posted on February 26, 2001 12:35:52 PM new
Thanks avmom!
You know, as an experiment, for a couple of weeks I took the packaging charge out of my bid price and stuck it in shipping. The total final dollars would still be the same, right?
My business went way down.
Then I changed things back, and business was back to normal.
Told me something. In my area of selling, people are more concerned with low cost shipping than a lower bid price. I've been getting many recent comments thanking me for offering low cost shipping.
Now that might not work for other merchandise, but it does for mine.
posted on February 26, 2001 12:45:07 PM new
Thanks for the reply avmom. Hopefully my business does increase! However, I do disagree that its excessive since its only cutting my costs...
lindajean, I stopped selling tapes a long time ago. They just don't sell anymore. I have about 500 tapes and 1000+ records sitting here with no where to go. I got tired of selling them because there was no profit in them anymore.
posted on February 26, 2001 12:53:48 PM newdigitalmaster,
Wow, that's a lot of stuff taking up a lot of space.
Have you considered grouping similar items together into some large lots? Less listing fees and you just might move some of it!
Recently I had a large box of romance paperbacks to sell. I carried it up from the basement, plopped it down in the office, and realized that the box had perfect flaps. I said, hey, I couldmail them as is!
I scanned the pictures (yep, took each one out of the box), wrote a brief description and sold the whole lot that way. There were 68 paperbacks. Someone was happy to have them. There was a bidding war in fact.
posted on February 26, 2001 01:10:08 PM new
I agree with tomwiii. It is no accident that $4.00 is close to priority, this is what sellers who charge this want buyers to think. No, I don't mind paying $4.00 if it's priority but it is tiresome to have to constantly email sellers to ask if the charge is for priority, first class or bulk rate. I agree though, if the seller doesn't say priority, 9 times out of 10 he's pocketing the difference.
Yes, I know the seller said $4.00 and yes I did bid, but I hate finding out that the charge was not for priority and if I want priority, I have to fork over even more money.
Comparing ebay to a retail store or Amazon.com won't fly. At least with Amazon I don't have to email them and ask how much more for priority, it's right there on the website. ebay sellers could learn something here. If part of the money is for packing, etc., SAY SO! What's wrong with "Shipping fee will be actual postage + handling and/or materials fee of xxx. Then the buyer knows how much more it will cost to get the item priority.
posted on February 26, 2001 01:20:57 PM new
quickdraw ... nice handle - it fits you well
First of all, nobody here is saying or even suggesting that the shipping should be no charge. Therefore, your restaurant analogy is meaningless.
Secondly, I happen to be at my local video joint at least once or twice a week - no "extra" cost for me to drive there, and I don't charge anyone for my free time. If you are one of those 'countryfolk' who don't live near a video joint, or you won't get out of bed unless someone pays you, you can still buy your movies off line from the "stores" cheaper than most on eBay. You obviusly already know how to buy stuff on line.
Thirdly, what the "H" does the fact that a person in China makes 20 cents per hour have to do with anything we are discussing?
digitalmaster ... does "priority" only apply to the USA? The reason I am asking is because I trade in videos and receive tapes almost daily from the USA and around the world. The most I have ever seen on a single tape sent via USPS airmail is $2.35. I received two yesterday ... one from PA and one from Florida ... both packed in a padded envelope and both with postage stickers showing this amount. If you are charging $4.95 to mail a single tape, that works out to around $7.50 CDN. I can buy almost any previewed movie for that!
But the bottom line is simply this: if the listing states the shipping and handling (i.e. graft) charges, and if that's OK with the buyer, go for it. If the listing does not specify an exact shipping and graft cost, contact the seller. If the seller doesn't respond, don't bid.
posted on February 26, 2001 01:37:13 PM new
When I sell my little widgets I offer both first class shipping ($2.00) or priority shipping ($4.00) I give the buyer the choice of shipping and on insurance. The first class price does give me a bit more of a supply fee than the priority does. That is because I have to purchase the little boxes I ship these widgets first class in. I do buy labels and bubble wrap for both shipping services.
As a buyer, I watch the shipping fees carefully. I have been purchasing a lot of DVDs on Ebay lately and I will check through a dozen auctions of the same item to find the best/most honest shipping deal. I love the sellers that explain their terms in detail and offer shippping alternatives. I really like seeing the ones that mention they will combine shipping. I love the "will ship three DVDs for one shipping price" and I stay away from the "each additional DVD will be $1.00 more to ship." If they combine auctions for no extra fee I am MUCH more likely to buy two or three even if I just kind of want the others. My favorite title search for DVDs? Free DVD. That brings up all the ones that have free shipping and I LOVE to bid on those!
posted on February 26, 2001 01:47:33 PM new
As a seller, I get very sick and tired of buyers who do not want to pay the price for shipping/handling I have posted on my auctions. My feeling is, if you do not like the shipping terms, DO NOT BID ON THE AUCTION! If you ordered something from Eddie Bauer or Amazon, would you argue with them over shipping and handling? This is no different. I do not make a huge profit on my shipping fees. They cover postage, insurance, packaging and MY TIME.
posted on February 26, 2001 01:59:12 PM new
justbijou ... out of curiosity, what are you willing to pay for a current release DVD on eBay? I have found that the majority of DVD's listed on ALL auction sites are higher than retail, at least from a Canadian POV looking at US prices.
For example, I notice a new copy of "Sphere" just sold for $15.49 US (10.50 + 4.99) which works out to around $23.00 CDN. I can buy this brand new here for 14.99 CDN. Even Future Shop on line LISTS this one out at $17.99 CDN with free shipping to anywhere in Canada.
This is just the first one I looked at, but I am sure I can find hundreds (thousands?) of others that appear to be overpriced.
If the average DVD price on eBay is a deal for US buyers, an enterprising Canadian could make a pile of dough buying them from places like Future Shop, and reselling them to US buyers on eBay (I can't 'cause I have been banished from eBayLand).
posted on February 26, 2001 02:14:22 PM new
Hi RB,
I try to pay less than a total (incl shipping) of $15.00 for a DVD. However, I won't buy the $29.99 DVDs in stores either. I have found some of those DVDs on Ebay for around $20.00 but then the sellers usually ask $4.00+ for shipping and if I am that close in price to a regular retail store then I will buy it off of Ebay and not have to worry about getting screwed by a seller. I have seen many of the $9.96 WalMart DVDs on Ebay go for $15 to $20. Many of the BIN prices listed are even higher than the store prices PLUS you have to pay shipping. I really like the lot sales of DVDs. Buying more than one with one bid.
posted on February 26, 2001 02:18:17 PM new
Taking the lack of an adjective as indicative of a scam is imputing evil without proof. Yes sellers often "ship" for "less" than the stated amount of postage. And sometimes we ship for more.
FWIW I rarely mention the type of shipping I use in an auction except in an EOA. This is neither sneaky, slimey or what you might think. I give an amount. This tells them what they pay. It allows me to upgrade some shipments. It represents the sum of what the postage and actual packaging material plus a safety factor--my prices are too low to take a beating at the post office. I ship mainly books and charge about 50% less than many online booksellers.
If that's a SCAM, you better avoid all online business and buy retail. Then you can complain about being charged rent as a hidden scam because they don't tell you the precise amount you are being charged to help them stay open.
posted on February 26, 2001 02:24:18 PM new
Again: my POINT: (hey, didn't Harry Nilsson...?)
To me, there is no doubt that the $4.00 number is NOT arbitary! This number was SPECIFICALLY chosen, not to represent the seller's costs, etc, but for one reason only -- to DECEIVE buyers!
AGAIN: please charge ANYTHING YOUR LITTLE HEART DESIRES!
HOWEVER: WHY NOT BE HONEST!
For all the talk about free spaghetti and whine parties, it seems that many sellers feel this tactic is GREAT -- and I think that is very telling & SAD!
posted on February 26, 2001 02:29:49 PM new
Hi RB! I can't stop laughing at your post "..or you won't get out of bed until someone pays you.......you're the best!!
posted on February 26, 2001 02:33:10 PM new
tomwiii: Good point. I find it very interesting that sellers are nearly always advised to describe the item fully--both good points and flaws. Yet many are willing to defend deceptive language about shipping on the basis that it is technically accurate.
posted on February 26, 2001 02:46:57 PM new
BJGrolle,
You're welcome! Also, thanks for sharing about your finding with your comparitive eBay shipping tactic. I also believe by offering other shipping choices, I am more likely to draw in more customer.
If I saw the same widget with two or more sellers, selling about the same price .... I'm more likely to give my business to someone with the most reasonable shipping terms.
digitalmaster,
I won't question your shipping rate of $4.95 to meet with your expenses, but in my book, shipping a video for $5 seems like a lot of money to the average consumer.
I think someone mentioned, a well padded bubble envelope and video shouldn't cost too much money. Even if it went for media and delivery confirmation, it should be even less than half that amount. Keep us posted on what your results are.
posted on February 26, 2001 03:11:57 PM new
I ALWAYS charge my customers actual shipping charges, which usually run from $2.00 to $4.00 more than the postage printed on the mailer. Actual shipping charges ar ALWAYS higher than actual postage. It's really quite simple.
Posts that begin similar to this says "WARNING, UNINTELLIGENT POST AHEAD.
Seriously, I don't know what you can't comprehend. Maybe that's why you are called RB, not very much thought into that name.
Frankly, I do most my buying on ebay because it saves me time running around town, having to stand in lines, waiting at red lights every block, and no sales tax. I value the savings in hassle and my time at about $95/hr, so being "over charged" a couple bucks on handling still represents an awesome deal.
"I happen to be at my local video joint at least once or twice a week - no "extra" cost for me to drive there, and I don't charge anyone for my free time."
So? You've got the consuming part down well. No envy here.
posted on February 26, 2001 06:23:06 PM new
I don't mind intelligent responses, but some of you argue and don't seem to read anything! First, I sell collectable videos. I have a Boingo Video that sells for $100 almost every time I sell it.
That is not including ink for my printer, gas, tape, time and labor. So, a $0.50 handeling charge is quite fair in my oppinion!
As I said, I will offer a cheaper rate, but $4.95 is what it costs me to ship items. SO should I just charge $2 for priority and just eat the $3? Sure I will...
posted on February 26, 2001 06:34:15 PM new
Hey RB, I loved that movie Sphere! I bought it at Amazon though and paid shipping even though I could have saved a few bucks locally. I just hate driving to the store, standing in line, etc. Its all about convienence. I understand your point, but some people just don't like standing in line. In fact, I buy things all the time that I know are cheaper locally.
Regardless, the cost of postage does not mean the cost of shipping. There are other factors in S&H that you need to take under consideration. Actually I said something wrong earlier too. My wife orders our packages for me. I just got the total. Keep reading...
Some of you people say "a package can't cost that much." do you buy packages? A good mailer specifically for videos actually costs me a lot of money. In fact, I just pulled out my invoice:
100 Packages: $112.00 for 100 foam VHS mailers. PLUS SHIPPING!
Stock # 139-12 at Associated Bag Co.
That is $1.12 each package! You can chose to use the free cheap packages but your risking damage to the shipments and I wont do that to customers. Gouging is when I am making a few dollars of shipping. I am making nothing on shipping videos. So, it looks like I am not charging enough actually...
posted on February 26, 2001 06:57:55 PM new
Talk about scam...$1.12 for a mailer (bought in bulk) and $0.50 for a label. Where do you shop? I have some land I am interested in selling.
posted on February 26, 2001 07:12:13 PM new
Ok, point me to a cheaper foam VHS package. If you can give me a place to buy them and a stock number I will buy some tonight and even show you the invoice!
Each package takes 2 lables. One for shipping address and one for return address. Each label is $0.25. Why are you people so hostile?
Ok, so I should just ship everything in platic bags for free? Why do you even buy from the internet if you complain so much? Why not send a bunch of letters to amazon.com and complain about their shipping.
I guess eBay sellers should all bend over and do whatever the buyer wants right? I should not even charge shipping and for now on just write on the item itself without packaging! Sure, thats a great idea.
I normally don't get angry about stuff but a lot of buyers on these boards think sellers should go way past a transaction and even pay money to send an item. That is BS. Its not my job to do that. I have gone out of my way to agree and even decided to offer other shipping rates but SOME of you guys still are waiting for sellers to just bend over here...
Let me tell you, I aint George Michael and never did like Wham... (I do have a 6 foot poster for sale of Wham though!
[ edited by digitalmaster on Feb 26, 2001 07:21 PM ]
posted on February 26, 2001 07:22:53 PM new
If you're shipping priority, the post office will give you labels for free. I also believe you can go to their website and they will send you ones printed with your address, also for free.
posted on February 26, 2001 07:35:17 PM new
They will NOT send free lables that work with Stamps.com. You have to buy those lables. Ask any seller who uses stamps.com. That is on top of the charge it costs to use the service. Also, that still does not take into account the packaging. I wont use cheap free packaging unless you dont mind getting a cheap broken video...
posted on February 26, 2001 07:51:39 PM new
I am reading this thread with interest and it is good to see so many opinions. For me, my time, effort, work involved, and materials used are worth more to me then .30 a transaction. I would not stand for making that kind of a wage from a brick and morter employer so why should I settle for that for myself. We have to get real here folks. Buying from the internet was unheard of some years back, and to be able to do this, these machines and what it takes to keep them running costs money. These handling charges encompass alot of things, from finding something good to sell, to chasing the product down, to getting it for a good price and alot of praying that you didn't miss the mark in your sales projections. Add to that the things that do not fit into the Priority boxes because of odd shapes, so more chasing to either find a fit or make your own. Not sending Prioity? Then your own lables, and tape. Chasing to the post office before the ink is dry on the payment, and in between re-listing things that didn't sell. Payment services taking their fees, the venue taking their cut and people whining about shipping costs because Prioity feels they need more money, while now giving us crappy boxes. So you would rather give a buck or two to the post office rather then to the seller that does all the chasing around? For me, my time is my handling charge. I state s/h in my auctions, and do I charge a handling fee? You bet I do. I value my time as should any seller out there. If people can get it better at a retail store, then they can be my guest. The computer, as is Paypal or any other payment service, is a convenience, and conveniences cost money. Make a pot of soup for $5.00 at home or get that same pot of soup in cans and pay $15.00 for the convenience. The choice is that of the consumer. I am not here for my health, and if anyone doesn't like the s/h charges, ask before you bidand then make the choice as to if it is worth it to you to bid or pass. So simple.
posted on February 26, 2001 08:08:12 PM new
Why is this discussed every month or so and goes on for pages and pages? My opinion is because the sellers are not upfront about how much of the shipping is a handling charge. Sellers are sneaky about their charges. Try stating Shipping costs will be $4.00. Your item will be sent in a 10¢ envelope and postage will be 76¢ for first class. There will be a handling charge of $3.14. No one will bid. Much better to simply say "Shipping will be a fixed amount of $4.00." Buyers will bid, thinking that packing materials aren't free and maybe the buyer is sending it insured, etc. Then when the buyer complains, seller says "you should have asked."
Don't bring up Amazon. Yes the catalog people have a fixed shipping. They also promise to get it to you. When was the last time you saw the words "I'm not responsible if you don't insure" on Eddie Bauer's website?
posted on February 26, 2001 08:12:25 PM newdigitalmaster,
I've found that there is a big difference in prices online for mailing supplies. You might be able to find a similar or identical mailer from someone else for less, that is, if you even want to check it out.
Also, I've recently mailed out some videos myself. I don't know what a foam VHS mailer is, but I mailed mine in a standard padded envelope. Customers are letting me know they've arrived safely. My latest batch of mailers cost me only $.43 apiece, including the shipping charge.
posted on February 26, 2001 08:16:08 PM new
This post reminds me of a story told about the guy that fell in the bath tub and broke his leg and all his friends told him it was his fault,he shouldn't have been taking a bath. I think the main issue isn't what everybody charges for shipping and why.If you say $4.00 for shipping,you already know most people are going to believe its coming Priority.You also know you are going to make them mad if you send it a cheaper way.People are not going to get upset if your adding a small amount to the shipping for materials or whatever.I know if I send a video in an unpadded envelope,that the buyer is going to be mad if I give them free shipping.I got ink today throwed in a Priority box with no packing.Do I think I got what I paid for?Personally no.But the point is we all have enough common sense to know when we are intentionally making people angry,and then act surprised when we get a negative.
posted on February 26, 2001 08:19:42 PM new
I have been trading video tapes worldwide for the past 16 years. When I began, it was really was expensive to line up a trade (no email and no FAX machines - everything was done via telephone when long distance rates were high).
Even back then we didn't tell each other "yeah, but you need to add $3.50 for the phone call, plus $95.00 for the hour of my time it took to find your number and dial it."
Every once in a while somebody will want something from my 4000-odd tape collection and they won't have anything to trade. In these cases, mostly from US tv fans that want Canadian stuff, I offer to provide what they want for the cost of the tape and mailing. If I were to even hint that I need money for the mailer, money for gas to drive the package to the post office, money to provide electricity to run my VCRs yada yada yada, I would be run out of the trading circles in a second.
If it costs $2.35 in postage to mail the tape, then ... that's what is costs !!
It works exactly the same way in reverse for stuff that I buy, except, of course, when the greedy eBayers want to play.
For you folks who hate to actually go outside (the horror, the horror), drive in traffic (ohmygosh), and maybe have to wait in line to buy something (shame, shame), here's a tip for you ... you really don't have to do all of these horrible, time consuming, frustrating and expensive activities to add to your movie collection.
And you don't have to actually talk to a real person either, so you can keep your cute little handles and pretend to be whoever or whatever you want to be. The last "quickdraw" I knew was some cartoon dog ... no wait, I believe that was "queeksdraw". Close enough
You obviously know how to buy stuff on line, so here's my tip:
Next time you want to buy a DVD or a tape, and you want a decent price from a reputable seller who won't stiff you or try to 2-bit you to death with all of these nonsense charges, try clicking on any of the 1000's of DVD etailers instead on eBay.
You'd be amazed at how easy it is, and the money you save over buying these things from greedy eBayers will probably be enough to "earn" you a "free" DVD for every 6 you buy
posted on February 26, 2001 08:19:53 PM new
I too have shipped about 500 videos in my 4 years on eBay, not one broken on delivery and no one has ever complained. My mailers cost about $0.40 each. Label and stamp them myself and drop them in a mailbox. Never had a problem. But thats just me.
posted on February 26, 2001 08:21:48 PM new
london4 .. the labels might be free, but "someone" has to pay for the time it takes to write something on them
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