What you don't seem to be absorbing is that what Executive Girl sells is of a weight to make priority the right way to go.
There's very little difference in the parcel post cost and the priority cost of shipping her items AND then she'd have the additional cost of the specialty boxes.
For her, buying specialty boxes and shipping via parcel would cost MORE than shipping via priority.
Not everything lends itself to being shipped cost effectively via parcel as not everything lends itself to being shipped cost effectively via priority. It might be best to know a little about that person's items for sales before making gross generalizations about one's business practices.
I have an item, which due to the weight, falls into the same classification. The specialty box costs me 50 cents and the average parcel cost is $3.04 which makes a total of $3.54. I can ship the same item via priority for $3.50, saving my customers a little (though not a lot).
Other items, I have can be shipped for $2.41 first class, so even with buying the specialty box at 50 cents, I can save the customer even more over priority.
I buy my boxes in bulk and even then, when the price of gasoline rose this summer, the prices of boxes skyrocketed (in one case, the box price doubled).
I watch my box prices carefully and when the pricing becomes more than the cost of priority, then I switch to sending via priority. If it's cost effective for my customers, then I use parcel or first class.
Just because a seller uses priority primarily doesn't mean they aren't watching the bottom line to the customer.
posted on August 5, 2001 11:51:45 PM
Executive Girl,
I completely agree with this:
"I have NO NEED for special envelopes or any other kind of "special" supplies for that 1 customer per year who asks for cheaper shipping.
They can either agree to my terms and bid, or shop elsewhere. 99.99% of my customers have no problems with me shipping my items by Priority Mail."
In the last year, I had two people demand alternate shipping. After I had to go out and buy the extra materials, etc., the difference in cost compared to priority mail was within 20 cents in both cases.
I changed my TOS to state I only ship priority mail and there are no exceptions. I have had only one person even ask for alternate shipping since changing my TOS. When I explained it was almost exactly the same price for shipping First Class or Parcel Post but that it would take a few days longer, they had no problem paying the extra 20 cents for priority mail.
I am sure for some sellers that for small items they may be able to ship cheaper in a bubble envelope, but for some of us, there is very little difference.
posted on August 6, 2001 05:17:11 AM
1. HANDLING CHARGE YOU ARE NOT TOLD ABOUT UNTIL TOO LATE
Be honest. Give the approximate shipping cost up front. Don’t add extra for packing and labor costs ON A POSTCARD. If you go to a department store they wrap it for nothing. Why shouldn’t you? I can understand a handling charge if the item is fragile or special packaging has to be provided, but not otherwise. If you are too busy or too lazy to take the item to the post office don’t expect me to pay the fee for someone you employ to take it there. That’s a part of doing business. If you must add a charge do it in the bid price so I know how much I’m paying..
2. LISTINGS WITH ANNOYING COLOR BACKGROUNDS
I have NEVER read the description of any item listed with those awful colored backgrounds … or flowers, etc. It’s a real turn-off.
3. LISTINGS WITH FLASHING OR MOVING ITEMS
So distracting and so annoying. Give me a headache to read them, so I don’t.
4. L@@K! W@W! ///////////// ##### ****** RARE! VINTAGE! 20 YEAR OLD ANTIQUE!
Childish and very amateurish. Doesn’t take the place of a good description.
5. LISTINGS OBVIOUSLY IN THE WRONG CATEGORY
I note the Seller’s ID so I don’t ever waste my time on them again.
6. PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED, NOT SENT WITHIN …. DAYS
The seller is going to be difficult. Leave him alone. He is prepared to relist it and move it from auction site to auction site but can’t wait a few extra days for your money. Let him keep re-listing and moving it.
7. THE THREAT OF NEGATIVE FEEDBACK
Why run the risk! Besides, nobody likes being threatened.
8. THE POWER SELLER LOGO ON EBAY.
I will never buy from a so-called Power Seller. These are generally the guys with a 300 word meaningless description and a 900 word summary on THEIR terms and conditions. They don’t need my business and so I won’t give it to them. Obviously they think they’ve got the Power.
9. LISTINGS WITH LINKS TO OTHER PLACES
If I want to know what else they have listed I’ll click on MY OTHER AUCTIONS.
10 LISTINGS WITH OVER-LONG DESCRIPTIONS NOT RELEVANT TO THE ITEM.
The seller is trying to make much ado about nothing. OR, he doesn’t really know what the item is so he makes up a spiel to make it sound good.
I know that this is going to bring out the worst in bad sellers but seriously, can’t you see that all these things distract from the object of the auction which is to SELL THE ITEM.
If things get really bad I’m sure they will adjust … or perish. Have you stopped to think that maybe the reason you are not getting the bid is because something in your listing is a real turn-off to bidders?
posted on August 6, 2001 05:31:40 AM
I may be alone in this one: If I want to know what else this seller is selling, I can click on "seller's other auctions" and I do not need any other buttons to show me what else the seller is selling. I do not even need to see a "store front". If the button to a store front is unobtrusive, ok. But I am interested in the item I am looking at, not a whole store full of things.
posted on August 6, 2001 11:04:14 AM
I think we have run out of things to complain about on this thread.
A few good observations where listed and then it started getting trivial.
A professional business owner has everything needed ( in stock )
to please the customer,( at no extra charge) to deliver the item. > period
A buyer would be foolish not to bid on an item that:
Had many spelling errors, listed in the wrong category,
seller was unknowledgeable about what he was selling or
had color backgrounds and flashing distractions.
This is your opportunity for a bargain.
I believe because on-line selling is relatively new, we can throw out
all the off-line rules of business.
Off-line professional business people don't charge for the plastic ( paper ) bags
you carry your item out in.( or the tape to seal the bag )
Or the carry out boy that takes it to the car.
Or the delivery truck that brings major appliances to your home.
etc. etc. etc.
It has always been hidden in the original price and kept customers happy.
Only short term ( fly by night ) business do otherwise.
Smart buyers don't pass on stores that are cluttered or poorly organized.
Or have flashing lights outside with music playing.
Or take a little longer to drive to.
NO, they see a chance at a great deal.
posted on August 6, 2001 01:33:45 PM
>A few good observations where listed and then it started getting trivial<
But it's those 'trivial' little things that make the difference sometimes.
>Smart buyers don't pass on stores that are cluttered or poorly organized.<
Ummmmm, some do. There is a certain 1-letter 'MART' by us that we now avoid like the plaque. Granted, others may shop there but we do not. Stock on the floor. Damaged & open items abound. Never more than 2 checkouts open. (add to that the most unfriendly salespeople you have seen)
Blue light specials are mostly because the bulbs are dirty!
Kinda reminds me of a couple ebay sellers that I bought from........
posted on August 6, 2001 04:03:50 PM
Actually, most of the "reasons" for not bidding on an auction remind me of home buyers who will pass by on a house because there are weeds in the front yard, the interior paint colors do not match their color scheme...or best yet, the furniture is in poor condition.
Weeds can be pulled, wall colors can be changed...and the furniture is going to be gone when the new owners move in.
In other words...it is all superficial and has no bearing on the object the buyer desires to own.
posted on August 6, 2001 05:37:09 PM
Same - outrageous or undisclosed shipping. I've paid $ .87 to $6 for the same item. Clothing without measurements. Music, especially loud. I will email as to shipping or measurements if I'm REALLY interested, but I've had too many unpleasant shipping surprises to hope for the best. I've had some sellers ask how to measure, and referred them to the thread here - they were happy, I was happy. Your item can be great - but if it doesn't fit, the bidder won't be happy. If I'm going to be gouged on shipping...tell me up front and I may bid (albeit less!). And I won't bid if "the picture says it all" - trust me, it doesn't!
