posted on August 23, 2004 02:30:15 PM new
Having just paid over $200.00 for boxes - sorry that going to be added as a handling fee.
I clearly list buyer pays S&H but I try to get them the cheapest best shipping that I can. I compare prices for them.
I guess a few would prefer to have their items shipped in old food boxes and stuffed with newspapers???
I have never had but one person say anything about my shipping cost and wouldn't you know it - she charge double what I did for the same type item???
posted on August 23, 2004 02:58:13 PM new
All I will say is that nobody got rich for not charging for their work. Just make sure to make it worth it for the customer as well by not skimping on packing materials. When you charge someone extra for handling, they are more likely to expect more professionalism. I know if I'm charged a handling fee, I should feel as though I'm getting something for it beyond a Free Priority Mail Box stuffed with newspaper to protect a nice piece of glass or other collectible.
I think you can get away with charging more for shipping when you package properly and use good materials. I sell mostly clothing and ship in Tyvek envelopes. Most come free via the Post Office, except International. I charge $5.00 to ship a 1 pound item. Priority Rate is only $3.85. I make $1.15 for each item, but I have to cover my other expenses such as my Stamps.com fees, Paypal fees, Gas, Time (packing, driving and standing in line for special services all add up). I package about 30 items at a time, so I make about $35.00 a week off of it, and in reality after expenses, I probably make 25 cents per package if I'm lucky.
posted on August 23, 2004 03:41:42 PM new
I normally don't concern myself with this subject much.....but I just happened to have placed an order with HarryandDavid(yum)....and I calculated their shipping and handling fee. It turns out they're charging me $2.60 more than the actual shipping cost!!!! Oh my.....what gall...they must be paying something for the materials they use to ship....and possibly paying their shipping staff something. I guess that's why they call it handling.
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.I think that sellers that blatantly pad the S/H to avoid Ebay fees are wrong.....but I absolutely think that all sellers are entitled to recover the cost of all packing materials....and at least minimum wage per hour if you figure in the time involved in buying the materials, packing them, and bringing them to the P.O. ......Unless you value your time at nothing it makes no sense to charge actual shipping only.
posted on August 23, 2004 05:56:05 PM new
I started this policy 2 weeks ago. I haven't had any complaints nor experienced any drop in auction activity. I charge $4.00 per auction for packaging and I only ship on Tuesdays and Fridays. Typically, I take 10 boxes on Tues and Fridays to Kinko's for Fedex-Gr shipping so my time is covered 10x $4 = $40. Thanks to the 'no-brainer' FEDEX Shipping Manager Software with all my paperwork and labels pre-processed, it usually takes 10 minutes to drop off my 10 packages and get my Kinko's Receipt. You ask why I don't have Fedex pickup my packages at my door? My Homeowner's Assn strictly forbids home-based businesses. Good Luck, Gordie
posted on August 24, 2004 12:15:20 AM new
I suppose if you don't purchase inventory wisely, and have crap to sell some of you sellers have to rip off your customers by inflating the shipping.
There is a difference between a handling fee for materials and jacked up postage fees which are dishonest. But some low lifes have no principles or decency so life is so much simpler for them. Too lazy to earn an honest living they just cheat. This lower element of civilization has sadly been around forever and will be around forever....I just don't bid on their auctions.
posted on August 24, 2004 03:14:09 AM new
"There is a difference between a handling fee for materials and jacked up postage fees which are dishonest"
This hits the nail on the head...I know a guy who weighs his packed items by "guestimating" with his hands! He loves to ship international because when He is 2lbs off the heavy way he is killig these poor foriegeners!!
posted on August 24, 2004 09:25:45 AM new
I don't consider adding the cost of materials and a little for your time to the shipping as making a profit. Especially if the item requires extra. But, when they charge a penny for the item and $10 to ship it when I know it might cost $1.50 max, I have a problem.
Be kind. Everyone is fighting their own secret battles.
...Author Unknown
