posted on February 19, 2001 10:56:57 AM
I was wondering if anyone has had experience with "free shipping?" I tried it once before and it did not bring up the average bid on my auctions so I stopped. I am just SO SICK of arguing after an auction about my rates though. I am reasonable and make no more than $0.25 handling on an auction. Still, bidders think you robbed them for that quarter! They think the packaging, labels, ink is all free. Not to mention the gas and having to stand in line for an hour every single day of my life!
Has anyone had a good experience with free shipping and a higher priced item to make up for the costs?
posted on February 19, 2001 12:36:48 PM
This is a topic that can be debated endlessly. If you offer free shipping, then you will presumably have a higher bid price. This may mean fewer sales, and certainly means more $ to eBay in your FVF.
I prefer to have the S&H as a separate amount because then you will have people from Canada/Japan/whatever want to buy it and then you have to figure out how much to charge them (how much "credit" do you give them) ... and some may even demand "FREE" shipping!
I experimented with free shipping and I didn't notice any significant differences. I think most people regard it as a gimmick, kind of like the $0.01 opening bid. In my case, it caused more trouble due to the foreign bidders as mentioned above...
Whenever people complain about shipping rates, I tell them in a concise and emotionless manner that my S&H was stated in large letters in the auction, and their bid was an agreement to that rate. If they didn't like the rate, they should not have bid.
You don't need any further justification of your costs or charges, and you don't need to waste precious time and effort writing hundreds of emails to these cranks. There are a lot of people out there who are just lonely or bored and have nothing better to do than pick a fight with you over 25 cents!
posted on February 19, 2001 01:30:12 PM
Thanks wbbell. I just get so sick of all the bull I deal with when it comes to shipping. I don't understand why people feel they can push around sellers. They would never to that to Amazon! In fact, many retailers don't even put their shipping price and just say it will be added on! Anyway, thanks for the advise.
posted on February 19, 2001 01:57:45 PM
It's real simple. Post exactly what you are
going to charge. I myself am getting sick
and tired of "actual shipping charges" and
getting charged $5.50 for an under 1lb
item. I saw 8.00 for an item that will not
cost anymore than 3.95 MAX in actual Post
Office charges.
IF you can't make enough to cover driving to
the P.O. DO NOT SELL THE ITEM. I sell also,
this isn't just from a buyer. I've bid on
a few no shipping items. I loved them. I wouldn't do it myself. If you want to charge
$15.00 to send a lighter, that's all well
and fine as long as your auction says so.
posted on February 19, 2001 01:58:00 PM
I sell some really small items like smartmedia cards that can be mailed in an envelope for 34 cents if you dont mind taking a risk. So far none have been lost. And it does seem unfair forcing buyers to pay $4 for priority with confirmation. So I give buyers the following choice:
"Free shipping in an envelope, no tracking or insurance, you assume all risk. So far none have been lost but a few have taken weeks to show up. You can not pay via credit card if you choose free shipping. Or pay $4 for priority with confirmation."
posted on February 19, 2001 02:14:53 PM
Problem is, its not as simple as charging actual shipping. Ok, so a CD may cost $1.18 to ship and that is what some buyers expect to pay. I pay for the packaing though and that is another $0.25. Then, I pay for Certificate Of Mailing which is another $0.25-$0.75. That brings up the total to at least around $2.00. That is not including the lables I use, nor does it inlcude the ink I use, etc.
I charge very reasonable rates. I charge $2.99 to ship a CD and many sellers charge much more and offer less. I pay about $2.75 to ship each CD with all my costs, not including gas of fees. So, I guess charging $14.99 for a CD with free shipping is not a good idea. Its more of a gimmick it seems and is not worth it. I just wish I did not have to argue every day about my shipping. I have bought CD's from sellers that charge $4 for first class and even I don't complain!
posted on February 19, 2001 02:24:46 PM
I've got to admit....I'm a sucker for 'free shipping'. Yes, I know the seller 'worked in' the shipping *somewhere*, but it really is a mental thing. I like to think my money is going to the seller for the widget instead of going to the UPS/USPS for shipping.
I don't know if this will help, but here it is:
As a buyer, if I am looking at 3 auctions all being equal except for the shipping policy, this is the order in which I would bid:
1st bid would be on the auction w/ free shipping. If that auction goes over my price then:
2nd bid: on the auction that has shipping price stated (even if there is a 'handling' charge).
3rd bid: Actually, probably wouldn't get a bid from me is the auction with either NO mention of shipping OR no mention of the amount of shipping.
Yes, I understand that some sellers can't give an exact amount....but give me *something*! An estimated weight and your zip code will work.
posted on February 19, 2001 03:25:00 PM
try free shipping on some listings and see how it works. I sell some things both ways and get varied results. It has been hard for me to determine exactly how the buyers think and how they prefer things. Some buyers seem to like the thought of free shipping, other buyers bring in an accountant to determine if you are charging too much for shipping, and other buyers who think little of the shipping amount.
My experience has been that you can have 1 inch letters explaining your terms and some people still will not read them or want to change them after they have won. Fortunately, most people go along with the program, follow instructions, and are happy with the transactions - else we would all have horrible feedback.
just to give you an idea how buyers can be finicky. Another seller I know had some new items in perfect condition and listed them that way with a low starting bid - he got no bids at all. About a week later he listed the items again stating they are "DAMAGED." The bidders went nuts. They sold for about 100% retail and he would have been happy with 1/2 that. One on the buyers emailed him after the auction and ask "how bad is it damaged?" The seller told them that he repaired it so good that he can't even tell where he fixed it.
You never know what will bring in the bidders
pcalton
Perry Calton [email protected]
http://www.pcalton.com
posted on February 19, 2001 04:10:50 PM
Hi!
I offer free shipping within the US and Canada. I incorporate my expenses in my opening bid. If they want insurance, that is extra. Most people go for the insurance.(I state the rates in my auction description)
I sell small items that ship in a small bubble mailer.
This method works very well for me and my customers and I have a 100% selling rate. Of course, I am selling in a specialized area also.
It might depend on what items you are selling.
OC
posted on February 19, 2001 04:42:56 PM
I know of one CD seller who incorporates his shipping fees in his price. Not sure why.
I would not charge more than 2.50 to ship a CD (First class)unless the bidder wanted and paid for delivery confirmation or insurance. Anymore and you might as well send it Priority mail and use the free boxes and labels.
Always state your prices upfront and make sure they know you expect full payment by stating so.
posted on February 19, 2001 06:38:50 PM
I offer free shipping when bidder wins 3 or more of my items, ending within 3 days of each other.
But since the recent USPS price increase, I'm debating wether or not to change the offer to: "Pay only shipping for the 1st item, additional items are shipped free!"
------------------------------------------------------------
How can they hear, when you're screaming in digital?
posted on February 19, 2001 06:45:17 PM
I would offer free shipping if my profit margin was more. On some items or group of items I do give free shipping as a bonus. But, normally I need to charge a flat shipping charge that covers postage and all my other costs associated with shipping.
pcalton
Perry Calton [email protected]
http://www.pcalton.com
