sulyn1950
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posted on March 1, 2001 11:06:07 AM new
I have changed my TOS to try and address the concerns many buyers obviously have with shipping.
I used to just charge a flat fee. Sometimes it was too high, some times too low.
I really don't like making money on shipping, but I reallllly don't like losing money either. I rarely make enough on the sale to give away extra. I sell jewelry usually in the price range of $75.-$100.
Anyway, I changed my TOS to state:
"Shipping is by Priority with insurance. To most zones within the US Priority is $3.50, the cost of insurance depends on final price. I calculate shipping from the USPS website using zip XXXXX. If you would like a quote before bidding email me with your zip.
Shortly after the close of the auction, I will contact you for your zip and your preferred method of payment. Once I have this information, I will calculate your final price and send it along with instructions specific for your chosen method of payment. If I have been unable to make contact within 5 days of close of the auction I reserve the right to cancel the bid and relist the item."
I know it's too long, but I don't know how to shorten it and say what needs saying.
Would this put you off as a potential bidder?
Thanks for any help you can give me. Sulyn
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mrsquezada
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posted on March 1, 2001 11:09:23 AM new
I think I would bid on an item with those TOS. How much was your flat fee?
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sulyn1950
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posted on March 1, 2001 11:19:02 AM new
Originally I charged $5.00. That inclused the insurance and was BEFORE the postal rate hikes. Because I sell items that are not easily replaced, and certainly can't afford to absorb the price if lost, I have always insisted on insurance. Of course MOST buyers in that price range want insurance anyway, so that had never been a problem.
The problem would occur when the item ended below my expected price or way above.
It started happening on a pretty regular basis so I had changed my TOS to just say "ACTUAL SHIPPING". After reading the many post on shipping here on AW, I decided I needed to change that!
At one time I offerred 1ST Class Shipping, but I discovered there was way too much variance in shipping to set a flat fee. For some reason my packages end up anywhere from 3.5 oz to 5oz! I have even asked the clerk if she had her thumb on the scale! I mean I use a standard ring box and ship in the same size box. Only possible difference to explain the weight differences was the bubble wrap, tissue paper or peanuts! Dang those peanuts!! With Priority, I can go to a #!!! So I can pour in the peanuts to my hearts content! 
[ edited by sulyn1950 on Mar 1, 2001 11:21 AM ]
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photogeyk
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posted on March 1, 2001 11:19:10 AM new
I TRIED THAT AND GOT FLAK FROM BIDDERS SO I WENT TO A BASIC $6.00 FLAT RATE AND INCLUDED DELIVERY CONFIRMATION AND INSURANCE, IF THE SHIPPING IS LESS THE I ATTRIBUTE THE EXTRA FOR THE COST OF PACKING MATERIALS, BUBBLE WRAP, PEANUTS, AND PLASTIC.........
every 20 seconds in america a woman is giving birth:SHE MUST BE FOUND AND STOPPED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.................................................................
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jlwelling
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posted on March 1, 2001 11:25:14 AM new
I didn't know there were any zones that priority was not $3.50 for the 1lb rate - nor which varied by zip. Am I missing something here? Wouldn't all jewelry fall into a less than 1lb $3.50 flat rate? Does insurance vary by zip? Do you make $$ on shipping is that why you changed the TOS from a flat fee? Would you lose money if for brevity you stated something like "S/H $5.25 via priority mail including mandatory insurance" or "Shipping is $3.50 via priority mail plust mandatory insurance of $1.10 to $50 EOA price and $2.00 to $100 EOA price"? I don't think your TOS currently is a turn off...just some questions and ideas that popped into my head -
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BlondeSense
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posted on March 1, 2001 11:43:43 AM new
I suggest the same thing as jlwelling. How about: "Buyer pays for priority shipping ($3.50) and insurance ($1.10 for up to $50.00, $2.00 up to $100.00, or $4.00 up to $300.00). Of course put in the actual prices. I don't know what they are, I never sell anything that expensive. 
Edited to add: BTW, priority prices only vary by zone with much heavier packages.
[ edited by BlondeSense on Mar 1, 2001 11:50 AM ]
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sulyn1950
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posted on March 1, 2001 11:49:19 AM new
jlwelling-I am not sure if Hawaii and Alaska are $3.50. I have never sold to anyone in those states.
I want to keep my TOS as simple as possible. I feel I am already too long and if I start trying to list all the possible insurance cost, that will make it even longer.
I like the idea of a flat rate, but doing that will mean some will be overcharged and some under.
Priority, insurance & DC for $50 is $5.00
Priority, insurance & DC for $75-$100 is $5.90
Priority, insurance & DC for $125 is $6.90
I suppose I could say:
Shipping by Priority, w/insurance & DC-$6.00 up to $125.00. Additional cost for insurance for values over $125.00.
Unfortunately the $50 - $100 would be overcharged and the $125.00 would be undercharged.
That's why I chose to just say I'll calculate at the end of auction!
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vargas
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posted on March 1, 2001 11:54:53 AM new
Alaska and Hawaii are the same price as any other state for Priority up to 5 pounds.
I send packages to both.
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sulyn1950
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posted on March 1, 2001 11:59:13 AM new
Thanks! Vargas-At least I can take the zip stuff out and that will help to shorten it.
Do the zips/zones affect the cost of 1st Class?????
I have seen many ads that stated I ship from zip XXXX at a packaged weight of XXXX.
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mballai
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posted on March 1, 2001 12:07:11 PM new
It's just too wordy IMHO. Try
I calculate your shipping for Insured Priority mail from zip XXXXX. Please contact me if you need an estimate before bidding--the final cost of the item will affect the shipping cost. I reserve the right to cancel a bid if I the bidder fails to respond within x days.
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sulyn1950
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posted on March 1, 2001 12:15:11 PM new
Thanks mballai! I have always had trouble stating facts without excessive dribble!!!!
May I use your recommendation! I like it.
Short and to the point.
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bmma
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posted on March 1, 2001 12:52:44 PM new
I look for only those auctions that take Paypal and state the shipping-handling costs. This way, as soon as I win, I can process a Paypal payment w/o waiting to hear back from the seller as to the cost. I want to know my costs upfront w/o having to email the seller.
Back when I was new I'd email the seller, but that's too much hassle now when I know I will probably see the same item again with the s-h quoted.
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sulyn1950
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posted on March 1, 2001 01:02:11 PM new
OK how about:
"Shipping is by Insured Priority with DC.
Priority & DC is $3.90. Insurance is $1.10 to $50, $2.00 to $100, $3.00 to $150-over $150 email for quote."
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gjsi
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posted on March 1, 2001 04:12:18 PM new
First question that popped into my head, was "Why does method of payment matter?"
Greg
Edited because I think to fast and my fingers don't always keep up.
[ edited by gjsi on Mar 1, 2001 05:30 PM ]
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stan41
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posted on March 1, 2001 04:19:44 PM new
I simplified my shipping terms "I only charge what the Post Office charges me. No charge for packing or handling" Haven't had a complaint yet.
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taz8057
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posted on March 1, 2001 05:18:56 PM new
Hi,
I just have a flat rate of $4.95. I use priority with DC.
-Trey
***********************************
"If your mind can concieve it, and you believe it, then you probably can achieve it."
http://www.CondomDeals.com
***********************************
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jlwelling
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posted on March 1, 2001 06:05:27 PM new
Sulyn1950 - No zone differences for first class either. Priority zone rates differ commencing at 6lbs. With lightweight items - you can safely eliminate the references to the zip. I too like shipping spelled out so I can pay ASAP - your last suggestion seemed to hit the nail on the head! Go for it -
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tomwiii
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posted on March 1, 2001 06:13:17 PM new
INSURANCE: just a suggestion; here's what I do: I offer it. If the buyer decides against it & I feel I CANNOT absorb the cost of a shipping fiasco, then I insure it at my expense. The wierd thing is that whenever I do that the buyer asks if I want re-imbursement & when I say "NO", they end up buying MORE from me.
It reduces the stress of having to yell at them: "Well, ya should have bought ins & since ya didn't -- TOUGH!"
Nice thing is: rarely happens!
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