posted on January 15, 2003 01:17:59 PM new
We received just received an eBay Seller's Survey that asked specifically about seller's shipping methods, policies, etc. It is clear that eBay continues to explore the possibility of offering a free shipping and/or discounted shipping program of some sort.
posted on January 15, 2003 02:03:04 PM new
I get a lot of spam junk mail and I'm getting more and more web sites offering free shipping. For instance, Spiegel.com, the famous catalog folks, are sending more and more spam promoting free s/h. The established websites of major companies may be attacking one of ebay's few weak spots.
posted on January 15, 2003 02:25:05 PM new
I've noticed that a lot of retailers on the web have veered away from percentage off discounts to the free shipping venue!
This is fine except they usually want you to spend $75, $100, or more! Not much of a bargain.
posted on January 15, 2003 03:26:39 PM new
Not only would eBay make out on FVF on shipping, but not many auctions will be starting at low prices if you are giving away shipping with your item. That means more money for eBay on insertion fees too.
posted on January 15, 2003 04:29:23 PM new
I wonder if ebay could have a new promotion for free listing fees on all auctions that offer free s/h? It would have to place a special icon or something on each auction to keep some sellers from abusing the free listing status. Many ebay auction items are very lightweight and the s/h costs are well under $1 so ebay may get some takers. A special section or search function for free s/h may draw a lot of traffic to those listings. That sounds like something ebay may try to get more money out of sellers.
posted on January 15, 2003 04:39:33 PM new
The free shipping, it will affect all of us, particularly my little eBay business. Can anyone speculate for me how eBay will implement such a program? If this is a program that eBay will implement within the year, I need to know all possible variances in advance, so I can analyze if my business is adaptable to this change or not.
Will eBay mandate free shipping for all categories, or just specific categories?
Or will free shipping be voluntary, with eBay offering inducements to sellers who offer free shipping?
If eBay mandates free shipping, will there be a reimbursement like with half.com or will the seller be expected to pay for all costs?
Do you think if free shipping is mandated that sellers can get around it by starting to charge high handling fees? For example, I list an item in which I normally state that shipping is $7.00. eBay set up a reimbursement structure that will refund me $4.00. So I state in the auction that there is a handling fee of $3.00.
What are the worse repurcussions if eBay mandates free shipping? A departure of numerous sellers, so those of us who are expecting this new program, who are not surprised, and so we are ready to go with lots of auctions in anticipation of tens of thousands of sellers leaving?
Maybe tooltimes is noticing it accurately, that this is going to be like the gas station wars of the 1970s, except all of us are going to get caught up in it against our wills.
posted on January 15, 2003 04:54:39 PM new
last year me and a friend decided to do an experiment with free shipping. we both list about 20 items that were exactly the same. his auctions had free shipping...mine had a shipping fee of $7.75.
we both had similar feedback ratings and we used the exact same ad description and picture.
well...all 20 of my auctions had higher final bids than his...thus in our minds proving Free shipping was a joke.
I will offer free shipping when the Post Office and UPS offers a free shipping service.
posted on January 15, 2003 04:55:06 PM new
Never mind my comments are reimbursements from eBay. That makes no sense if the shipping is free, the buyer doesn't pay anything at all, thus no reimbursement.
Then if free shipping is mandated, and if upping the starting price will diminish bids, seems the solution is to have a handling fee which will cover the costs of shipping.
posted on January 15, 2003 06:54:39 PM new
One of the best discusssions I have read in a long time. Thank You. I am once again excited to start adding to my web site. I think the froggle idea is wonderful.
