posted on January 23, 2001 03:57:03 PM
OK, I've already said I'm a newbie on eBay... and even newer at selling stuff. I have something listed on eBay that is fairly heavy (7.5 lbs). This is a common household item, worth about $15 or so.
It was one of my first items placed up for auction, and I neglected to put the range of shipping quotes on my page. I've had one potential bidder eMail me asking, and she didn't bid after finding out the shipping would range between $8 and $12, estimation.
After reviewing the current stats, I'm starting to feel guilty and realizing my error. The current bid is for less than you can pick up at the store, BUT with that much shipping tacked on, would equal out to paying more (right now, at least $3 more, with about a day left in the auction).
Soooooo, what exactly should I do? I'm feeling really guilty. :\ I honestly don't think the current bidder realizes how much the shipping is.
posted on January 23, 2001 04:10:31 PM
Hi. I am very new to auctions too. So I am sure that someone else will give different and "better " advice.
1) you can add "revision" to your auction~ very short ones but you can add the s/h fees.
2) you can email your top bidder and state the sh fees
3) after you have added the s/h to your auction then at least the next person bidding won't realize that they can buy it cheaper or maybe they don't live near an area where the item can be bought but you would have given the s/h addition to your auction.
4) if your top bidder is very upset you could offer to help with the s/h . I had a seller do that for me and I said no ( they hadn't listed s/h) and I wanted the books and would be willing to pay s/h( thank goodness this is just a fun hobby for me~ )but I thought " what a great seller! and bookmarked her site)
I used to list a number of items on amazon and sometimes ( quite a few times) people would bid higher than going into Amazon 's book site where they could buy the item cheaper and new! Hope this helps, not suz23 on auctions!
posted on January 23, 2001 04:18:53 PM
YOu can also check alternative methods of shipping. I shipped a 30 lb package for $13.00 with UPS. Just make a few calls to find the cheapest route. Let the auction finish then give the buyer the options. If you are feeling really guilty give the buyer the option of backing out if they desire. I did that when I first started. They chose to buy anyway.
posted on January 23, 2001 04:43:32 PM
I had the same experience as rariffle, put up a set of dish , not to old but a nice set, they ended up bring more than you could have brought them in the store new. They were extremely heavy weight and the shipping was alot!! Buyer didnt balk at the shipping at all. they were please to get thewm, I dont understand why but were pleased with the shipping and final value. I had the accessories still which I was going to list later and sent that as a bonus in a totally diferent package the next day after shipping the dish set. My buyer was so thrilled to received them they have becone a repeat buyer. Add a little bonus or something if they are please with the transaction and shipping charges.
posted on January 23, 2001 06:42:08 PMsuz23...
Thanks for the excellent suggestions! I've gone ahead and placed a revision on my auction, and also eMailed the current top bidder, letting her know. I also decided to give her the weight of the package and my zip code and told her if she wanted, she could do her own price checking.
rarriffle...
I can't believe I didn't think of UPS! I just checked, and it was about a dollar cheaper (maybe, depending on her zip code). I also included that information when I eMailed her.
jfpnatl...
Glad you had such a good experience! I don't know what this person's response will be, but seeing that you can get this item I'm selling in any grocery store, I'm not too hopeful about a laid-back attitude. If she does get upset, I'll probably offer to help out with shipping.
posted on January 23, 2001 06:50:57 PM
Actually, don't assume your buyer can get the item at any store. Some places are remote or have poorly stocked stores. I routinely send my parents olive oil from Hawaii because in their small town on the East Coast they can't get it at a reasonable price. Yet, they can buy pineapple cheaper than I can. It is weird.
Also, the buyer may be homebound and willing to pay a little more for the convenience of home delivery.
posted on January 23, 2001 07:16:30 PMmisscandle...
I s'pose that's true. Heck, I honestly don't know why ANYbody bid on those things in the first place, so you could always be right.
