posted on April 25, 2003 06:39:44 PM new
I've been selling on ebay for some time now and have recently been reading about ways to reduce stress and costs in the shipping area. I've been using USPS Priority exclusively-free supplies and with vendio's check out it will give the customer their rates. By doing it this way, I have found that I make absolutely nothing for all the time involved with the s&h process. I know there has to be a better way. The only problem is, when typing up the info for the ad, I have to put in an exact amount to charge for shipping or use priority calculated. Without knowing the destination before hand, I'm afraid of charging way too much (getting negative feedback) or way too little (loosing what little profit I make). If someone with some experience in this could help, I would really appreciate it. I know there has to be a simple way of doing this, but I just can't figure it out.
posted on April 25, 2003 07:06:56 PM new
If yer in California, use this zip code,,,,,04401......add a few bucks fer yer troubles and walla,,,,,done deal.....
posted on April 25, 2003 07:11:20 PM new
Oh! if by chnace you are somewhere in the middle of the Good Ole U.S.A. East 04401 on the Pacifc Coast,,,,92801........Works ever time.
posted on April 25, 2003 07:48:00 PM new
Thanks, I was going with the 90210 from the tv show. I live in florida, so I figured by charging to go to beverly hills I'd be safe. If you've been using this type of system yourself, have you ever caught flack from customers who live on the East Coast, after they've received their package and see that the postage didn't cost as much as you've charged?
posted on April 25, 2003 08:07:31 PM new
pnkbargains You have a very good question and yes it is a worry to me also sometimes, but most of the time I am able to say what shipping will be with delivery confirmation, and then I add 50cents to that total.
But with lots of my things that are heavy it is very hard to say exact shipping cost so what I do is in the Ebay check out I write............Shipping is APROX. $8.00 it could be more or it could be less, depending on your zip code area, so Please contact me before sending payment so I can give you the correct cost of shipping. Or/ Email me your zip code before you bid and I will give you the cost of shipping.
Only with heavy items I do this because I have been wrong many times and I don't make enough profit,,,,,,,as you say for any large mistakes. ........
I have found that this is working for me very well, because the buyer knows that they will not be over charged, and I know I will not undercharge..........lol
posted on April 25, 2003 08:50:16 PM new
With a postage calculator in the auction description you can add extra to every shipping quote and the buyer will not notice it.
There is a very easy to use one named zip clicker and they are free to use on auctions. Change a variable in the code from zero to $1 or whatever extra you want and that is part of the shipping quote after they enter their zip code in the little box.
At first glance it looks like it costs $10 but at the bottom there is this blurb
I've made all ZipClicker versions available for online use, FREE of charge. This will give you the opportunity to decide which one is right for you should you decide to purchase the offline version. The only limitation with the online calculators is the inability to choose your calculator default settings.
posted on April 25, 2003 10:41:38 PM new
I state in my auction what the USPS Priority shipping/handling will be. I try to make it a fair amount. Sometimes I make a bit...sometimes I lose a bit. The way I see it if the s/h cost is in the auction the buyer sees it and shouldnt bid if they feel it is too much.
Selling on ebay keeps me busy enough without trying to figure each shipping cost based on zip code. I can only imagine the additional emails, the additional time before shipping and the delays in getting paid.
If I ever get a neg or neut for overcharging on shipping I know that it is not may fault since the cost is listed in the auction. If a buyer ever writes and complains I dont have a problem refunding a bit to make it even. This almost never happens(knock on wood).
posted on April 26, 2003 09:23:02 AM new
I sell a wide variety of antiques and collectables. Also wide variety of weights. I simply state in my TOS that all items will be sent Priority insured unless stated in the auction.
The end of auction notice from eBay gives buyer's zip, USPS page gives me rate to their location, and my end of auction email to them gives them accurate shipping costs.
If you have to rely on profit from shipping to make a go of it, you're doing something wrong.
There is a fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
