posted on December 23, 2005 12:16:21 PM new
While mousing around reading various frugality web sites, I came across these "war stories" of people who've gotten fabulous clothes on eBay for a mere fraction of what they might have paid elsewhere:
THIS is what your eBay customers are doing with the money they saved because you sold to them for pennies and charged mere pennies for shipping. It's what my customers are doing, too. That's it. My shipping fee is going up the first of the year.
Do you have as much cash as "Seattle Simplicity" in your IRA, 401(k) and money market funds?
posted on December 23, 2005 01:00:10 PM new
I'm not sure that I care about my customers' net worth, but I surely do value my time, energy, and knowledge, which is why I refuse to ship for the postage amount. I HATE it when others do so, as it sets unreasonable expectations in the bidding public.
I'm usually polite to people who email me, but for those who want Priority Mail at $3.85, I offer them a job as my shipping manager, at the obvious hourly rate... oh, and don't forget to bring peanuts, bubble, and tape with you when you show up at work... and while you're at it, could you please chip in on the rent for the shipping area in the shop?
posted on December 23, 2005 01:19:07 PM new
What about the seller who want $8.00 or more to ship 1 CD? The C.D.s are not starting at .99 either.
buyhigh
posted on December 23, 2005 01:54:09 PM new
A lot depends on if you offer combined shipping and/or if your want multiple items purchased from the same person.
Many sellers try to profit from selling .99 cent (or 1 cent) items with high shipping (such as $8), but when it come to selling multiple items you either get burned by offering combined shipping and selling a bunch of low priced items, or not offering combined shipping and only selling a single item.
I think its best to offer a fair shipping price, and discount shipping on additional items. More bids and more bidders equals higher selling prices.
posted on December 23, 2005 02:04:48 PM new
I agree completely - I charge a $0.75 handling fee for fragile items - I discount and combine shipping for multiple purchases - which is basically just waiving the handling. It's the policy that has worked best for me.
I bet this jeans buyer is the one who questioned my $0.50 handling fee for a cut glass bowl.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Caroline
posted on December 23, 2005 03:25:39 PM new
I am most amazed that seattlesimplicity lists her detailed net worth on the web. Isn't that just a tad tacky? I don't think she was raised correctly.
BTW I have always been a big believer in charging for handling. Spending my time rassling with tape and cardboard for free is not a quality life experience.
posted on December 23, 2005 05:30:35 PM newI don't think she was raised correctly.
I doubt her parents taught her how to handle herself in a situation where she remains completely anonymous.
Though common sense might have suggested a few ideas.
At any rate, it seems it is a common thing for frugalists and financial bloggers to post their net worth statement. Seems a bit like measuring each others' dipsticks, if you get my drift.
Caroline