posted on August 1, 2001 06:43:10 PM
Once again .....I guess I’m the odd one out ....
.
Paypal...... no Paypal
Music....... no Music
PS logo.... no PS logo
CAPS...... no caps
Priority ....no Priority
.
If I want the item I will bid...30 million people have eBay accounts
to find treasures and save a few bob...AND I’M ONE OF THEM
posted on August 1, 2001 07:02:03 PM
People who put out everything they have on some ratty bedspread, move 3 rooms away to take the blurry picture..then tell you that you are bidding on the 3rd item to the left in the second row from the back.
posted on August 1, 2001 07:22:52 PM
LOL eventer. I believe I've seen the same seller. Puts a bunch of 'items' up on a bed, and says 'your bidding on the item thats 2nd from the left' or something like that... LOL
I do not know how he/she keeps selling like this!
I thought maybe the seller didn't have a dig camera, and maybe was taking real still pics and having them scanned, but this seller has a lot of auctions up! Damn! LOL!
As for Priority mail, since I do buy all other packing materials, and I do get all the boxes free from USPS, I will continue to use PM, but if a customer asks for first class, or media mail, I will do it.
posted on August 1, 2001 07:28:58 PM
Thanks to all that have contributed to this thread.
As a seller, I have learned a lot of what to do and what not to do. I'll definately keep those TOS to a minimum and include the shipping charges in the listing.
Thanks,
Pat
posted on August 1, 2001 07:43:23 PM
Hi paintpower (and other sellers who share this dilema) - You asked, "Also, would you rather see fixed shipping fees than postage only? I don't include shipping in my auctions because I only charge what the post office charges me and I need the buyer's zip code to figure the costs."
When I sell I state total costs for shipping if mailed by PM. But if it's an item that can be shipped for less, not using PM, what I've done in the past is to say "Total shipping is $X.XX to $X.XX depending on your zip. I don't charge handling fees". Then when the auction is completed, and I receive their shipping address I can tell them the exact charge for their zip.
Or I've seen other sellers who state their zip, the weight of the item (boxed and ready to ship) and then include a clickable icon so the potential buyer can look it up themself.
Hi Spaz Sure, as a buyer, if it's a one of a kind sort of item and I know I'll probably never see it again I'd email to ask the seller what they're total s/h/i charge is. Then take that cost into consideration when deciding my high bid price. But I've found that isn't usually the case. If I wait long enough, the same item will be offered by someone else.
And when I said I wouldn't bid if the seller only offers PM, I was speaking from my buying experiences. One of the things I collect and I buy a lot of are small vintage linen items. They only cost $.50 to a $1.00 max to mail. I don't like paying the $3.50 some sellers charge for PM, and I certainly won't pay more than that. For example when one seller had a lovely item I wanted, I emailed and asked her the s/h/i cost. She told me $7.00. So....I didn't bid. These items ususally sell for $10.00 to $20.00 a piece, and I do take shipping costs into consideration when bidding.
posted on August 1, 2001 07:54:13 PM
Hi NearTheSea - Do you say that in your description? if a customer asks for first class, or media mail, I will do it. If a seller does mention that or that they offer book rate vs. PM, I'd bid. As a buyer I like a seller who comes across in their auction description as giving me choices, when possible.
I guess for me as a buyer and a seller (maybe we're the worst) who pretty much knows what different items should cost to mail it just gets old emailing to ask all the questions. Especially ones that seem like they could be stated in the description initially. So, after almost 4 years, it's just easier for me to find the next auction where the seller does so.
Please don't take my sharing here to be to you personally. It's not intended that way. Just sharing frustrations in general.
No, actually I don't say that in my ad.
I use SSpro and I have a fairly short TOS that goes in automatically, when listing, I put in the PM amount, and it comes up in the TOS. I just know what the cost will be, because I basically sell the same thing, paperweights, that weigh 1 1/4 pounds, so the PM shipping is $3.95. Other glass items can weigh less, and I know them also, and will put $3.50.
Now, the item that gets up to 3 lbs, I will put $5.20
Yes, I will ship first class, or media, but I don't advertise it... after the EOA or during the auction, a buyer, or the potential buyer can ask...
I also check off U.S. only, but Canadians have emailed me and asked and I've shipped there too. I do have a link, twice, one at the top and another on the bottom that they can click and email me direct without the ebay system.
I, too, when bidding look at the cost. I don't mind PM, I like to see though what the PM mail will be and consider that also when bidding.
posted on August 1, 2001 08:30:20 PM
As a Seller; this was a very interesting thread to read.
It is interesting to hear what buyers desire in a good listing.
The only one I can't agree with
( unless it is a small non-fragile item )
is a fixed shipping charge on the listing.
I only charge the postage fee;
No handling or materials to pack, charged.
My positive feedback reflects my great shipping style.
There are to many variables that can change the cost.
Fragile items can be single, doubled or tripled box.
The density penalty can put it into the next ( or two stages up ) category.
Some buyers are more interested in the least expensive, while others
want maximum protection for the treasure they have finally found.
To date I have had very few concerns about my shipping prices,
but overwhelming positive feedback and thanks,
on my near maximum protection shipping policy.
I can't understand what the problem is about not giving a fixed shipping charge.
eg: If you bought this $500.00 vase off of me.
To ship it in a brown paper bag is $10.00.
Double boxing is $16.40
Many buyers chose my deluxe option;
A specially made plywood box for $29.65
I am sorry but I seldom include a fixed shipping charge,
unless it is an inexpensive, non-fragile item that will fit in either
box A, B or C.
Knock on wood, so far so good.
posted on August 1, 2001 08:44:37 PM
I don't know, at least the potential bidder knows up front the shipping charge.
I as a buyer, when browsing thru listing, look at the pic, sure, but read the description, and see if the shipping charge is there, if I am REALLY interested and there is no shipping charge, I will email the seller and ask, otherwise I move on, if I'm not that interested
I can double box easily with PM boxes, and safely ship fragile items.
Don't hold checks, and ship out that same day or the next. Been doing this for over 4 years, and got it down to a science now -packing well and shipping fast that is...
posted on August 1, 2001 09:42:06 PM
gee we agree on a lot of these..I hate it when they steal the copyrighted pic off the items website..grrrr... how about this? that really bright eye popping red/orange color for text...i click it off.immediately.no matter what it is..
browsed amazon the other nite..saw a cute item 1.00 ending soon,looking early for some christmas gifts..i look at the postage.& handling.(small bottle of perfume empty) 34.95 i think no way! must have meant 3.49,3.95? THANK GOODNESS i looked before bidding..so i check their other auctions..oh my...huge set of tools.no reserve.1.00,,,,$115.00 shipping & handling this is terrible..not fair to other sellers. they had great feedback too,,that was a shock seems they would have some people mistakenly bid..
Yes,me too,,i will not bid if they threaten me.in advance...gheeshh...
also hate this in description..NO WE DON'T TAKE PAYPAL SO DON'T ASK....sorry you don't have to bite my head off i didn't ask i am just looking at your auctions.....
the ones that try to charge you paypal or bp fees(not allowed) talk about cheap..lose a 25.00 sale & a future good customer fighting over the fee...
if they don't put amount of shipping at least let me decide..high or low,,or say "actual" or type i am outta here,,who wants to email them..i like it when they say if they will combine shipping..i put that in every one of my descriptions..has brought lots of multiple sales..
on the checks i have had one person do it,high excellent feedback,,fouled up her acct..she sent me double..i had to buy her something off the net to pay her back LOL really nice..
isn't it great that actually most people are honest? great thread..
posted on August 1, 2001 09:58:38 PM
What makes me not bid is often auctions where there is no picture of the item. As I mostly bid on cards, I want to see what kind of cards I am buying. A description isn't enough in those cases.
And as far as checks go. I am an international seller and unfortunally I have to say that my bank does take at least 3 weeks to process the damn things ( Not nice and I don't like it. Together with their high processing costs. But well.. can't do anything about it.
posted on August 1, 2001 10:09:00 PM
Many of the things that cause me not to bid have already been mentioned, and to me they all fall under the category of "lazy seller"...only one pic and a bad blurry poorly-lighted one at that; too much background "noise" with the item itself overwhelmed by some flowery backdrop; a description that barely even repeats what was in the title; listings that look more like advertisements selling TOS; music accompanying a listing (usually very bad music at that); and that most annoying of all, the proggie that has some god awful message follow your cursor around no matter where you go.
But the three words that turn me off completely are: Money Orders Only. The absolute worst medium of exchange for conducting business with anonymous sellers in the online world. And the seller, who undoubtedly whines about electronic payment fees, has no problem forcing his buyers into coughing up the money order fee. Money orders only is an automatic CLICK back for me.
Gerald
"Oh but it's so hard to live by the rules/I never could and still never do."
posted on August 1, 2001 10:16:07 PM
I wanted to respond to this:
"TOS that goes on and on about how the Seller has been cheated in the past and SOOOOOO many rules!"
I don't mind bidding on auctions with long TOS because #1 I always pay on time and #2 I know up front exactly what they are expecting.
And to those that won't bid because an item is in all caps, ????????
Personally, there are 4 things that make me hit the back button.
1. Only money orders are accepted. I simply do not have time to deal with buying money orders. An item has to be quite extraoridinary for me to bid if this is the only form of payment accepted. If someone can't take paypal, I would like to at least be able to send a check.
posted on August 1, 2001 10:38:14 PM
Auctions with no pictures and fuzzy, dark pictures.
I buy lots of books. I want to see the cover of the book. Too many auctions with an open book showing, but not the cover.
Shipping costs. Won't bid without that cost listed. I will email a seller, but usually I just look at "ending today" auctions and don't have time for a reply.
Online payment options also. I want to make a choice. Auctions are online, payment choices should be for online also.
I don't care if you are a power seller, get rid of the logo. Just one more thing to load.
posted on August 1, 2001 10:38:20 PM
I am a new seller on eBay and I have really learned alot from my mistakes! I have already had 3 non-paying bidders in the last 6 weeks. My ads are specific, I've followed all the rules - no music, pleasing color schemes, reasonable S&H that is spelled out, offer on-line payments, etc. - and I have gotten some great feedback. But I have half a file drawer full of "slow-payers". Fortunately, all but a handful of bidders have answered my winning bidder notifications. But what can I do to "motivate" people to pay? I don't want my ads to be harsh but you've got to lay down your expectations somehow. I have alot of money tied up in inventory in that file drawer. Payment reminders don't seem to help. I've tried to be pleasant but I'm beginning to understand why some sellers are adamant about the terms of their auctions.
Am I getting disillusioned? I hope not. I'd like to believe that everyone is like me, fair, honest AND considerate. But its getting harder and harder.......
posted on August 1, 2001 11:01:52 PM
Aprilone, in response to:
"But what can I do to "motivate" people to pay? I don't want my ads to be harsh but you've got to lay down your expectations somehow. I have alot of money tied up in inventory in that file drawer. Payment reminders don't seem to help. I've tried to
be pleasant but I'm beginning to understand why some sellers are adamant about the terms of their auctions. "
First of all, be clear, yet try to keep your terms as brief as possible.
Also, the most important thing I have found is to make sure that the tone is very positive. Any hint of negativity in your terms will drive buyers away.
For example, instead of saying "I am sick of deadbeats and will neg you in a heartbeat" be positive and say "Positive feedback will be left for timely payments."
I have learned this the hard way. I had a few bad experiences and got really crabby. For the next auctions I launched, I changed my TOS. The first few days, I got very few bids. Thankfully I realized what the problem was 2 days before the auctions ended, got my terms changed back, and they turned out o.k.
posted on August 1, 2001 11:36:43 PM
This is just my two cents worth. I sell a variety of items and the weight is different on all of them. I am pretty good at guessing what it will cost to ship something now. (I lost a lot of money in the begining with free shipping and very low shipping rates) Usually I charge 2.00 for the lightest stuff and 5.00 for the heaviest stuff. I ship everything first class at the post office. Every now and then I have guessed wrong and overcharged the customer so what I do is just ship it priority mail. That usually makes up for the overcharge. One time I actually made a profit of .15 because I charged too much. I try very hard to keep the shipping down to a bare min. and I charge no handling fees. I have had no neg. feedback and no complaints about my shipping charges. The shipping rates are stated on every auction too.
This way works for me.
Crystal
[ edited by crissymays on Aug 1, 2001 11:38 PM ]
posted on August 2, 2001 12:04:01 AM
i would bid on your auctions crystal LOL..i think you guys have the key to this...i like tos spelled out,,even a long one..it's the TONE ,,if its mean,,demanding..forget it..makes me think how would this person act if my server went down,or check lost in mail or whatever..would they be patient..or immediately neg.my perfect 3 year record.? i try to be really understanding..& i have been so very lucky..a few npb in 3 years..I added something in the last year that has sped things up quite a bit,,,i say Please email me back with your shipping info & method of payment..then i give info on total etc..99% of the winners email me within hours or 1 day...this way i know pretty quickly if i have a problem..i need to work with..also i spell it all out in description(eek probably one of those long ones you guys hate)hehe contact in 3-5 days,payment in 10 that way they understand exactly the timing..i nicely put in by email please email us if you need help or have questions..i pick up many brand new people..it does take time..but i enjoy giving them tips etc..& they turn into loyal customers.the attitude of our auctions,emails,tos all of it needs to be Upbeat,happy this is a fun thing..good luck everyone..
posted on August 2, 2001 12:39:48 AM
I won't SELL/SHIP to CUSTOMERS who:
1) Require an actual postage quote before they tell me their zip code. You want a mind reader? Bid on Miss Cleo's auctions.
2) Insist that somebody leave feedback, and that somebody else leave feedback first.
3) Fail to include an item number or user ID with payment.
4) Scribble or scrawl their address so that it's impossible to read.
5) Insist on Paypal only. You want convenience? Go to the flea market at 5:00 a.m. like I do.
6) Forget to mention they just happen to live in another country (like Canada) and send payment for domestic delivery. (Yes, it's in my EOA.)
7) Don't send payment at all, even though they outbid several other folks. Or better yet, come up with cockamamie excuses, and then still don't send payment.
8) Ask a million questions and then don't bid.
9) Forget (or refuse) to pay state sales tax.
10) Quibble, haggle, ignore TOS or try to change TOS after the auction ends.
posted on August 2, 2001 02:11:56 AM
what really makes me not bid?
- item not like i pictured when i clicked on the listing title, or wrong size/color/too much damage, etc.
- reserve with what i think is an unrealistic bin (i figure the reserve has to be in that ballpark too)
- unless it's something i must have, reserves in general
- no photo
- photo so dark or blurry that i can't see what i need to see to make a decision on the item
- huuuge photo/s
- very grumpy-sounding seller
- too many troubling negs
- shipping too high
what makes me less likely to bid:
- music (i've always backed out so far, but if it were something i reeally wanted ...)
- no measurements, generally inadequate description
- description written with so many typos i'm not even sure what the seller's saying. even if i bothered to email to ask, what are the chances the reply would be any more intelligible?
- no shipping price
- huge powerseller logo, especially if it loads first. i don't care if you're a powerseller or not. your feedback tells me what i want to know.
- recent negs/neutrals without any follow-up and/or i can't tell who's telling the truth
- negs or neutrals that have been responded to with name-calling, etc.
posted on August 2, 2001 03:36:44 AM
I mostly buy clothing, so most of my pet peeves have to do with that category.
-Pictures that are huge, too small, sideways (like my neck is at a 90 degree angle??), and not cropped so the item is only half of the picture. Come on, photo editing for those things isn't that hard...
-Those stupid Ipix pictures! No matter how good a photographer you are, that thing makes everything look awful and too tiny!
-No measurements! Everyone knows that not every garment (even from the same manufacturer) is created equal.
-Doesn't say what it's made of. Or it's 100% cotton, is that woven or a knit?? You'd be amazed how many times I've asked and they had no clue what I meant.
-How to clean it. If it's dry clean only, I need to know. Or if it's one that requires special care like line drying. My clothes line is only so big and I only have so much time.
-Not that I would know before I bid, but I hate it when the item is crammed into an envelope or box with no protection from getting wet or odd odors in transit. Some things have arrived looking and smelling like they came straight from someone's dirty clothes hamper.
And most of what has already been said, shipping not posted, threatening TOS, all caps, one looooong paragraph, poor grammar, payment options, etc. I hope some sellers are reading this thread!
~^~ Hippy wannabe ~^~
[ edited by MouseSlayer on Aug 2, 2001 03:48 AM ]
posted on August 2, 2001 03:54:22 AM
For those of you who can't stand shipping costs not quoted in an auction: I sell quite a bit of collectible glassware and often I will not pack it before the auction ends - just in case someone wants a closeup, different angle picutre etc - I don't want to have to pack it again! How is this line in the TOS:
Shipping Information: Buyer to pay an estimate of actual shipping charges via USPS Priority mail, unless otherwise stated in auction or other arrangements have been made with us prior to auction end. Estimates are based upon the US postal service's web site: www.usps.com . International buyers please contact us for a USPS rate quote.
posted on August 2, 2001 05:05:04 AM
For those buyers who want a shipping amount in every auction: I do it. BUT...
I sympathise with sellers who sell a lot of things over 5 pounds. When I have the occasional heavy item, I list a range, but I have to go to the USPS website, check what the shipping is to my state, then to a state back east. Then off to the UPS website, in case UPS Ground will be cheaper for the East Coast. I also get two quotes here as UPS charges a bit less when an item is delivered to a commercial address. UPS also requires the size of the box which I have to guesstimate since I don't pack until I've been paid.
Now buyers, can you imagine a small seller with just 50 auctions in one week? They take the pics, edit the pics, write a nice description. Then go through all of the above for each item because each one is over 5 pounds. I believe you guys want these people to make $5.00 an hour. Because on top of all of this, you (like I) expect some customer service.
I guess you just have to decide if you want retail or you want to deal with some of the delightful folks who sell on eBay. If someone doesn't state shipping, but I don't see any feedback saying "got reamed on shipping," I'll usually email them if I really want the item.
The sad thing in this is that I think some sellers actually leave out shipping because they think it helps. It's just a hunch I've gotten when asking for shipping charges on things that weigh about 2-3 pounds (i.e. flat rate at the PO).
I also offer Parcel Post, but sometimes I find this misleading as it sometimes save the buyer only a few cents over Priority. I know some of my buyers have been disappointed to learn that the (eg. only) $12.39 Priority shipping is only reduced to about $11.75 if shipped PP and takes twice as long.
This ended up a rambling post, but I guess the thing is, walk a mile in someone else's shoes.
posted on August 2, 2001 05:22:54 AM
Try selling stuff that weighs 50 lbs and up. I had a shipment that was 68 lbs a while back that went to Hiwawii. I could have shipped it to Georgia for less than $20, but the choices to Hiwawii where "slow boat" at about $120, or second day air for $150. (buyer chose second day air).
How could you quote a fixed price in an auction for an item like this?
I do quote fixed price shipping when I can, and quote "actual + $X.XX packing and handling" when I can't.
posted on August 2, 2001 05:35:44 AM
Hi, interesting thread.
Well, I feel foolish writing this, but will anyway.
I found a couple things I needed and wanted to use my "new" account started months ago. Both auctions stated "We Prefer PayPal" next to a PP logo and in their TOS.
I pay by money order, next day always! I read and figured the sellers must be hurting for money and needed it immediately! I didn't want to send an email, because they were pretty clear about it!
In a thread I recently read the "Prefer PP" is a gimmick the company has cooked up. I rarely read PP threads, so I didn't know. Still laughing (and feeling dumb) because I thought it meant they needed money tomorrow! I am REALLLY glad I didn't email to ask!
About the only thing I won't bid on is an auction without a picture...because of the 500+ seller sending books and insect parts together I mentioned way earlier. Lab Rat 4 GMOS
[ edited by labrat4gmos on Aug 2, 2001 05:41 AM ]
posted on August 2, 2001 05:36:05 AM
Whoooooah......all these responses are incredible! I was going to keep track of them and post a follow up with the most popular but.........
Lot's of things here for us to consider, what stands out most to me is the overall 'tone' of the auction.
A good title (no spam words or NOT a ****)
The description must be easy to read (NO CAPS or misspelled words). The item should be the focus, not the sellers TOS. I don't want a fancy background, Power Seller logo, needless animated gifs running around, stupid things that follow my pointer....that sort of thing.
A photo is a must, It needs to be clear and cropped. (I don't want to see your entire life in the photo)
The TOS should be short & sweat....NON-threatning. (don't spend more time writing the TOS than the description of the item)
Shipping should be posted. I know that it's not always possible, but it helps. At least put something in there about the charges.
Again, it's an overall 'tone' thing with me most of the time. There are things that turn me off instantly (set the tone) like no picture, keyword spamming, PayPal surcharges, payment by ******* only statments, that sort of thing.
Thanks to all of you that have responding to my original post here. (ranting about the mega CD auction)
I have learned a few things.
(hopefully so have a few others)
posted on August 2, 2001 05:41:22 AM
1. another thing that bothers me is confusing wallpaper. I am ok with simple screens such as AW offers.
2. About listing a shipping price: I sell a wide variety of merchandise, mostly antiques and books. I bought a scale. I check how much the package will cost to send to the furthest and the closest destinations.
I look at priority and first class. Then I arrive at a sum. I give options, sometimes. I may list an insurance amount. I may lose 50 cents on postage, or gain 50 cents. It all comes out in the end, and my customer sometimes sends money through paypal before I know the auction is over!
And occassionaly, the buyer is an antique dealer. For that person and for myself, time is not as important as cost. The buyer asks for the least expensive shipping and pays by check (the least expensive way to buy). If I can ship even 50 cents cheaper, I will.
My feedback is over 300 and never had a check bounce.
posted on August 2, 2001 05:41:55 AM
To those who were talking about TOS, I used to have a fair sized paragraph outlining it all; diplomatically, of course. I was reading a thread one day and someone responded to the effect of: The deadbeats and illiterates you are addressing these lengthy TOS to, aren't going to pay attention to it, so is it worth having it there when you know it annoys a certain percentage of individuals.
Interesting thought. I'm sure we've all had the considerate buyer who bids, then writes that they are going on vacation or something, that will be preventing them from contacting me in 3 days, maybe longer. I appreciate these considerate people. Then, there are the bidders who bid, and you never hear from them again. As I thought about it, that person wouldn't care what I wrote in TOS.
Now, short and sweet...
How I ship / options.
How long I hold checks.
When I expect payment.
A couple of more things, but nothing too much and nothing about deadbeats and feedback. Is it really going to influence someone to comply? I doubt it.
Well, that's my two cents! Thanks for a great thread. I did pick up a lot more thoughts/ideas to implement.
A.
posted on August 2, 2001 06:14:19 AM
From the general tone of this thread I am know seeing that buyers who
usually buy small non-fragile regular items ( CD's, books )
want a shipping charge included, because they know what it should cost.
You don't want a good deal on a CD only to be overcharged on shipping.
I am making a point of including shipping charges with this type of item.
You as a buyer please understand my dilemma as a seller.
I rarely sell standard non-fragile items.
I am shipping a fragile porcelain lamp with 3 glass globes.
I am not telling you where I live or how important max. protection is to me.
I weights 6 pounds 4 ounces without all the packing material.
It stands 30 inches tall.
You quote me a shipping charge. ( Hint: the USPS website is not correct )
As a buyer I fully understand the want of knowing the shipping charges.
I look at it this way.
I don't have to burn a half a tank of gas to go to a Flea Market or Auction House.
I spend no money on an entrance fee or Lunch for the day.
I am usually buying off ebay at wholesale prices and find exactly what I want.
So unless the seller has negative feedback regarding shipping practices,
it is a non-factor to me.
This probably will not change your bidding practices, but we as sellers,
can't afford to pay your shipping, out of our pockets.
( Not nice and I don't like it. Together with their high processing costs. But well.. can't do anything about it.
Hippy wannabe 
~^~