Wanted: eBay stories.

[valis2]

The good, the bad, the ugly. Bring it on.

I just realized, you see, that I've never purchased a single item on eBay, and I'm wondering if I'm packaging things correctly, or doing things that most eBay sellers do. I've pretty much just muddled through, and invented rules as I went along. It could be that I'm doing this whole thing backward, for all I know. I'd really like to see this from a buyer's perspective.

So tell me what you like in an eBay seller. What do you expect? What do you dislike?

Comments

[valis2.livejournal.com]

What do you think is a fair shipping cost for a fragile item that must be packed in a 4x4x6 box?

And you do like getting notified when the item is shipped? Ah. That's something I've never done, because I always thought it looked silly, like, hey! I'm doing this! now I'm doing that! notice me!!, but it seems like it's something people want.

Will try to do that from now on.

[florence-craye.livejournal.com]

I guess it depends on how much it weighs and also how much I'd paid for it. I've seen people sell small things for $.99 and then charge $10 for s&h. I'd rather they start it at $6.00 and then charge $5 for s&h. Don't underprice so greatly and overcharge for shipping just to know you'll get the bid. It seems crooked, for some reason. (Not that you do that, of course.)

As someone noted below, at least telling someone you got their payment and will ship in the next few days or so is fine as well. It's good just knowing the seller received the money and that a purchase is being taken care of. Plus, if a buyer has questions that gives them a good way to contact you about it- they can just reply to that message.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

I've been charging $2. Most of my items are very small and light, and usually it costs $1.11-$1.35 to ship them first class. The box costs $0.25, and I print an invoice, and there's usually a bag involved, so all in all I usually break even or lose a little on shipping.

I've found the bulk emailing thing, so this is going to be a lot easier than expected. Yay!

[florence-craye.livejournal.com]

That's quite cheap! :) I wouldn't even mind paying $3.00 for that, actually. I'm talking about when something cost $1.30 to ship and they charged me $5.00. You just know the envelope and paper didn't cost $3.70. lol I always look at the postage amount and try to figure out the actual cost including the paper and box or envelope. I don't want a seller to lose money on shipping, but I also don't want them to up the cost outrageously.

Hooray for bulk email programs! :D

[valis2.livejournal.com]

I used to send everything Priority Mail. At that time it cost a minimum of $3.85, and I charged $5.

Eventually so many people bitched about the cost that I started sending everything 1st class. I hate it when people get bitchy, you see.

I did receive a bit of "neutral" feedback from someone who apparently hadn't read the description. Afterwards, I tried to explain that it costs $3.85 to ship, plus the box (at that time) cost $0.35, plus there was bubble wrap and an invoice...but it fell on deaf ears. Apparently you can penalize people because YOU can't read. It made me fume.

It's a delicate balance, trying to guess. Sometimes it really backfires, honestly.

[harry-crazy.livejournal.com]

You can let them calculate the postage themselves with the calculator. You are able to put in three different options. I usually put in first class, priority and then the even faster one (can't recall name at the moment). It also gives the option of shipping UPS. This way, the buyer can see what the shipping will be, and can't complain about it later!

Again, on the neutral feedback--use the follow-up option to notate on your feedback the actual circumstances.

[harry-crazy.livejournal.com]

It's not crooked to charge "handling" with your shipping. You are basically running a business and it's not a crime to pass on the cost of the ebay fees to the buyer. Especially when using paypal--since they are going to charge you also. Nothing "crooked" about recouping your fees--if you feel bad about that--sell it at a garage sale instead where you expect everyone to want the item for a quarter!!

[ms-hecubus.livejournal.com]

It seems crooked because it is crooked. The reason they do it that way is to avoid paying ebay fees.

[florence-craye.livejournal.com]

*light of comprehension dawns on my face* Oh, that makes sense!! I don't know why I didn't figure that out before. lol Thanks.

[harry-crazy.livejournal.com]

Well, since I've bought and sold items, I know that it's customary to charge more than the actual shipping. Especially when you are letting an item sell for a ridiculously low price.

To determine the cost ahead of time, just purchase a little scale--even a kitchen type--and notate that in the shipping area of your auction. Then the postage calculator will determine the price for them. You can add on a bit of extra weight to cover your mistakes, or you can add it a handling charge in the box available on the shipping screen. Just be sure you don't under-weigh the package 'cause you'll get stuck paying the extra shipping costs. I've done that too!

Feedback: I used to leave feedback right away as a seller. But then so many buyers didn't leave feedback that I now state that I will reciprocate their positive feedback (if all goes well, of course). I too, have had the unfortunate jerk leave me retaliation feedback. When that happens, you are able to post a reply right under it for other buyers/sellers to see. A bit of an explanation.