Yet another e-bay question...s/h charges and the shipping calculator?

[Chicago526]

Okay, I just started this past weekend. I included the shipping calculator in all of my bids. When going through the process of listing the item, when you get to the part about the shipping calculator, it asks if you want to include a s/h charge, that will be included in the calculator total that the bidder uses, but will not be shown to the bidder. I put $2.50 to cover the cost of the box and the delivery confirmation (I'll be shipping using Priority, the item is too big for the free Priority boxes, though), which I think is a fare amount. But I did not put that I added this amount anywhere in the listing.

I was checking out the e-bay boards, and there was a thread saying you should always disclose the s/h charge in your listing. Did I do something wrong by including it in the shipping calculator and not noteing it elsewhere in the listing? Or is it okay since the shipping calculator will give the bidder the total with the s/h fee?

 

[Madi100]

Did they mean that you should always say in your listing how much you are charging for shipping? I will not bid on an auction that does not list a specific amount for shipping. With the shipping calculator I can still find out how much I'm going to pay. Some people just completely don't list the amount, and then they can charge you whatever they want. I very rarely see people say, "I'm charging you $5 shipping with an extra $2.50 for handling." It's usually just, "I'm charing you $7.50 for shipping."

 

[Chicago526]

the e-bay boards were unclear, that's why I was asking here. I don't really want to ask there, because they all seem kind of snarky. The jump on an inocent questions there like people jump on refilable mugs threads here! I don't feel like being yelled at this early in the morning!

I figure since the calculator shows the total that the bidder will pay for shipping and handeling TOTAL, then I'm okay. But this is all new to me, and I don't want to assume!

 

[remyandhollandsmommy]

They probably meant don't say something like, email me for shipping costs or to not even post what you charge. I have seen auctions that do that then when you send them an email about the shipping it is outrageous!

You do not have to disclose your handling fee. Mine is less than a dollar and I don't tell them (you'd be shocked how many people would object to even that amount). I just put what they will be charged total to ship the item. I get my shipping supplies pretty cheap off of ebay from a well known seller and the small handling fee covers that.

Good Luck with your selling!

 

[Madi100]

No, you are fine. I actually find that my best research is not asking questions like these (Which these are fine. Nothing wrong there) or even visiting the other boards, but it's by researching what I have to sell. For example, a toy castle that I have. I don't have a scale, so I can't weigh my stuff. So, I go in and do a search of the same item that I have and compare shipping. I charge somewhere in that area. I'm not a professional at this. I do it when I have stuff to get rid of. Right now I have eleven things to sell, but I have probably twenty more to go. Before that, it's been quite a while since I sold anything on ebay. For me to buy a scale, it's just not worth it. This way works best for me, and I've had pretty good luck with it.

 

[Chicago526]

If your castle is over 5 pounds, try using your bathroom scale to weigh it! It may not be 100% accurate, but it will give you a better idea!

I'm lucky, I bought a digital food scale last year while doing Weight Watchers, and I find that it works great for items less than 5 pounds! They are cheaper than the postal scales, I think I got mine for $20 or $25 at Target.

 

[tinkerbellmagic]

Well, I'm going to disagree with the others. IMO, I feel sellers should state whether or not they charge a handling fee, especially, if it is over $2. No need to reveal the exact amount though, unless specifically asked via email.

In your auction description, where you mention the shipping charges, you can say,
"A small handling fee is included" or
"Shipping/handling will cost (enter amount)" or
"Shipping/handling will be calculated according to your zip code" or
"Please enter your zip code in the shipping calculator below to see s/h charges before you bid"
Since you had to pay for the box (and I have had to do that in the past), you could say, "A small handling fee is included to cover the cost of the box."

I realize eBay fees and the cost of supplies have forced many sellers to charge handling fees, even if they had never made it practice before. And, lol, I do not blame you one bit for not wanting to post on the eBay boards. Many people have a separate posting ID for that very reason.

Good luck on your auctions.

Tink

 

[Madi100]

Well, I'm going to disagree with the others. IMO, I feel sellers should state whether or not they charge a handling fee, especially, if it is over $2. No need to reveal the exact amount though, unless specifically asked via email.

In your auction description, where you mention the shipping charges, you can say,
"A small handling fee is included" or
"Shipping/handling will cost (enter amount)" or
"Shipping/handling will be calculated according to your zip code" or
"Please enter your zip code in the shipping calculator below to see s/h charges before you bid"
Since you had to pay for the box (and I have had to do that in the past), you could say, "A small handling fee is included to cover the cost of the box."

I realize eBay fees and the cost of supplies have forced many sellers to charge handling fees, even if they had never made it practice before. And, lol, I do not blame you one bit for not wanting to post on the eBay boards. Many people have a separate posting ID for that very reason.

Good luck on your auctions.

Tink

Just our of curiousity, why do you think that you should list a handling fee? I always think that people get upset about the handling fees. So, to point it out could discourage.

 

[Colinsmom]

Regarding the postal scale, I got one for next to nothing by doing a trial with stamps.com. It ended up costing me about $7 out of pocket, after I paid the monthly fee and cashed out the free postage.

And I do not disclose my small handling fee, but do either provide a shipping calculator or state a flat shipping charge (and how it will be sent - priority, first class, fedex ground, whatever) so that full disclosure is provided up front.

 

[tinkerbellmagic]

Just our of curiousity, why do you think that you should list a handling fee? I always think that people get upset about the handling fees. So, to point it out could discourage.

Well, let me put it this way... if the buyer is attentive, they will find out about the handling fee after the package has arrived anyway. I'd rather have them know up front, than have them complain about what they were charged for shipping verses what the package says was paid. I'd rather not have the shipping discrepancy be the freshest thing on their mind right before they leave feedback.

Note to colinsmom, that is an excellent way to word the auction, stating a flat shipping charge. I do that a lot on my first class mail auctions. It covers the bases.

Tink