posted on April 18, 2001 03:55:22 PM new
After reading SO MUCH about over shipping I decided to try something new in my auctions. The old listings used to say Buyer to pay actual shipping and insurance and then in bold I put we do not charge a handling fee. I left that part in, but under that I also put a price for items under 6 pounds Priority rate and anything over 6 pounds I put that the item could cost from the lowest to the highest based on high bidder's address. I also put that insurance will be extra based on the final bid. Is that any better for everyone who complains about the shipping not being stated in auctions?
I know it doesn't state the EXACT shipping, but is this close enough?
posted on April 19, 2001 02:43:45 PM new
I still look for exact shipping cost.
I just won an auction last month which didn't list the exact shipping. I use Paypal, but couldn't until I knew the shipping. I never heard from the seller and all emails to her were returned as "undeliverable".
I finally took a chance and paid with Paypal using $3.95 as the shipping cost, even though I would have preferred regular mail (one shirt). I'm hoping the item arrives.
So unless you have unique items, I think most of us buyers are tired of having to work at finding out what we'll have to ultimately have to pay when considering a bid.
Do you even know what giving every single bidder an idea what an item that weighs over 5 pounds would cost? It's virtually impossible. A shirt, yeah that's an easy one, but what if it's a 30 pound widget? Depending on where you live if you require Priority Mail it could cost as little as $15.55 or as high as $41.55.
So then what about the buyers who only accept UPS am I supposed to figure out every single zone for that too?
I think at some point bidder's are going to have to become a bit more savvy about how they do their shopping online and expect to ask some questions. Maybe eBay can put a spot in the listing for us seller's to put an approximately shipping weight. Not all of us pack our items prior to making out the listing either, so that would pose a problem as far as getting you an EXACT shipping cost as well.
It's plain and simple (IMHO anyway): A HEAVY OBJECT CANNOT HAVE AN EXACT COST OF SHIPPING IN THE AUCTION. PERIOD!!!
posted on April 19, 2001 07:46:29 PM new
I've had pretty good success using the USPS shipping calculator, even for heavy items. The only time it was a problem was when the package fell into an oversize category (big, but not that heavy) that wasn't accounted for in their calculator.
I like to quote a flat rate for as many auctions as I can, usually smaller items, and if I have to eat a few cents here and there, it's worth it to avoid the extra emails involved in getting ZIP codes etc. If it's a heavier item, I provide an email link in the ad to "Ask me for a shipping estimate." Anything under 60 lbs or so no problem.
As far as long explanations go, it seems the more I ask bidders to read, the less the understand (mostly because they don't read it). Hate getting emails that ask questions which are clearly answered in the ad. Short, sweet, concise.
posted on April 19, 2001 07:56:35 PM new
I am trying to always place the shipping cost at the bottom of my item description, with an addition of costing extra for international bidders. I am going to start adding that all items are sent in a padded envelope (I deal mostly in books), and I try to wrap them to insure protection from moisture (we ALL know how the USPS can be in the rain). Aside from that, I don't know whay else we as sellers can do. I but alot, and try to look at it from a buyers prospective. The one thing that always gets me is when I see $4.50 or $5.00 shipping charges, and the seller states they do not charge for handling. Is the cost of the mailer (normally a USPS shipping box, but not always) to be included in the cost of shipping? And if so, should it be detailed in the TOS or item description as "cost of shipping envelope included in shipping cost"? What do you all think?
Rick
In the begining, God created the heavens and the earth.
I put the domestic shipping cost in every auction, regardless of weight [antiques/collectibles]. I've been doing it that way for years - so it is possible. It's also easy, in my opinion.
My rates are based upon far middle zones +/-. Some packages I make a little, some I loose a little, but it averages out OK.
I would NOT want to quote shipping rates after an auction closed based upon [waiting] for a bidders zip code. It's more efficient to do it the way I am, plus bidders know all costs up front.
posted on April 19, 2001 08:15:28 PM new
You might consider tucking in a note saying:
"The shipping weight on this item is XX pounds. Actual postage from my zip code (33009) to yours is all you pay -- NO HANDLING CHARGES. Send me your zip code and I'll be happy to give you a precise figure from the USPS website."
That would indicate to me that you are not using one of these packing places that charge through the roof.
Free Advice: Worth what you paid for it.
janice142 (one four two)
