Ebay question

[pilesoflaundry]

I ship with a $1 S&H charge on top of my cost of shipping to cover the cost of my envelopes, tape and gas. I weigh the item with the box and packing materials to determine the cost of shipping. Also make sure to check if it is cheaper to send the item via priority flat rate envelope or box. Sometimes for heavy but small/moderate size items this is cheaper than using parcel post. I also offer in my listing the ability to use alternative shipping methods at my discretion (If I haven't heard of the shipper I won't use).

I do not use Paypal to ship as they charge a $1 fee to print the label.

I do not use DC as it is not necessary. I note in my listings that I am not responsible for items lost in shipment if the buyer does not purchase insurance (not delivery confirmation but insurance, big difference in price and services - per my local post office DC is basically a joke as it only tells you if the package is delivered it will not determine where the package is if it is lost.) I offer insurance as an option. I do save all USPS receipts for 90 days. I had an issue once and paypal honored a photo of my USPS receipt as proof of shipment - especially since I pointed out in my listing that I had noted I was not responsible for lost items if Insurance was not purchased. Most buyers will too. The receipt shows the weight of the item and the delivery destination.

Things have changed recently. In paypal disputes if you have no DC number the buyer gets their money back simple as that.

Also new ebay selling rules as of Sept. you cannot ask buyers to buy insurance. Either you offer it or you don't but you pay if you do. Ebay feels it's the sellers responsibility to get the item to the buyer in the condition it was shipped. They won't let you put that stuff in your auctions anymore.

 

[rflorek]

Things have changed recently. In paypal disputes if you have no DC number the buyer gets their money back simple as that.

Also new ebay selling rules as of Sept. you cannot ask buyers to buy insurance. Either you offer it or you don't but you pay if you do. Ebay feels it's the sellers responsibility to get the item to the buyer in the condition it was shipped. They won't let you put that stuff in your auctions anymore.

Here's the info from eBay:

"Optional buyer charges for shipping insurance removed: The insurance option creates the perception that buyers need to purchase shipping insurance as a protection on eBay, an experience they're not accustomed to on other ecommerce sites. In fact, sellers have always been responsible for their items until they arrive safely in their customers' hands. That's why shipping insurance will no longer be included in the purchase flow as either an option or requirement for buyers.

Of course you can choose to purchase insurance on shipments, but not ask buyers to buy insurance separately. In some categories like Antiques, Collectibles, and Jewelry, shipping insurance for sellers is essential. When appropriate, you can include the cost of insurance in your item or shipping price."

 

[Kies99]

Here's another suggestion....

Try Craigslist if you have one in your town.

While I still sell on Ebay, it's getting a little tricky for small-time sellers who don't have a "store" on it. I no longer sell "small-ticket" items on Ebay as I'm a casual seller. I sell those on Craigslist and it's free and easy to do.

 

[nunzia]

I ship with a $1 S&H charge on top of my cost of shipping to cover the cost of my envelopes, tape and gas. I weigh the item with the box and packing materials to determine the cost of shipping. Also make sure to check if it is cheaper to send the item via priority flat rate envelope or box. Sometimes for heavy but small/moderate size items this is cheaper than using parcel post. I also offer in my listing the ability to use alternative shipping methods at my discretion (If I haven't heard of the shipper I won't use).

I do not use Paypal to ship as they charge a $1 fee to print the label.

I do not use DC as it is not necessary. I note in my listings that I am not responsible for items lost in shipment if the buyer does not purchase insurance (not delivery confirmation but insurance, big difference in price and services - per my local post office DC is basically a joke as it only tells you if the package is delivered it will not determine where the package is if it is lost.) I offer insurance as an option. I do save all USPS receipts for 90 days. I had an issue once and paypal honored a photo of my USPS receipt as proof of shipment - especially since I pointed out in my listing that I had noted I was not responsible for lost items if Insurance was not purchased. Most buyers will too. The receipt shows the weight of the item and the delivery destination.

No they don't. I get charged the shipping rate plus .19 for comfirmation. Now..I also get charged their fees, but there is no extra charge for the label.
I find it the easiest less stress free way of doing things. I bought a small postal scale at WalMart several years ago and it has been perfect! Most of my items are under 3 pounds, which is the limit for this scale.

 

[Dancemom03]

I added a few lines to my auctions last year after the DSRs determined search placement saying that providing five star service was important to us. Also, that we packaged items carefully and included insurance on every purchase because a good seller's responsibility was to be sure items reached their destinations safely.

Part of the change to my wording was prompted by one too many responses from sellers who told me 'tough luck, you didn't pay for insurance' when an item was delayed or arrived broken. Even more outrageous though, were a couple of sellers over the years who responded that they had no idea where it was b/c I didn't pay for delivery confirmation. Not insurance - but delivery confirmation! oh come on now... When I went back to look at that last auction, neither DC or ins. were offered as an option on that invoice and it sure isn't the buyers responsibility - it's merely covering your own backside against paypal claims...

As a seller, I also send a note with the DC/tracking thanking the bidder and explaining that four stars might be good, but on ebay it isn't good enough and sellers who averaged less than 4.2 would not be allowed to continue selling. Most bidders don't realize ebay's double standard and really think that by leaving 4 out of 5 stars, they're giving you an above average rating.

When I send that shipping note explaining FB, my DSRs look really good. In July we were away for several weeks and I didn't send them, my DSRs have been going up & down more in the past month than aladdin's magic carpet ride... rasied... standard... raised.... standard... enough already, please let this green looking mom off the ride before I throw up...

 

[jimaok]

whatever you do, don't shortchange yourself on shipping and handling. Just because the postage is X you must figure packing, packaging, bubble wrap, peanuts, transportation to the post office, etc. Just be upfront with what you are charging- no surprises for the buyer. If they want your merchandise they'll pay what your charging unless someone has the same item for cheaper shipping. Go on Ebay and see what everyone else is charging and who is selling. It is always a good idea to have a tracking number- things get lost or worse. And if it is breakable- china, glass etc- ALWAYS insure it.