Paying 'too much' for shipping on ebay

GizmoGC

GizmoGC

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Well, Ive seen a few threads here and over at DP about people getting pissed about getting 'overcharged' in shipping. They see the postage label, and assume right away thats exactly how much the seller paid.

Typically, for all of my game/dvd auctions I charge $5 shipping. Where does that $5 go? $1 for an evelope, $2 to ship, $.55 for Delivery Confirmation...Ok...So I 'profit' $1.45. But still, does anyone every take into account gas prices driving the post office as well as packaging? Sorry, I just find it hilarius when I get e-mails from byers that paid $5 for shipping and it arrives at their doorstop with a $4.25 tag, yet claim I should refund them .75 cents. Ugh.
 
I use PayPal shipping to print labels, so the postage amount is not displayed on the package. (You can actually choose to have it displayed, but why would you?)

OT, but You seem to sell enough that you should really look at ordering 50-100 envelopes from one of the cheap .com suppliers. You should be able to get that $1 per down to less than $0.20 per.
 
What about $5 for a $1.45 tag? What drives me nuts is that, after paying $5, and I get media mail (which is the absolute worst of shipping methods) when first class and priority could have been easily covered with $5.
 
i was about to bid on 2 different ebay items (1 video game apiece), but declined when i found out the shipping cost was $7 and $8.50 for media mail shipping. :whistle2:x to make matters worse, they wanted $2.50 insurance for a product that was selling for less than $20 :roll:

i passed on both :lol:
 
Some auction-sniping douche came away with two anime DVDs from me for $4 (for BOTH). He complained that I charged $5.00 to ship them both. I had intended to ship first class, but I didn't have enough money to do so on the day I promised to ship. The credit card machine was on the blink at the P.O., so I shipped media to keep my promise.

Cost to ship these items:
Envelope: $1.49 (was forced to buy one at the P.O.)
Shipping: $1.87
Gas: $1.29

I told him that there are worse sellers out there than me, and that if he doesn't like how I do things, snipe elsewhere.
 
[quote name='judyjudyjudy']What about $5 for a $1.45 tag? What drives me nuts is that, after paying $5, and I get media mail (which is the absolute worst of shipping methods) when first class and priority could have been easily covered with $5.[/QUOTE]

Having had that one happen to me a few times I can share your pain, one of my pet peeves for sure. Still gotta admit those auctions with 8 dollars avertised media mail shipping always give me a laugh, especially since they almost always have very few to no bids.
 
[quote name='doraemonkerpal']i was about to bid on 2 different ebay items (1 video game apiece), but declined when i found out the shipping cost was $7 and $8.50 for media mail shipping. :whistle2:x to make matters worse, they wanted $2.50 insurance for a product that was selling for less than $20 :roll:

i passed on both :lol:[/QUOTE]

While I don't get bent out of shape if the difference is $1 or so, I absolutely REFUSE to buy from anyone who charges more than $1.30 for insurance (or the appropriate *exact* price).

Or circumstances such as JJJ was mentioning. I will not pay $5 for media mail.

Though, to be fair that whole "what about gas for my car?" argument is bland and tired. Don't tell me it's the truth. Just admit that you have a digital preference (like most people) and don't mind the extra $1.25-$2.00 provided to you by charging $5.00.
 
I charge $3 to ship my games on eBay.
($2.02 for the game itself (first class with dc)
I figure over time that the extra 98 cents covers envelopes and whatever. I usually only go to the post office when I'm on that side of town...so gas isn't really much of a cost.
 
[quote name='Sailorneorune']Some auction-sniping douche came away with two anime DVDs from me for $4 (for BOTH). He complained that I charged $5.00 to ship them both. I had intended to ship first class, but I didn't have enough money to do so on the day I promised to ship. The credit card machine was on the blink at the P.O., so I shipped media to keep my promise.

Cost to ship these items:
Envelope: $1.49 (was forced to buy one at the P.O.)
Shipping: $1.87
Gas: $1.29

I told him that there are worse sellers out there than me, and that if he doesn't like how I do things, snipe elsewhere.[/QUOTE]

If I paid for 1st class and you shipped Media I'd be pissed about it. Media is way slower than 1st class especially if it's going any sort of distance. If you gave me a combined shipping discount I could maybe understand it, but I'd expect the items to go either 1st class or Priority when combined unless you told me different up front. And if you explained the situation promptly and at least slightly contritely (with a partial S+H refund offered) I'd probably let it slide, but telling him to snipe elsewhere doesn't sound like you did so.

You'd rather he didn't snipe your listings and they then sell for less money? I can understand buyers getting frustrated with snipers 'stealing' their items in the last seconds, but as a seller the more bids the merrier in my book.
 
I never ever ever ship Media Mail. Always First class or Priority Mail. Wubb, any ideas where I could get cheap envelopes online? I generally get 6 for $2.99 at Target .(small DVD/Game size),
 
Everything in S&H should be accounted for by the seller. If something doesn't add up, even if it's a mere $1, the buyer has the right to ask, "WTF?"

If you're hard up enough in life that you need an extra $1.45 or whatever off of conveniently leaving out details in eBay auctions, at least have the decency as a seller to explain all of the actual S&H costs in your auction. That way people can see the $1.45 gap and say to themselves, "Ah, that's the 'profit' part."

I just don't buy from people whose S&H costs don't make sense. I don't care how badly I want the item--there'll always be another.
 
I bought a baseball card once on ebay and was upset when the guy charged me $6 shipping. I paid it and when it arrived, it was in a regular envelope with a 37 cent stamp on it....now THAT is a rip off.
 
[quote name='gizmogc']I never ever ever ship Media Mail. Always First class or Priority Mail. Wubb, any ideas where I could get cheap envelopes online? I generally get 6 for $2.99 at Target .(small DVD/Game size),[/QUOTE]

esupplystore.com I believe the #0 bubble mailers are the one that fit a single DVD perfectly. I ordered 100 #0s and 50 #2s and it came out to less than $0.20 each per (after shipping) IIRC.

Just 100 #0s will probably run you about $20 including shipping - depends on your distance from them. There was another thread about this and somebody linked a site that sells this same brand of mailers (higher after shipping prices though) but you could get just 50 #0s.
 
What I hate is when I get complaints from people about overcharging on shipping when I set my prices reasonable for the most part especially compared to sellers charging $6 - $8 to ship one game. I had a Gamecube game up for auction. I charged $5.50 for 1st class shipping with insurance and delivery confirmation (it was a slightly valueable game so I required insurance). I actually got e-mails from prospective buyers asking if shipping should be that much since according to their estimate, it should be under $3.

I have no problem charging around $1.20 over actual postage costs. That includes the cost of a bubble mailer and other handling expenses. I charge $3 - $3.75 for shipping depending on the item which I think is reasonable.
 
This guy who was selling an EB Games gift card (worth $11.25) was asking for $3.00 ship. The starting bid was like $5.00. So he was going to send the card in a regualar enevelop ($.37). But I guess he doesnt understand that no one will bid on it because you would make very little profit at EB.
 
sames club sells bubble envelopes pretty cheap like 30 for $5 dvd sized, bigger ones are available too, or get bubble wrap and shit for wholesale, and free post office boxes, i just turn them around and rewrap them in a paper grocery bag, thats being a cheap ass
 
[quote name='greyzieoriental']sames club sells bubble envelopes pretty cheap like 30 for $5 dvd sized, bigger ones are available too, or get bubble wrap and shit for wholesale, and free post office boxes, i just turn them around and rewrap them in a paper grocery bag, thats being a cheap ass[/QUOTE]

I think you accidentally typed 'being a cheap ass' where you meant to put 'breaking federal law'.
 
Also, keep in mind ebay has raised fees quite a bit and really ticked off some high volume sellers. Now these people are seeing their profits shrink, so the only way they can make up for it, in kind of a sleezy way without raising the product cost directly is to add to the shipping and handling charge. Many high volume sellers are now moving to other places or setting up their own websites. I actually hope that ebay starts losing lots of high volume sellers so they finally realize people will find another way. Then maybe they will consider lowering all the fees they place on sellers.
 
[quote name='gizmogc']Well, Ive seen a few threads here and over at DP about people getting pissed about getting 'overcharged' in shipping. They see the postage label, and assume right away thats exactly how much the seller paid.

Typically, for all of my game/dvd auctions I charge $5 shipping. Where does that $5 go? $1 for an evelope, $2 to ship, $.55 for Delivery Confirmation...Ok...So I 'profit' $1.45. But still, does anyone every take into account gas prices driving the post office as well as packaging? Sorry, I just find it hilarius when I get e-mails from byers that paid $5 for shipping and it arrives at their doorstop with a $4.25 tag, yet claim I should refund them .75 cents. Ugh.[/QUOTE]

You know what pisses me off? When I buy an IPOD shuffle that is supposed to be delivered priority a week ago and I still haven't gotten it. Priority takes three days. How do I know? I fucken sell on ebay.

Goddamn I hate sellers sometimes. I pay promptly and they suck dick at doing their job.
 
[quote name='b3b0p']Also, keep in mind ebay has raised fees quite a bit and really ticked off some high volume sellers. Now these people are seeing their profits shrink, so the only way they can make up for it, in kind of a sleezy way without raising the product cost directly is to add to the shipping and handling charge. Many high volume sellers are now moving to other places or setting up their own websites. I actually hope that ebay starts losing lots of high volume sellers so they finally realize people will find another way. Then maybe they will consider lowering all the fees they place on sellers.[/QUOTE]

The fees are kind of ridiculous when you start setting reserves and adding bells and whistles, but if someone doesn't like them then they shouldn't set a reserve. And if a reserve is a must then Ebay perhaps isn't the place to be selling.

I usually only sell a few items at a time with no reserve and reasonable shipping.
 
[quote name='wubb']If I paid for 1st class and you shipped Media I'd be pissed about it. Media is way slower than 1st class especially if it's going any sort of distance. If you gave me a combined shipping discount I could maybe understand it, but I'd expect the items to go either 1st class or Priority when combined unless you told me different up front. And if you explained the situation promptly and at least slightly contritely (with a partial S+H refund offered) I'd probably let it slide, but telling him to snipe elsewhere doesn't sound like you did so.

You'd rather he didn't snipe your listings and they then sell for less money? I can understand buyers getting frustrated with snipers 'stealing' their items in the last seconds, but as a seller the more bids the merrier in my book.[/QUOTE]

I think he was glad for the extra bid but he was upset that the DVDs sold for very little.
 
[quote name='wubb']I think you accidentally typed 'being a cheap ass' where you meant to put 'breaking federal law'.[/QUOTE]
What's illegal about what he's doing? (Seriously asking, not sarcasm)
 
[quote name='evilmax17']What's illegal about what he's doing? (Seriously asking, not sarcasm)[/QUOTE]
They recommended taking USPS Priority boxes and turning them inside out to use for non-USPS Priority purposes.
 
[quote name='dreamvsps2']it was me who said the i charge for $1.25 for gas and the time it takes me to get there.

so RESPECT[/QUOTE]

What formula did you use to determine the cost of gas?

How did you determine the cost of your 'labor'? Why only include driving? Why, you're working when you put up an auction, answer questions, take and upload photographs, contact the buyer, package the product, prepare a shipping label, and take it to the post office. That's at least one hour, if not two. I'm curious why, if you want to use your 'labor' as an excuse, you only include a select portion of it when putting together an auction.

If you're willing to simply admit a digital preference (say, $5 is a better number than $3.85) and that you don't mind pocketing an extra buck, I'll understand. The "gas and labor" excuse is just phony and hackneyed, IMO. If you want to charge for labor, you would charge for every minute of it (and, at a minimum of $5.15 per hour, shipping would regularly top $15 if your argument were true).
 
[quote name='evilmax17']What's illegal about what he's doing? (Seriously asking, not sarcasm)[/QUOTE]


When you order priority boxes online, they notify you that it is illegal to use the boxes for anything other than priority mail shipping. The reverse inside of the boxes is also stamped so that people can't turn them inside out and use them for other services. Of course this doesn't stop people from covering them in paper or whatever else to reuse the boxes.
 
[quote name='mykevermin']What formula did you use to determine the cost of gas?

How did you determine the cost of your 'labor'? Why only include driving? Why, you're working when you put up an auction, answer questions, take and upload photographs, contact the buyer, package the product, prepare a shipping label, and take it to the post office. That's at least one hour, if not two. I'm curious why, if you want to use your 'labor' as an excuse, you only include a select portion of it when putting together an auction.

If you're willing to simply admit a digital preference (say, $5 is a better number than $3.85) and that you don't mind pocketing an extra buck, I'll understand. The "gas and labor" excuse is just phony and hackneyed, IMO. If you want to charge for labor, you would charge for every minute of it (and, at a minimum of $5.15 per hour, shipping would regularly top $15 if your argument were true).[/QUOTE]

LOL. But in a serious manner, if it costs $2 to ship, .55 for delivery confirmation, and $1 for an envelope, it comes to around 3.55. Charging $5 for shipping is in no way absurd. You must factor in a reasonable amount of money for the person to drive to the post office and to wait in line. I do not think most bidders will be put off by a $1 profit or "handling" charge. I have bought memory stick duos (shipped in an envelope with .37 postage) with $9.00 S&H. I got a good deal on them so Im not complaining.
 
I got to the point where I ship via UPS. I can do this from WORK (where I am now) and no price is listed. I provide a tracking number which pleases the seller. THe downside is...UPS calculates a high amount for the buyer which turns some people off, but it doesn't cost that much for me to ship. I believe it calculates the handling part for them. Works for me!
 
[quote name='greenbags125']LOL. But in a serious manner, if it costs $2 to ship, .55 for delivery confirmation, and $1 for an envelope, it comes to around 3.55. Charging $5 for shipping is in no way absurd. You must factor in a reasonable amount of money for the person to drive to the post office and to wait in line. I do not think most bidders will be put off by a $1 profit or "handling" charge. I have bought memory stick duos (shipped in an envelope with .37 postage) with $9.00 S&H. I got a good deal on them so Im not complaining.[/QUOTE]

As I've said, if they're willing to call it what it is (profit) and not pretend that it's covering their "labor" and "gas," then I'm fine with it. I won't buy from them, but I'm fine with it.

myke.
 
[quote name='greenbags125']That is perfectly legal. Its like saying its illegal to use AOL cds as coasters.[/QUOTE]
AOL discs aren't property of USPS, and it is illegal.
 
The trouble with eBay is that 80% of buyers are either stupid or too lazy to read the fine print. If a seller sets a shipping price, and delivers the item via the method of shipping stated, then there is no reason for dispute. If you don't like the shipping price, or know its inflated, no one is forcing you to bid on the item. Its really quite simple. I had to deal with 10+ obnoxious e-mails from a 13 year old because they wanted a $1.10 refund for what they thought was overpriced shipping. I thought people under the age of 18 weren't even allowed to use eBay. Things got very interesting though when I called his house and talked to his frantic mother and explained to her that I didnt apppreciate the e-mails from her halfwit offspring.
 
There Is Nothing Wrong With Charging A Bit More For Shipping. If You Are Not Going To Bid On It, Then So Be It. There Is No Point In Indoctrinating Others With Your Beliefs. Do Not Give Us Such Esoteric Viewpoints As Most People Are Perfectly Willing To Pay A Buck Or Two More For Shipping If It Is From A Respected Seller And They Got A Good Price For The Item. End Of Discussion.
 
[quote name='tayaf69']I got to the point where I ship via UPS. I can do this from WORK (where I am now) and no price is listed. I provide a tracking number which pleases the seller. THe downside is...UPS calculates a high amount for the buyer which turns some people off, but it doesn't cost that much for me to ship. I believe it calculates the handling part for them. Works for me![/QUOTE]

You are probably getting the daily rate through your work and the eBay calculator is maybe quoting buyers the retail rate. (The rate you'd pay if you went to a UPS store to do the shipping.) Just my guess.

[quote name='greenbags125']That is perfectly legal. Its like saying its illegal to use AOL cds as coasters.[/QUOTE]

Already been addressed, but my take is this. Is it likely that someone who turns a Priority box inside out and covers it in paper will be caught? No. Not sure what would happen if you happened to sell and mail something to a postal worker or the buyer decided to 'out' you to the PO. I'd imagine they'd just give you a warning and they might not even bother with doing that.

But to me it's just silly to break federal law to save yourself a buck or two on postage or the cost/effort of recycling boxes. And it's really poor to suggest that on CAG as a way to save money on your shipping costs. Especially when you don't also mention that anyone taking this advice will be breaking the law.

I've read of other CAGers turning FedEx or UPS boxes inside out (hell I heard that's what defender did for stuff he shipped USPS). This is still kind of chintsy, but at least you aren't breaking any laws (AFAIK).

----

Holy crap greenbagger capatilized every word. I think we should listen to him ;) Seriously though I agree there is nothing wrong with charging more than your actual postage costs. Most people would value the 30 minutes or so it takes to go to the PO higher than the $1 they might charge over the postage costs. The seller's time is a legitimate part of handling. To me a few bucks over postage is kosher. If you are charging $7+ over your postage costs for something small likea DVD, that's getting into the gauging zone.
 
I used to ship USPS. However, after some problems with them, and an average wait time of 30 mins every time I went there, I started looking elsewhere for shipping. A friend of mine that sells movie posters had about $600 worth of them stolen thru UPS. Lucky for him, he was able to go thru the right channels and get his and the buyer's money back since they were insured with UPS. After hearing that, and other UPS horror stories, I decided to check into FedEx.

With FedEx Ground shipping the packages come with a tracking number and automatic insurance (up to a certain amount that I can't remember off the top of my sleepy head right now). That same level of service, about 90% of the time, is MORE expensive thru the USPS. Plus, I am usually able to get in and out of the FedEx place pretty quick. If I don't just get in and am able to walk right up, the wait is an average of less than 5 to 10 mins.

Since I'm able to get boxes and packing materials for free, and the FedEx building is pretty close to where we live, buyers pay the EXACT amount that FedEx charges for shipping. That way if someone has a complaint about the shipping cost I simply tell them that the amount paid is exactly what FedEx charges and that they were not charged for shipping materials or handling. While they may not be 100% happy with that, they realize I could have charged more and usually don't complain. I always email the buyer the FedEx tracking number so they can keep an eye on when it's going to be delivered.
 
[quote name='greenbags125']There Is Nothing Wrong With Charging A Bit More For Shipping. If You Are Not Going To Bid On It, Then So Be It. There Is No Point In Indoctrinating Others With Your Beliefs. Do Not Give Us Such Esoteric Viewpoints As Most People Are Perfectly Willing To Pay A Buck Or Two More For Shipping If It Is From A Respected Seller And They Got A Good Price For The Item. End Of Discussion.[/QUOTE]

Oh My God How Do You Type Like That? It Is Highly Annoying.
 
I always ship out my stuff priority mail because I can get free boxes for games and free envelopes for strategy guides, mags, comics, etc. I usually charge a flat $5 (or $.85 if I'm feeling nice) for priority mail plus delivery confirmation, which if you bought at the post office would come out to about $4.40. Of course I use the click and ship to print out my mailing labels so delivery confirmation is free. Then I just drop it off at the mailbox at the corner of where I work so I don't really spend any time at the post office or anything.
 
[quote name='mtxbass1']Oh My God How Do You Type Like That? It Is Highly Annoying.[/QUOTE]

Actually, i was typing in all caps but CAG automatically changes it to capitalize the first letter of every word. No, I did not spend 45 min typing that answer and I am not crazy. I just didn't know that was what happened when you typed in all caps. I just kinda got tired with people carping about an extra dollar charged through shipping and handling when they got a below retail price on the item. Im glad some people on this board has the sense to figure out how insanely pathetic that is.
 
[quote name='greenbags125']There Is Nothing Wrong With Charging A Bit More For Shipping. If You Are Not Going To Bid On It, Then So Be It.[/quote]

My point is not right or wrong (that's another thread from the other week), but honesty. If you want to charge more, be up front about it. Don't lie to yourself by claiming that you need "gas" and "labor" costs. That's my point. If you have not spent the time to calculate actual gas and labor costs, then you can't make such a claim.

There Is No Point In Indoctrinating Others With Your Beliefs.
Click to expand...

Halo thar pot. Me kettle.

Do Not Give Us Such Esoteric Viewpoints As Most People Are Perfectly Willing To Pay A Buck Or Two More For Shipping If It Is From A Respected Seller And They Got A Good Price For The Item. End Of Discussion.
Click to expand...

Good to see it's over now that you've made your opinion the be all, end all of it. I don't think you'd last very long in debate club. :roll:
 
I think if we took a poll that most of the people in this thread would not mind paying an extra dollar for shipping. You do know that most people would just subtract a dollar from their bid right? It all goes to the seller and how he decides to divvy up teh money is 100% his choice. He might save 4 cents in ebay fees.

BTW, in debate club (of which i am a member of), you need to be unyielding in your beliefs. If you give way, then you lose the debate, especially in Policy.
 
[quote name='greenbags125']I think if we took a poll that most of the people in this thread would not mind paying an extra dollar for shipping. You do know that most people would just subtract a dollar from their bid right? It all goes to the seller and how he decides to divvy up teh money is 100% his choice. He might save 4 cents in ebay fees.

BTW, in debate club (of which i am a member of), you need to be unyielding in your beliefs. If you give way, then you lose the debate, especially in Policy.[/QUOTE]

If you look at my history of posts on this thread, I'm merely arguing that people need to be HONEST when charging extra. I'm sick and tired of hearing people claim that this is for "gas and labor" when they've done no mathematical calculations to determine how much their gas and labor is worth.

I'm NOT arguing if it's right or not (I don't think it's right, but I'm not arguing that here).

I'm NOT arguing that people do or don't mind (that's up to the individual buyer).

I AM arguing that people should just be more honest about trying to swindle an extra $1.10 of profit rather than bullshit themselves and others with some complete nontruth about gas and labor.

So, do you commit the logical fallacy of changing the subject this often in debate club? ;)

myke.
...I just want people to be honest with themselves, that's all. Charge $100 for shipping and see if I care. Just don't tell me that you've figured out it's for gas and labor.
 
[quote name='greenbags125']
BTW, in debate club (of which i am a member of), you need to be unyielding in your beliefs. If you give way, then you are mercilessly raped and left for dead, especially in eBay S&H Policy.[/QUOTE]
From what I've heard of debaters, I think the above correction is more accurate.

Mean, ruthless buggers, those debaters, of which i am not a member of.
 
You know, we'd probably have a lot less of these threads/debates if eBay didn't separate S&H prices from the final value price. Then no one could possibly be profiting from S&H.

(I'm not saying they should do this, btw.)
 
[quote name='greenbags125']Actually, i was typing in all caps but CAG automatically changes it to capitalize the first letter of every word. [/QUOTE]
It's the stupid bastard filter.
 
Actually, I prefer that shipping and final value price be kept seperate. If an item sells for 50 cents, then the seller is now losing money on the auction as opposed to setting a s&h and the seller at least breaks even.
 
[quote name='greenbags125']Actually, I prefer that shipping and final value price be kept seperate. If an item sells for 50 cents, then the seller is now losing money on the auction as opposed to setting a s&h and the seller at least breaks even.[/QUOTE]
If they did it that way, you would put S&H into the starting price to make sure you break even.

And I'm sure everyone would prefer it the way it is, hence my disclaimer.
 
Most of the time i charge $4.25 to $6.00 to ship a game (4.25 is first class and $6.00 is Priorty mail)

I aways post in my auctions what shipping is. If you dont like it dont bid

+ if you want cheaper shipping go to www.half.com all games are $2.79 shipping there
 
[quote name='ig88vsbobafett']Most of the time i charge $4.25 to $6.00 to ship a game (4.25 is first class and $6.00 is Priorty mail)

I aways post in my auctions what shipping is. If you dont like it dont bid

+ if you want cheaper shipping go to www.half.com all games are $2.79 shipping there[/QUOTE]

If ebay were to be like Half.com, you would never see any decent/cheap games.
I hate Half.com for the fact that ANY book shipped is only $2.79. That means if the book costs $5 to ship, I lose money. Therefore I need to price my item higher to make up for the cost. Ebay is fine right now with the way shipping is done. Prices are usually at the bottom of the page, and if you feel its 'too' much, don't bid. Generally, when I offer free shipping, I just up the price It was originally going to be an extra $5 to make up for the fact. Surprisingly, it always work..
 
[quote name='greenbags125']Actually, I prefer that shipping and final value price be kept seperate. If an item sells for 50 cents, then the seller is now losing money on the auction as opposed to setting a s&h and the seller at least breaks even.[/QUOTE]

If you don't want your items selling for fifty cents, man up, set a reserve and pay the fee.

And you're berating us for whining over a dollar or two?

Cheapskate.
 
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