Ebay Shipping Charges

[C.Ann]

Originally posted by disneysteve
Sellers do not pay a commission on shipping charges. So yes, some sellers will undercharge on the item and overcharge on shipping to reduce their ebay fees.

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While that may be true, they will still incur a higher fee if they are accepting Paypal as payment as PP charges their percentage on the ENTIRE amount - not just the end-of-auction cost.. In that case, they would be "cutting off their noses to spite their face" so to speak..LOL

 

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by C.Ann
[BWhile that may be true, they will still incur a higher fee if they are accepting Paypal as payment as PP charges their percentage on the ENTIRE amount - not just the end-of-auction cost.. In that case, they would be "cutting off their noses to spite their face" so to speak..LOL [/B]

That's true C.Ann so they would save the ebay fees but not the Paypal fees.

 

[C.Ann]

Originally posted by Lewisc
1) Charging me for insurance and failing to purchase same. There is no such thing as charging a premium for self-insurance. Self-insurance means you're absorbing the risk.

2) Unreasonable mark-up of shipping costs. Since the weight of the item wasn't disclosed it wasn't apparant that the seller was significantly marking up the shipping costs.

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"BTW - another option is to use third-party insurance like u-pic.com (there's another one that I can never remember as well). If you get an account, you can insure up to $100.00 for as little as .60, and don't have to stand in line at the PO. "

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The above is an answer to someone asking about self-insuring on one of the eBay boards.. This might explain it better than I can as I've never done it myself, so I wasn't sure what all was involved - but evidently self-insuring is possible by purchasing some sort of policy elsewhere.. It appears that many powersellers choose this option in order to save time and money..
Certainly not my cup of tea - I'd rather stand in line at the post office and take care of my shipping fees, DC, and insurance all at once so I don't get everything all confused - but I guess there are some people who feel differently about what they perceive as the advantages of alternate insuring methods..

Sorry if I'm coming across as "dense" (I have a lot of "dense" days - LOL) but I'm still confused on your agreeing to the amount of shipping and then being upset about it after the fact.. Did you think the item was far heavier than what it actually turned out to be - and that's why you agreed to that amount initially - or what? Not trying to pick an arguement here - I'm just really trying to understand why you agreed to the initial shipping fee to begin with..

 

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by C.Ann
Sorry if I'm coming across as "dense" (I have a lot of "dense" days - LOL) but I'm still confused on your agreeing to the amount of shipping and then being upset about it after the fact..

I can't speak for Lewisc but here's my opinion.

If an auction states shipping will be $12 and I perceive that as a fair amount based on the item in question, then I'll bid. But if that item then shows up with only $5 postage on the box, I have been ripped off. A seller should not be making a huge profit on shipping charges. Its fine if the seller charges 50 cents or so to cover the cost of bubble wrap, packing peanuts, etc. But much more than that is inappropriate.

 

[DMRick]

third-party insurance like u-pic.com

I've used them, and you will never see it on the package. But even if they didn't and they choose to self insure (perhaps their state allows it, perhaps they fall under the regulations to self insure, whatever) the only way you would know if they cheated you, is something happened to the package and they had to replace it. I doubt eBay will think that is excessive (what you paid), since eBay is very liberal in the s/h amounts. Some people actually pay someone (like Mail Box etc, not UPS) to do all their packaging, or the local neighbor boy. Maybe they paid $5 just for that. Maybe they want to make $15 an hour for themselves when they package, and be paid for their gas to the Post Office. The time, IMO to ask about the shipping, is before you bid. If you bid and aren't happy with the shipping cost, the blame really is the buyers. I have asked and not been happy with shipping and moved on, decided not to bid. While I think my shipping and handling fees are very reasonable, maybe someone else may not, but again, that should be decided before you bid...and then pass it over, if you don't like it. I see no reason for a neg to be given..or anything other than a postive, if the item is what you expected.

 

[ripleysmom]

I had this happen recently. My feelings on this are.....

I don't have a problem with the shipping charges no matter what they are. As long as you know the price of shipping in advance then I don't see the problem. You wouldn't complain about the S&H charges if you bought something from the Disney Store or any other catalog seller, why should it be a problem on ebay? Just because someone is making money on your purchase of the item does not mean that they should not be compensated for their time and materials to pack and ship the item.

As far as buying insurance and not have it included. I think you should request a refund of the insurance amount. That happened to me recently and I sent the seller an email requesting a refund. All they can do is say no. If they say no then I would leave negative feedback.

 

[C.Ann]

Originally posted by DMRick
I've used them, and you will never see it on the package. But even if they didn't and they choose to self insure (perhaps their state allows it, perhaps they fall under the regulations to self insure, whatever) the only way you would know if they cheated you, is something happened to the package and they had to replace it. I doubt eBay will think that is excessive (what you paid), since eBay is very liberal in the s/h amounts. Some people actually pay someone (like Mail Box etc, not UPS) to do all their packaging, or the local neighbor boy. Maybe they paid $5 just for that. Maybe they want to make $15 an hour for themselves when they package, and be paid for their gas to the Post Office. The time, IMO to ask about the shipping, is before you bid. If you bid and aren't happy with the shipping cost, the blame really is the buyers. I have asked and not been happy with shipping and moved on, decided not to bid. While I think my shipping and handling fees are very reasonable, maybe someone else may not, but again, that should be decided before you bid...and then pass it over, if you don't like it. I see no reason for a neg to be given..or anything other than a postive, if the item is what you expected.

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Again - stated more eloquently than what I have been trying to say - but I agree 100% with the above scenarios..

 

[DianeV]

Here is my thought..if you are stating that "insurance" is required and also charging $2 for it then that is not self insurance to anyone who is buying from you. Stating you are charging "insurance" leads people to believe you are talking about the post office and only leads to problems like this.

As far as the postage discrepancy..get used to it on ebay. ITs getting worse every day. I sell and would never do what some sellers get away with. My advice is to ask about the insurance and discrepancy in price but dont do it in an accusatory way and see what happens.

In the future if it doesnt say how something is being shipped email first and ask how they are shipping it. You can then estimate the weight and check the post office website and get an idea on how much is handling. And also you may want to think about clarifying what "insurance" you are getting if a seller is requiring it.

 

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by ripleysmom
You wouldn't complain about the S&H charges if you bought something from the Disney Store or any other catalog seller, why should it be a problem on ebay?

I certainly would complain about unreasonable shipping charges no matter who the seller was.

A couple of years ago, I called Pioneer because I had lost the user manual for some stereo equipment. They charged me for the replacement manual and $3.50 shipping and handling. The catalog came in a plain brown envelope with under $1 in postage. I called customer service and got them to refund me the overcharged amount.

Just because lots of people do something doesn't make it right.

 

[DMRick]

Stating you are charging "insurance" leads people to believe you are talking about the post office and only leads to problems like this.

It shouldn't lead you to believe that. There are several legal ways other than the PO to insure.
If you paid for insurance and your package didn't arrive or arrived smashed, and the seller wouldn't replace it..they there is a problem. Until that happens, there frankly is no reason for a neg or a refund. Don't like the shipping/insurance listed in an eBay description? Bet you can find a lot more items you can bid on that will meet with your requirements.

But if that item then shows up with only $5 postage on the box, I have been ripped off.

If I see a shirt for $2.00 with $10.00 s/h/insurance on ebay, and another one for $10.00 with $3.00 s/h/insurance..which one will be the better deal for me? Bidding is a responsibility..bid for the total and you'll never be disappointed in the shipping costs.

As far as buying insurance and not have it included. I think you should request a refund of the insurance amount. That happened to me recently and I sent the seller an email requesting a refund. All they can do is say no. If they say no then I would leave negative feedback.

How do you know it's not included..there are several ways to be insured without going through the Post Office. For that you would give a neg? And people wonder why I hate the eBay feedback system LOL. Let's see..you pay just what they offered for the item. I assume you bid on this item, because it was cheaper than what another person offered it for. The item arrives, just as you expected, not lost or damaged, and you paid just what they advertised it as being. But they deserve a neg? I'm just not seeing why..I just move on if I don't like their shipping costs. I only buy if it's advantageous to me and the price is what I want to pay. I could care less how they break it down.

 

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by DMRick
If I see a shirt for $2.00 with $10.00 s/h/insurance on ebay, and another one for $10.00 with $3.00 s/h/insurance..which one will be the better deal for me?

I would rather deal with the seller who prices his merchandise fairly and doesn't overcharge on shipping, even if that costs me an extra dollar or two in the long run. JMHO

 

[C.Ann]

But the point - which DMRick stated quite nicely - is that the amount was AGREED to, so why does the seller deserve a negative feedback when he/she fulfilled her obligation exactly as stated in his/her auction? That's what I am finding so confusing.. If the seller had said $7 and then charged $12, that would be a different story - but it appears that the amount was stated clearly AND agreed to.. If anything, it should just be chalked up to a learning experience and one that would encourage a buyer to ask more detailed questions before bidding on an item..

My buyers sometimes drive me nuts with questions, but I'm always sure to answer them quickly and honestly so as to avoid an unfair neg.. Any transaction on ebay is a two-way street - with both the seller AND the buyer having certain obligations.. In this case I think the seller DID fulfill those obligations - even if the S&H was higher than what I personally might have charged..

 

[Lollipop Mom]

1) Being charged for insurnace when no insurance was needed or purchased.

I've only gotten about half way through the thread but I have to get my kids ready for bed and wanted to mention this. Forgive me if I'm repeating something someone else has already said. It is entirely possible that the package was insured even if it wasn't marked with an insurance sticker from the PO. I use u-pic.com to insure packages and with them there is no sticker or anything that goes on the package. I do always email buyers and say "your package has been insured for $XX.XX through u-pic.com. The u-pic confirmation # is 12345." so that they are aware that I did insure it for them. I do this b/c I print postage from home and have permission to just leave packages at the loading dock of the post office. If I use regular post office insurance I have to go inside and stand in line. If I insure online with u-pic I don't have to do that. I just wanted to mention that possibility.

IMHO, if you self insure, you do so by adding the fee into your S/H not a seperate charge but there are no regulations on that. eBay does say that you can't charge "inflated shipping" but they don't conside a $5-$10 handling fee on a package as "excessive" in most cases. The only times I've seen them do anything about it was a seller listing vintage barbies for $5 with a $450 shipping charge. $455 was pretty standard pricing for the dolls but not the way they did it.

I would agree that if the fees were clearly disclosed in the auction, the seller doesn't deserve negative feedback. If it really bothers you, contact the seller and give them a chance to make things right. It may have been insured through u-pic or it may have been an oversight that they didn't purchase insurance at the PO. Give them a chance to explain and/or make things right. If they don't respond maybe consider neutral feedback that says "item was as described and shipped quickly however item was not insured even though insurance fee was paid." I still think though that you should never leave negative or neutral feedback without first giving the other party a chacne to make things right.

 

[disneysteve]

C.Ann - I have to agree with you. The seller apparently stated the shipping charges and charged exactly what she stated. Whether or not that charge was reasonable is a separate argument. I would still write to her and ask her to explain those charges because it sounds like they were falsely inflated and I would make a point not to deal with that seller again. As for feedback, I'd probably leave a positive but word it to mention the overcharge for postage.

 

[DianeV]

A couple of points:

Yes a seller can do whatever they want on ebay pretty much. They can be misleading, they can leave info out etc. and not much will be done by ebay. BUT does that make it the right and best thing to do?

Yes a seller can list an item that is under 1# for $3.85 shipping and leave it at that knowing that many will assume Priority shipping as that is a Priority amount..they can then turn around and ship Parcel Post or Media mail and defend it saying they never said how they were shipping.

Yes a seller can list an item and say $3.85 Priority shipping and send it Parcel Post or Media Mail and defend it saying they didnt say Priority MAIL through the post office shipping. They meant they will ship it quickly thus "priority"

Yes a seller can charge or require insurance for $1.30 which would lead many to assume its post office insurance and then self insure.

It goes on and believe all of these scenarios happen every day on ebay. And you would even wonder why buyers get suspicious and upset?

As far as the total price theory goes. That works well until you come across a seller who only refunds the bid price for whatever reason if you need to get a refund. Or if you need to file an insurance claim and your only proof of what you paid is the bid price. All $.01 or $.99 of it.

I see the defending of seller practices every day on the bulletin boards on ebay and to see people saying the same things on here is disappointing. We need to try to make ebay a better place to buy and sell. Not just make excuses for bad sellers.

IMHO of course!

 

[DMRick]

Give them a chance to explain and/or make things right. If they don't respond maybe consider neutral feedback that says "item was as described and shipped quickly however item was not insured even though insurance fee was paid."

But why would they deserve a nuetral, if the amount was disclosed? I'm really having trouble understanding that. And Disney Steve, although I'm sure no one would have a problem with you asking why the high shipping, etc, the seller really is under no obligation to explain it. I charge a very reasonable s/h..my feedback vouches for that. But even if I didn't, I'm under no obligation to tell my bidders why my s/h is what it is. It is what it is..and if it's stated, then you make your bid IMO based on that.
As far as if I

I would rather deal with the seller who prices his merchandise fairly and doesn't overcharge on shipping, even if that costs me an extra dollar or two in the long run. JMHO

I think that is commendable that you want to make sure that eBay is getting their fair share (I'm not being nasty, I really do think so). However, for me if the only thing a seller has on the down side to me, is the cost of their shipping, but all their feedback is good, and they have what I want for the price I'd rather pay, even considering the s/h..that's where my bid goes. But you said the magic words...don't like the shipping? Move on to the next person, and even if their total price is higher, you may be happier. In this case, the s/h/insurance was known..if it wasn't liked, it was time to go elsewhere. I'd suggest this belongs on the debate board, (once you bid, already knowing the s/h/insurance cost do you think a neg should be left when you are actually charged that amount?), but alas, the debate board is gone : )

 

[DMRick]

Yes a seller can do whatever they want on ebay pretty much. They can be misleading, they can leave info out etc. and not much will be done by ebay. BUT does that make it the right and best thing to do?

There is responsibility on both sides..I can come up with lots of scenerio's of the bidders also. All I'm talking about is the OP's note. It was shipped just as he thought it would be. Nothing was misleading.

Yes a seller can charge or require insurance for $1.30 which would lead many to assume its post office insurance and then self insure.

And the difference would be what? As long as the item is replaced if lost or smashed, does it matter where the insurance comes from? I am just not understanding that. Again..there are other ways to insure legally, other than through the post office. Assume is the key word here. No one should ever assume, and it really makes no difference anyway how a package is insured. We also don't know if this person would have returned the shipping, since the item arrives as expected. Why "assume" the worse? I personally would return the shipping if there was a problem (wouldn't have to be both ways, since the item wouldn't have to be returned).

Or if you need to file an insurance claim and your only proof of what you paid is the bid price. All $.01 or $.99 of it.

Again, that isn't the OP's question..and if the item hadn't arrived as expected, then I would say that would be the time to ask for the difference back..but that didn't happen, so it's moot.

I see the defending of seller practices every day on the bulletin boards on ebay and to see people saying the same things on here is disappointing. We need to try to make ebay a better place to buy and sell. Not just make excuses for bad sellers.

I dont' think I'm defending anyone, because I plain don't see where the OP's seller did anything wrong. I'm sorry you are disappointed, but I'm not going to put down a seller (that I don't even know or have seen his feedback) just so someone wouldn't be disappointed. I see nothing he did wrong. The item arrived as ordered. The charge was as stated. Nothing was misleading, nothing was left out. Yes, there are some bad sellers..but this thread is about the OP's seller, and I see nothing that would lead me to not do business with him. None of scenerio's talked about here, happened. We have enough bad seller's without going after the one's who haven't done anything wrong.

Yes a seller can list an item that is under 1# for $3.85 shipping and leave it at that knowing that many will assume Priority shipping as that is a Priority amount.

By the way, it took me one month buying on eBay to learn to never assume. I always ask how the item is being shipped..and if the s/h is $3.85 and I know it's coming parcel post or media, then I judge my bid accordingly. If they are still the cheapest and I want the item, then here comes my bid. If not..the magic words again...I move on. I take the responsibility myself to be sure they say how it ships...I never "assume".

 

[rigs32]

I sell a lot of books and video games on ebay, which you would think would be easy to pack and ship, right?

Media Mail will cost me $1.50-$3 depending on weight. Then, it's the time out of my day to get to the post office plus gas money to get there. But that's after the item is packed.

If I get a padded envelope from Walmart, it will cost me $0.79-$1.29 depending on size. Or, I can drive 40 miles round trip to get them for half price at Sams Clubs. Either option againg takes time and gas.

That said, a few dollars for shipping and *handling* above and beyond the postage price is acceptable, IMO. It's handling that you're paying for when you order things online, from a catalogue, etc.

When you're bidding on a item, determine the total price you're willing to pay TOTAL, and don't exceed it. If the seller in this case did not teller the buyer that insurance was mandatory until after the auction closed, then she has a complaint to report to ebay. If the buyer knew in advance, then I don't think there's a complaint. Most auctions who offer/require insurance don't state they will provide USPS insurance. If that's what you want, make sure to ask about it before bidding.

I had a seller change the auction terms after an item ended (refuses to accept and form of Paypal and demanded a money order, which costs time, effort, and money that paypal does not). I reported her to ebay, and they took care of it. The funny thing was the seller tried to get me to pay for the item even after that. Uh, no, I don't think so. It was a consumable product and I did NOT trust the seller to not taint it after being reported for behavior against the TOS.

 

[C.Ann]

Originally posted by DianeV

I see the defending of seller practices every day on the bulletin boards on ebay and to see people saying the same things on here is disappointing. We need to try to make ebay a better place to buy and sell. Not just make excuses for bad sellers.

IMHO of course!

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I agree that "bad sellers" should not be defended, but I have to disagree that the seller in question on this thread deserves a negative feedback..

I'm too tired right now to go back and read the original post, but I believe that the seller stated the method of shipment that would be used (and was used) - the amount for insurance (which may have been used by contracting with someone other than the USPS for it and thus no "markings" of such on the package) and the total shipping amount - all of which the buyer AGREED to - therefore I think it's a bit unfair to refer to this particular seller as being "bad".. Although I personally don't agree with the "amount" that was requested for shipping, I have no way of knowing if there was a legitimate reason for that particular amount, nor do you.. The time to ask those sort of questions would have been BEFORE bidding and AGREEING to those terms..

This seller fulfilled what he/she promised to the tee (assuming that private insurance was used as opposed to USPS insurance) and therefore I think it's unfair of you to label the comments here as "defense of bad sellers" and I think it would be VERY unfair to leave a negative in this particular case..

 

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by DMRick
I think that is commendable that you want to make sure that eBay is getting their fair share (I'm not being nasty, I really do think so).

This has nothing to do with my reasoning actually.

Put it this way. Buying on ebay involves a fair amount of trust from both parties. The seller trusts that the winning bidder will pay what is due. The buyer trusts that the seller has accurately described the item and will ship it securely packed once payment is received and stand behind the product if there is a problem.

As a buyer, who am I more likely to trust? The seller who prices his item ridiculously low but charges an outrageous shipping charge or the seller who prices his items fairly and charges close to actual postage with perhaps a small markup to cover materials. All things being equal, I'll pick the honest merchant. Again, just my opinion. Some people will shop by price alone and that's fine if you feel you can trust the seller. It just isn't how I would choose to do it.

I agree with you that this belongs on the now defunct Debate board. I've already e-mailed the webmaster to express my discontent with the closing of that board. I encourage everyone to do the same. Perhaps we can change his mind.