posted on September 4, 2002 09:06:35 AM new
I just noticed that some books listed on Half.com have an option right on the list for expedited mail. (Where have I been?!)
When I go to Sales Management, then Shipping OPtions, there is a big choice which I wasn't aware of.
Anybody out there use these options? They are (1) charge a % of the total book cost; (2) flat rate; (3) a shipping table which I guess we can fill out and use.
It's dizzying to me; I'd love some advice from someone--anyone--who has done any of this.
My one experience with a buyer's demanding expedited mail (even though I hadn't put that as an option, of course) was that I lost my shirt on the sale, with Half.com dictating what their allowance for that upgrade would be.
posted on September 4, 2002 09:25:46 AM new
I use it on Ebay items heavier than can be sent by 1st class mail. I ship anything up to 4 pounds USPS Priority mail with the notification that shipping cost to be determined by purchasers zip code upon completion of auction. In the set up for shipping check the Priority mail, (Calc) & enter the actual shipping weight of the item.
When they respond to the WBN, enter their ZIP, it lists the shipping fee. I use the option to add by handling fee to the total shipping fee.
Or add a second option for a different method of shipping.
Works well for me...
[ edited by bear1949 on Sep 4, 2002 12:39 PM ]
posted on September 4, 2002 05:43:40 PM new
Bear1949: I'm confused, and I wonder if we're talking about the same thing here. There is no WBN from me to the Half.com buyer. When I get the (one and only) notification of a sale from Half.com, there's no way for me to turn around and tell the buyer who has opted for expedited mail just what the actual charges will be.
Have you used this method for Half.com sales, and how would it work there?
posted on September 5, 2002 11:21:03 PM new
Hi Roadsmith,
I've been selling on half.com for less than two weeks, so I am no expert. Despite, here is my opinion on the shipping choices.
I think the shipping choices are there mostly for non-book items. If you browse the book dealers, most of the sellers offer Media Mail only. The mega volume book dealers offer upgrades in shipping, I believe because they have the sophisticated systems in place to do so.
In my two weeks on half.com I have a little under 500 books in inventory, not listed all at once but a little every day, and I've sold 62 up through this evening. I only offer Media Mail. I am satisfied with my sales, so it would not serve me to enhance shipping options to buyers.
Now, I have a half.com question I will post under a new topic. Can you look for it and answer my questions?
