posted on November 25, 2007 09:09:28 AM new
When using SMPro, I am brought to the Insurance page whenever I finish my description.
I am asked to enter the insurance cost even though I already have all of my settings on my SMPro set to automatically use USPS and Fed EX courier settings. I used to have this set to my own rates, but changed it because of this problem hoping it would fix it, but it didn't.
I cannot leave it blank (as the instructions state to do) because it is RED (required field).
I have double checked my settings, closed SMPro to make sure it took the settings, and it still is doing this.
Here are my settings:
USPS Priority (fixed)
USPS Insurance (courier rates)
US Insurance: Recommended
I have two issues with this... 1) Insurance is on a sliding scale and this is requiring me to enter a constant value meaning I get screwed if the item sells over $50.00. 2) It is obnoxious to have to enter it every time rather than let it calculate it automatically based on my settings.
[ edited by shagmidmod on Nov 25, 2007 09:12 AM ]
posted on November 25, 2007 09:45:03 AM new
Hello,
The reason you are required to enter a fixed insurance rate (rather than the calculated insurance rates that you have set in your preferences) is because you are using fixed shipping and also specifying shipping costs for eBay checkout. Due to eBay rules, if you are specifying shipping costs for eBay checkout you must offer fixed insurance if you are using fixed shipping. eBay will not allow you to use calculated insurance with fixed shipping if you are specifying shipping costs for eBay checkout.
posted on November 25, 2007 10:13:54 AM new
well, that figures. I'm not sure why ebay controls that as it should be up to the seller.
anyhow, do you have any suggestions? i've never used calculated shipping before, and prefer fixed. what options do i have and what are the pros/cons of them?
posted on November 25, 2007 10:51:38 AM new
Hello,
Your options would be to either use fixed shipping with fixed insurance, or calculated shipping with calculated insurance. Personally, I would go with calculated shipping with calculated insurance, but that is a personal preference.
If you go with the calculated option you would need to ship via either USPS or UPS. You would also need to know the dimensions and weight of the package before listing. But the final shipping and insurance charges would be more exact (they can also include a markup if you have one).
If you go with the fixed option it is more of a guessing game. You are guessing at how much it will cost you to ship the item (depending on the zip code of the winning bidder) and you are guessing how much the winning bid will be (in order to enter the insurance cost). But you can list much quicker this way as you don't need to figure out the package weight and dimensions prior to listing (which can be a waste of time if the item does not sell). If you estimate correctly, some of your buyers will pay more for shipping and some will pay less. That evens out your bottom line, but might bring a lower shipping star rating with the recent changes to the feedback system.
Basically, it depends on your business. If you have a high sell through rate, I would go with calculated (as the chances are you will need to weigh and measure the package anyway). If you sell similar items I would also go with calculated (if you are listing something that is identical to one that you have already listed then there is no reason to factor the weight and dimensions again -- you already know them).
I hope this helps. Please let us know if you need further assistance.
Regards,
Nathan
[ edited by NathanCS on Nov 25, 2007 05:40 PM ]
