posted on May 16, 2001 07:03:10 PM
Between eBay and the USPS, I will need a second mortguage to cover fee and price increases for much less then stellar service.
I have been emailing several of my recient past buyers, in the hope of locating a mismailed auction item. One of my repeat buyers answers my email, and says, no, they have not gotten anything odd, and they were about to email me because they had not gotten thier item that was mailed on 10Apr01. They live 4 states over from me, and we have conversed via email a few times, and as I said I have sold to them before, so I do trust them (esp. for a $17.00 item). I told them that if they do not recieve thier item by this time next week, I will refund thier money.
What are we, as small sellers, to do? Ebay raises thier fee's (almost like taxation without representation, with another increase about due now), the post office is jacking up rates again, as well as closing the 2 offices near me (now I will have to drive 15 minutes to get to one). I am about ready to call it quits, espically when it seems it is the honest sellers that are being left holding the bag, while people with many neg's and retractions go on blissfully ruining it for all of us.
Sorry for venting, just needed to get this off my chest before I explode. Anyone else feel this way???
Rick
In the begining, God created the heavens and the earth.
Yes, lots of us feel that way. You are not the only one.
I can't help but believe that even eBay can price themselves out of the market. Yahoo did, and at some point all the smaller sellers may have to bite the bullet and list somewhere else.
The good thing there might be a viable alternative to eBay. I only go to eBay to sell now, never to buy. I am spending my dollars with sellers who are trying to help other sites grow. I only list on eBay the highest priced items I have and only because I need the income now. Everything else goes to an alternative site.
We made eBay what it is, and they don't understand that bidders are not there looking for stuff they can buy at Wally World but for something different or better.
I am also watching my postage fees, and hope I can shortly justify moving my business to UPS or FedEx. At least, UPS and FedEx are self supporting.
The postal service surely is high priced; especially considering that I am paying for their sloppy service with my tax dollars as well as paying their fees.
It can't be MY "fault", I've NEVER owned a "fault"!
posted on May 16, 2001 08:12:07 PM
My husband is out of town, so I'm bored and reading a lot of these posts. I just have to say that your quote "It can't be MY "fault", I've NEVER owned a "fault"!" Is WONDERFUL!!! I must use that every chance I get. Thanks for making me smile on a night when I'm feeling particularly lonely .
And to address the original post...I agree. I'm glad I haven't given up my day job....yet...
posted on May 17, 2001 05:33:42 AM
>The postal service surely is high priced; especially considering that I am paying for their sloppy service with my tax dollars as well as paying their fees. <
JMHO
Whoops, you are paying the USPS with your tax dollars???
As far as I know you are the only one that is!
If that is the case the PO is guilty of false advertising 'cause that last I knew they were self-supporting.
(i.e. NO tax dollars)
I would love to be able to use UPS, or FEDEX, but until those two start giving away supplies (boxes, tape, labels AND delivering them to my door, FREE), we'll just keep using the good old USPS.
(plus, you can't ship anything at a 1st class rate with UPS or FEDEX)
posted on May 17, 2001 09:24:57 AM
JMHO. I like your quote. I have a quote page on my work web site and I would like to use it next week. may I? It is so apropos.
Re the USPS. I asked the post office yesterday and in addition to increased postage on some weights on first class, heavier (and the number relative to heavy wasn't described) weight postage is also going up. ... and the band plays on.
posted on May 17, 2001 11:16:14 AM
The post office definitely is self supporting.
The reason they have to keep raising rates is because they operate at a deficit.
The reason they operate at a deficit is because they do not ever get the rate increases that the request - the board of governors always knocks it down.
The USPS does not receive any tax dollars and has not since it was reorganized in 1971. The USPS is authorized to issue debt instruments such as bonds, and that is how it stays afloat.
posted on May 17, 2001 12:00:44 PMihula
Thanks, I am glad I made you smile. I hope your husband gets home soon, safe, and sound.
llama_lady
Yes you may use it.
wbbell
I stand corrected about the P.O. not receiving tax dollars to help support their deficits.
Say, by the way, I've got this great bridge in Royal Gorge, I have to sell to cover my ailing great-great grandparents medical bills they had twins, and really need the money.
.