posted on June 21, 2001 06:38:20 PM new
The other day, I placed a bid on an item (like a dork, I didn't read the WHOLE TOS) after I placed the bid, I realized there was no mention of shipping charges. DANG@@@@!#$!@ I email the lady and ask her. She tells ne $6.35 (I about had a heart attack, but didnt say anything about it.) (Again, lightweight items) I REALLY wanted to retract my bid and say due to high shipping in the remarks, but because it was MY fault for not asking FIRST, I didn't retract. I won. S***. But, I kept my end of the bargain, and paid her tonight. I learned a lesson. Aren't you proud of me? I will NEVER place a bid again on something that doesnt have the shipping amount in the TOS, or, at least ask FIRST.
posted on June 21, 2001 06:49:04 PM new
I learned the same lesson!! I do not even bother with auctions that state shipping and handling charges to be paid by winning bidder, but never mention what that charge is in their auction. I won a 1 lb. 2 oz. item and shipping and HANDLING was $14.25 for Priority Mail. I ended up paying it because it was my fault for not asking first...so I am just passing on some advise for those who bid on auctions with HANDLING charges...ASK FIRST or go on to the next auction that states it's handling charges
posted on June 21, 2001 06:50:16 PM new
Once upon a time when I was truly blissfully ignorant of those auctions without stated shipping, I bid on an item and was thrilled to be a winner...winning bid, $4.99...shipping and handling charge, $15.00! I too learned the hard way, but I honored my comitment and received the book in an envelope (not even bubblewrap) media rate ($1.20) It was my fault for not asking, but I thought at the time, he could or at least added some vaseline in the package!
"I charge only actual shipping never a handling charge",
would that be enough information on something that may weigh more than 5 pounds once it is packed and I need your zip code before I can give you an exact quote.
If you saw that would you still bid if time left on the auction was short?
It can't be MY "fault", I've NEVER owned a "fault"!
If there were enough time left for me to email you, then wait for a reply, and I was REALLY wanting that item, then yes, I guess it would. But if I already know they are lightweight items, and the price would be the same no matter where in the US I was shipping, then no. I haven't shipped really heavy items before, in fact, try to avoid them just because the shipping is so touchy. I did ship a silverware set, quoted the price right in the TOS, and ended up having to eat the rest because I underquoted. Learned my lesson on that one too! These things I won weigh about 1 pound (or less) so I guess she is shipping priority, but man, I paid more for shipping than the dang item. Anyway........my fault, so I honored it.
posted on June 21, 2001 07:27:34 PM new
Good for you - I would also.
Although I would rather have a customer retract than like last week win the bid refuse to pay and cuss me out in ugly ghetto language for telling them not to bid any of my auctions again.
posted on June 21, 2001 07:49:21 PM new
"would that be enough information on something that may weigh more than 5 pounds once it is packed and I need your zip code before I can give you an exact quote. "
Why not say "actual priority mail charged for X pounds from zip XXXXX" ?
Then the bidder if he has any smarts can look it up on the USPS site.
posted on June 21, 2001 10:09:08 PM new
As a seller, my shipping is easy because it just goes in a regular envelope, but I have always wondered why sellers of items that need a zip code don't find out the cost of the nearest and farthest zips and state that "shipping will range from $x.xx to $xx.xx with City, State being the starting point".
I know most/many (don't want to get into that discussion!) sellers are fair about their shipping, but when I am bidding, I want to bid now and not have to bookmark the auction and wait for a reply. The chances are very good that I will forget to go back and bid or may very well find another item.
So JMHO, the chances are that I wouldn't bid on your auction. Sorry.
I used to say "actual shipping" as well, on larger items.
Most people here think that it's better to state a flat price, so I started doing that quite a while back. I've gotten better at estimating the cost, and, while I don't try to "make" money on shipping, I seldom lose. Most of the time I over-estimate by a buck or two, which helps to pay for bubble wrap and things.
This is only on the larger items. On the small stuff it's pretty easy to know if it's going to go for $3.50, $3.95 or whatever, and that's all I charge for those.
It sure has made my life easier. No more having to pack items as soon as the auction is over in order to get a price (except for overseas shipping quotes).
Right On....why didn't I think of that answer? I would gladly look it up if it were posted like that and I wanted the item...in fact, I think that's what I will start doing in my auctions!
