posted on October 30, 2007 11:08:45 AM new
Does anyone else have a problem with the Ebay First Class International shipping calculator? It hasn't worked in awhile, anybody know any info?
Also, just received this from a bidder:
Is shipping at cost and do you have any idea of shipping cost to the UK?
I took a deep breath, and after toning down my original answer, I ended up replying with this:
Shipping is below cost - just for packaging materials I spend an average of $2 - $5 per package - I charge a $0.50 handling for domestic packages and $1.45 handling for International (international packages must be physically taken to a post office rather than picked up at my location like domestic shipments are). The cost for shipment to the United Kingdom via airmail is $23.00.
I was able to show some restraint, but it was quite difficult!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Caroline
posted on October 30, 2007 11:37:58 AM new
Hiya CT:
We never "justify" or give a "break-down" of our shipping fees to a bidder...Tain't none of their beeswaw!
Whenever we got one of THOSE emails, ole skinflint Ralphie would hop onto his laptop and reply:
Dear Nosey:
THANK YOU for your email requesting a shipping fee quote to the UK for eBay item# xxxxxxxx
"The Secret Life of Dawgs"
Our SHIPPING FEE is $xx.xx via USPS SuperDooper SERVICE to the UK.
Our SHIPPING FEE is designed to ensure SAFE delivery of your item within a reasonable period of time...
The USPS site ESTIMATES delivery to the UK within a kabillion working days. Please note that UK CUSTOMS delays (over which we have NO control) can add up to 10 (or more)working days to your delivery time.
posted on October 31, 2007 01:45:01 PM new
Looks like a legite question to me. A sincere answer would have done. No need to go crazy over a simple question.
Just give the simply answer. In your case, it will cost $23.00 to ship it to you in the UK.
Remember, you are trying to make a sale. Not get potential customers mad at you.
posted on November 1, 2007 05:02:18 AM new
Just tell them that you ship at YOUR cost, which includes packing materials and a reasonable charge for your time in packing, filling out customs forms, standing in line at the P.O., etc.
If you have dedicated space to shipping, I'd add a dollop on for that too
posted on November 1, 2007 05:54:58 AM new
Just give them what shipping would be. There is no need to justify what you charge for shipping. What it is,is what is. There is no need to get a 'tude with the buyer you may feel better but you will lose a sale.
posted on November 1, 2007 07:52:12 AM new
For people who were raised by their mothers to be nice, polite and accommodating, it can be hard for them to understand a simple concept:
Just because someone asks you a question does not mean you have to answer it.
Here are questions that I ignore all the time:
Why don't you combine auctions?
How many of these do you have in stock?
What is the price if I buy eight?
Why do you charge so much for shipping?
Where do you get your jewelry?
There's no need to bow and scrape to "potential customers." And you certainly shouldn't live in fear of losing a possible sale. Humans are fickle. Most inquires are from people who will never buy from you anyway.
posted on November 1, 2007 08:52:19 AM new
"just because someone asks you a question doesn't mean you have to answer it" is one of my favorite pearls of wisdom that I was taught by my mother.
Which reminds me, I just love to say no when people ask if they can ask me a personal question. Try it sometime - people don't expect anyone to say no to that question. It tends to leave them flabbergasted.
posted on November 1, 2007 11:03:41 AM newMost inquires are from people who will never buy from you anyway.
How true, & some questions are scams.
I actually answered this one "Do you ship to New Jersey?" I thought this guy must be an idiot, caught me completely off guard & of course I was the idiot because I answered it.
Caroline 
"childrens do learn"