation.

 

[Emmalion]

I'm not sure there is much you can do.. If you offer to send more you can it would be a nice gesture but I know that you are taking a risk with shipped eggs. You never know what happened to them while in the hands of the USPS.

But if you ask anything I would be sure to ask if this was there first ever time incubating eggs.

 

[BarefootMom]

I would inquire about their hatching practices and then offer a 1/2 refund.

 

[newham0614]

I had a zero hatch rate with my shipped eggs too. It's a chance you take buying shipped eggs. I wouldn't expect anything from the seller.

 

[kasey08]

I say coast of shipping. I have bought and sold I think it seems fair.

 

[squeakyballs]

I think it would be polite to replace the eggs for the cost of shipping. I'd be heart broken if none of my eggs hatched, and I was out $20+ bucks.

I think most people would really appreciate that gesture.

I wouldn't do it a second time for the same purchase though.

 

[Buck Creek Chickens]

I replace for the price of shipping them, and I also remind them nicely that there is not a guarantee of hatch on mailed eggs and even the eggs in your backyard can have a 0 hatch rate. but I also have the name in my note book if they order again and have a 0 hatch rate no replacement and no more sales to that person/family

 

[faykokoWV]

Here's what I plan as a response,

We're sorry to hear that none of the eggs hatched. While we don't guarantee hatch results, we will send you new eggs for the cost of shipping. Please know that we have had good fertility and hatch rate here, and we have no control over what happens to them once they are shipped. We do make every effort to ensure eggs are shipped fresh and packed to preserve the embryo integrity.

If you are interested in more eggs and aren't an experienced incubator, please do not hesitate to ask for guidance during the incubation process. We want to make every effort to help you have a successful hatch.

 

[Cass]

Speaking as someone who might buy eggs in the future I would like to have 6 eggs to retry for just shipping cost. I wouldn't expect a full dozen, it might have been the Post office or my 'bator....but 6 would be a good faith gesture.

But really? You don't owe them anything if you had a disclaimer that you hatch your own eggs so know they are fertile and after they leave your house you are not responsible for the outcome of incubation because of the miriad of variables involved.

 

[rnorris1234]

I know that that is not the required thing or even the expected thing, but it is the kind thing to do. And kindness is always the right choice. Good for you.