Ebay postage question - Can I do this?

[disneysteve]

I'm going to be listing an item that cost me nothing but weighs a couple of pounds. I'm going to state a shipping fee, as usual. To encourage bidding, however, can I state in my listing that if the final bid exceeds a certain amount, I will ship for free? For example, start the bidding at $9.99 with $6.95 shipping but state if bid gets to at least $29.99, I'll ship for free. Any ebay rule against doing something like that?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I have seen items where the listing says free shipping with a BIN. I do not see where eBay would have any problem since they don't get a fee on your shipping charges.

However, I can see a question that the final buyer might raise if, for example, the final selling price is $29.00. In other words, be very clear in the listing. You migh say something to the effect that "Shipping is flat rate at $6.95. However, if the final selling price is $29.99 or higher the shipping will be free."

 

[Robinrs]

As long as you state it in your description it's fine. I sell Tracfone cards on eBay and charge $3.00 to ship them or it's free if I email them the PIN number. I state it in my ad and it works fine.

When you send the invoice you can adjust it accordingly.

 

[disneysteve]

I guess the follow-up question is does it make sense to do this? I realize that it would mean paying the ebay fee on a larger amount. If I sell for $23 and charge $7 shipping, I'd pay a lower fee than if I sell for $30 with free shipping. Part of the shipping fee would go toward covering some costs, so I'd lose that cushion. But do you think the gimmick would make people more likely to bid higher (assuming that the price is a good one for the item being offered)? Since I've got nothing invested in the item, I've got nothing to lose. I just thought this might be a way to get people bidding higher.

 

[AnninIowa]

For a couple of pounds, Priority shipping would only be around $5 anyway...so if this is an item you think will go high, shipping shouldn't make a difference to buyers. Personally, I'd start the bidding at $9.99 with free shipping up front. So many people do not read what is stated in the auction, and you may find yourself with a bigger headache than you want.

 

[disneysteve]

Priority shipping would only be around $5 anyway...so if this is an item you think will go high, shipping shouldn't make a difference to buyers. Personally, I'd start the bidding at $9.99 with free shipping up front.

The only problem with that is I'm taking the chance that it sells for $9.99 and I only walk away with 5 bucks minus fees. Even though the item didn't cost me anything, I still don't want to give it away.

I actually have 2 similar items. I think I'll list the first one with the free shipping offer and see what happens. If it doesn't work, I can list the second one differently in a week.

 

[jessica52877]

I think it does make sense to do it that way. I tend do see more BIN with free ship, but if you don't know or have a good set price you want to ask then just let them bid. Some will bid higher knowing they could get free shipping, some won't even read that part. Amazes me what people don't read!

 

[DMRick]

The only eBay rule is, that everyone would have a chance at the free shipping..and they would, they just have to pay a certain amount for the item.
The only reason I don't care to do that, is I'd be paying eBay fees on the shipping. But yes, it does seem to interest people when something is free. I've seen it right in the title, and then when I open the auction, the next words are..if bidding goes over $30 (or whatever amount).Here are eBay's rules on promotional shipping. Not exactly what you want, but close enough I think:


Promotional Shipping Rules
You can choose from three options to create a promotional shipping rule. This rule will apply to all listings with shipping discounts (whether the listing has flat shipping or calculated shipping rules). When buyers qualify for your promotional shipping rule, the promotion takes priority over your flat or calculated shipping costs.

Spend a specified amount on 2 or more items and shipping is free or discounted.

Example: You can specify that if a buyer purchases 2 items for a total of $25.00, the buyer receives free shipping. Or you can specify that if a buyer purchases 2 or more items for a total cost of $25.00, the buyer pays only $2.00 for shipping.


Buy a specified number of items and shipping is free or discounted.

Example: You can specify that if a buyer purchases 4 or more items from you, the items will be shipped for free. Or you can specify that if buyer purchases 4 or more items from you, the total shipping cost will be $2.00.

Charge a maximum shipping amount for a single order.

Example: You can specify that a buyer be charged no more than $5.00 for shipping if the buyer purchases more than one item from you.