posted on November 26, 2003 07:24:31 AM new
Oddly, this is the first time this has happened to me...
I list everything with a flat rate for shipping/handling. Many times I take a bath on larger items because I underestimate, but that's cool -- in the long run it's more covenient for everyone to know up front.
Anyway, I always state the shipping for US destinations and ask Canada/Europe folk to write in advance. I NEVER state how I'm going to ship something -- because it leaves me many options. If something costs too much to ship Priority, I can bump down to Media Mail (if the item allows), etc. But I always ship the fastest way that the $$$ I've charged will permit.
Just got my first "I want to buy this if you'll ship media mail" email. Sure, for the same price, I'll ship the cheaper route. I'm sure she wanted a reduction in shipping, but I just found it funny that she assumed I was using the post office and that I also wasn't already shipping via media mail. Like I said, I never say up front.
Oh well. I explained that the shipping was flat rate and our policies. I actually held off saying some things that I really wanted to say.
posted on November 26, 2003 08:10:46 AM new
Be careful of these bidders who want to direct your shipping process -- they often mean trouble to me.
Just had one that told me all about Priority mail, even what the envelopes looked like. Duh! My feedback is over 1000. She also sent $1.30 for insurance on a $4.95 item. I forgot to insure, I rarely do that.
Long-story-made-short: She spent about $3.00 in fax costs to get the $1.30 refund.
posted on November 26, 2003 09:17:27 AM new
Becareful shipping media mail. If it is not a book you cannot ship media mail. Post offices have the authority to open any packages including media mail if they think there is other things in their instead of books. If they think you are turning the Priority Boxes inside out and shipping Parcel Post etc. They are starting to crack down because of abuse. I also ship the cheapest rate and I include that in my auction but when I send my WBN I also will say if they want an upgrade for a couple of more dollars. International Bidders I ship Air Letter Post or Global Priority which ever they prefer. I give them the option but then there is no insurance so I say I can't guarantee delivery so it's them that take the chance.
posted on November 26, 2003 10:17:56 AM new
Yeah, I refuse to use Priority Mail boxes for non PM shipments. I wonder though about recycling boxes that have been sent to me???
As for insurance, I only use U-PIC which has NO external indication that insurance was purchase. In addition, for $4.95, I would just self-guarantee (if they were so silly to pay insurance for that).
I think videotapes qualify for media mail -- but again, nothing that doesn't qualify goes out in that manner. And I write the exact amount on customs forms too
posted on November 26, 2003 08:55:39 PM new
Doesn't media mail also cover Movies and Cd's, besides books?
From USPS:
Generally used for books (at least eight pages), film, printed music, printed test materials, sound recordings, play scripts, printed educational charts, loose-leaf pages and binders consisting of medical information, and computer-readable media.
posted on November 26, 2003 09:26:13 PM new
Yes, it does. Censorship, like charity, should begin at home; but unlike charity, it should end there --Clare Booth Luce
I'm sure she wanted a reduction in shipping, but I just found it funny that she assumed I was using the post office and that I also wasn't already shipping via media mail. Like I said, I never say up front.