You HAVE to try this!! EBAY your way to DISNEY!!

[DMRick]

Email your seller and ask if they placed insurance on it--if not then ask for a refund.

You can ask, but the only time it would come into play, would be if you needed to collect, and there was no insurance. Then you have a case. Even if the seller forgot to buy it, the seller is the one taking a chance, since she would have to refund, not the bidder. Many people use private insurance, instead of the PO, since the PO is so slow to reimburse. There are no ebay rules that say the item must be marked insured. I feel very strongly that it's up to the buyer to read the auction and accept the terms. If you aren't happy with the terms, you (not you per se..any "you") should not bid IMO. Too much time is wasted after auctions, somtimes. I sell something that comes in colors. I put the colors in the auction and in the end of auction note. Then the back and forth starts (and I consider asking about s/h after the fact in this category..this auction is finished..please let me move on). I love what I do, and 99% of my clients are great..but the following..oy!

First..I do personalize..and it's like pulling teeth sometimes to get them to even give me the name they want..I guess they think I'm a mind reader.

Can I get it in red?

No, sorry, that isn't one of the choices.

Oh, what are the choices?

Black, white, etc.

Oh, I don't like those choices.

Sorry, they were listed clearly in the auction

Oh, I thought those were just some of the colors

or

Can you ship parcel post?

No, I'm sorry, I ship that item Priority.

Oh, I'd rather the shipping be cheaper.

Sorry, the s/h is listed in the auction, and it actully costs me .25 more to ship to you than listed.

Oh, well, will you consider sending it media?

No, sorry, the s/h is listed in the auction, and that item doesn't qualify.
******************
Sigh...back and forth, back and forth. If they just read the auction, they would know...can you tell it's been one of those weeks?

 

[dg39]

I sold a 3-lot item, with shipping it came to 69.00. The buyer didn't opt for insurance. I know its optional but 69.00 is alot of $$ to shell out and not get the ins. Being I charged a flat rate for shipping and there's money left over and above the actual shipping cost, do you think I should just take some of the extra money and add insurance. I'm afraid that if it gets lost/damaged in the mail, they will complain to me. This way if I do the ins. on my own, using the extra shipping money, if theres a problem I can just let them deal with it. Can/should I do this? And if I do add the ins. should I email them and let them know, ins. was added. I'm not looking to make extra money through shipping, but I didn't use ebay's calculator and if I would have gotten a buyer further away from me the shipping would be more then it is now. If I add the ins. and my weight for the package is correct, then the leftover money comes to 1.95. I can justify that with using a new box, loads of bubblewrap and sending it priority instead of parcel post. Again, TIA...

Denise

 

[ekmdisney]

When it comes to insurence I always ask myself the following question: "If there was a problem and I had to refund the money, could I with out it being a problem to me?"

Since the total is over $50.00 I thank that you should just go ahead and buy the insurance. Just for that little piece of mind.

That way IF something does happen, you will be coverd and you will only be out of an item, not the money.

 

[maggiew]

This is interesting because I had the same question today when I mailed a package. I charged $10 shipping (a cable modem) and if I had sent it to Beverly Hills 90210 that's how much it would have been. But then the buyer ended up being in MI, which is nearby. So shipping was much less. I thought about buying the insurance myself (item < $50). I ended up NOT buying the insurance. My reason was that it was offered to the buyer and they opted not to take it. Of course, my opinion might change if there is a problem ...

I also thought about refunding him some money. But I listened to what DMRIck said earlier and that is the buyer purchased the item knowing the shipping cost. I can't help he lived in MI instead of CA.

Maggie

 

[mom2smjn]

Originally posted by DMRick


First..I do personalize..and it's like pulling teeth sometimes to get them to even give me the name they want..I guess they think I'm a mind reader.

Sigh...I have the same issue with sizes...why dont they just add in the comments section on Paypal or email me? Why is that so hard?

Originally posted by DMRick

******************
Sigh...back and forth, back and forth. If they just read the auction, they would know...can you tell it's been one of those weeks?

I also got my first NEG from a dingdong who did not bother to read read read the dimensions clearly in an LARGE font listed in the item description. SHEESH!

And to make it worse...that *BLEEP* that retracted her bid on the last day for my Jeep, emailed me today and said she would give me ALOT less if I wanted her to "take it off my hands" So basically she bid and when she saw she was the only bidder thought she would pull a fast one...well the joke is on her as I am sending all of our many corrensponse and such to ebay in my complaint! GRRRRRRRRR

Gee I wonder WHY I have a migrane!

 

[nancyL]

Im so discouraged. I started ebaying about a month and a half ago (btw- Im a major lurker on this thread- have about 104 pages to read yet) and managed to make about $600 selling videos and general stuff around my house. I was on such a high figuring I could maybe spring for a Budget hotel during the flower and garden festival this spring for my mom and daughter. Well, last week, I listed more stuff- similar stuff-= nothing fancy, nothing boring, and Im not even getting so much as a question, a view (I check the count and the only one viewing my stuff is me) much less a bid! Whats going on?
Even Sunday I didnt get anything! (auction ended sunday). I listed an additional 17 items to the 13 I re-listed on Sunday and nothing! Nada!!
Grrrr.
NancyL

 

[DMRick]

I check the count and the only one viewing my stuff is me)

You can't be discouraged about one week..relist them, and know htat the buyers are out there!

As far as you being the one to raise the count....the counters are almost all smart counters. They know when you have been at the page, and usually doesn't count the same person twice.

This was a beautiful weekend in the Northeast..lots of people cleaning up getting ready for winter, instead of at their computers..keep trying!

 

[disneychrista]

If the buyer does not insure the item you are not responsible if it is lost or damaged (if you packaged it properly) by the post office.

It is up to you if you want to add the insurance but it is not your responsiblity to insure it. If I was uneasy about sending something without insurance I would email the buyer and say something like "I am getting your package ready to ship and wanted to be sure you did not want to add insurance for an additional $1.30 (or whatever it might be)." I let them know that if something should happen to the package while in transit you can not be held responsible.

 

[dg39]

I know its up to the buyer to opt for insurance or not. I just get soooo nervous when its kind of a pricey item and they don't get it. If an item gets lost/damaged in the mail, can't they do a chargeback. I would hate for that to happen. But now I'm thinking they can probably do a charge back even with insurance, is that right. But to tell you the truth being the shipping charge is alot less than the actual shipping cost I'll most likely do the insurance. This way even if they complain that the shipping was only 5.85(if I'm right with my weight/calculations). Adding on 2.20 for insurance brings it up to 8.05. They can't complain much about a 1.95 handling charge if they take into consideration about the packaging,box,bubble wrap and the trip to the post office. Although I rarely charge any handling fee, this time I will.
Thanks for all the feedback you all gave me concerning this...

Denise

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

I was just going over the calculations on my Excel spreadsheet for my ebay sales. These are things lying around that either don't fit or no one has bothered with in at least a year. I am pleased to report that since 8/25/03, and as of the close of my auctions on 11/2/03, I have netted over $190!...if my future shipping charges are correctly projected.

The unfortunate thing about my total is that 17% ($34) was excess postage charges - well is it really excessive?

If an item costs $3.85 to ship Priority Mail, you have to prepare the item to ship - printing labels and invoices (uses ink and electricity), stuffing boxes and envelopes takes manual labor, and driving to the PO uses gas and wear and tear on my car. Am I really taking a bite from my buyers if I charge $5.00 with optional insurance of $2.00? I have, on occassion, needed to add additional $ to the shipping from my pocket. So does that make me a bad seller?

If I deduct the excess postage, that still leaves me with net profits of $160 - which goes in to a separate checking account, meant to be saved for WDW 2004. But, I've dipped often for holiday shopping on ebay and other things (like a haircut and haircolor for me and DD) when I didn't want to use our household account.

So how have you been doing?

 

[disneychrista]

Originally posted by iNTeNSeBLue98
If an item costs $3.85 to ship Priority Mail, you have to prepare the item to ship - printing labels and invoices (uses ink and electricity), stuffing boxes and envelopes takes manual labor, and driving to the PO uses gas and wear and tear on my car. Am I really taking a bite from my buyers if I charge $5.00 with optional insurance of $2.00?

I see no problem with chargeing $5.00 for s/h but don't understand why you would want to charge $2.00 for insurance when it is only $1.30 (for up to $50)? As a buyer I would rather you charge $5.70 for s/h and only charge $1.30 for the insurance.

Currently I charge between $1.00 - $1.50 handling depending on the packaging materials needed. I also charge an additional $.50 for international shipping.

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

Thank you disneychrista, for your input. You make a valid point about charging 70 cents more than insurance would usually cost.

I think I chose $2 as a round number; in case an item truly was worth more than $50 I would be covered. I've rarely had buyers pay for insurance since I offer it as an option and most of my items were either clothes or otherwise not valuable as far as the final bid is concerned. Only occasionaly have I required insurance, for a couple of jewelry pieces and other than that maybe 3 buyers have requested insurance.

So I wonder if buyers just pass on the insurance because they do't feel they need it, or do they not want to pay the $2 I'm requesting Do any of you charge a fee for shipping including insurance and ALWAYS ship with insurance?


P.S. I really do need to get a postal scale so that buyers can determine the exact shipping price from my zip to theirs.

 

[disneychrista]

Originally posted by iNTeNSeBLue98
P.S. I really do need to get a postal scale so that buyers can determine the exact shipping price from my zip to theirs.

You can get a free scale from stamps.com for trying their service, also for free. Just remember to cancel within the 29 days and you pay nothing for the service or the scale.

 

[Mrs. Snowgod]

Originally posted by disneychrista
You can get a free scale from stamps.com for trying their service, also for free. Just remember to cancel within the 29 days and you pay nothing for the service or the scale.

You might want to double check that - perhaps it has changed since the summer, but when I signed up in June and got the free scale, I was obligated to remain a member for a minimum of one paid month after my free month.

It was absolutely worth it to me, and I use the scale constantly. It is only a 5 lb. scale (up to 5 lbs., that is). I also love that I can print my postage labels with the price hidden. I am never challenged about my handling fees by buyers who have no clue about all the cost and work involved in shipping.

I'm curious - will the USPS Shipping Assistant program do that? Hide the postage amount, that is?

I highly recommend stamps.com!

 

[disneychrista]

Originally posted by Mrs. Snowgod
You might want to double check that - perhaps it has changed since the summer, but when I signed up in June and got the free scale, I was obligated to remain a member for a minimum of one paid month after my free month.

It must have changed because there is nothing about needing to stay a memeber. This is what it says :
29-Day No Risk Trial
FREE $20 Postage for 30 days.
FREE 5-pound Digital Scale ($50 Value)
FREE Supplies Kit ($5 Value)
FREE Software
FREE Customer Support

29-Day No Risk Trial

Try the service for 29 days with no cost. If you like the service, do nothing and it will continue uninterrupted.

If the service is not right for you, cancel anytime. If you cancel during the trial period, you will not be charged any service fees. If you cancel after the trial period, you will be charged the first month's service fees on the 30th day.

 

[cpl100]

Originally posted by disneychrista
It must have changed because there is nothing about needing to stay a memeber. This is what it says :
29-Day No Risk Trial
FREE $20 Postage for 30 days.
FREE 5-pound Digital Scale ($50 Value)
FREE Supplies Kit ($5 Value)
FREE Software
FREE Customer Support

29-Day No Risk Trial

Try the service for 29 days with no cost. If you like the service, do nothing and it will continue uninterrupted.

If the service is not right for you, cancel anytime. If you cancel during the trial period, you will not be charged any service fees. If you cancel after the trial period, you will be charged the first month's service fees on the 30th day.

That was my understanding when I just read it too. Wonderful deal. I think I may try it in December when I can be sure I will utilize the full $20.00 postage offered.

 

[disneychrista]

Originally posted by cpl100
That was my understanding when I just read it too. Wonderful deal. I think I may try it in December when I can be sure I will utilize the full $20.00 postage offered.

I plan to pre-print postage to get the full $20 out of it, I figure I can print postage for flat-rate envelopes now and then have them when I need them.

 

[cpl100]

Actually, that was my second plan if I didn't use up the larger postage. But I know I would be sending Christmas packages along with my ebay ones assuming I'm still selling then. But thanks for that suggestion.

 

[Tamie]

Well, I just got my first negative feedback, kinda upsetting. It was for the shipping and handling of an item. I dont understand that if you provide the shipping calculator and they are able to see the amount to be charged, why do they bid on the item if they feel it is to high. Anyways, I sent them an email as follows.....I hope it doesn't sound to bit**y. Let me know.

"Hi. I wish you would have contacted me prior to leaving me a negative feedback. If you wanted a breakdown of the shipping and handling I would have been more than happy to tell you. From everything that I have learned about doing ebay and I am still learning. The sellers are entitled to add a handling fee to their items to cover the their costs. I dont feel that the $1.17 was that outrageous of a handling charge. There is more to selling items on ebay than just throwing an item in the box and mailing it. There are additional expenses incurred. I am sorry that you are upset, but the shipping and handling charge was clearly stated prior to your bidding on my item. If you felt it was to high, you probably should not have bidded on that particular item.

Again I am sorry you felt it necessary to leave such a negative comment."
------------------------

I try not to over charge for shipping and I do add a handling charge since I have to go to the post office, buy packaging materials, and additional charges incurred. Which you all know what is involved. At the time I posted the items for auction, I even had to buy my boxes as I couldn't find any used (now I have), but they are not cheap to purchase. I included that into the handling charge. Sometimes it is a little more than originally though. Sorry, I guess I am letting that person make me feel guilty, and I know that I shouldn't. Anyways since I am new at this I thought I could get others opinion on this.

Any advise would greatly be appreciated.

Thanks,

 

[Sally Bradley]

I've been buying on ebay for some time, but just recently started selling. Is it just me, or do people not read the requirements of the auctions? I had two items listed...saying I would only accept Paypal and listing the shipping cost. One buyer told me after she had won the auction she "doesn't do Paypal" and could she send a money order. The other asked if she could have the item shipped first class to save on shipping.

I thought when you listed requirements of an auction, the buyers were supposed to follow the rules. I'm going to agree to what they asked for because it would be too much of a pain to relist them. Is there any way around this???


Thanks for any help...I wouldnt think of trying to get around what the seller required...even if I had misread the listing.

Thanks!
Sally