posted on September 8, 2005 11:21:20 AM
I was doing a search on MP3 players on eBay, and I am SHOCKED with all the outrageous shipping prices. One is high as $60.66. Most are $20 to $30. I don’t own an MP3 player (yet) but how many OUNCES do these things weigh?
I realize this is fee avoidance but apparently eBay has no problem with this. And it appears that the majority of the MP3 sellers are doing this.
As a buyer, I think this is shoddy and makes me want to look for those sellers with reasonable shipping (and there are some). But I’m speaking from a buyer’s perspective and not a seller’s.
So eBay listen up – I would appreciate a function to sort by shipping price because it’s not helping at all sorting those $.01 and $.02 auctions.
posted on September 8, 2005 11:36:42 AM
Digital cameras are the same way - I'm glad ebay at least added the shipping cost to the completed items search function.
I purchased a digital camera that was $18 shipping and $25 MANDATORY insurance! Even with this cost it was still less than other sellers. Probably because he was saving money on fees!
If Ebay is so concerned about buyers & sellers even thinking about direct contact - why do they let them get away with this?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Caroline
posted on September 8, 2005 11:37:25 AM
The same thing drive me nuts with trading cards. Bidding starts at 1 cent, but $4 shipping (or a lot more!), just so the seller can save a coupel nickels in FVF's. I agree, it makes it a waste of time for buyers.
posted on September 8, 2005 12:22:49 PM
Yeah, some people just get too greedy. I've bought several things, mostly electronics, in local brick and mortar stores becuase after checking the shipping costs, duty (sometimes applicable), etc, it's often almost the same cost as new item in the store. And I get a brand new item with a warranty. Some of the eBay auctions may offer new, but some are used or refurbished items. I only buy if it's subsantially less than at a store.
Example: I bought a wireless router for my computers on eBay. It was a refurb, but ended up costing around $70. In the stores it was $125 plus tax for a new one.
posted on September 8, 2005 01:05:48 PM
I think this practice really annoys buyers. I know that if I see a good deal and find outrageous shipping, I actually tend not to buy from that seller. Yes, I do factor in shipping to the total price, but I also see someone who is doing this is someone who is probably not too professional, and if there is a problem, I feel I will have a tough time dealing with someone who does business like this. I'm totally fine with getting some fees back and stuff with shipping, but to pay $25 to ship an item that costs $2 to ship, no way!
Caroline