posted on February 6, 2001 10:05:21 PM new
It's not bad enough that I just had a Canadian customer accuse me of gouging him on postage (13+dollars for what used to cost 3+dollars) thanks to the new USPS rates, but I hear on the news just now that these "Public Servants" are going to ask for another increase early next year because " the economy is slowing" DUH? THEY ARE THE REASON MY ECONOMY IS SLOWING!
Since the new rates went into effect it's like pulling teeth to even get a bid, and when I do, I contact the winning bidder at the end and they balk at the shipping rate. My wife and I charge exactly what it costs with NO handling or "bump up" whatsoever. Granted some of the slow biz is connected to the cost of heating one's home this dark and dank winter, but enough is enough with the PO. I'm going to e-mail my so-called reps in DC and let them know NOW that the PO's last increase should take them well into 2010 with enough of a profit to buy 10 Star Wars Defense Missile Programs.
Man I feel better.
John (my wife's the Puddy-Tat)
(edit= taking the word thieves out)
[ edited by Puddy on Feb 6, 2001 10:08 PM ]
[ edited by Puddy on Feb 6, 2001 10:10 PM ]
posted on February 6, 2001 11:23:26 PM new
Maybe I wasn't clear. You missed the point. The PO is going to ask for another increase to go into effect a year from now. The seed is planted now with congress so that when it happens none of us will be awake to cry about it and the increase goes through just like this last one.
As for upfront postal, I wait till the auction is over before packaging and weighting due to last minute questions I may have missed in the description. I pack it once.
[ edited by Puddy on Feb 6, 2001 11:34 PM ]
posted on February 7, 2001 03:27:20 AM new
Had the PO saved the money they spent on all the winter olympic commercials a few years back (encouraging priority mail if you don't remember them) ...doubt all of these increases would be necessary. As for upfront postal - I buy a lot and I don't bid if it isn't disclosed. Not worth a question and I've found it often hides a huge "handling" charge. I sell some (not lots, as it isn't my primary job) but I bought a scale and found it well worth the $ and my sales increased by giving the shipping figure. My .02.
posted on February 7, 2001 05:20:44 AM new
I also state a flat shipping charge. It really is not hard to estimate what something will weigh and state an amount. If you are off a few cents nobody cares.
It is the people who add a whopping handling charge that causes us to avoid any auction without a stated amount. Very seldom do I want something Bad enough to ask what the shipping is.
If I ask you what are you going to tell me?
"I don't know 'til I box it up?"
posted on February 7, 2001 12:22:09 PM new
Barrelracer,
Thanks. I didn't know they changed the name of small packet. That helps a lot.
Gravid,
When someone e-mails with the shipping charge I let them know based on an estimate. As for packaging prior to auction end, I've repackaged too many items that I put into Priority boxes only to find out the winning bidder is in Japan, or France, etc. Then it's a matter of dumpster diving to find a box that's suitable. NOT my favorite thing to do.
posted on February 7, 2001 12:37:24 PM new
Barrel,
Capitol idea! Our Clerk is great but she is as confused about some of the name changes as I am.
Thanks.
John
posted on February 7, 2001 01:03:55 PM new
Lazy?
I don't even bother putting it boxes. I just slap an address on the item and cross my fingers. That's why I have 1100+ pos and no negs.
Thanks for the kind words though.
John
posted on February 7, 2001 01:10:07 PM new
Did you ever really think what the internet and online auctions have done for the Post Office? Before the internet, we used to mail letters and bills. Now, with online auctions, so many of us are shipping millions of things a day and using the Post Office to ship. They must be making a ton from all of this! The internet didn't hurt them, it's probably made their profits soar with all of us shipping our goods.
Wow, and now they want to raise the rates again? Wish I could buy some US Postal stock!!!
posted on February 7, 2001 04:23:28 PM new
I don't know why everyone is so surprised that the USPS has already talked about raising rates. They do it almost immediately after every rate increase. Maybe people weren't paying attention after the last few increases. And they always put a little PR spin on it, trying to justify the increase.
Raising rates is at least an 18-month process, from application to implementation. And the USPS never gets the full rate increase it wants. So you have this constant cycle. There is always an application for rate increase pending.
If the rate increase has impacted your auctions, here are some tips:
--Sell less heavy stuff.
--Offer first class or media rate, where appropriate, instead of always insisting upon priority mail. Nothing turns off bidders more than someone who wants to ship a three-ounce item at the priority rate. If you sell something that will fit in a SASE, permit bidders to use them, at their own risk of course.
--Skip the insurance and delivery confirmation, if possible. Sure, there might be some fraud by bidders, but you'll more than make up for it in higher bids.
--State your shipping charges in the auction description. Sure, it's a pain, but a LOT of people just don't bid if the info is not provided.
posted on February 7, 2001 05:09:00 PM new
Want to really get mad about rate increases? Check out the thread on the USPS's auctions on Ebay! They are making a small fortune on things they've never had to spend a penny on!!!
