posted on September 10, 2002 11:24:45 AM new
I've made a lot of mistakes with the new rates.... so I put in my auctions: We ship via Prioirty $x.xx for shipping and handling.
I don't REALLY have a 'handling' What happens is I sometimes hit the shipping right, sometimes its actually less, and I do refund over charges.
Well ever since this, I get overwhelmed with bidders emailing me wanting me to ship MEDIA mail, no matter what it is.
One, I wrote about a few weeks ago, and this was MY mistake, TOLD ME how much 'actual shipping' was, when I sent her an EOA email with the $3.85 shipping..... she sent her quoted shipping of $1.45, and then added a note:
Hi Shelly,
Here is $7.59, I think $1. is good enough for 'handling'.
Yeah, well that package left here at $4.40.
Never heard from her, my postal log on D.C. (the free D.C. with Endicia) shows it was delivered 3 days later.
That one was MY mistake in sending it Priority, which I state in my auctions, and not going 'after her' for the remaining.
It really was a stab to get that note telling me the she thought $1. was good enough for handling.
Of course she doesn't know that it really is not a 'handling' charge.
Has anyone else gotten 'grief' from buyers over Priority charges, and do anyone of you state a flat shipping charge in your auction?
I am thinking of doing Free Shipping, because I believe that prespective bidders look at $5.00 or $5.50 I have in each auction as too much.
Also does anyone do 'Free Shipping'?
posted on September 10, 2002 11:47:32 AM new
I only use Priority Mail for pkgs less than 2 lbs. Everything else goes Fed
Ex Ground. I haven't had a single complaint yet. I had one buyer in VT who insisted on Priortiy mail. The pkg weighed 8 lbs. & she didn't quibble about the cost which with ins. was $17.95.
[ edited by sanmar on Sep 12, 2002 09:24 AM ]
posted on September 10, 2002 12:02:27 PM new
Do yourself a huge favor and buy a postage scale. I was doing the same as you (estimating the postage) and almost always lost money. If you weigh the item, add a bit for box and packing materials, and then check the USPS web site, you should have a pretty good idea of what it will cost. I personally use the Royal RC40 that gives me the cost for each shipping method when you weigh the item. Some like it, some don't. It works for me. And I always know what the shipping will be before listing so there are no surprises. As far as media mail, I don't use it. First Class with DC, Priority with DC, or UPS for the 3# and higher (or worth more than $25).
All of my auctions have a fixed price shipping quotes. I do offer first class for the cheap shipping bidders and priority for those who want it fast. I have on occasion used the "free shipping" in my ads, but they seemed to do about the same as my normal shipping ads. I think either way the customer will bid and consider the total amount they want to pay.
posted on September 10, 2002 12:12:57 PM new
Woaw yeah, those Priority rates can get really high!
Most of my things weigh in at around 2 lbs, but then I get the 3 lb ones that make it really iffy to put in a flat rate (using Priority)
I would use the others-UPS, Fed Ex or Air Borne, but I really really like Endicia, and that is for USPS only. I like the boxes I am able to use for Priority too.
I just don't understand people who think that ANYTHING can go Media.... I have looked at other sellers and they are offering Media on anything. I've always thought that was wrong, but maybe I'm wrong???
What really got me was one seller, who puts in each of his auctions that they 'never charge one of those handling fees' and then goes on in their ME page about 'how they are appalled at the prices other sellers are charging for shipping' this is one that will ship ANYTHING Media.
Now there was some threads awhile ago about people using Media for things like those Flat Hoses and other things besides 'media' (I consider Media mail; Books, CD's, Videos, DVDs) but I guess now you CAN use it for anything? I'm confused on this stuff, because I see so many auctions out their offering Media rates for things other than 'media'.
posted on September 10, 2002 12:19:34 PM newnearthesea: I stopped putting the words "priority" in my auctions. Here is what I put in my auctions now:
A flat rate of $x.xx for shipping and handling through the US Postal Service will be charged.
I have not had one person question the cost or offer an alternative. That gives you a little leeway on the heavier packages to send them either Priority or parcel post.
posted on September 10, 2002 12:41:35 PM new
I use only: Priority Mail.
When listing I throw it on a scale, add 2 lbs. for packing, go to the chart, price it to the furthest zone, and list it as a fixed price.
If I'm lucky sometimes I make a buck on the deal to cover gas to the P.O.
posted on September 10, 2002 12:50:15 PM new
I ship exclusively Priority Mail and most packages fall in the 2 pound category. I know this up front so my adds all have a fixed rate. If it is 2 pounds, the flat rate is $6.00. This allows me $0.25 at the worse case and at best $2.05. On 3 pounds I go flat rate at $8.00 which could cost me $0.55 but it all works out. I have many people buy multiple items and my TOS states on multilpe wins, buyer pays actual plus $1.00. All my ads also state that I ship via Priority Mail. I have never had a complaint about shipping. I use Endicia and also have a decent scale.
posted on September 10, 2002 12:55:07 PM new
dixiebee, I did that first, I put the fixed amount : $x.xx for shipping and handling. With no mention of Priority. Got it mostly right, most of the time
But still, I was overwhelmed with emails, before and after the auction, arguing the charges, (and IMO, they were not that high, either $5. or $5.50)
So then I went, and now put We Ship Priority within the U.S. $5.50 Shipping and Handling, and still have complaints... I must have Sucker written all over my ads
dadofstickboy, that is kind of what I do, but still the insistence of this Media rate, before and after auctions..... do you get this kind of response from any of your buyers?
posted on September 10, 2002 01:04:46 PM new
marcn that is what I do. I love Endicia, so that is why I am sticking with the P.O.
I put the 'fixed' amount in, but its like no one believes it, or buyers think they can make up their own TOS acccck. I must be the only one with this problem. I can't ignore all these emails with buyers knowing everything.
Not new at this, been doing it since 1996, never a problem, until this latest price hike.
posted on September 10, 2002 01:22:08 PM new
NearTheSea:
The only time I run into trouble is when I sell books.
The thing is: If I had to go out and buy packaging for media I'd end up charging the same and they would end up waiting forever for their item.
I got a Neg a little while ago because I wouldn't budge on a book!
Why did they bid it's written in black & white.
Makes me wonder why people buy books in the first place, seems they can't read!
I'm right now packing a 35 lb item, cost the customer $65.00 and I received no complaint just the money.
I know I won't bid on an item till I find out what it's going to cost me Total!
If it's too much I move on I never argue!
To me it's take it or leave it!!
Edited to say: With books I try to post actual nothing added.
[ edited by dadofstickboy on Sep 10, 2002 01:23 PM ]
posted on September 10, 2002 01:28:35 PM new
I use priority on all packages 3 pounds and under. I charge fixed shipping handling and insurance. I am in Florida and about 80% of my items go to zone 8 so that is how I figure my fixed price. The few that don't go to zone 8 I make a little money on. I have had no complaints. On all items over 3 pounds I charge $1.00 handling + parcel post charges or actual cost for priority.
posted on September 10, 2002 03:56:46 PM new
NearTheSea:
I never get questioned about the shipping rate. I enter it in the eBay checkout details and then in my TOS I say "See Payment Details Below" for shipping cost. I did get a few questions before I put the "see below" in my TOS. The eBay checkout details are at the very bottom of the page until the item closes, then it is at the top.
posted on September 10, 2002 05:23:58 PM new
I had a buyer in Fa. last week that after the auction closed, completed the AW WBN checkout, entered his zip code & was quoted a Priority mail cost of $8.30. He sent me a email TELLING me "He knew it didn't cost $8.30 to ship to Fla". I refigured the shipping, Came to $8.15. Let him know he was right. Finally received his check today.
My TOS state that S/H to be figured upon completion of sale. Guess he didn't read it all.
posted on September 11, 2002 11:01:09 AM new
I use Priorty for all 1 lb packages and about 75% of my 2 pounders. Rest go by either UPS Ground or Airborne Ground. I used flat fee shipping.
For the Priority mail packages, I use Endicia and had the stealth mode turned on - since then not one gripe about the cost since the actual postage amount is not printed. It just prints "US Postage & Fees Paid" and it lists the zone and weight. They can figure out what it is with this info, but I think most people are too lazy to do that.
posted on September 12, 2002 05:13:48 AM new
I had to call Endicia to get stealth mode turned on. I did not (at that time / have not looked for a "button" recently) see any way for us to do it ourselves.
posted on September 12, 2002 09:46:09 AM new
I sell mostly software. Stuff that used to go by priority now goes media mail. I've lowered my shipping/handling fee on many auctions. If the post office is doing as badly as they claim, they should have found ways to cut costs. Raising prices will not help their business.
posted on September 12, 2002 10:08:16 AM new
I ship everything I sell priority mail with insurance which comes to $5.15 for up to $50.00 insurance. Never have had any complaint at all.
posted on September 12, 2002 11:13:47 AM new
I use the stealth mode on Endicia all the time. In the beginning, I had a lot of explaining to do at the post office, but I believe I have the worse PO in the USA (they even make me wait in line, no drop & run).
So if you can get you PO to understand the stealth mode...that is the way to go.
I use flat rate. My TOS say Buyer to pay $X.XX shipping charges which include priority mail with delivery confirmation. Been doing that since the rate change and no complaints.
posted on September 12, 2002 07:42:26 PM new
The only thing I could find close to stealth mode using Endicia was on the Postage Options/Rates as stated above. The only thing I found says
"USPS Label 103" and "USPS Label 104". Both show up with a label that says either "Fourth Class Mail Postage and Fees Paid USPS Dept" and "Third Class Mail Postage and Fees Paid USPS Dept".
posted on September 12, 2002 07:46:35 PM new
You need to contact Endicia and ask them to enable Stealth Mode. Once they do it, it will be available in the Postage Options.
posted on September 12, 2002 07:55:55 PM new
ooooooooooooohhhh. O.K. Thanks marcn! I don't feel like an idiot now since it's not there to find. I'll call 'em tomorrow.
