posted on May 8, 2002 01:04:00 PMtoolhound said, "I hope the Post Office keeps putting postage amounts on packages. If you are showing how much handling you are charging in your description then it should not be a problem. If you are missleading buyers into thinking what you are charging is for shipping then you deserve problems from them all."
Yes, I agree. If you as the seller charge $3.50 or $3.95 (USPS Priority 1 lbs. and 2 lbs. respectively as of 5/8/2002) without indicating the delivery method, I would understand a buyer feeling mislead if it arrived Media Mail or First Class < 13 ounces.
As a buyer, I rarely see an auction seller with 1000+ feedback provide a breakdown of their shipping and handling charges. It would be interesting to see how buyers respond to the breakdown. Any of you big time sellers doing this? A breakdown in not important to me. I just want to know the out-the-door price.
[edit - referenced previous link]
[ edited by sun818 on May 8, 2002 01:16 PM ]
posted on May 8, 2002 05:18:51 PM
I put in the exact shipping cost if it's at all possible. If it's a lightweight item I put in how much it will be for first class and also offer priority for $3.50.
If postage is dependent on buyer's zip code I put in whatever the range will be. Since this would be for something with packed weight over 5 pounds, I also put in what the shipping would be for UPS Ground.
A bit off topic but I'm beginning to lean more and more towards UPS Ground. On very heavy items they'll come pick up for about 20% less than if I take it to them.
Lucy
edited to add I don't charge for packing materials or handling.
[ edited by ohmslucy on May 8, 2002 05:19 PM ]
posted on May 8, 2002 08:27:53 PM
The thing about this issue is that I really don't think it is an issue at all with the vast majority of buyers. I can't see how most are concerned above and beyond what they are quoted for shipping, and what they pay (as long as they are the same) - If a lot of people really cared, then auctions with outrageous shipping would disappear.
I don't break down shipping/handling, just offer a total price, and make insurance optional. I have over 2400 total feedback, and maybe once or twice I have been questioned about shipping totals (and only before the person bid on the auction, not after) - It's not an issue except to those who post here, who generally nitpick at every small thing (myself included)
posted on May 8, 2002 11:54:54 PM
I'm with "ohmslucy" and "nearthesea" on this. They essentially wrote my answer to your question!
Here we go again, though, with the tired old argument about "handling" or no handling charge, I fear!
Whether a customer will be a repeat customer or not (I have very few; sell odd collectibles), it's important in my value system that I tell the truth, and I consider the following a lie of sorts: Charging $4.50 or so to mail an item for 80cents actual postage. I think the cheated feelings buyers have when that happens to them bounce out into the universe and right at the perpetrators. Bad vibes make things worse, not better, in our universe. I know I'm sounding weird and spacy--I'm not, just telling you what I think (not the first time!)
3+ years selling jewelry (ebay & web store). Mostly small items. 2800 positive feedback, 1912 unique.
I charge a flat rate for most items of no less than $2.00 s/h for 1st class BOXED shipping (I NEVER USE BUBBLE MAILERS!!!). I list the fee in the auction as s/h. If it is going to be more because of size or weight I change the flat rate cost. If it is going to be shipped priority due to weight I note this in the auction and add $.50 handling to the base priority rate. I combine shipping on multiples. Insurance is optional. Many items go out with .80 postage metered and the customer was charged 2.00. They get a sturdy little white 200 lb test box and excellent bubble padding & white tissue. NEVER had a complaint, NEVER had a negative, NEVER been questioned. I believe they feel they got what they paid for. Careful, safe shipping.
[ edited by virgo47 on May 9, 2002 04:32 AM ]
