posted on January 2, 2005 02:30:02 AM new
I haven't found this to be the case. Ever since I started placing a set shipping amount in my auctions, my bids have increased dramatically. Most bidders would like to know before-hand what their total cost is going to be, without having to compose an email and wait. Of course, as you have stated, some items just cannot have a set shipping charge, but I think most can.
"Who's tending the bar? Sniping works up a thirst"
posted on January 2, 2005 05:00:42 AM new
Thanks, stone, for making what I was trying to say so much clearer.
I don't always sells large, heavy items. However, I do have to deal with sellers who start their auctions at .99 and then gouge shipping. An example: I start and auction at $9.99 with $5.00 Priority shipping. Another seller starts that same item at .99 with $14.00 shipping and guess what? The .99 cent item gets the bids. Now that seller may feel comfortable gouging like that, but I don't. The point I'm trying to make is that most bidders don't even look for the shipping cost when the item is going at .99. Either that or they figure they can talk the seller down on shipping after the auction ends. A headache!
Then, there are those sellers who will not combine purchases for any reason whatsoever. They start the bidding low and a buyer buys multiple items. The items arrive in one package, however they've been charged shipping on each item. I've had this happen to me. We all know of someone who does this and seems to be successful with it.
Stone is right. On large, heavy items you cannot safely state in your auction what the shipping will be. We've all been burned by undercharging for shipipng, I'm sure.
My worst? I quoted $7 shipping on an item to Canada. The shipping (because the box was 1/16" too large) cost $21. I couldn't fit it into another box. A lesson well learned!
Cheryl
"Success in almost any field depends more on energy and drive than it does on intelligence. This explains why we have so many stupid leaders."
-Sloan Wilson
posted on January 2, 2005 08:32:19 AM new
I beg your pardon Stonecold I do not sell cheap items. My items might not weigh alot but they are not cheap. i.e. $200.00 Bracelet isn't exactly chump change, and I do have many auctions in the higher price. How about a $70.00 Tie. I never sell an item that can go First Class by Priority Mail.
To be dishonest in an auction and not put your S/H charges is wrong. (My opinion) You can put in your S/H charges "postage to be determined at the end of the auction from sellers zip code (mine) to buyers. Item weighs 3 pounds plus 1 1/2 pounds for packaging. That way they can figure it out for themselves. Of course unless you want to gouge that buyer for additional amounts.
Sniping works up a thirst"