ladyjewels2000
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posted on April 10, 2008 06:59:52 AM new
Calculated only was all I used to use until the search change and I'm thinking of going back to it. I don't want to hurt my sales but it's just a lot of extra work and perhaps lost sells due to the fact that fixed rate for me is higher in most case as I must quote the highest possible - Florida to Calif. I normally offer fixed and calculated to be fair to all my customers but I'm not sure if this is hurting or helping me??
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rhpepsi
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posted on April 10, 2008 08:20:20 AM new
Jan 2007...rate increase is when I switched from FLAT RATE to CALCULATED. Haven't gone back. Every postal rate increase, also increases my shipping & HANDLING charge additonal amount. International orders are the same...they can see EXACTLY what they are gonna pay if they want to buy. Don't like it...don't bid/buy. Also give the options of services...priority has DROPPED...most are first class.
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ladyjewels2000
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posted on April 10, 2008 08:47:19 AM new
Did you see a drop in sales or was it pretty much the same?
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annekila
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posted on April 10, 2008 09:19:35 AM new
I live in New York. It wouldn't be fair to charge Vermont the same rate as California or Florida.
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ladyjewels2000
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posted on April 10, 2008 09:33:01 AM new
I only put a fixed rate in to gain a position in the searches - if you only have calculated and they search for price plus shipping - you go to the bottom of the search.
I give them the option of whichever is less for them but it still shows as the higher price in the search.
I would never dream of charging the same to Georgia as I do to California.
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wgonzales
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posted on April 10, 2008 05:05:17 PM new
I have moved to mostly calculated shipping since the last rate increase also.
I do add a flat rate option (for items that can ship in the flat rate boxes) to go along
with the calculated options, in case that works better for the buyer than the calculated rate.
Under a pound, obviously gets listed at a flat rate.
Like annekila, I am in the Northeast and the difference in shipping to Vermont or to California is now appreciable, even for items under 5 or 6 pounds.
If I were to charge a flat zone 8 rate for all my items and then shipped to zone 1 or 4, it would definitely hurt my return business, my feedback and the ever controversial DSR ratings.
I think that this is more of a factor for my business than search position in my categories.
[ edited by wgonzales on Apr 10, 2008 06:43 PM ]
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sthoemke
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posted on April 10, 2008 05:17:09 PM new
Never, because I think bidders hate having to click to check shipping cost.
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TheFamilyBiz
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posted on April 10, 2008 06:46:47 PM new
Always - because I like having the shipping amount displayed on items I'm considering. That's how calculated shipping works for me. When we post the weight and size, it automatically calculates the shipping amount to their location without bothering them to enter anything at all.
Wayne
Never explain -- Your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe you anyway.
~ Elbert Hubbard
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ladyjewels2000
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posted on April 11, 2008 04:17:47 PM new
Wayne
What kind of calculator do you use? Do you mean they don't even have to put in their zip or anything?
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toolhound
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posted on April 12, 2008 09:29:32 AM new
I use fixed price shipping. For one reason it makes all bidders paying the same and another reason is I make money if the item ships close to me. I do make exceptions if someone emails me that lives in the same state.
I do not remember anyone ever complaining about it. In the star sysem I have 4.7 for shipping cost so I don't see any problem.
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merrie
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posted on April 13, 2008 08:45:40 AM new
This is an interesting topic. I was going to start a similar one earlier. I, too, ship from the east coast and the dilemma comes with relatively small items that weight more than 2 pounds. With the flat rate boxes, it is more economical to use them when shipping to the west coast, but cheaper to use standard boxes for closer destinations. So, how to accommodate this info when posting shipping costs is a real problem.I usually post a flat shipping fee that will cover the cost of shipping to the west coast in a flat rate box.
If the item is bigger I use calculated shipping.
Very tricky sometimes to cover your expenses but not get someone mad for overcharging on shipping.
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TheFamilyBiz
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posted on April 13, 2008 10:14:09 AM new
Lady,
We're using Channeladvisor's system (formerly Marketworks) - and we include their shipping calculator - which does require you to enter your location details.
However, we also enter the specs for the item (shipping weight can be guessed pretty accurately when we know what standard size box each will fit in for shipping) - and that gets transferred to eBay. So, when a customer is logged into eBay, the shipping amount is automatically displayed for them as if we used the SYI form.
Hope that helps.
We hear a lot of people say they can't determine the shipping price before packaging, and I think that's not always correct. We weigh each item as we're describing (size, colors, etc.) and then we know what a #7 or #4 Priority Box weighs (with packing materials). We also know the weight of 4-5 other sizes we use regularly. Just add the 2 together - determine if it's going to be over a certain weight and enter it.
Wayne
Never explain -- Your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe you anyway.
~ Elbert Hubbard
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merrie
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posted on April 13, 2008 10:25:36 AM new
"We hear a lot of people say they can't determine the shipping price before packaging, and I think that's not always correct. We weigh each item as we're describing (size, colors, etc.) and then we know what a #7 or #4 Priority Box weighs (with packing materials). We also know the weight of 4-5 other sizes we use regularly. Just add the 2 together - determine if it's going to be over a certain weight and enter it."
Wayne:That sounds good, but it still varies from coast to coast. Flat rate too high for east coast. Calculated too high for west, etc.
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TheFamilyBiz
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posted on April 13, 2008 11:08:42 AM new
I can't see how "calculated" can be too high for anywhere... If it would fit in a flat rate box (which it usually will not) we'd do that.
We on occasion have someone ask if a piece of glass or porcelain will fit into one of those boxes and most times it won't provide enough protection against breakage.
For larger items, we will utilize FedEx Ground services because of last year's balloon rate for items over one cubic foot going farther than Zone 3.
Wayne
Never explain -- Your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe you anyway.
~ Elbert Hubbard
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ladyjewels2000
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posted on April 13, 2008 11:09:14 AM new
Merrie - you really summed up the problem very well.
What's I've been doing is quoting a flat rate DHL shipping (or USPS FR on smaller items)and
then using calculated USPS for the same item so that the winner can pick whichever they want. Half of the time they don't pay any attention and pay the higher amount. In that case I'll ship for the cheaper and refund the overage from paypal. They NEVER acknowledge the refund - unless I put cash in the package. Then I have a record keeping problem.
Make me wonder if that $10 shipping to Georgia is scaring off bidder who don't brother to read that it could be less to them.
Wayne - that is great but I have too much invested in Vendio to stop using them now. I guess I'll just go back to calculated and leave it at that.
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NathanCS
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posted on April 13, 2008 11:17:54 AM new
Hello ladyjewels2000,
I just wanted to make sure that you were aware you may do this in Vendio as well. In order for the shipping cost to appear in the eBay section of the listing (with calculated shipping automatically calculated for the bidder/buyer based on their zip code), you will need to specify shipping costs for eBay checkout. For Sales Manager Merchandising Edition, this can be done on the main listing form just above the "Shipping Carriers" section by selecting "I am specifying shipping costs for eBay checkout". Please note however, that due to eBay rules, if you are specifying shipping costs for eBay checkout and offering insurance then only calculated insurance may be offered with calculated shipping (or fixed insurance with fixed shipping). It hope this helps.
Regards,
Nathan
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ladyjewels2000
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posted on April 13, 2008 12:46:44 PM new
Nathan - are you saying that with Vendio's calculator, the proper amount displays without the bidder having to enter their zip? That is what Wayne is saying that his calculator does, unless I read incorrectly.
But even with that option - it still doesn't solve the problem fully. Let me see if I can give an example.
Say I have a large lamp to sell. I can ship it USPS to Georgia for $22 but to Calif it will cost $65. However the same lamp shipped DHL will be $35 to Calif and $26 to Georgia. So I quote a fixed flat rate of $35 DHL and in addition offer calculated USPS.
The Georgia buyer can use the calculated and save money. However everyone searching sees the $35 and if they don't even open my item because they feel shipping is too high - I lose a sale.
Ebay has forced me (us) into this position with their search changes which includes price plus shipping.
However with the last changes and the DSR etc etc, I think I'll just go back to calculated and drop the Flat Rate DHL displayed amount. Still offer flat rate or calculated but only in my description. This will drop me in the price plus shipping search but at this point I'm thinking it's not worth the hassle anyway.
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shething
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posted on April 13, 2008 03:00:50 PM new
I have always used calculated shipping. I use Turbo Lister and I list the cheapest shipping method first, using the dropdown box. Then that is the one that is displayed at the top of the listing and, therefore, in search. Buyers have the option of USPS Priority Mail shipping but almost always choose First Class (or Parcel Post, depending on the weight).
___________________________________
Visit our "Joint" Ventures by clicking this link:
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rhpepsi
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posted on April 13, 2008 05:37:55 PM new
ladyjewels....I don't know how yours is set up...
But with mine, I offer (light item);
1st class
priority
parcel post
IN THAT ORDER...when I first started calculating the shipping, I made the mistake of having priority the FIRST option box...this caused people to see the most expensive shipping when pulling up an auction or even viewing it in searches. When you open one of my auctions the very first part that has the price and S/H will show the EXACT amount they would be charged if they choose the "first" mailing option I have listed. Further down in the description they can also enter their ZIP or COUNTRY for international.
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ladyjewels2000
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posted on April 14, 2008 04:40:44 AM new
So are you saying that your calculated shows a $$ amount in the shipping column of searches for price + shipping? So it just show the 1st one?
I know that if I put in a $$ amount that the 1st one shows in the search but I thought calculated put you lower in the search (price + shipping)
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rhpepsi
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posted on April 14, 2008 05:06:32 AM new
ladyjewels...for starters..we are hoping that the people searching are actually customizing their display to SHOW shipping. But yes, I have a vendor pin from HOME DEPOT. If you search --- "HOME DEPOT pin STEWART" mine is auction number 350046302848. The SHIPPING amount that I SEE is the 1st class (which is my first option out of 1st/priority/parcel) shipping and handling to MY ZIP CODE. Now if you were located somewhere in another POSTAL ZONE, it may be different. One thing I do not see is the ability to show that for STORE ITEMS...only AUCTIONS. As for putting you LOWER...well, I guess that depends on if you are selling a UNIQUE item or a MASS PRODUCED item.
Putting you LOWER or HIGHER...really depends on your PRICE. Someone searching PRICE & SHIPPING - LOWEST FIRST...well, what is your s/h price...same as searching P&S-HIGHEST...it depends on your TWO prices. Those are the TWO options for searching PRICE & SHIPPING. So it just makes sense to put your LOWEST SHIPPING OPTION - FIRST when doing the auctions. Another example, I have a couple sets of FISHER PRICE LITTLE PEOPLE. Search that and 3,387 items come up. MY PRICE & SHIPPING places me exactly INLINE either lowest or highest. Now when I hit NEAREST...I am the first two!
So bottom line....don't list a $35.00 DHL delivery option FIRST. Once they open your auction and see the different shipping methods, they may take the $22 one instead.
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ladyjewels2000
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posted on April 14, 2008 05:17:59 AM new
Well don't I feel stupid!!! 
I never realized that others saw something different than I did!!
So with larger items I can list Parcel Post first and then offer DHL if it's cheaper??
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rhpepsi
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posted on April 14, 2008 05:27:24 AM new
we're not stupid...just always learning! I still get nasty e-mails on the $5 shipping of postcards...because some of my older items have not been revised to the "NEW ORDER".
when the buyer sees the shipping amount in the column...they do not know what method of shipping it is. I personally don't even have that column on my searches...I don't buy that much on eBay. I search for reference to selling prices only..usually. Unless an item is dirt cheap and then I find out they are charging outrageous amounts for shipping.
I only use USPS, so with yours, I would still list whatever is cheapest. On the items that could go both ways, your choice. Someone in CA will see it different then someone in GA like you said. ONLY ONE will show...but consider the amount of people in CA compared to GA...more buyers????
I think last week was my 1st sale to DELAWARE in 10 years....
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TheFamilyBiz
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posted on April 14, 2008 05:41:41 AM new
The only bad thing about using a provider other than USPS or UPS is that you can't display a calculated rate for them.
We ship FedEx Ground for larger or heavier items (mostly larger because of that damn balloon rate in place for anything over one cubic foot (12x12x12) when shipping Priority.
So, for that, we have to get creative.
Wayne
Never explain -- Your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe you anyway.
~ Elbert Hubbard
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