Ebay Shipping Charges

[Jake&IzzyLand]

There are quite a few things that I have almost purchased until I see the shipping charges. Can anyone explain Ebay shipping to me? Why is something $15.00 bucks to ship to me Economy from 45 minutes away and something similar in size from Kansas is $3.85? Considering shipping charges, I don't think Ebay is a money saver.

 

[lauti]

Because the seller sets their own shipping charge, not eBay. And many, many, sellers have no idea about ways to save on shipping

 

[LadiiAstroid]

Because the seller sets their own shipping charge, not eBay. And many, many, sellers have no idea about ways to save on shipping

Many sellers know about ways to save on shipping, they just want to make money off of shipping. So on top of them making money from you purchasing item, they also make money off of shipping.

One item I saw at auction was for $.99 but shipping was $19.99! Saw some other items that were sold and it was $20+ for the item then $15+ for shipping. (Mind you the item weighed less that 5 lbs and they were using economy shipping.) Yes, that seller wanted to make money off of shipping too!

 

[seashoreCM]

1. It takes added time and effort to get out the X-acto knife and customize the box to fit the item. Instead some sellers just get the next size box that provides enough cushion space for the item. This can result in a noticeably larger shipping cost compared with a sweet spot box.

2. Or if you envision what the cost of labor to customize the box, you may well come up with a higher cost for shipping and handling.

3. Shipping boxes themselves cost money.

4. Some sellers use a flat rate shipping which can be expected to be for the maximum coast to coast distance. I don't do it that way.

You can tell that the shipping and handling charges on my items are fair because I always allow buyers to pick up the item in person and then there is no shipping charge.

 

[Chloesmom]

Ebay charges sellers a percentage of the postage they collect so most sellers add that percentage onto the actual shipping charge . Also many newer sellers don't fully understand how to ship and how to use the shipping calculator to collect proper shipping . Plus shipping is more that most people realize . I get messages all the time where people think they should be able to ship a 10# item for $5 across the country where it really costs $20.
I am a full time seller on ebay but when I buy something I figure what id be willing to pay TOTAL for an item . Let's say it's $30. I see an item for $8 and shipping is $20. Yes shipping is a lot but the items total price is under my target so I would consider buying it and not think of the seperate shipping charge but rather the final price .

 

[Kies99]

A lot of sellers charge more on shipping to help recoup some of the fees Ebay charges.

 

[mousey]

A lot of sellers charge more on shipping to help recoup some of the fees Ebay charges.

I agree totally! Just purchased an i phone last Wednesday and the seller offer expedited shipping for $21. It is almost a week and still no phone?? Coming from Massachusetts to NY shouldn't take this long!!

 

[LovesTimone]

Normally the shipping price is not just for the cost of postage but includes the price of the packing materials, box, or envelopes, tape and time. Also depending on the type of mailing that they are offering, 1st class mail to priority mail is a huge leap. Something they may only weigh 10 oz, at 1st class or economy might only be 3.00 or so >vs< priority mail which will cost around 5.50 give or take where you live at. Also if you are buying something fragile the cost goes up, more packing and insurance. Odd shapes can cost more as well.

As always you can contact the buyer and ask questions about shipping.

 

[ssawka]

Some sellers also play games with shipping hoping people won't look that closely and they will appear to have the lowest price.

 

[Jake&IzzyLand]

Thanks for the answers, they all make sense to me, but I still don't want to pay it, LOL.