Help ebay experts! What would you do?

[jacquek95]

OK, quick question for all you incredible ebay specialist out there! Yesterday 2 auctions of mine closed on Disney purses by the same person. I DID NOT offer cheaper shipping if someone purchased both auctions (only 2 auctions I had up and I didn't even think about anybody buying both). I didn't ask much for the shipping anyway ($6/each) and ended up losing a little money on the bid of 1 purse. Anyways, my question is given how little I made on each purse (actually lost money on one), would you automatically give a shipping discount? The buyer didn't ask me for one, but I thought it might be nice to drop it by maybe just $2. What do you think? Thanks in advance!

 

[mad4themouse]

I think it would be a good business gesture to offer the buyer a reduction in the shipping costs based on combined shipping. It shows that you are an upfront seller and will net you positive feedback.

 

[kashkdz]

Hi jacquek95 --

As a very active ebayer, I can understand when you sell something and it doesn't get the (high) bid price you had expected. Based on how you set up your auction, it's a chance you take. Having said that, if it was me, I would give them the discount on shipping; $2 less, just as you had stated. Most people on ebay combine shipping, whether it is stated or not. I know you want to make up some of the loss on shipping, but just put both purses in one package, and you'll probably cut your shipping costs given the fact you need to only send out one package as opposed to two (ie., if someone else had won).

Again, I know it's kind of tough when the final price is not as high as expected, but from experience I usuallly have a reserve price or a starting price to be sure I get the minimum price I'm willing to sell.

 

[swilshire]

Just my opinion of course, but $6 sounds a little high for shipping anyway unless these were really heavy for some reason. Purses would normally fit into a Priority Mail box, so I would expect about $4 shipping. Anything more than that might discourage me from bidding.

You could ship a bunch of purses for $10. I don't mind paying legitimate shipping and even a bit extra if the seller is using a lot of costly packing material, but when they charge double the postage and use all free Priority Mail supplies, I tend to avoid the seller in the future.

Sheila

 

[N.Bailey]

A lot of sellers grossly overcharge for shipping and I'm telling you, there are MANY bidders who refuse to bid on any aution from sellers like that. Check out the eBay boards if you don't believe me. Perhaps that's why you didn't get the bidding you expected? As stated, $6.00 is high for shipping unless these are large bags. I would definitely reduce the shipping, especially if you wish to sell other items. This could come back to bite you in the behind if you don't.

 

[kilee]

I would reduce the shipping if you are going to ship in 1 box. I would never have the nerve to send all auctions in 1 box, but to charge full shipping for each item. Now, if someone wins mulitple auctions from me and they can't go together, then I still charge the initial shipping.

More and more lately I have been getting away from the fixed shipping. Gives a more fair price. However, I do add $0.65 in to each auction's "handling fee". I figure this way I make up some of my associated fee's. Most shipping is still between $4.50-5.50 so it doesn't look to high for what I'm selling.

 

[Snoopymom]

I don't know if this will help anyone because it's kind of risky, but I've offered free shipping on some hard to sell stuff and you should see how the view counter goes up. I've sold things for a lot more than I normally would have including freight with putting free shipping in the description line.

Two nights paid for at WL with ebay, 3 more to go! Woo hoo!