Small eBay Annoyance

I won Addy's Stilting Dress on ebay. The shipping was $4.99. I figured the shipping was a bit on the high side - I mean , put the dress in a bubble envelope and it can't cost more than 2 bucks for shipping (including the envelope!) within the same state. . .but okaaaaay. . .

So, I email the seller and ask about adding $1.35 for insurance and the answer back was that she's never gotten questions about insurance but that she would ask her husband because he does the mailing.

She emails me back. . .add $3.00 for insurance. So, I ask her if she is shipping via USPS because the new rate is $1.35 for values up to $100.00.

She then emails me back with this one. . .$4.00 now for insurance because this will take into consideration the time and effort it will take to fill out the form!

I don't if it is just me. . .but I am a bit miffed about this. Am I out of touch?????

She was so nice about it as well, so it makes me feel a little guilty for even feeling this way. . .but 4 bucks????

I sent the check without the $ for insurance. . .now I will worry for the next three weeks (because, of course, they don't take PayPal. . .)so by the time the check "clears" (we know this takes less than two weeks. . .) and the dress actually goes out. . .Ugh!

On the other hand, I just had a fabulous transaction with someone who made a yellow dress with black & white gingham ribbon trim and she was a dream to deal with. . .I paid just a couple of days ago and when I walked into the office today, the package was already there and the dress is absolutely beautiful!!

Sigh. . .

Sandy

I understand you perfectly... I am a bit upset too, paid 20 dollars (!!!!) for a Marisol's ballet outfit to be sent to Brazil and when the box arrives... 8 dollars was the shipping cost!!! I understand there are handling fees but more than 10 dollars??? [img]confused.gif[/img] The only good thing was that even being sent by economy parcel post the package arrived in five days!!!! [img]smile.gif[/img]

Once I bought an Angelina Ballerina mouse doll and the seller charged me 10 dollars for s/h, and when the little box arrived: three dollars was the shipping cost... [img]frown.gif[/img]

Best,
Ana Claudia
Rio de Janeiro - Brazil

Sandy, you won the handmade yellow dress with the bees on it? I put in the first bid and then abandoned it because I really couldn't afford it. I feel better that someone from hostboard got it. Will you please post pics of it when you get it?

I don't remember filling out a form when I got insurance for a buyer. If I did, it didn't take but a minute or I would have remembered. For that outfit it should have paid $4.05 USPS Priority. Any other shipping would have been cheaper. Insurance is $1.35.

<font color="#051E50" size="1">[ January 23, 2006 08:17 PM: Message edited by: Ashley's Mommy ]</font>

Well... there is no "time to fill out the form." With UPS or postal, you just say, "I need $xx insurance," and the clerk does it all for you. It takes maybe one extra minute.

OTOH, $4.99 to ship isn't horrible. Bubble envelopes aren't cheap. I buy the ones for my Italian charms in bulk, and they end up being 30-35 cents each. They are the smallest size available and would not fit AG outfits or shoes. Individually or in packs less than 10, they are 65-75 cents each. The size required for an AG outfit would run around a dollar at Walmart, way more at the PO. First class postage for a dress, which is the same no matter how far it goes, is usually $1.50-2.50.

So, yes, I agree the insurance price is inflated, but the shipping price isn't too outlandish.

I cannot stand sellers that overcharge on shipping or try to make you pay extra fees like that. Insurance is 1.30, they shouldn't be allowed to double that.

When I sell things, I charge real shipping or very close to it. Sometimes I guess and it's $1 or $2 different, but usually very close.

<font color="#051E50" size="1">[ January 23, 2006 08:18 PM: Message edited by: GreyMyst ]</font>

Filling out the insurance form is not worth a $4 handling charge! Good grief. This kind of stuff is definitely helping me stay off of ebay.

Thanks for your responses!

I wasn't that upset over the $4.99. . .it was the extra $4.00 for insurance that got me.

Anyway, I've gotten over it. . .now I am just hoping that there will be no issues and that I get the dress asap!

[img]smile.gif[/img]

Ashley's Mom. . .yes, it was the bee dress that I won! It is adorable. . .the "girls" at the office were so impressed, they get a kick out of my dolly collection. Especially my Samantha because the house on her book cover is in our town!

I really don't know how to make an album, but I need to do that one of these days because I would love to introduce my girls to you all! I am just so busy with work that I hardly have time even to post! LOL

I am feeling better now!
Sandy [img]biggrin.gif[/img]

Geesh, thats a lot for insurance! It only takes the post office person an extra 10 seconds to fill out the insurance slip! Geesh! I never bid on items unless I know how much shipping will be.... I always email the sellers first and ask ahead of time how much insurance and things will come to.. that way there are no hidden suprises!

Starla and I just went through a lost package. . .at my post office, there is a form you must fill out. They send money orders for everything and don't give out cash.

We did have to stand in line at the post office - about 15 minutes. We did have to fill out a postal service form, and it was 2 or 3 pages (hubby did it). Etc. Our Post Master got arrested recently, and he must approve all insurance refunds. So I still haven't gotten paid by them. <sigh> Now I don't charge extra for insurance because of it, since it doesn't really happen hardly ever. It IS a hassle is all I am saying. $4 is a little over kill.

It is annoying when you get charged $10 over on shipping than what's on the box . . . Not right unless it's some weird shape item that needs special packing or a odd size box.

Anyone that uses a lot of bubble envelopes, should start buying them on Ebay. I sell a lot of doll shoes, and when I bought bubble envelopes last week (box of 100) my cost was 27cents a piece, and that included my shipping. I always add shipping cost to actual cost of goods, and divide, before I even make a purchase. You need to check out a few different sellers, but there are pretty good deals out there. The size I bought, by the way, was 7 x 12". I use a couple of different sizes, depending on multiple purchases by the same buyer.

I totally sympathise with you! I just bought a book from ebay from a seller in the US and he charged me a $6.95US handling fee. I couldn't believe it! I paid $11.65 for what I thought was airmail. The book turns up 3 months later. It was shipped surface mail for $4.70 and when I asked the seller about it he said it was a flat shipping and handling fee. It even says in my invoice that it is airmail but he certainly didn't ship it airmail. Grrrrrrr!

I sell on ebay myself and I only ever charge people the actual postage. I get all my boxes from our local shopping mall and I got the bubble wrap from my husbands work (they had a large shipment of robotic parts come in all wrapped in bubble wrap and they were going to throw it out.

I NEVER charge my buyers any extra that the actual postage so I get so annoyed that I always seem to have to pay handling fees to everyone else! Sure it takes time to go to the Post office and stand in lines - I know that all too well but I would never actually charge someone for my time.

Next they will be charging us to set up the auction and take the darn photo! (that takes time too)

Juliette

Charging a handling fee for insurance is absolutely ridiculous, in my opinion! You don't stand in line any longer than you would have for just mailing the package any way, and there is NO form to fill out. The postal worker does it for you, as I recall. But if their post office doesn't work that way, they could always use the time waiting in line to fill out the form--no extra time at all. We even have a machine that can do it for you, at our post office, if you don't want to stand in line to see a live person.

I save all the boxes and bubble envelopes and styrofoam peanuts and bubble wrap our family receives in the mail, and I re-use them, so most of the time I don't need to pay anything for packaging when I'm mailing something out. Also, you can get Priority Mail packaging (both boxes and envelopes) from the Post Office for FREE--so why spend money on other boxes?

I charge only the actual postage/insurance/whatever, when I sell on ebay. Anything else is a total rip-off, in my opinion.
Joy

<font color="#051E50" size="1">[ January 24, 2006 10:58 AM: Message edited by: djsnjones ]</font>

I don't mind paying some sort of handling fee, because it does take time to package things, and money to buy the materials, but when it is way over the actual cost of postage it really irks me.

Most of the time the sellers who do this are trying to recoup their sellers/paypal fees which is against ebay rules, and you can, and should report them to ebay for this.

A handling fee for insurance is ridiculous if you are already paying a handling fee for the postage.

I'm sorry I have to post. You don't have to buy from those sellers. As a seller and buyer it takes not only time at the Post Office but it also takes gas to get there plus the packaging costs. The one you should be mad at is E-bay and Paypal. Oh yeah there the same company. The charges for sellers to do business has risen substantially. Everyone wants it fast and no one wants to pay. Sorry, but just have to add my 2 cents.

I agree that you can choose who you want to buy from. But I do disagree that high shipping/handling prices are reasonable.

I am a seller. I set the opening price or reserve with the fees in mind, so that I don't actually lose money in the process. I do not use a "business" account for a paypal account. Instead, I use a "personal" account because the fees for a business account are just outrageously high. Then I just do not allow anyone to use credit cards, because the fees for allowing credit cards are outrageously high. They can use paypal transfers or money orders. It can be done, folks. You don't have to charge high prices for shipping to make a go of it.

I don't send the buyer the shipping amount until the item is packed up and labeled and weighed for her area code specifically. I do know that it takes some time for packing, but that hardly seems worth charging for, to me. And when you have a lot of packages to do, how do you split up that time to come to a couple of cents per package? I think that I sometimes fix my auction start times so that the ending times are spread out a little bit, so that I don't have to deal with them all at once, so that it's not that much time out of every day.

I also got a tip from another buyer that a way to save time at the closing of the auction is to package the item when the first bid is placed, and then label it when you finally know who the buyer is. When I do that, I write a note on it, so that I can keep straight on what is in which box.

And my post office is only 4 blocks away, although I usually go to the larger one, about 5-10 min drive away (about 1 mile), which again hardly seems worth charging for, to me.

And I can choose to go at times of the day when the line is likely to be very short or nonexistent, or I can use the machine, which usually has no line or only 1 person.

And like I said before, if you save packaging from items you receive, or use free USPS packaging, there's no excuse for buying all new materials for things that you ship out (and then charging the buyer for that). If I ever have something extra large or an odd shape, that requires a new box, then I let the buyer know about that, and what the box will cost.

So I still think that charging so much for shipping and handling is unnecessary and unfair.
Joy

<font color="#051E50" size="1">[ January 24, 2006 11:54 AM: Message edited by: djsnjones ]</font>

I also try to charge the closest to actual shipping as I can get. I charge the actual cost for delivery confirmation and insurance if the buyer wants insurance.

I use free priority mail boxes and/or recycle boxes from things I receive. I also recycle packing material, etc. Very rarely do I have to buy any packing material.

I can usually include my post office runs when I'm out and about anyway, so no extra trips there to charge for.

And if my shipping estimate is "off" by say $1.00 or more, I will refund the buyer the difference. But I will say that after years of selling on ebay, my "estimates" are very rarely off by more than maybe .25-.50 (and that's only for the larger pkgs. that I don't deal with as often).

Joy~ In regards to Paypal, Ebay has changed the rules as of August 19th of 2005, and if you indicate in your auctions that you accept Paypal, you must accept all forms of Paypal. You cannot specify that you will only take a certain kind of Paypal payment. (This only applies to ebay transactions - you can accept whatever kind of Paypal payment you want outside of ebay). Ebay can and will pull your auctions for saying you only accept certain types of Paypal.

<font color="#051E50" size="1">[ January 24, 2006 12:10 PM: Message edited by: beccachris ]</font>

I am a seller on ebay too, for the last 6 years, and I never charge handling fees. I don't stand in Post Office lines either as I use click to ship. The only time I really have to go to the post office is when it is international.I get all my supplies free from the P.O., except bubble wrap and tissue paper which I recycle and get from the dollar store. I think many times people overcharge on shipping because they don't take the time to package and weigh before they put the item up for auction. So they are making a guesstimate, and of course they are going to err on the side of the shipper.
I always look at the shipping total before I bid, and it seems obvious to me when it is inflated. I hate to put it this way because it sounds prejudice, but it seems like men overcharge for shipping more often than women.That has been my experience.
~Annie

Just have to add my 2 cents. I also was one of those sellers that only charged exact shipping, but after ebay and paypal raised their rates it started to be less worth selling all of the work of selling on ebay. What people never seem to take into consideration (I know I didn't until it was pointed out to me by another seller) is that paypal takes a percentage fee out in the shipping costs also. I went back through one month's transactions and figured out how much money I was losing on postage fees that I wasn't making any money on. When you multiplied that out over the course of a year, it was a significant amount.

I also get shipping boxes from USPS and and save boxes and packing material, but there still are outside expenses to pack and ship items. I used to be able to get the priority shipping tape free at my post office, but the workers said that they were told that they can no longer give it free to customers. I ordered some off ebay to save money vs buying from an office supply store and bought in bulk because it was so much cheaper-I would guess I have at least a years supply, but it was 50.00. I do the click and print shipping from home-my last black printer cartridge lasted for one month and I am basically the only one using the black-it cost 27.00 on sale, and as I said that was a one month supply.

95% of my customers use paypal. If you refuse to accept payments from them, you will definitely limit your customer base, because as one poster said-everyone wants their items as quickly as possible. I include the shipping calculator in all of my auctions, so everyone knows right up front what the costs will be-there are no surprises unless they didn't use the calculator, which is just stupid on their part. I personally am very leery of bidding on an auction where the seller says they will give the cost after you've won. I don't agree with grossly inflating postage (besides the fact that it will get you in trouble with ebay) but I personally don't feel badly if I make a dollar or two on shipping. JMO.

I have heard that many people look at the shipping cost in determining their final bid price. That makes a lot of sense to me. That way the buyer is determining what an item is worth to them. If it's too high... don't pay it.

As long as the shipping is clearly stated, no one should complain. My problem would be with sellers who quote a shipping price after an auction ends... and grossly inflates that.

I recently bought a small jewelry item. The seller charged $3 shipping. It arrived in a padded envelope and cost 66 cents to mail. I wasn't upset because I was TOLD the $3 fee upfront... and bid accordingly.

At my post office we have to step to the side and fill out delivery confirmation and insurance forms ourselves. I now keep a batch at home.. and fill them out when I address packages.

My guess on the $4 handling fee for the insurance was that the man didn't know how to do it... and was trying to discourage it. (I'd make a comment on the fragility of the male ego at times... but it might sound a bit sexist LOL)

Mary Kate

I used to get upset over being over charged shipping. Now I figure if I agree to the shipping cost, then I have no right to complain. I always figure the cost of shipping into the final price I'm willing to pay. I never bid on an auction that does not state the shipping cost up front.

When I sell, I charge a flat shipping rate, and it is usually a bit over what it will actually cost. My gas and time isn't free. [img]wink.gif[/img] I don't grossly overcharge...just a bit to make it worth my while.

As far as the insurance quote from the seller: That was obnoxious! I think another poster was right when she said he just didn't know how to do it, and was trying to discourage it. I would never over charge for insurance! I have seen some auctions that list higher insurance rates, and I refuse to bid on them!

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Originally posted by mandasmom:
95% of my customers use paypal. If you refuse to accept payments from them, you will definitely limit your customer base, because as one poster said-everyone wants their items as quickly as possible. I include the shipping calculator in all of my auctions, so everyone knows right up front what the costs will be-there are no surprises unless they didn't use the calculator, which is just stupid on their part. I personally am very leery of bidding on an auction where the seller says they will give the cost after you've won. I don't agree with grossly inflating postage (besides the fact that it will get you in trouble with ebay) but I personally don't feel badly if I make a dollar or two on shipping. JMO.

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<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I agree! And I think sellers might specify the "handling" fees before the auction, so the buyers can't complain later. Once I wrote to the seller and asked if that was the real shipping/handling cost because I thought it might be MORE, I am always concerned about that. I complained about the Marisol outfit and the little mouse doll because they were so tiny, small boxes, and the s/h costs were more than the double of actual shipping costs...

Paypal is the only way I can pay, bidpay is not working any more. I used, a long time ago, to send very well concealed cash but I thank paypal because that way it was very risky and took ages to arrive... And I can only pay with paypal through credit card, not bank account, so I am willing to pay any fees concerning this, if the seller specify this.

I am soooo happy today, two dolls arrived!!! Perfect and beautiful Josefina and Felicity!!! I need to fix my digital camera!!

Ana Claudia
Rio de Janeiro - Brazil

<font color="#051E50" size="1">[ January 24, 2006 05:34 PM: Message edited by: brazilian_girl ]</font>

I have no problem with people charging handling fees as long as they clarify that in the auction. Then I can choose whether or not to purchase from them.

In the case I was talking about the seller said he would airmail the parcel for $11.65 and then the parcel arrived 3 months later with a $4.70 postmark on it and it had been shipped surface. When I asked about it he said it was a shipping and handling fee and that it wasn't his fault the package went surface.

What he didn't realise (or else thinks I am stupid) is that there are rates for surface and rates for airmail and he chose to send the package surface. He can't blame the PO for that. The item cost me $1,75, the shipping $4.70 and then he slaps a $6.95 handling fee on there that he never told me about. As far as I am concerned he didn't get the price he wanted so he decided to make it the price he wanted. I think it is robbery myself! There was no indication of any handling fee in the auction nor did he tell me of one when I asked him about shippin costs.

That's why I was whinging.

Juliette

I usually do all of my selling in November/December, and this year I was too tired and busy, so I missed that one. Thanks, Rebecca.

That really stinks!

So I guess no more paypal transfers for me, at least on the selling end. I refuse to pay those outrageous fees for credit cards.

Annie, I don't think that that sounds prejudiced. I was thinking the same thing--that the situation with the seller in the opening post here was probably that way because her husband was the one doing it. It may have something to do with how men and women think and process things differently--although I think that some women also prefer to guess rather than charge real shipping, too.

At the same time, I need to say that the seller that gave me the tip about packing things up with the first bid was also a man, and I think that that was a very good tip.

I never give the shipping in the auction listing. I put in there somewhere that I will calculate the shipping when I know who the buyer is.

When I am the buyer, I always feel more trust for sellers who charge real shipping, rather than guess a ballpark figure.

Joy

<font color="#051E50" size="1">[ January 24, 2006 12:10 PM: Message edited by: djsnjones ]</font>

Joy~

You're welcome!

I don't think ebay/paypal did a really good job of advertising that new rule. I never received an email from either telling about it and just happened to stumble across it when reading the ebay message boards. I already had upgraded to a business account a couple of years ago, so it didn't effect me, but lots of people have only had the personal accounts for years now.

Juliette, it didn't sound like whining to me! If something is wrong, it's simply wrong!

Ana Claudia, just for clarification, when I was mentioning the Paypal transfers, rather than credit cards, I was not talking about a transfer from a bank account. I was talking about paying for an item with a direct transfer from your Paypal account--money that is in that account from other transactions where people have paid money directly into your Paypal account. I have left money there and then used it for things I would want to buy in the future. But your point is well taken about many of these options not working for you.

Mandasmom, how do you go about posting the postage calculator on one of your ebay auctions? I like that idea. Do you also warn people that the packaging will add to the weight? I can picture people complaining because when they estimated the weight, they got a lower number than I do when I weigh it at the end of the auction.

Joy

<font color="#051E50" size="1">[ January 25, 2006 10:27 AM: Message edited by: djsnjones ]</font>

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how do you go about posting the postage calculator on one of your ebay auctions?

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<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">On the shipping page of the auction listing, the default goes to fixed price shipping (I think). The tab to the right of it is for calculating shipping. Just click on that. You fill in your zip code and the item's weight and it calculates the shipping automatically for customers. I put my items in their box and weigh them on my postage scale when I'm listing, so I know what to put for the weight. Most of my items are fairly light, and anything 1.0 lbs or less are the same price for priority. Plus, I sell the same items over and over and after a while you remember how much most things weigh. If you're listing several items, once you choose calculate postage, it defaults automatically to that unless you change it.