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Post by stoner on May 9, 2006 12:04:39 GMT -5
Hey everyone, I have a question for all you ebay savvy people. I've had occassion now to win multiple auctions from the same seller, and although they say they will combine shipping, the shipping charges always seem to be higher than what they should be. An example would be winning 3 auctions where they say they will ship in a flat rate box for $8.75 in each auction, yet even though all 3 auctions will easily fit in a flat rate box, I get charged $15 for shipping. Another seller charged me $10.50 for a combined shipping instead of the $12.50 it would have cost for individual shipping, yet both items came in a flat rate box.
Is this common practice among ebay sellers? Just curious.
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Post by akansan on May 9, 2006 12:12:36 GMT -5
Part of it depends on how they have their auctions set up. You can set a default for combined shipping - $8.75 for the first auction and $3.00 for each additional auction won, etc. Or you can set it up to be editable at the end - specify you offer a shipping discount without pre-determining ahead of time what it is. If it's editable, when the seller creates the invoice the seller adjusts the shipping to whatever he/she decides the entire package will ship for.
For most of ebay, people have a set default combined shipping amount. It's only since I started purchasing rocks and rock related equipment that I've run into the true flat-rate box of everything that fits into the box ships for the original stated shipping price.
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Post by deb193 on May 9, 2006 12:15:42 GMT -5
Ed -
It is the difference between combined shipping and combined handling. Some sellers view the handling on the package, and a package with multiple items incurs only slightly more handling than a package with one item. Other selers figure $1, $1.5, $2, or $2.5 handling per item above shipping costs. This is usually because they intend handling to recover their fees instead of setting a better starting bid. It breaks down however when you get about six or seven slabs and find out that you have to pay $14 in handling.
Still, I am much more well disposed to those sellers who disclose it clearly. Big bold and colored statements like Just $150 per attitional item.. And, I do keep track of sellers that just charge $0.50 or $1 over the flat rate no matter how many items. They get more of my business.
I have found it necessary to ask how will combine S&H work? in cases where it is not clearly stated. Sometimes I even pre-negotiate to ask if six or seven auctions are won whether some improvement could be made on the per item rate? If the answer is yes, I bid - otherwise often not.
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Post by stoner on May 9, 2006 12:19:20 GMT -5
And I guess that's my point. If it will all fit into a flat rate box, why aren't they just charging for one flat rate box? I'm just getting into the selling end of ebay myself and if I ever sell multi items that will fit into a flat rate box, then I will just charge the flat rate. Or am I being niave?
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Post by deb193 on May 9, 2006 12:26:04 GMT -5
Ed -
I like your thinking and I think in the long run it will benefit you with loyal customers.
If each piece is getting some wrapping or taping or protecting with cardboard, I can see some per-item increment. Especially if an open box has been kept, and there was additional hassel/tracking for the seller.
I guess some new sellers need to attract eyes and need to have really low starting prices. they have to shift costs into the handling. I just wish ebay would allow searches based on handling fees, so some more market foreces could operate.
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Post by stoner on May 9, 2006 13:18:31 GMT -5
Okay, so maybe after I start selling more on ebay, I'll see what it's like and perhaps I'll change my way of thinking. I have 4 slabs on ebay now, and each one incurs a $4.05 shipping charge. If someone were to buy all 4, I would maybe charge an extra $2 for shipping to include the cost of the auction. I will state that in my next auction clearly though. Thanks.
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Post by gemkoi on May 9, 2006 14:23:06 GMT -5
your getting it Ed, you'll find as a seller, though shipping can be rather an easy flat rate to follow. That’s not always the case. And though you can get USPS supplies for free, outside of packing media, tape and labels. Shipping can still be kind of testy. That’s why selling cabs is easy, as i will load a box full of them for under $5 in shipping. Slabs, because they can break in route, i take more time packaging them. And rough, i hate selling because i rather just put it all in a flat rate box. But then i get a buyer from Poland or Japan who buys it. And i am like, do i not eat the shipping, or have to restate it again to these guys because though i know the weighted amount, i dont know what country may bid on it. Do i even have a box it will fit in, without having to locate one? etc, etc. That’s also why i only ship two days a week. It can be a real hassle, but is part of the game.
And with some sellers, ebay shipping tables and adjusters can be screwy as Daniel notes. I know i never charge a handling fee, and i some cases have to eat the shipping because the buyer chose one of the other options, when its clearly stated what the amount would be. But ebay again, can be screwy like that.
I always figure auction costs as part of the selling amount. Never the shipping. But i know many sellers who do that, and it doesn’t bother me. AS long as your fair market, and state all fee possibilities up front, there’s never a worry. But staying competitive does work with shipping more than we like when it comes to ebay.
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Debs
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since February 2005
Posts: 1,252
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Post by Debs on May 10, 2006 22:49:22 GMT -5
That isn't right. There is a flatrate fee for envelopes and boxes. I think alot of people don't know what the fee really is. I combine auctions that will fit into either of those. I charge 2 bucks more for packaging material, gas and fees. I've seen what you are talking about and I don't think it's fair. I will try to safely fit as much as I can into those boxes and only charge the $8.10 fee. On the envelopes I charge 2 bucks more for packing material, gas and fees. I've noticed people will list their auction items really low, but when you look at the shipping costs, they have more than made up for the difference. For the mosaic tiles I sell there is a kind of shipping price range. Usually within 2 dollars or so. I think that is resonable. But when they skyjack the shipping costs, that really makes me mad! When they say they will combine, that is exactly what that is suppose to mean. The next time that happens, I would call them on it, really! Those people are not only making money off the auction, but padding the shipping costs. I will even offer free shipping if they buy 5 or more items. Shipping is on me. That is kind of my way of saying thankyou to the buyers. Check the shipping cost before you bid and call them on it. If they don't make it right I wouldn't bid!
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Debs
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since February 2005
Posts: 1,252
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Post by Debs on May 10, 2006 23:00:19 GMT -5
You can use the auto shipping rates or adjust them yourself. When I ship my mosaic tiles in the envelope I have to use more packaging material to make sure they arrive in good condition. I try to be resonable in the shipping costs. If you do research in the completed format, you can see what everyone charges for shipping fees for the same items you are selling. That will give you a good idea what the range is and what would be the fair cost to charge for shipping. That helped me alot. As some of the items I ship are heavier than others. Than I do offer combined shipping and free shipping for 5 or more auctions buys. Just something to think about when you start out. Just treat others in the same way you would like to be treated. Don't buy from those skyjackers to hike up the shipping costs. No matter how bad you want it!  |
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inflight22
has rocks in the head
Member since January 2006
Posts: 710
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Post by inflight22 on May 11, 2006 0:28:45 GMT -5
One thing I'd like to mention is that some power sellers actually hire people to box their stuff up and ship it. That might make for additional costs that we don't understand.
However, it's often been my experience that people DO make up for their low starting bids by jacking up the shipping. It's happened to me so many times that I won't bid on an item where the shipping isn't stated up front. Too often, the seller will set the shipping rate based on whether he gets enough money for the item. If I want it bad enough, I'll ask the seller what shipping is before I bid.
There's nothing wrong with being a straight shooter when it comes to dealing with customers. You're more likely to get good feedback and repeat business that way. You'll find that bidders keep coming back to see what you've got for sale once they've been treated right.
jj
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riverbendlapidary
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2006
Posts: 1,058
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Post by riverbendlapidary on Sept 17, 2006 20:59:41 GMT -5
Hey guys, I am new to the board. I have been selling on ebay now for quite some time. It always upsets me when I see monkey business going on with the shipping. I always try to get my customers the best deal on shipping. Sometimes this means trying different carriers, or actually getting all their rocks together and seeing what box they fit in. It just takes a little bit of time. I remember sometime back I bought about 10 small slabs of stuff from a guy in Oregon. The auction said he combined. Now these slabs weighed about 2 lbs and he wanted around $22.00 for shipping. He sent it 1st class for 3-4 dollars - you think I ever bought from this guy again? - Plus he disappeared from ebay not too long after that. I've also seen sellers not get what they "thought" they should get for a rock and try to make it up by overcharging on shipping. I don't have a problem with sellers charging a "small" amount for handling, but honestly - what would you do if you went to Walmart and bought $50.00 worth of groceries and then they tacked on a $3 fee for handling and bagging?  You got to work that in to the price of doing business. I can't stand to be nicked & dimed and I don't do it either... A good example - there is a seller on ebay from New York that sells alot of rough - ya'll know the one. They have some pretty nice stuff and I woulda pulled the trigger many times, but check out those shipping charges!!! Why can't these people just charge what is costs? When the Fedex or USPS site tells me it will cost "X" amount of cash to send a box of rocks to my customer - that's what they get charged and if it turns out to be more I eat it. If it turns out to be less, they get a refund or credit. These flat rate boxes are awesome and I hope they keep them around but an $8.10 box should cost $8.10 to ship. Also, I have never paid for packing materials (except tape). You might be surprised how much free bubble wrap, peanuts and boxes you can get just for the asking. Also, those thrifty nickel papers are good for wrapping too. Bottom line is - gas & living expenses are getting out of hand and rocks are a hobby / luxury item that people do not NEED to buy. I figure it is up to me to get my customers the best and cheapest deal I can. It is the least I can do for them spending their hard earned money with me. Thanks for letting me vent, J.R. Able stores.ebay.com/riverbendlapidary |
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Post by rhodescabbin on Sept 17, 2006 21:33:14 GMT -5
Ebay used to let over-shipping charges slip by, but now buyers do have a recourse. For instance 5 years ago I won my camera, a $350.00 retail, I got it for $200 and the seller charged me $25.00 to ship it!!! Now days I could file a claim for over charging on shipping...
Also I am one that tries to fit as much as possiable into the $8 flat rate. I state in every auction I combine and try to be as upfront as possiable. Well I can not figure out what the problem is but when a new buyer checks out and say, like last week, this guy won 5 rocks and when he checked out it defaulted and he paid me $40 in shipping, then wrote me a snooty email, which I can understand his sticker shock. I explained to him that for some reason it will default and add every shipment. I promptly refunded.
But I have also noticed that when I invoice a multiple items winer and I click all their wins and click (Re-calculate,) it charges shipping and insurance on every item, so I have to manually go in and change it to the flat fee....I have tried the online shipping calculater for buyers and that thing is a joke!!! It always states way to hih or way to low...Anyone has advice I will gladly listen...
My advice is, chk with the seller. I had a very bad experience with a well known seller on hidden shipping charges. I'll not name names as we finally hashed it out...But, yes, first time buyers with a seller, its always best to ask. and if you do get overcharged to the point that its upsetting, turn them into Ebay...
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riverbendlapidary
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2006
Posts: 1,058
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Post by riverbendlapidary on Sept 17, 2006 21:48:33 GMT -5
hey rhodescabbin - i've always liked looking at your auctions - you have some nice stuff!
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Post by parfive on Sept 17, 2006 21:59:01 GMT -5
Stoner: "Or am I being naive?"
Not naive, Ed. Just fair.
So far, every seller I've dealt with has been fair - no multiple handling charges, and if it all fits in a flat-rater that's all you pay for.
Rich
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Post by rhodescabbin on Sept 17, 2006 23:47:39 GMT -5
Hi J.R. I just checked your auctions, you got some nice stuff too...I am also new here and have decided its one of the best organized Rock Groups I have ever belonged to...See ya at the Bay or on the board.-Dale
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riverbendlapidary
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2006
Posts: 1,058
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Post by riverbendlapidary on Sept 18, 2006 0:21:16 GMT -5
thanks! this board is the best one i've found so far. can hardly wait for the tucson show - it's my first one!
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RedwoodRocks
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since March 2003
Posts: 762
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Post by RedwoodRocks on Sept 18, 2006 0:28:31 GMT -5
I use to sell on Ebay (haven't since April), but I will tell you the USPS flat rate boxes are the greatest thing since sliced bread. Before the flat rate box, using slow dialup, checking shipping rates from the USPS, Fedex and UPS was a real pain. Using the flat rate box really simplifies the shipping charge calculation.
At first, I used to charge straight shipping and then I added a bit (a buck) for my time, gas, tape, etc If I was to do it today, I found paying online and dropping the boxes off at the mail center at my work is very convenient. Thereby saving me my lunch break to run down to the post office. There are still some incidentals - ink, paper and tape, time to enter and print postage (never bought any newspaper or other packing stuff), so maybe adding 50 cents on top of the flat rate price is reasonable.
Just my two cents
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chassroc
Cave Dweller 
Rocks are abundant when you have rocktumblinghobby pals
Member since January 2005
Posts: 3,586
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Post by chassroc on Sept 18, 2006 12:30:33 GMT -5
HIGH shipping costs!!!!!!!!
Recently I won two auctions (opening and high bid was $0.99 for each) of 2 parcels (5oz and 6oz) of Opal(chips and bits and pieces). Shipping was $8.75 for one and $9.00 for the other. I asked seller for a shipping discount and he agreed to a $1.00 reduction ($16.75 total shipping). The seller would not accept pay pal so I send a personal check; from that day it takes more than three weeks but I finally receive my shipment (actual USPS is $2.05). Contains only one of the two parcels. I notify shipper. He gets all uppity saying it is my fault. I misled him because somewhere I only mentioned one of the two parcels. He then insisted that I pay another $3.00 or so to cover the additional shipping costs. I point out to him that he had agreed to combined shipping, so who was misleading who? The following day he says he has sent the item and it is up to my conscience to pay the extra money. Up to my conscience, hmmm? If I only mentioned one item why about my overpayment for the item? Wouldn't his conscience tell him to refund the difference or thank me for the tip?
csroc
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Post by rhodescabbin on Sept 18, 2006 14:05:38 GMT -5
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riverbendlapidary
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2006
Posts: 1,058
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Post by riverbendlapidary on Sept 18, 2006 14:13:57 GMT -5
avoid people like that. that kinda stuff puts me into orbit....
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You got to work that in to the price of doing business. I can't stand to be nicked & dimed and I don't do it either...
