posted on December 4, 2008 06:27:52 AM new
There have been several times when I have not estimated the exact weight of a package correctly for an Ebay item when the ad is composed. Then, when the item has sold & the item is packed the weight is more causing the postage amount to be more. Most of the time the seller has already sent the Paypal payment for the amount they think they owe. Should the seller refund the Paypal payment & request the correct amount or just take a loss on the item? I sell my Ebay items very reasonably & don't want to lose on the postage. Any suggestions?
posted on December 4, 2008 06:39:00 AM new
Yes I have a suggestion - make certain your weight is correct on the package prior to listing the item. It is not the buyers problem if the seller makes an error. If the seller makes an error then the seller should suck it up absorb the extra costs. If the seller continues to underestimate the shipping costs to draw buyers than too bad for the seller.
posted on December 4, 2008 07:10:36 AM new
I calculate shipping coast to coast and add 2 lbs and a buck. The over charges more than cover the times I have under charged. Will go to free shipping LOL when I start listing again. (nothing is free!
posted on December 4, 2008 07:53:22 AM new
Hey dorrie, I usually just eat the mistake...hard lump to swallow sometimes.My fault thou not the buyer. I had a big one when the shipping rules changed last year ,that one t'd me off.
What I do is take the box the item ships in and the item wrapped in bubble wrap (if it breakable) and set them on my postal scales. If its close to the next pound I go up 1 ,if its not then I go with that weight cause all thats left is packing peanuts and tape. This still is not perfect but I don't have but 1 or 2 mistakes a year and if I feel its close enough to fix like 1 oz or less I'll cut a piece off the flap on the box to get it under.
posted on December 4, 2008 08:39:07 AM new
Most of my sales ship in Prioity #7 or #4 boxes. I know the weight of the box and packing material, so just have to weigh the item and add.
posted on December 4, 2008 10:59:58 AM new
If it is your mistake, you eat the difference and move on.
Flat rate boxes are great if the item fits and the item is heavy.
Buyers figure the shipping into their decision whether to buy from you or someone else. You cannot change the amount after the transaction is completed.
posted on December 4, 2008 05:22:34 PM new
I used calculated shipping. I add 1-to-5 lbs. (depending on size of item) and a dollar to cover DC and peanuts.
If I overestimate by more than a dollar, I refund the difference.
If I underestimate, I suck it up...wouldn't dream of hassling a customer for my miscalculation.
