posted on September 14, 2000 08:52:11 PM
Before PayPal earlier this year, there were posts on AW that suggested that Sellers simply offer a discount of some sort for Buyers who did not use online CC services. When PayPal came around, that idea was dropped. How about revitalizing it?
OK. In your TOS, you state that you charge a 50-cent handling fee and that if the Buyer is will to pay by cash, check, or money order, the Seller will waive the 50-cent fee.
It worked then, should work now. It's the most acceptable method of charging for Credit Card fees.
posted on September 14, 2000 08:54:05 PM
Actually, it's the most acceptable method of charging for Credit Card fees that I've heard of so far. Not only that, but Buyers were going for it just fine back then. No sense in penalizing every customer for CC fees.
posted on September 14, 2000 08:59:30 PM
I dont charge a handling fee. I use newspapers when I sell collectibles...otherwise, its just apparel and stuffing it in a priority box. Whats to handle? Personally, I wont bid on diddly squat where the seller charges "handling fees" because Ive seen a 10 dollar item that would cost 3.20 to ship, and "handling fees" are 6 bucks. I dont think so..no thanks. I bypass. BUT, to offer a reduction IF they send a money order, now, thats cool, because thats what I do. I tell the folks that if they will send a money order INSTEAD of a check, I will deduct 1 dollar from the total. I also give free small gifts with any item that the bidding goes over 20 bucks. Makes my customers happy
posted on September 14, 2000 09:40:29 PM
Hi Maui... I am with you...I avoid bidding on listings with HANDLING fees and will search and search for something comparable...I do not consider myself a big store, and prefer to run my sales as I did my stores and shows: like a "Ma Kettle", friendly store...
Hope you doing fine, Girlfriend... TTFN...
******************** Shosh http://www.oldandsold.com/cgi-bin/auction.cgi?justdisp&Rifkah
posted on September 14, 2000 11:59:46 PM
Thanks for responding. But the point of this thread wasn't whether to charge a handling fee or not, but rather to offer a discount to Buyers if they don't use a credit card service.
As far as Handling Fees goes - get used to it. There will always be smaller Sellers who occasionally sell at online auctions in order to have some extra shopping money and they couldn't give a rat's ass if they account for every expense or not.
But the longer that auctions stay online and as conditions for doing business improves, you'll see more and more professional Sellers who eck out a living by selling new merchandise online for low prices. Those folks have to acount to the IRS and have a bottom line. Those Sellers and those who resell other items as a means of living will continue to charge handling fees.
Get used to it. It's going to grow - not the other way around. Handling fees are here to stay. Eventually, nearly every Seller will charge some sort of handling fee - so where will you shop?
Anyway, to discount or to charge a "fee"?
edited by me for layte-night spelling errors
[ edited by Borillar on Sep 15, 2000 12:03 AM ]
posted on September 15, 2000 06:16:51 AM
It is, indeed, against the law to charge a handling fee for using a credit card (in most states, I believe). I expect, however, that one can legally offer a discount for using some particular form of payment. I, personally, would only consider offering such a discount for a USPS Postal Money order (or an international Postal Money Order).
But then, I don't believe in handling fees. I just include that in my minimum bid.
Sell it all! I SAID SELL IT ALL!
posted on September 15, 2000 06:26:14 AM
Maybe a discount for certain payments is "legal", but it really says you charge more for credit card users. I'm not sure I would do business with someone who can't run an auction without playing games like that. It's bad enough we have had a president who does that!
[ edited by mballai on Sep 15, 2000 06:30 AM ]
posted on September 15, 2000 06:29:07 AM
I've only offered a discount a couple of times. Both times it was for a high amount (for me), over $50, and the buyers were new. I took off $1 if they sent a postal money order. Both buyers took my offer.
