posted on August 13, 2008 01:31:08 PM new
I have been looking at Amazon for books, etc...
I do not understand the sellers that sell for $.01. The shipping is standard ($3.99) I think. The particular book I was looking at is large (I sold one about the same size last week on half) and I paid $3.48 for media shipping. Amazon allowed $3.99, so the person selling has the potential to make about $.50, but wait you have to have the envelope, bubble wrap and travel to the PO. What is the point?
posted on August 13, 2008 01:38:04 PM new
I have bought books for 1 cents to 25 cents on Ebay, also. Not an auction, just a straight BIN, so no chance for an increase in price due to competitive bidding. Shipping was standard, not inflated.
I do not understand it, either. I would just donate them or throw them in the trash.
posted on August 13, 2008 04:02:58 PM new
Books they have gotten for free?
I noticed on the stores board today a post started by a person who was losing money on eBay with her store and not understanding just how that could happen.
Some people just have a blind eye to the economics of the deal.
Beth
posted on August 13, 2008 05:36:53 PM new
yes, but even if they got the book for free, it makes NO sense! What about time? And amazon probably charges and flat fee + % (I am not sure what the fees are there).
Amazon collects $3.99 from the buyer and gives $2.66 ($.01 + $2.64 shipping allowance) to the seller. (The $1.35 'closing fee' is subtracted from the shipping allowance by Amazon)
The seller is a ProMerchant, so doesn't pay the $.99 fee (but does pay $40 per month to be a ProMerchant).
The 15% fee on 1 cent is zero.
The seller pays $2.31 or $2.65 in postage for a 1 or 2 pound package (or less, if it is very light weight and can go First Class. Much less if the penny seller is high volume and uses Bulk Mail).
The seller cost for the book is zero, because he got it for free somehow.
The seller used recycled packing materials, so those cost nothing, too.
The seller ends-up with $.35 (if it's 1 pound media mail) profit in a domestic shipment (a bit more if it's mailed using Bulk Mail).
posted on August 13, 2008 06:33:56 PM new
it is also like your everyday retailers;
BACK - TO - SCHOOL season;
Staples - Office Max....
FREE --- 4oz. GLue
1¢ --- pencils
1¢ --- filler paper
The idea is to draw BUYERS into the store
One added bonus with Amazon that is greatly overlooked...the same buyer purchases TWO books at the same time...they are charged $3.99 shipping TWICE. Seller makes a little bit more on that transaction then 35¢. Also, check out the weight of an average HOT WHEEL car on there --- 5-7 POUNDS!!! --- as a "toy" the shipping Amazon charges the buyer(which the seller profits from) is amazing.
Mattel Hot Wheels 1999 1:64 Scale Yellow Rig Wrecker Die Cast Car Collector #1087 ****Shipping Weight: 6 pounds ***** which translate to; $14.99 + $7.49 shipping
posted on August 14, 2008 06:54:22 AM new
Okay, it makes more sense if they purchase 2 from the same seller, but I never have and I have been buying there for a very long time. For $.35 (which does not include time and gas), I would throw the book away or donate it myself. Just doesn't make sense even with a pro merchant account. I am glad my profit margin is much larger!
posted on August 14, 2008 02:24:13 PM new
I would go nuts making less than one dollar on an item, especially if the buyer had a complaint when it was received.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Caroline
Caroline