Hi,

I'm new to this site but not new to trading/sending things over the internet, and I made a dumb move. This is the first time i've made a mistake like this and I'd like some advise on how to handle it.

I was supposed to ship two books, let's call them Sam I Am and Green Eggs and Ham. The first was supposed to goto Stephanie C, the later to Stephanie J. In packaging I accidently swapped the two so that each member is getting the wrong book. Stephanie C just sent me a message stating she recieved Green Eggs and Ham in error, and i'm assuming the other Stephanie will contact me soon stating she recieved Sam I Am.

Should I ask them both to send them back and I can re-mail to the correct members? Or should I try to get these two people to send the books to each other? Any other options? How should I handle the trade credits?

Any help would be appriciated.

I haven't done that yet, but have had it done to me.  I think most people get a credit from you to cover mailing costs and forward it on the the rightful person.  Others will know more.

Ruth

I just did the samething.  It happens. 

What you should do is PM both members and ask them if they would be willing to send the book to the right person in exchange for either a credit or postage via paypal or whatever.  Most people usualy just do a credit, but someone might really want/need the $ for postage and they are doing you a favor so I offered that option.  Neither member should mark the book received until they get the book they actually ordered.  That way if something happens they are still protected (you risk losing a credit if one of them doesn't cooperate some how, but the person making the mistake needs to take the risk and most PBS members are honest).

Once they have agreed to send the books send the addresses the books need to go to to the members and ask them to mail it.  I sent the credit as soon as they agreed to do it because it was my mistake and they were doing me a favor.

I hope this helps!

Kate described it really well.  You can refer the other members to these help docs, if they have any questions:

What if I mail the wrong book?

I received a book I didn't request!

I've done that once before and did what was recommended.  It all worked out well, and the other member was very nice about sending the book back. 

I agree. Offer a credit or to pay the postage to them through paypal and request they send it to the correct member.