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

[TNBarnQueen]

I can only speak as a buyer at this time....I have had good results on shipped eggs except for one batch of eggs which I drove 120 miles round trip to pick up. Of 18 eggs only 5 hatched due to the eggs being infertile. Also 2 of the chicks we don't have an idea what they are but know they where not silkies. In this case I felt it fair that I receive replacements and the seller was very nice about it. Since she lived near shipping was not much so she did not ask for it. So...we where able to keep a good relationship from this and I would buy eggs from her in the future.
If I was a seller and hope in several months to be so...I would replace eggs IF there was a fertility problem or if air sacs where detached things like that. If the chicks where viable for several days then that is another story and most often be a hatching process problem not an egg problem. If replacing I would ask for shipping cost depending on the distance.
Just my two cents worth. I would like to give buyers the benefit of the doubt...I know that not everyone is honest but it would make me feel better that I done what I felt was right. We all have out own opinions in this and many situations are different so you can't always treat them all the same.

 

[lemurchaser]

This really depends for me. As a buyer, if I get eggs that are well packaged, most develop, but none hatch, then I wouldn't even mention it to the seller. But I've gotten eggs that arrived poorly packed, with detached air cells, where only a couple develop, and then I think the seller has some responsibility. Sure shipping is rough on eggs, but its even worse if the eggs aren't packed well.

 

[redhen]

TT! :

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.

This..​

 

[La Mike]

I ship almost daily and some times (Very few ) you have these issues. I have always offered to replace for shipping cost on any destroyed or proven lost batch.
I do require detailed pics as I will know my own eggs in a pic.
I now insure every sale so I dont lose out if they need to be re-shipped and neither does my customer. Po in some places says you cant insure perishables but you can insure content .
It costs 1-2 bucks to insure up to $200.00 so thats the best route I have found

 

[faykokoWV]

Update

I contacted the buyer and offered the replacement eggs. Buyer wasn't interested at this time.....because they don't currently have a broody hen. Apparently these eggs were not incubated, but put under a broody. I think that adds a lot of variables to the hatch rate. Granted, broody hens are mother nature's incubators and usually do a good job, but it makes me feel a little better about the problem not being on my end.

I still offered the buyer the option to contact us if they have a hen go broody in the future and the offer of getting eggs for the price of shipping would still stand.

We are also adding a nice big disclaimer to our website

Thanks for all the advice from both buyers and sellers.

 

[Qi Chicken]

Send them new eggs with a typed page of instructions. Say you're sorry but you hope the PO is easier on them this time. ONce you make the page you can send them out with every order and they will think you are awesome.

 

[Elite Silkies]

I'm undecided really. They could have had a great hatch and just want more eggs, or they could be honest and really had none hatch. If they developed, but none hatched.... it's on the buyer. If none developed, then it's on the seller, because you have no proof if they were not fertile or scrambled by the post office. In that case i would probably replace for the cost of shipping.

Regardless of the handling by the PO, if they are fertile, they will have some develop, unless they are totally scrambled. I stopped putting hatching eggs on the box, which I think helped a lot. I sent Laree a dozen, put fragile all over it, and they all made it safe and all 12 are developing.

 

[Jen F]

Hopefully the buyer appreciated the offer. Honest? Dishonest? You'll never know.
Maybe they will "pay it forward" to someone else some day.
I feel you did the right thing for your own reputation and peace of mind.
Good Job!

 

[fifelakelooper]

I think that if you pay say...$60 for a dozen eggs and none are fertile when you check on day 7...then as a "good egg seller" I would send additional for cost of shipping. As a "buyer"...I know it is risky to have eggs shipped but it is the only option sometimes for some of the breeds. After a few times of selling eggs and getting poor results...word will get out and people will wonder if it is a problem on the sellers side....bad for business. Everyone knows there is a risk with shipped eggs but a "0" hatch would be very upsetting for anyone.

 

[pascopol]

Quote:
I believe PO will either not insure the eggs, or some locations they may insure them ,

BUT I want to hear from anybody who lost insured eggs and succesfully claimed and received full refund. LOL

I believe PO will not pay your claim for lost eggs.

I was selliing insured media some years ago bu thosuand, when PO lost the package they required proof of value and receipt for the item, in most cases I got NOTHING from them, or they gave me such a hassle that I gave up.

Again, myself I would never insure eggs, that is money waisted for false hope.

Can anybody confirm PO cheerfully refunded money for lost or damaged eggs ????

Waiting to hear from ya.