posted on December 17, 2000 08:18:08 AM
It ought to be mandatory that seller list a domestic shipping charge in an auction.
I do not dare bid without asking.
I get sick of writing to ask.
When I do get a response from the seller, it is generally long after my urge to bid has passed.
Can someone who does not list the shipping charge in their auction please tell me WHY they neglect to provide this critical information?
The excuse is that there is a difference in the cost depending on where the buyer lives. But this is only true with parcel post, not priority mail. And even then the difference is minor.
posted on December 17, 2000 08:30:14 AMThe excuse is that there is a difference in the cost depending on where the buyer lives. But this is only true with parcel post, not priority mail. And even then the difference is minor.
This is true for Priority Mail also when your weight goes beyond the 2-lb limit. At that point distance and weight are factored and the difference is major compared to the base Priority cost. It is minor comapred to the Parcel Post cost.
[ edited by number47 on Dec 17, 2000 08:32 AM ]
posted on December 17, 2000 08:30:47 AM
I have been trying to shop, but it is just plain too hard.
4 out of 5 items I find interesting do not have shipping charges listed. At the moment I happen to be shopping clothing so it is nothing demanding or heavy to pack.
How much do you want to send the flippin' t-shirt for chrissakes? Are you going to charge me $2.00, $3.20, $8.50, or what? I wanna know!
I know, I know.. just skip the auction, and ultimately I do, BUT.
This is so common it makes Ebay a PITA to shop. It is hugely labor intensive as it is. (Yahoo better - shop 50 thumbnails at a time) To repeatedly run across things that do not have this simple piece of information - well it just boggles the mind. It never fails I check back my watch list a week or two later and see the auctions closed with 1 or no bid, which is exactly what the seller deserves.
posted on December 17, 2000 08:36:09 AM
On the heavy items, it is a simple thing to post the weight (or the weight a buyer will be charged for) and your zip code. Including a link to the USPS calculator would also be a nice touch. However you do it - do something, because "BUYER PAYS SHIPPING" is lame.
I see that and I ask myself.. "Is this seller hiding something or just dum?"
posted on December 17, 2000 08:36:42 AM
I list my shipping charges in EVERY on of my auctions....also stated is what type of shipping (usps Priority or Book Rate or UPS) & whether or not insurance is included in that fee & if not what the insurance charge will be....Buyers can add their total bid & the listed shipping charges and know EXACTLY what they are spending on an item....
As a buyer, I am not comfortable with sellers who do not list shipping, and typically move on, as I have been burned by inflated shipping in the past.....
That said, I can see where some legit sellers do not list the shipping....If there true intent is to charge "actual" charges, that can vary depending on the location to which the item is to be shipped.....Unknown, priority shipping would be same ON or UNDER 2lbs. After that mark, charges are based on the distance traveled. (eg. I can ship a 5lb package cheaper to PA than I can to CA - I am based in NY)....
Disclaimer: I DO think that shipping charges should be listed & will continue to do so in all my auctions...
posted on December 17, 2000 08:44:46 AM
My point here is that so many sellers do not cite shipping charges that it drives away (even more)buyers. This is why I think it should be mandatory, and this is the good thing about places like Half.com. Not that ebay can standardize shipping, but that you always, always, always know what you are spending when you spend it. I mean really. Is that unreasonable to expect?
They need to make a little box a seller has to fill in.
I am serious. I need to know the shipping cost WAY more than I need to know you are from "the land of dodger country where pigs fly" or some such thing.
edit to add.
If you can wink and blink and nod and spin in your auction copy - surely you can state the shipping charge.
[ edited by VeryModern on Dec 17, 2000 08:46 AM ]
[ edited by VeryModern on Dec 17, 2000 08:52 AM ]
posted on December 17, 2000 08:52:45 AM
I post the shipping charges in my auctions, and it is based on an average. For the items less than 5 pounds, the shipping is the same, no matter where in the US you are sending it. But for items more than 5 pounds, the cost can vary WIDELY. For example, to send a 20 pound item to NY from TN is $17.00 priority (12.54 parcel post), but to send the same 20 pound item to WA State, is $28.20 priority ($24.21 parcel post).
So, for heavier items, I can see why sellers to not want to state the exact shipping. BUT they SHOULD state the weight of the item and the zip code.
posted on December 17, 2000 09:13:04 AM
number47 - you are an example of why shippers should LOOK UP the rates. Priority is FLAT RATE up to FIVE pounds, not two.
posted on December 17, 2000 09:35:41 AM
VeryModern
THAT is impossible! We ship 80% via UPS, so I have to know where someone lives before I can quote shipping.
We handle many large items, and without knowing where the buyer lives it would be impossible to quote shipping.
I AGREE with another poster who said, if you are a buyer KNOW how to calculate shipping yourself - obviously, without knowing the weight you can't do this prior to an auction closing unless you write the seller - but for you own good KNOW how to calculate shipping/insurance both via USPS and UPS, for your own protection. I have seen WAY TOO many sellers gouging on shipping costs.
I am a seller only, but I believe in being open and honest with my buyers, and give them links to the areas where they themselves can check on shipping costs - naturally, I give them the weight, and our zip.
BUYERS if you write a seller to ask what the shipping costs are, PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR ZIP CODE, without that there is no way to quickly calculate shipping costs. I get endless e-mails with no more information than "what is the shipping costs on this."
No explanation on where the person lives, or what item they are talking about. It seems most buyers seem to think sellers only have one auction running on one auction site, and for many that is FAR from reality. When I get a note like this it requires me to write back and ask them what item, what auction, and their zip. It slows down the respond to their answer since they didn't provide me with enough information in the first place.
Glad to be off the auction boards this time of year!
posted on December 17, 2000 09:44:09 AMif you are a buyer KNOW how to calculate shipping yourself
You have GOT to be kidding me. Perhaps Ebay should have a test on calculating shipping before you are allowed to bid.
Even though it is not possible to quote an exact rate at all times, you can include the weight and have links to shipping calculators, can't you???? Is that too much to ask?
The real problem is that when sellers don't include a shipping quote, bidders are aware that it's quite possible that the seller intends to charge $10 for shipping and stick the thing in a $3.20 priority envelope or whatever.
So we have to emai the seller to ask.
And that gets tiring.
And when half the auctions you are considering bidding on require you to jump through hurdles, people eventually give up on the whole Ebay thing altogether.
posted on December 17, 2000 09:51:39 AM
impossible to know what the shipping charge is before I agree to purchase?
Fine.
I will shop elsewhere.
Yes, amalgamated2000 - I feel as if the shipping is contingent on the final bid in these auctions, and in my case MY BID is contingent on the shipping costs and so I vote with me feet.
jwpc - I am not trying to buy a piano here. We are talking a couple t-shirts, a Christmas ornament, a couple of small pieces of jewelry, nothing that should cost beyond $3.20 but it's anyone's guess, isn't it?
posted on December 17, 2000 10:02:52 AM
I agree -Even if you have a heavy item that has to be calculated you can say WHERE it is (zip) and how much it weighs and if you add any fees for packaging etc.So the customer can estimate it before bidding.
I almost always quote a flat rate for what I am selling and most customers are happy to have a solid number so they know I am not going to try to rip them off on the shipping fees. That has happened to so many you can't bid blind.
posted on December 17, 2000 10:04:29 AM
oh and for the record, I don't care if sellers so called "gouge" on shipping. I really could care less. I just paid $10 shipping on a dolly for my husband knowing full well that it would cost 1/2 that to ship. So what? It took this into account and bid low and won. Maybe the seller is trying to save on ebay fees, what do I care? JUST STATE THE COST IN THE AUCTION to facilitate shopping. It is NOT fun to shop ebay anymore, this is part of the problem. Help yourself, help others, state your shipping, be part of the solution.
posted on December 17, 2000 10:24:13 AM
I totally agree! I don't buy much, because it's too time consuming to email sellers and wait for a reply. I understand that many sellers need to know the buyer's address before stating the cost, but the seller can still state in the auction: "Shipping cost will depend on your zip code. I will charge you actual priority postage + a handling and packing charge of xxx."
The buyer could then look up the postage charges on the usps or ups websites and get a ballpark idea of costs.
posted on December 17, 2000 10:29:50 AM
I do apologize....I misunderstood what was meant...flat rate up to two lbs and then goes up...forgive me...Janet
posted on December 17, 2000 11:49:20 AM
I have a problem with listing the exact shipping costs because I sell antique and vintage items and every one is different. Most of my items are glass, porcelain or pottery and are breakable so they have to be double boxed. I pack the merchandise to be able to survive a nuclear blast and it takes me a LONG time to bubble wrap, pad and double box each item and I don't want to waste my effort if it doesn't sell.
I do list the weight of the item without the packing material in my auction along with my Zip code and I also say that I don't charge a handling fee of any kind - you pay what I pay. I don't know how I can give the total cost of shipping without actually packing up the box and knowing the buyer's Zip code. Also, I rarely am able to use the lower Priority Mail rate since most of my items are heavy and I will give the buyer the option of using Priority Mail or Parcel Post if there's a difference of a few cents in the cost. Does anyone know a better way?
As much as I hate to see something else become mandated-I think you are correct on this one-I see more angst over this than anything else on the boards and from buyers.
I just saw one, where after the auction ended, the seller is charging $65 to have a $35 lamp professionally packed and shipped.
If I were the buyer, I definately would be backing out on that one !
I do the same as you did- if I see a high shipping charge, my bid reflects that. I just paid $18 in shipping on something that with insurance, I know cost no more than $5 to ship-but my bid reflected that and total cost was still a bargain. I just wonder how many sales are actually lost to this.
posted on December 17, 2000 11:59:08 AM
Weigh the item, add one pound for normal boxing, two pounds for double boxing, and figure the cost on the furthest zone from you. Offer to refund if you are over the shipping by $1.50.
I think that most buyers won't mind if they pay a buck more for shipping than it actually costs, as long as they know beforehand. THey can figure the shipping in their high bid.
It is the not knowing that most buyers don't like, myself included.
posted on December 17, 2000 12:25:55 PM
I include shipping charge information in all my auctions EXCEPT the heavy or oversized items. In order to give a shipping charge I will need an address.
When my auction is over I give my customers no less than 2 shipping choices - most times 3 (USPS, UPS or FedEx Ground). They pick the shipping method and add the price of such to their total.
I have many happy customers as they see me making an effort to find the best shipping price for them. I know I would love it if more sellers gave a choice! Sometimes these flat rate prices are OUTRAGEOUS! I am not interested in padding the pocket of the seller for my shipping expense!
posted on December 17, 2000 12:29:15 PM
I have been saying this for over 2 years now - and I am mostly a seller! I always put the complete charges upfront in the auction description.
posted on December 17, 2000 12:30:39 PM
Thanks Meya, I'm going to experiment a bit with your suggestion to see how far off I'll be with the 2 pound addition for double boxing. I really would like to find a simple way to include the total actual shipping cost in my auctions and your proposal might work.
posted on December 17, 2000 12:35:53 PM
If you are going to charge shipping, at some point, you have to figure out how much it is going to be.
Why not just do it before the auction?
Don't know where the item is going? Include the weight, your zip code, and a link to a shipping calculator.
I agree that I am hesitant about Ebay mandating anything, but this is a huge problem. I agree that this is the primary reason that I don't shop on Ebay as much as I used to. It's just too much trouble.
So what Ebay could do is this:
Work out a system so that all you have to do is when you list an item is include the weight, your zip code, and the shipping options you offer. Then they automatically have a shipping calculator on your auction page if necessary. It wouldn't be that hard to do.
Any "handling" charges have to be included in the price of the auction. (You know this one is coming anyway...)
If a seller does not include this information, then it is understood, and made clear in the auction, that the SELLER pays the shipping.
posted on December 17, 2000 12:43:12 PM
Blanche - your way is "okay". You are telling me some of what I need to know when you state that there is not a handling fee. The major problem here is that for most auctions anymore there *is* a handling fee and a buyer wants to know up front what it is.
A *better* way is to just state shipping even it is an estimate. For example the speeder bike that was crushed that I posted in another thread weighs about 6 pounds so I put in the auction copy that the buyer will be charged 9 1/2 pounds shipped from zip XXXXX. I may be a pound off but I am sure that the buyer is happy knowing exactly what they are spending, and I also make sure I can live with a variance in the buyer's direction.
IOW you do not need to completely pack in order to decide what you are going to charge to ship, and it is more important to spell it out that it is for it to be "actual" cost.
posted on December 17, 2000 02:28:08 PM
abacaxi: you are an example of why shippers should LOOK UP the rates. Priority is FLAT RATE up to FIVE pounds, not two.
Thanks for the kind words. Sounds like someone needs a cookie. But you are wrong again. The flat rate is 2-lbs. The cost increments up to 5-lbs based on weight only. Then weight *and* distance are factored. I mis-spoke by saying that weight and distance are factored after 2-lbs. It is factored after 5-lbs. Of course there is the $3.20 flat-rate envelope.
posted on December 17, 2000 03:16:31 PM
Am inclined to agree that shipping charges should be stated but that is probably because we state them. AND we ship approximately half of our items via UPS. We state an "average" shipping charge - sometimes we are high and sometimes we are low. Our logic, unsound that it may be, is that a flat rate shipping charge creates a level playing field for all bidders. No one is penalized for living on either coast plus it saves an inordinate amount of time answering emails. Our stated rate includes shipping and insurance. Granted sometimes someone will pay slightly too much but in almost three thousand feedbacks (no negatives), have never had a complaint. We do not "gouge" but do try to cover the cost of bubble, peanuts, and boxes, which runs about $300 per month and averages almost $1 per item. We cannot "add" the materials cost into our opening bids because we start virtually all items at $9.95 without reserve regardless of value - even for items expected to go over $1000.
corrected for spelling.
[ edited by tabularosa on Dec 17, 2000 03:18 PM ]
posted on December 17, 2000 03:33:21 PM
I tend not to like mandates, either. Don't forget: If eBay has a cost for shipping in a numeric inputted field, it won't take them long to start applying BOTH the insertion fee and FVF to the TOTAL of the item plus shipping, not just the item. If they can charge for some no-cost-to-them thing like "Buy It Now" then you can bet they'll start doing that.
OTOH, I always list domestic shipping costs and I think it's extremely important to do so. I also pass on auctions where the seller did not in almost all cases. Having too many "caveat emptors" on eBay can be a real PR problem. As usual, it's the few bad apples that cause problems for the rest of us. But in this case I think the cure would be worse than the disease, as eBay management lately has a real case of the Greeds. Not enough serious competition yet to hold them in check.
One more thing: I sell internationally and try to give those buyers as much idea as I can about the charge in the listing, or at least an assurance that they won't be overcharged. If domestic buyers are wary, just think what the prospective foreign ones must feel like.
I think it has paid off in sales (maybe 20-25% are outside the U.S. now). My items are thankfully small and lightweight, so YMMV. But having those bids in there helps a lot even when the foreign buyers don't win.
