junkaholic31
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posted on December 11, 2004 07:48:02 AM new
I have noticed over the past few weeks a big increase in the number of bidder questions about the cost of shipping an item-big or small- I think this is the result of many sellers grossly overcharging on shipping on top of the Post Office and UPS increases- It does affect the sales when they do the arithmatic- Anyone else notice this??? could be a reason for a drop off in sales-
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tomwiii
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posted on December 11, 2004 07:57:58 AM new
About 2 years ago, I switched to FLAT-RATE shipping...
Haven't had a shipping P&M since!
EVERY one of my listings include a:
SHIPPING FEE -- clearly stated is not only the AMOUNT, but also the METHOD...PLUS, I clearly state that my SHIPPING FEE covers Postage / Packaging / Handling
After awhile, one gets a sure FEEL for WHAT to charge -- I almost never LOSE on my SHIPPING FEE &, at the same time, me-&-Ralphie ain't gonna be retiring to the Costa Del Sol anytime soon off the profit from my SHIPPING FEE 
I think the thing that buyers hate the most is being SURPRISED after EOA -- I always try to avoid any type of confusion BEFORE it can cause ill-will 
 
[ edited by tomwiii on Dec 11, 2004 07:59 AM ]
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MAH645
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posted on December 11, 2004 08:19:29 AM new
Most of my listing are flat rate. I give combined shipping rate on audio books of $1.00 extra per book. I get a lot of repeat customers.
**********************************
Two men sit behind bars,one sees mud the other sees stars.
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beatnikera
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posted on December 11, 2004 09:47:49 AM new
I do the same as tomwiii - flat rate shipping, U.S. and International which I clearly state on the auction page so there are no surprises.
[ edited by beatnikera on Dec 11, 2004 09:48 AM ]
[ edited by beatnikera on Dec 11, 2004 09:48 AM ]
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pelorus
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posted on December 11, 2004 10:43:47 AM new
I charge a flat $3 for books, which averages about $1 over postage. This puts me in the minimum wage area as a shipping clerk. With no benefits or vacation time. What a bargain.
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Roadsmith
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posted on December 11, 2004 10:46:28 AM new
Example: "Media mail shipping will be $4.00; NO further charges."
Whenever possible I state the shipping cost and say there will be no further charges. Usually does the trick.
(But I still get e-mails asking total shipping cost, since so many buyers don't read everything.)
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ebayvet
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posted on December 11, 2004 12:49:00 PM new
Flat Fee here too. With a lot of media mail stuff, that is easy, but I have found clearly stating the shipping prices is better. For priority mail stuff, I figure if I am shipping to a closeby area, it is an added bonus.
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dadofstickboy
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posted on December 11, 2004 01:25:05 PM new
I've shipped fixed rate since I started selling.
Price is always up front for everyone to see. Still I get people who bid and win, then want to get it shipped cheaper.
I usually end up with a Neg. for not kissing their Butt.
And have to file a NPB/FVF on them.
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toolhound
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posted on December 11, 2004 02:19:56 PM new
I also use a flat rate for shipping. I have tried actual charge and $1.00 handling over the years. I make more charging a flat rate and have less problems or questions. I add $1.00 to zone 8 shipping and I can't make less than $1.00 handling and sometimes as much as $4.00 . It helps to pay the eBay and PayPal fees.
As a buyer I would rather know up front how much shipping and handling is so I can factor it in to figure my bid. As a seller I don't want to suprise the winning bidder with shipping higher than they figured.
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sthoemke
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posted on December 11, 2004 02:40:16 PM new
Anyone prefer using the Postage Calculater to using flat rate shipping?
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max40
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posted on December 11, 2004 03:01:00 PM new
I used to get inquiries regarding shipping cost, even though I state in my terms of auctions that I don't charge a handling fee. Since I put the calculator in my auctions, I've eliminated any questions.
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leads
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posted on December 12, 2004 09:08:04 AM new
I too state shipping/h $ $.00 , international rates vary, I have very few problems with it. If I have something of an odd ball shipping item, I list the weight in the auction description. I also state varies by zip code so the buyer has an idea and can do their own calculation. I have had very few problems.
Even in my notification letter I state see www.usps.com for other shipping information so they know I am not ripping them off. Internationally this has gotten me lots of repeat business on other items a collector may be looking for.
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agitprop
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posted on December 12, 2004 02:14:49 PM new
Never cease to get Qs about shipping rates, even though we use flat rate for international shipping which are clearly stated in all listings, our websites, and eBay about me page... go figure?
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Roadsmith
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posted on December 12, 2004 02:59:48 PM new
Seems to me there can be only three reasons we get questions about our shipping costs even when we state a flat rate with no other charges:
1. The buyer literally CANNOT read, just looks at pictures and knows where to "ask seller a question".
2. The buyer does NOT read the description beyond the first few words.
3. The buyer has been stung by sellers' promises of flat-rate, only to be hit with further packaging and handling fees after the auction is ended.
My hunch is that it's 10% can't read, 40% don't read, and 50% have been stung before.
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Kevinatgrannys
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posted on December 12, 2004 03:29:31 PM new
Roadsmith,
I think you hit the nail on the head. I even got stung once with the Flat Shipping only to receive an invoice with several extra $$ in "Handling". My goodness, they couldn't have handled it that much!! I guess I would rather they ask than just be afraid.
Kevin
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