posted on September 1, 2005 03:47:21 PM new
I think most people consider the total for the item they are buying and thats what they compare by. That is what I go by when I buy anything.
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Two men sit behind bars,one sees mud the other sees stars.
posted on September 1, 2005 03:55:39 PM new
Personally... I like fixed pricing. If you are going to charge triple the actual rate for shipping then own it... put it right there up front center in your auction, donn't make have to use your calcualtor to find out that 12.95 for a less that one lb item is reasonable.
What irritates me more than anything anymore is those that put NO shipping in their auctions.
hmmmm... You think it's just a coincidence that thoe items rarely have bids?
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An intelligent deaf-mute is better than an ignorant person who can speak.
posted on September 1, 2005 04:55:33 PM new
I currently use calculated shipping, but am considering using fixed also. I'm tired of buying envelopes and boxes for calculated Parcel Post which is what most buyers will choose if given the option. I already charge a handling fee to cover those costs and never have a complaint. Plus the final total for shipping always looks close to what I've figured would be my fixed pricing anyway. Reasonable fixed shipping never bothers me when I buy something and the person states how they'll ship it (i.e. - Priority Mail). Just make sure you cover your costs and state it clearly in your auctions! No questions asked!!!! Yeah, like that ever happens! LOL
posted on September 1, 2005 09:24:13 PM new
As a bidder, I prefer fixed shipping to the shipping calculator.
As a bidder, sometimes you can save shipping with the shipping calculator for items that are located near you, but most of the time its a hassle to type the zip and get the popup. (bidders will have a price advantage over other bidders)
Of course, free shipping is always nice (and a very good insentive to get bidders), but costs are passed in to the seller in final value fees. Free shipping sometimes brings out bottom feeders in mass (lots of bidders, but not very high bids)
posted on September 5, 2005 03:27:14 PM new
As a seller, I tend to offer fixed rates as most of the things I sell can be shipped nationwide for either the same or a very similar price.
As a buyer, I am not that picky as long as the seller clearly states all fees in the listing - I'll use a shipping calculator if need be, and would certainly choose a lower calculated rate over a higher flat rate on a given item. But I generally add bid + shipping + misc. fees to determine what is the best price "out the door" on a certain item.
Yahoo ID: grantje
posted on September 7, 2005 10:23:12 AM new
Obviously, fixed is simplest if you can make it work. I sell books and charge a flat $3.50 shipping. This is less than any commercial bookseller, and only about $1 more than any other ebayers. The vast majority of buyers don't care about this small difference when they find the item they want. It allows me about $1 more profit on each item. That's about minimum wage considering the time it takes to wrap and ship.
posted on September 7, 2005 01:25:03 PM new
We use fixed in the auction description. Then say international rates vary, we have not had any problems with customers or international on this. I once overcharged on an international told the guy and he told me to make a donation to a veterans group which I did and it worked out great here. If it is very large item I always weigh it and post the shipping weight in the auctions. Your customer is not surprised and I think service is what is all about in this e business.
