posted on September 25, 2013 05:15:54 AM new
As I browse the antiques/collectibles listings on eBay, I am often puzzled at some of the low shipping costs. Some of these have been for large/bulky/fragile items. For example, one was for a large glass punch bowl and cups - don't remember if it was BIN, or just had no bids, but it could theoretically be purchased for 35.00 and that included "free" shipping. Another was for a "gone with the wind" lamp that would cost me approximately 15.00 shipping if I purchased it. Even assuming scrounged materials, this is a big item, with fragile glass shade, that requires good packing (at least to get an insurance claim paid). I see many more like this.
I understand that "standard size" items can be handled more economically, but most of the ones I notice are not "stick it in a padded envelope" type things.
So, what gives? Are there some shipping secrets I don't know about? Are people just taking a hit out-of-pocket?
[ edited by Damariscotta on Sep 25, 2013 05:17 AM ]
posted on September 25, 2013 06:46:03 AM new
Did they mention insurance is a 'must'?
Before Ebay put a ban on it,Chinese sellers offer free shipping on heavy stone censor but insurance is a must for 35 dollars.
Or,
if they are domestic sellers,they may be socking the shipping cost to their employers,may be they work in the mail room or has a friend in the mail room?
Many years ago I bought some jewelry from a receptionist in a law firm,she slipped my package to the law firm mail room and pocketed both the shipping and insurance fee I paid her.
The package ended up in my neighbor mail box,but I managed to retrieve it!
posted on September 25, 2013 06:52:01 AM new
Once I bought 2 rolls of bubblewrap from an Ebay seller with low shipping ,they are not heavy,but bulky.
They showed up stapled together and delivered by USPS,not UPS as stated on item page.
It turned out UPS can turn over certain items to UPS for delivery.
posted on September 25, 2013 09:15:42 AM new
I just sold a 10" vase for a low price. That was OK - my mistake for buying it.
I went to send an invoice and saw that I had 3 lbs on the weight but small flat rate priority box was checked. Ebay must have picked it up from the listing before this one and I didn't catch the error. The only way that vase was going in a small flat rate box, was if I smashed it first.
He paid $10 for the vase and $5.80 for shipping. It cost me $10.15 to ship it. I know he must be thinking I am some kind of crazy person but I'm not going to say a word.
I feel stupid enough.
I think in some cases the seller is trying to keep the shipping low to increase bids but it doesn't always work - especially with 1 Million free listings per seller out there.
posted on September 25, 2013 10:20:43 AM new
It turns out seller pays less FVF if he offers free shipping.
So a seller could ask for a higher price but offer free shipping,he gets more visibility and lower FVF.
[ edited by lostmymojo on Sep 30, 2013 07:07 AM ]
