posted on October 10, 2000 12:51:22 PM
How do you guys list shipping charges in your auction when the item is 5 or more pounds? I've just been putting that this item weighs xx amount alone, so we'll have to figure out the shipping charges after the auction. Buyer pays actual shipping.
I keep wondering if it's better to state an actual charge as the unknown might scare people off. However, with an actual amount stated, I'd probably be over-charging some and under-charging others.
I'd really like to know what you've tried and what has worked for you.
Now I've gotta go get this danged tape outta my hair.
posted on October 10, 2000 01:00:49 PM
Depending on exactly how heavy, you can find the charges on the Online Calculator. USPS goes by SIZE of package after a certain weight. They look for OVERSIZED packages. That's when it can really get expensive.
So, if you already know the exact weight, and have boxes to pack item in, you can call UPS with measurements, and two-way zip code, for charges.
********************
Shosh
posted on October 10, 2000 01:17:01 PM
Yes, but both of those require a destination zip code. I want to know how to say how much the shipping will be before the item has sold. You know, in the auctions description.
[ edited by UpInTheHills on Oct 10, 2000 01:17 PM ]
posted on October 10, 2000 01:22:11 PM
Put your ZIP Code in the auction and a link to the calculator....plus the weight and dimensions of the package.----or invite them to email you---or
You can give an estimate of the amount---figure the highest amount it will cost and least amount it will cost --letting them know that the final-exact cost is dependant on where it is being shipped-and on receipt of their address you can give them the exact amount
posted on October 10, 2000 01:22:48 PM
It is much better to tell them up front. Shipping is your big chance to make 1/2 hours worth (at minimum wage) extra money. I had a seller send me a check last week for $2.00 because she sent it book rate and charged for Priority. I tore it up, and cursed that loser. I have charged shipping up to $60 (very big and heavy, though) and it doesn't scare them off. Make sure you call it the more vauge "shipping" not "postage." If anything, estimate high to make sure you won't lose anything. Besides, big items often cost a lot more to ship because of the big box, packing material, etc. and unlike some do-gooders, my time running around to dumpsters looking for a special box is money. I've done around 700 sales thus far and have had 1 complaint about shipping, and it was a $2 item. Never give them anything. That $3.00 you might lose on shipping is like throwing a small items profit in the trash instead of selling it. I make sure I am ahead on every deal. UPS is high on smaller items but better on big or heavy ones because it is easy to schedule a pickup with them.
posted on October 10, 2000 01:26:34 PM
What I do is use the USPS and UPS rate calculators for the farthest distance from me, US. I ship from the west coast, so I quote the amount it would be to east coast and say it will be less depending where the buyer lives. I usually add that the weight is xx lbs shipping from zip 98383, so the buyer can figure it if they want.
