posted on December 31, 2000 01:41:42 PM new
During the first two years of selling on eBay we charged no handling fees. Last year we charged a modest twenty-five cents.
Charging a reasonable handling fee did not harm sales; actually, sales were better! This year it's going to fifty-cents and I don't expect any problems. Most charge much more...
posted on December 31, 2000 02:04:37 PM new
Hi there morgantown. I am mostly a seller on Ebay, but when I do search for something to bid on, I personally NEVER bid on anyone's auction that charges handling fees. I don't charge them and actually IMO, MOST sellers don't. Up to you, though, it is your auction. Happy New Year. Janet
posted on December 31, 2000 02:08:36 PM new
As a buyer, I don't bid on ANY auctions with "handling" fees. It's just another way to score the seller a little more money. (No offense intended to sellers who do charge a fee.)JMO
As a seller, at first I charged a 50 cent supply fee for all items shipped first class or bookrate. Then I decided to stop doing that and just ship all items priority with no extra fees. Sales have been better, and prices go higher without the added fees.
posted on December 31, 2000 02:14:34 PM new
Hi Janet:
Perhaps it has something to do what what is being sold? When I search through the antique and collectibles categories, I see lots of handling fees.
I was truthfull when saying our sales increased after the addition of a twenty-five cent fee. We also switched to the "fixed" shipping mode, which may have an effect as well.
I can't imagine why you would be unwilling to pay a small and reasonable handling fee, espeically to a proficient seller...
posted on December 31, 2000 02:24:33 PM new
Actually, that is exactly what I sell are antiques and collectibles, especially fragile glassware. I also shop on Ebay for my personal glass collections. There is a lot of competition out there; if I see an item out there with a handling charge and the same item without the handling charge (even if I have to wait awhile), well....guess which one I will bid on? Janet
posted on December 31, 2000 02:26:51 PM new
To the bidders that would not be willing to pay "any" handling fees, I say this in honesty. I'm glad you don't bid on my auctions.
The grinches are usually problematic in other areas - this from experience, and I've seen it many times...
Now that's an opinion!
MTown
PS. I paid a $4.55 handling fee on a small piece of glass [that I had to have!], now that was, IMO excessive. Yes, the fee was listed in the auction. I accepted the terms and left positive feedback.
posted on December 31, 2000 02:32:52 PM new
Sorry you feel I am a grinch, MTown. Actually I am fairly nice person lol. Was just giving my opinion on your thread and as I said, it is your auction; do what you want to do. Janet
posted on December 31, 2000 02:34:41 PM new
Hey! I know lots of [nice] grinches! It's not an insult. My Moms a grinch fer cryin out loud - and I love her!
Edited to add: But would I want her to bid on my auctions? Only if the profit margins drop. Last years was 367% so we aint there yet!
Janet! I do wish you a Happy New Year...
[ edited by morgantown on Dec 31, 2000 02:37 PM ]
posted on December 31, 2000 02:39:41 PM new
I agree with Morgantown. It's simple arithmatic. You add up the bid and the S&H fee. If it's at a price you can accept then you've got yourself a great deal.
And people that can't add or get goofy over this will probably be a pain in the butt over something else.
I have sold thousands of videos and dvd's over the last few years and frankly the one's that have given me the most hassle have been from folks who were plucking up the under $5.00 bargains!
It takes my shipper 3-4 dollars at $10.00 per hour to pack up my weekly load. Who's supposed to pay for that? Tape, bubblemailers, INET service.... It's going to be in price somewhere, whether an auction starts with a higher price or has a higher S&H.
What you are forgeting is that sellers have to compete with people dumping unwanted Xmas gifts. No overhead there?
I guess it's all about attitude? Good thing the world and internet is a big place. Nobody is forced to bid.
I also tried doing auctions that included S&H! And some at reduced S&H with no effects on sales.
posted on December 31, 2000 03:03:00 PM new
Hi Travor: Yes "apples to oranges." Apples being reasonable handling fees. Oranges being unreasonable handling fees.
We sell antiques & collectibles. Everything from $1.99 to hundreds. Never had a complaint over a twenty-five cent handling fee. On the other hand we run auctions - the way they should be. Low starting bids with no reserves. Yes that's right, low starting bids and no reserves, anyone remember that? Guess what? It's still the most profitable way to run our business...
posted on December 31, 2000 03:26:28 PM new
MTown,
I have no problem with paying a reasonable, i.e. .25 to .50 handling fee. And I am a notorious cheapskate!! Packing materials such as bubble wrap and peanuts cost money. Geez, if you order something out of a catalog look at the handling fees you'll pay. As a Seller, I charge fixed shipping rates, which are stated in TOS and which include the cost of my packing materials, as well as postage. My fees are low and because of this I never, ever have to relist anything. I start my auctions ridiculously low (.99) with no reserve. Sometimes watching them almost makes me sick! It always works out in the end, though. You win some and you lose some. I combine shipping on multiple purchases to save the buyer money. Bottom line, I don't want to eat the cost of materials but I also don't want to gouge my customers. Sometimes, when an item does especially well (way better than I expected), I will surprise the winner and tell them that shipping is on me. I am a small time seller and only list once or twice per month. I have had several customers request me to email them and let them know when I list more items.
posted on December 31, 2000 03:36:44 PM new
I stopped using the word 'handling'. That word has way too much baggage.
I use 'postage and packaging' and then give ONE fixed fee that includes both.
By using one total fixed fee, I avoid buyers griping that the non-postage component is too high - it is not broken out. I also avoid people looking at the price of the stamp and complaining that I have charged something different. Clearly I have.
Buyers look at the postage and packaging fee and add it to their bid. They know EXACTLY what they will pay.
posted on December 31, 2000 03:43:59 PM new
Bill Happy New Year!
Yes, I agree with you. I don't break it down either, it's a fixed shipping quote. Thank you for bringing it up, because it does make all the difference.
