posted on December 18, 2001 11:39:59 AM new
I have been working my tail off handling tons of auctions this Christmas and have done all the post management and email by hand (pencil and paper). I would like to automate the process and have looked into using the AW post sale tools but I have one problem with them. I ship only by USPS and some items weigh in the 10-30 lbs range. This can mean a VERY big difference in shipping costs depending upon where the buyer lives. The problem with the AW post sale tools is that to use the WBN I must know shipping cost first before I have the buyers address. I realize that I can just use a fixed rate but I'm in NC and sell a lot to CA and WA. If I set a fixed rate to cover that distance then it's hardly fair to my closer customers. Does anyone have any ideas on handling this? How do the big sellers do this? I started eBaying so I could stay home with my toddler but I'm finding that if I continue to do things the way I have, it takes way too much time from him. How do I deal in volume and not get snowed under? Any advice would be appreciated.
posted on December 18, 2001 11:46:02 AM new
And if you sell outside the USA, the system is even more useless
I'd say if you are not prepared to do the work for each and every sale, then you should get out of the business. Customer service still means a lot to us buyers
posted on December 18, 2001 11:58:59 AM new
RB, I didn't say I was not prepared to do the work for each and every sale! I do! In fact I pride myself on that. All I'm wanting to know is if there is an easier way! There's no point in doing extra, time consuming work if there is a more efficient way.
posted on December 18, 2001 01:15:30 PM new
Customize your WBNs - Give your buyer the closing price and ask them to provide you their shipping address so you can total the shipping cost. Buyers usually have contact with you before sending money. To keep track of everything- you can buy Invoicing software ( I Use "My deluxe Invoices and estimates" ) Got it at Office depot. You can keep a permanent record of all transactions this way. You may also use Auction manager and check off the boxes as you complete each part of the transaction - It gets confusing and slow if you do lots of auctions that way. You need some way to track your sales for accounting functions.
<br />
Good Luck
<br />
Ed <br />
[ edited by ok4leather on Dec 18, 2001 01:18 PM ]
posted on December 19, 2001 04:39:23 AM new
I highly recommend auction tamer. It's a free download and you can use their auction posting/management features free for I think 30 or 60 days.
It will allow you to customize your WBN and also you can keep the shipping cost out if you want until you can get the buyer's address.
http://www.ezinkjetstore.com
