posted on November 13, 2000 08:03:39 AM
I recently won an auction for a big box of books. The seller asked for $12.00 shipping. I thought that the shipping would be that much, so I happily paid it. I got the box today, and the books are in pristine condition. I am very happy with them. The only problem is, on the outside of the box, the shipping price is $5.79. Should I ask the seller to refund the difference?
posted on November 13, 2000 08:10:29 AM
The price stamped on the box is just a small part of the shipping fee. Unless the seller quoted actual postage you were not overcharged.
posted on November 13, 2000 09:22:26 AM
I realize that a small part of shipping is the price on the box. And if the seller had said 7, 8, or even 9 dollars for shipping, I wouldn't have said anything. I realize people have shipping and "handling" charges. But I think 6 dollars extra is a little too much. The books were shipped in a girl scout cookie box with a brown grocery bag taped over the box. It seems like the right kind of person would have refunded a couple of dollars for the shipping, as I did once when I overcharged someone for shipping.
I agree with you that doubling the postage cost seems a bit excessive. But it's hard to make a case for or against a specific amount. This is why when I'm shopping on eBay (very rare occurence) I email the seller to clear up any possible confusion on the shipping charge before I bid.
I guess my point is that if you're willing to pay $9.00 for shipping, and the seller is willing to ship for $12.00, how can you justify the difference. I'm sure that you have reasons and logical ideas about the actual cost of shipping an item, but so does the seller.
posted on November 13, 2000 11:52:04 AM
It's entirely possible that the seller wasn't sure about the shipping cost. I'd ask if they would consider an adjustment. If not, don't lose sleep over it, you might very well have gotten a very good deal over all which sounds like the situation.
posted on November 13, 2000 12:03:53 PM
YOU ARE TYPE OF BIDDERS THAT DRIVE ME CARZY....SOME OF THE POST ARE RIGHT ...YOU DO NOT CONPLAIN ABOUT THIS AFTER....MY COST ON SHIPPING SOMETIMES COST ME $1.50 AND I CHARGE 3.50 FOR SHIPPING...I FEEL NO REMORSE AT ALL...I AM RUNNING A BUSSINESS....AS FOR HIS PACKAGEING WELL YOU GOT IT !!!! ...YOU SAID YES FOR THE PRICE FOR THE SHIPPING ...YOU GOT IT !!!!!!!CASE CLOSED...iF YOU HAD A PROBLEM FOR THE SHIPPING ...THE TIME TO CONPLAIN IS BEFORE NOT AFTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!IT'S CALLED BEING PETTY
posted on November 13, 2000 06:17:56 PM
Wow;this has been such an issue...when I first began on ebay, I carefully packaged and weighed so I could quote the most exact shipping...only to have someone email with a (usually legitimate) question; one I had neglected to put in the description initially; due to inexperience. After a few times of unpackaging an item to answer a question, I was at my wits end. I put paper and packaging in a box and weighed it, and found to wrap WELL, just the box and the packing can most times push the priority rate to 'up to the next' pound rate! I now do the very best, honest weight I can, charge no handling, and in my template description, I explain it is very difficult BEFORE boxing, to give the exact postage, in many cases. I ask that the buyer please check the actual shipping on the package when they get it- for once I am at the P.O., I can't change it; and when I have several to mail, the chaos at our P.O. is more than enough to keep you from remembering anything! I really think that if your buyer sees your feedback, believes you to be an honest and reliable seller, they will understand any overages and either overlook a few cents, or email a request for the difference. I always ASK about postage before I buy..if it is not in the description, I email for an estimate. I looked at an auction tonight; shipping and handling 7.00...for something I knew, as a seller, could be sent for 3.20. I simply did not bid. Nor will I ever bid on anything with postage that much over what it actually costs. There is business...then there is being able to sleep at night! I have seen too many folks 'save' the nice presents for a special day; only to find that special day the day of the funeral. Same goes for money. When you 'leave', it stays! I reckon that is why my greatest wealth will be FRIENDS. I'm through now! mizscarlett (mizscarlett1 on ebay.)
posted on November 13, 2000 06:36:52 PM
ahhhh, a long-standing pet peeve of mine.
If a price is quoted in the auction and it appears to be the exact amount for Priority Mail ($3.20), I am led to believe it will be shipped Priority Mail. When it is then sent in a plain paper envelope for $.55 postage, that's when I am annoyed.
I have, on occasion, emailed the seller and expressed that I felt the shipping was excessive. Some have apologized, stating they didn't even realize, since they have so many other transactions, and have sent me some money back (thoses were in the earlier eBay days). In more recent months, the one or two I expressed concern to didn't bother responding.
I now make sure to email the sellers and ask which specific method of shipping he/she uses. If I don't like it, I keep on going. That is my option.
I have no problem having to pay a little more for "handling" so long as it is somewhat evident that the seller has made attempts to ensure my item's safe arrival. Use of a free Priority Mail box is not adequate, but the addition of wrapping, packing supplies, etc., is.
This topic, I think, is nearly as much of a split decision as the Gore-Bush mess.
One of my other pet peeves (since I'm also being "petty" is screaming, arrogant posters who think that their opinion is the only one that counts, even though they don't take the time to spell-check.
posted on November 13, 2000 06:42:45 PM
slight footnote to my previous post... I did NOT place that wink after the word "petty"... we must have ghosts, LOL
posted on November 13, 2000 07:23:15 PM
if a some one emails me asking about one of my shipping rates on my listings before they bid or even before they make payment I will always work with them on shipping within reason other have sent things through the mail as well and I have.
I have also sent refund for shipping before as well I wouldnt feel bad or petty about questioning the seller that got $12 for shipping if the Item they sent was less then 50%
buy the way did you get the girl scout cookies with the book if you did this might be worth the overcharge. http://www.Dman-N-Company.com
posted on November 13, 2000 11:56:24 PM
I can see why people get in an uproar over shipping and handling. I can see both sides of the argument.
As a buyer, I've come to learn to read ALL of the listings descriptions, including shipping and handling charges. I also refuse to bid on something unless I get my questions answered. I put the listing on watch, until I get the response and then I bid if appropriate.
As a seller, I get irritated when someone blasts my shipping and handling charges. 1st off I make over $20 an hour at my work. If I take time away from my work to pack and ship something it takes away from my income. If I spend 5 minutes packing, 10 minutes to drive to the post office, and 15 minutes in line and at the counter, that equals a 1/2-hour. Do I charge my customers $10 for lost income plus wear and tear on my car? No, of course not. But I will charge @ $5. Hopefully I made some profit on the item I sold or am just happy to have my item going to a new owner.
Sorry to keep going, but BUYERS please email your concerns before you bid. That would save a lot of headaches. Also, don't scold the seller in your initial questioning of shipping charges; give them a chance to explain.
posted on November 14, 2000 12:51:05 AM
You should address these issues before you bid! No one made you buy these pristine books!From the sound of it you seem to be happy with your purchase, as a seller, it is very hard to estimate shipping. I charge a flat fee of 2.50 and include insurance, I don't even tell them I include insurance. this way there are no surprise, I didn't get the package! If shipping was clearly stated, you should just have a cup of tea and read a book!!!!
posted on November 14, 2000 08:03:27 AM
That is ridiculous that you were charged that much for handling. You were clearly taken advantage of, in my opinon. Six something in handling charges. I learned about that kind of thing fairly quick. Now if the seller does not state shipping charges I email them before I bid and ask them shipping charges.
posted on November 14, 2000 10:02:41 AM
Sounds like they were shipped bookrate and he quoted you priority. Perhaps he didn't know he could ship bookrate until he got to the post office. Why not e-mail him and ask him nicely. He may refund you the difference - I would.
I onced bought several old Vintage mags from one seller. I was quoted $10.00 for UPS shipping. They sent it USPS bookrate. And the actual shipping wa about $6.00. I WAS annoyed, but not because of the $4, becuase they quoted one shipping method and sent by another.
I did not make a big deal about it. I received the mags in fine condition - end of story.
Even with a scale, it can be difficult to weigh items and get an exact amoung on shipping. Many people use a flat rate for calculating the amount.
And as in almost all businesses, some transations sort of "pay" for another.
otmj2
posted on November 14, 2000 02:32:54 PM
Just call me compulsive, but when I bid on an item that doesn't have shipping $ listed, I ASK FIRST.
How come?
Because I base my bid on the TOTAL I'll pay for the item - bid + shipping. If I went to Wal-Mart I'd be paying "shipping" (from their supplier to their loading dock, and gas for my scooter to and from) too.
If the TOTAL, including shipping, is reasonable, I bid. If not, I don't. I certainly don't grouse about it later, unless I specified and paid for premium service (e.g. overnight) and the seller substituted slow-boat (book rate or parcel post).
As I see it, you picked your high bid. You "thought the shipping would be" about $12, and "happily paid it". You're happy with the turnaround, packing, shipping, and item, so you got at least what you paid for.
Enjoy the books and get on with your life.
posted on November 14, 2000 02:40:39 PMIf the TOTAL, including shipping, is reasonable, I bid. If not, I don't.
If everybody did this, it would cut the number of posts here by at least a third, leaving more time available for fine art authentication and troll hunting.
posted on November 15, 2000 04:54:56 AM
When I send something out I generally add an ounce to the weight. While I know my scale is right on, something always happens on the way to the post office. My package seems to gain weight. So to avoid the problem, I add the ounce. More often than not, it makes no difference in the price, but sometimes it throws it up into the rate. Does anyone think this is wrong of me? I use estamp and stamp everything from home (saves loads of time) so the amount I quote is exactly what's on the package. I don't charge handling, but that is soon to change. I have to drive 4 miles to the post office and with the price of gasoline. . . The only other alternative I can see is doing shipping on a certain day of the week so as not to make as many trips. Any suggestions out there? I'd hate to have a bidder complain that I charged them too much.
is screaming, arrogant posters who think that their opinion is the only one that counts, even though they don't take the time to spell-check.
