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

[jgates]

In order to do it on non-Priority/Exp packages you MUST use the Shipping Assistant.

Download here:

Shipping Assistant Download

You will need to register (kind of as if you are a business). It will place an icon on your desktop and you will double click on that to bring up the program. It is an exceptionally easy way to check postage rates too - MUCH quicker than going thru the pages on the web-site.

You cannot pay for the item at the same time (or at least I haven't gotten that far yet!), however, you can print the First Class or Media (or whatever) label with the DC on it. You pack your item and take it to the PO and when they enter it to have you pay, you will be paying your postage at the appropriate rate plus .13 for the DC. WELL worth it. I could tell my person who was worried about his books the other night EXACTLY the last time they had been checked. (NOTE: WHEN YOU GO TO WWW.USPS.COM TO CHECK ON THE ITEM - You will do the Track and Confirm. It will give you the spiel about 'Expected for shipping on X date'. If they have scanned it in when sent, there will be another click button that is something like 'view details' that will take you to another page that will show the PO's it has been scanned through.

My prepaid Priority items never seem to have those additional details, however, my Shipping Assistant items seem to have them. I don't know if it is because they have to actually ring in that .13 and it tracks the number then or what the deal is.

Regardless, again the SA is worth its weight in gold just in the time it saves me in calculating shipping. Especially to Canada!

PS - it took me about 2 hours to find it one night digging thru 30 plus thread pages so don't feel bad!

 

[DMRick]

I am only charged half the time and I am always able to see when it arrives.

I have to say I'm really surprised. Both that you aren't charged and that you see when it arrives. The scan is suppose to be what sets it off as more than you just printing out a label. Of course if it doesn't arrive and you didn't pay, you can't get back your .13 LOL! Which you didn't pay for anyway.

It's also not good to not be charged, because you don't have your proof on your receipt for Paypal. I can't imagine if my labels weren't scanned..several times I have had to send my own scans to the bidders, showing their zip code on my receipt to show I had sent an item (while waiting for the item to show up..usually Parcel Post..the slow one)..if yours isn't scanned, I assume the zip code doesn't show up on your receipt either? Since that pops on the screen along with the .13 charge?

Gee, I wonder why the Post Office is having money problems. Our Post Office scans each and every label..they have never missed one...free or the .13 ones...so it must be your post office that is making them lose money LOL!!

 

[disneychrista]

Originally posted by DMRick
if yours isn't scanned, I assume the zip code doesn't show up on your receipt either? Since that pops on the screen along with the .13 charge?

My reciepts have always shown the zip or city and state, even before I used the DC. My PO always punches in the zip when they weight it to figure out postage.

 

[DMRick]

My reciepts have always shown the zip or city and state, even before I used the DC. My PO always punches in the zip when they weight it to figure out postage.

Mine used to punch them in too, just the zip..I don't ever remember having the state or city show up though on the receipt...I just grabbed a couple of old ones and they were showing just the zip too. That was before they went electronic. My post office never puts in the zip anymore for an item with an electronic label, they just scan them. That is when the charge for DC comes into play, or if it's Priority, no charge, just the confirmation number. It's automatic with the scan. If they don't scan them and I want DC, I have to fill out the form..and then I have to pay full price.

That's the part I don't understand. You have the pre printed labels, and your Post Office doesn't scan the labels, but puts the zips in by hand instead? You would think they would scan them, and the charge would come up automatic. The idea of us printing out the labels, is suppose to automate it, and save time..but if your post office see the electronic label and still just put the zip in by hand, I don't understand how they (as in the machine) know it's a DC..free or otherwise. You wouldn't have the DC form filled out (becasue then you would have to pay)...and so there is nothing (without the scan) saying it's a DC. Understand why I'm confused?

 

[ksoehrlein]

Thanks, everyone, for this wonderful thread. You've all inspired me to eBay MY way to WDW! My next trip is in a mere 17 days (!) so I figured I would do a couple of small auctions now and then really swing into high gear after I get back. I can't wait to get rid of all the clutter in my basement.

So now for my questions...

I've never bought or sold on eBay before, so I don't know if this is normal: I am ADDICTED to checking Andale Counters to see how many hits my items have! How do you all go on with your lives without running to check each item's status every 5 minutes? Will the novelty wear off over time, or is there a 12-step program (like eBayers Anonymous)?

Also, my auctions are all going to end in 2.5 hours. Two items have (very low) bids, which is reassuring, but one of my items -- which has over 100 hits! -- does not have a single nibble yet. Is it too early to panic? Or is waiting until the last minute to bid a common occurence? If nothing happens, I am definitely going to relist; someone somewhere is obviously interested.

Anyway, thanks again for the thread and thanks for giving me an outlet to express my nervousness at this insane hour!

Biting my nails...

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

Is it possible that a smaller PO doesn't have the latest electronic equipment to scan the labels? Our area POs (I visit 3 within 2 miles) recent;y switched to a new system. I'm not sure what all has changed, but you no longer sign a 2-part slip for credit payments. My receipts show the city, state and zip as well as the .13 DC.



ksoehrlein - Congratulations on your first auctions. I constantly check my Andale counters and I'm always pleased when I see those numbers change. For whatever the reason, maybe it's the wealth of listings on ebay, some items do not get hits let alone bids until the very last moment. I think buyers use the "going going gone" feature to do their shopping. Good luck to you.

 

[floridagirrl2]

KSO, I've never overcome my addiction to reloading my Andale counters and I've been selling on Ebay for years! We have DSL so my internet connection is 24 hours/day and my computer is always on with my browser window open to Andale. I reload practically every time I walk by!

That's what's nice about DSL--I have all my favorite internet sites open on multiple browser windows (Ebay, Disboards,Amazon,Yahoo Mail, my local newspaper) all day, and just take a peek at them whenever I think of it.

Let us know how your auctions end up! I've had auctions that get a hundred hits and no bids--I think this is when items in the particular category are VERY sought after and people are checking mine out just in case I have something rare....I've also had many,many auctions get sniped at the last minute too, which is fine with me and is actually the way I bid when I buy on Ebay, too.

 

[floridagirrl2]

Originally posted by Belle0101


I need to find envelopes that are at least 12 X 12. Has anybody seen any this size - Office Max, Staples, Wal-Mart ... any place?

Belle, are you looking for padded mailers/bubble envelopes or just plain envelopes? You would need #6 or #7 bubble envelopes or padded mailers (sizes are standardized for these mailers). If you are selling a particular item in volume, you can buy a case of 50 on Ebay, or use www.paddedshippers.com (I have not used them before but several people on the Amazon boards use them regularly--they are the cheapest I've seen because they don't charge shipping on orders of 100 envelopes or more).

If you just need a few, I would suggest calling around and asking people if they have #6 or #7 sizes locally.

 

[Cindy B]

Originally posted by disneychrista
I am only charged half the time and I am always able to see when it arrives.

I like crista, am only charged half the time, and I can always look it up and see that it actually did arrive.

Apparently, it was explained like this if it is scanned at the drop off point you get charged. (but not in priority). I can always check the delivery confirmation number later to determine when it came. Per my PO, the HAVE to scan it when it gets there. Personally, I like knowing it got there, but I don't need to know the 3-=7 stops before it gets there...

I did stamps.com last month, and I was able to see a report. Most of the times, in the month of December I was not charged (even non priority)

But again take this for what its worth. I had an APO package yesterday, that by my scale was 16.4 oz. The PO scale was lighter (usually its the other way around). I asked for a customs slip, and the counter person said I didn't need it.

 

[Cindy B]

I 've been thinking about this PO situation again. My PO did just recently get equipement (ie non two part credit forms, etc. ), but some of the employees do not want to use the new procedures.

The postal employees are all "almost retirees", and they have even said to me "I don't like computers", or "I hate new things". The newer employees scan the DC, whereas the more established employees don't want to. I know some pretend to dont see it.

And all of them, punch in the zip
! Yes the label is supposed to make things easier. But all of them punch in the zip, and then either scan or not scan (depending on the employee).

So far in four years, everything has gotten there. I did have one question in December where something was, I gave them the DC # and they figured it out.

 

[Cindy B]

never mind, couldn't delete a double post!

 

[katerkat]

Originally posted by ksoehrlein
How do you all go on with your lives without running to check each item's status every 5 minutes? Will the novelty wear off over time, or is there a 12-step program (like eBayers Anonymous)?

I don't check the counters, but I do checking my selling page a lot to see if anyone has bid. I try to limit myself to twice a day in the beginning, but the last couple of days I find myself checking far too often!

As for bidding, I had an item sell in the last seconds. It had few looks, so I was checking my email to file the auction end notices, and was shocked to find a "Purchase" email for it! Literally, it went in the last minute. (I've had people outbid in the last minutes, but never an item just go like that!)

 

[earlydisneyfan]

I can definitely relate to the problems at the post office. In the small town where I live, no one knew how to scan my online PM labels w/o charging me the DC fee. During my "test the ebay waters" period last year, the pkgs were mailed w/o scanning the label (so I knew that even though I didn't pay for DC, I didn't have it, either, and just prayed the pkgs would reach their destinations!) With the PO employees not being able to figure out how to do this, this ALMOST made me give up selling!

Anyway, there is one employee who did finally figure out how to make it work properly. She put my pkg on the scale, typed in the zip code, and the various costs popped up on her screen. Then she scanned the pkg and got a message that flagged it as free DC, and that allowed her to cancel the DC fee that was listed on the screen. Just thought this info might help someone with a similar problem.

In other news, after sending the third reminder, I finally heard from the person who won one of my auctions. She is supposed to send payment at the end of the month (THIS month I hope!).

And of course, I can't post anything here without asking a question! A bidder on one of my auctions notified me immediately and told me he would send a MO for the item. I haven't received payment yet, but I noticed this morning that he has already left me positive feedback (?!?!). Has anything like this ever happened to any of you? I'm wondering if he left feedback for me by mistake. Or maybe (my paranoia is in overdrive) he has no intention of paying and he left a positive so I would feel guilty about leaving him a negative! (I gotta get a grip - either too much caffeine or not enough sleep from working on listings!).

btw, I got serious about selling after the year began, and I don't have any "big ticket" items to offer. Naturally, there aren't any mega bucks coming in, but so far, I have managed to pay for one night at our hotel (our first time staying onsite and we can't wait!). If there are any other "newbies" out there who are thinking about giving ebay a try, I'd say go for it! Every little bit helps!

Delaney

 

[DMRick]

Is it possible that a smaller PO doesn't have the latest electronic equipment to scan the labels?

Sure, anything is possible (although wow, would I have very long receipts if they added all that info..each transaction is 9 lines long now! LOL). It seems a waste of ink, since the zip code tells all anyway. It does show my post office, city and state where I'm shipping from of course..but nada on the other people's city and state.

In the case we've been discussing, however, they are scanning them and charging sometimes..she had said some of the workers dont' because they think all electronic DC should be free. That is the part that confused me.

I did think our Post Office was pretty up to date..they seem to convert over as soon as something new comes up.

(so I knew that even though I didn't pay for DC, I didn't have it, either, and just prayed the pkgs would reach their destinations!)

But she has been able to see when the product arrived..even though she didn't pay (and so I asume it hadn't been scanned, since that pops up when scanned. See why I'm even more confused LOL?)

I remember when the electronic DC's first started. I think we all had to break in our Postal Workers LOL.

And all of them, punch in the zip

What a waste of time for you, eh? I can't imagine bringing 25 packages and waiting while they put in the zip codes.

So even if it's scanned at the end, and that shows it's been delivered..you still have no protection (since Paypal has to see a receipt as proof, I was told) that shows you sent it DC (other than on line, which people are now reporting isn't good enough for PP), so they could do a chargeback on you. Not worth the .13 cost to me! Plus, since so many complain their packages are forgotten to be scanned (which is why we now use highlighter or bright stickers to remind the delivering postman), without that original scan at your postoffice, you might have no proof.
BTW, geesh, that they didn't have you use a custom's form to send APO..I hope it's not tied up in customs. I am so glad I have the postal workers I have..they are right up to speed.

 

[beattyfamily]

Well, I finally decided to check out this thread after hearing so much about it...now I'm determined to find things to sell. I haven't sold in awhile but have bought as recently as this week!

I have a couple of questions...

Regarding the PO what does DC fee stand for that I've been reading about in a couple of posts?

Also, regarding Pay Pal account. I have one but so far have only used it to buy items. I have 2 ways to pay in that account. One is my checking and the other is our CC.

If I start selling do I need to change anything? I see several posts on having 2 pay pal accounts; one for CC and one for cash? I don't understand. I also saw someone menion "Fee Free" account? As of now, I believe my checking account is the default/preferred method of paying for ebay items. Do I need to change that for when I sell? I don't understand.

Can someone please help me understand Paypal for sellers and the best way for me to set this up for payments. I want it to be convenient for the buyer too.

Thanks!

 

[toystoryduo]

A few days ago, I posted here that I had included the wrong paypal address in my auction. I have three people who have paid to the wrong address and I have no way of retrieving payment. (The old address was an e-mail that had to be cancelled awhile ago.) I have e-mailed them several times and have gotten a response from two of them, but not the third.

Here's my question: when I talked to the people at eBay and Paypal, they suggested that I encourage my auction winners to cancel the payment and resend it to the new and correct e-mail address. Can someone explain to me how this is done? If I send them an e-mail with instructions, then maybe I can receive payment at the new e-mail address and be able to send their items out.

When I listed the items in Turbo Lister, I thought I had changed the email address for Paypal payments. Usually, the transactions I have been involved with have gone smoothly. I feel very badly about this mistake, but don't know what else to do.

Thanks for your help!

 

[cpl100]

Originally posted by CajunDixie
If you accept credit cards that might be fine but for those that only accept transfers then you need to give them a few days to transfer money to their account. I won an auction last Wednesday and transferred money into my PayPal account on Friday but it was pending until today. I worked today so had no access to my account to send the money until tonight.

That is odd---All I do to pay by Paypal (whether by existing funds--if any available-- or by bank payment) is to go in and pay by paypal. They do the rest of the work--transfer the money from my checking account and then send the payment on to the person. I never have to go back in to actually send the money out to the person, nor do I transfer the money into Paypal first. I do go in to check the status, though, and it always tells me what where the payment is in the process of going from my bank to Paypal to payee to their account. It sounds like you could save yourself some time and hassle. Also, I consider that I have paid or that someone has paid me when they/I initiate the transaction with Paypal. I know that those who have sold to me also consider it the same way as I always get a thank you for prompt payment. I go in immediately to Paypal to initiate the payment which then runs smoothly as stated above.

 

[disneychrista]

Originally posted by DMRick
So even if it's scanned at the end, and that shows it's been delivered..you still have no protection (since Paypal has to see a receipt as proof, I was told) that shows you sent it DC (other than on line, which people are now reporting isn't good enough for PP), so they could do a chargeback on you.

Don't you just have to "prove" that the item was sent? Which the receipt with zip (city/state) shows?

 

[earlydisneyfan]

As a courtesy, I followed up on my auctions, advising the buyers that I hoped they were enjoying their products, and that I had left positive feedback for them.

One of the buyers responded and told me that one of the items didn't work. The auction was for some aromatherapy items, and the item in question was a room spray. In my listing, I accurately stated that "the spray mechanism 'sputters' slightly but it does work." She said it didn't work at all and had to throw it away, adding that the room spray and linen spray were the reasons she bid on my auction. She closed her e-mail by saying "to make me a satisfied customer, I'd appreciate a partial refund of $5.00; however, you are not obligated to do so."

I guess her request wouldn't bother me so much, except:

1. She e-mailed me at the start of the auction, asking if I would include a BIN for $20. I declined her offer, stating that she could possibly win the auction for a lower amount, which she did ($18.50).

2. She also bid and won another auction, and asked if I would combine on shipping, which I agreed to do. So that saved her several more dollars.

3. When she e-mailed me to advise me she had sent the money through PayPal, she advised me that she was an ebay employee (which now makes me wonder if she can do anything to my account if I don't give her a refund).

She hasn't left feedback yet, and I don't know if my refusal to send her a refund would cause her to leave a negative. I would absolutely HATE a negative, especially since I'm working to establish myself as a seller.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks!
Delaney

 

[katerkat]

As we're talking about Delivery Confirmation... I calculated shipping/handling on a Disney Dollar I'm selling as $3.50, certified mail, because the USPS website didn't have an option for for DC on First Class Mail. A guy e-mailed me and asked if I'd drop the price of shipping. Now, I'm reading tht you can have a DC if you use the Shipping Assistant, which I downloaded today. And I think I see where, on the label form I was looking at. But how much does it cost to add DC to the 1st class envelope?

Also, where do you get the labels for the SA and how much? And do they even fit on a little old regular envelope? The ones I linked to on the USPS site were each half the size of a 8.5x11 sheet!