Overcharging on Shipping Costs
robr1967
Posts: 264
Is anyone else here fed up with dealers overcharging with sihpping costs??
I need to vent.
I got a package this morning from a dealer that shall remain namless for now. I won three common cards from him. Well, the shipping was $5 for the first card and $1 for each additional. Now don't get me wrong, I do not mind paying that much for shipping as long as the cards are sent for that much...i.e....priority mail, or insured or so on.
Considering when ever I sell a card, I do splurge on the shipping of the card, making sure the paerson that gets them is happy and they are well protected. Also when ever I send something it is always sent priority mail and usually with a return receipt. Since it is rare when I do sell something, I want to make sure people get what they pay for.
When I got the package, it was a sinlge bubble envelope (cost approx. 50 cents) and the postage label on it was for a whopping $1.35.
So said dealer paid a whole $2 for shipping my cards, and pocketed the other $5 that I sent him.
What is everyone elses thoughts on this.
Rob Ruth
I need to vent.
I got a package this morning from a dealer that shall remain namless for now. I won three common cards from him. Well, the shipping was $5 for the first card and $1 for each additional. Now don't get me wrong, I do not mind paying that much for shipping as long as the cards are sent for that much...i.e....priority mail, or insured or so on.
Considering when ever I sell a card, I do splurge on the shipping of the card, making sure the paerson that gets them is happy and they are well protected. Also when ever I send something it is always sent priority mail and usually with a return receipt. Since it is rare when I do sell something, I want to make sure people get what they pay for.
When I got the package, it was a sinlge bubble envelope (cost approx. 50 cents) and the postage label on it was for a whopping $1.35.
So said dealer paid a whole $2 for shipping my cards, and pocketed the other $5 that I sent him.
What is everyone elses thoughts on this.
Rob Ruth
0
Comments
So when you see outrageous shipping charges listed do you tend not to bid on the auctions?
There have been a few occasions where I pay $20 and it comes with postage for $1.60. In that case I wait for the seller to leave me positive feedback and then email them prior to leaving feedback for them with something like "Just before I leave appropriate feedback, could you tell me why it cost me $20 for shipping and you shipped it for $1.60".
A PayPal refund from the seller usually follows shortly after.
1) read the auction listing carefully for the quoted shipping costs
2) if the the shipping costs aren't quoted i ask before i bid
3) i then factor the shipping costs into my bid
The seller can charge within reason whatever he wants for shipping and handling it is my responsibility to factor that into my costs before i bid. I really think complaining afterward is petty
chances are that the person you dealt with will claim that they are "Self Insured"....what a Joke. If I pay for insurance, I want to see USPS insurance on my package. PERIOD.
But no doubt he/she will also sing the blues about their wear and tear on their car, their lunch, their time, their gas, etc.......
Now, I am about to begin selling some PSA cards on ebay very soon. What is the best way to ship them? Bubble mailer? Box? If I were to ship them in a bubble mailer I'd charge 2.00 plus actual USPS insurance. A box would be a bit more......
Or would it be best to automatically charge for Priority Mail and Delivery Confirmation (approx 4.50) and require bidders to pay actual USPS amount for shipment?
I tell people in the auction that the cards are sent priority mail, insured with a return receipt.
I buy a bubble envelope, put the card in it seal it and then stick it in a priority mail box on top of that.
Usually my shipping costs are around $7
<< <i>
When I got the package, it was a sinlge bubble envelope (cost approx. 50 cents) and the postage label on it was for a whopping $1.35.
So said dealer paid a whole $2 for shipping my cards, and pocketed the other $5 that I sent him.
What is everyone elses thoughts on this.
Rob Ruth >>
Rob, I see nothing wrong with the above scenerio. The guy used a bubble mailer and paid full postage, including the extra postage cost that his packaging required. So he made $3 bucks for handling, posting the auction, paying the ebay fees, etc. AT least he sent the card(s) in such a way that they would arrive safely.
My pet peeve is when I pay that kind of shipping cost for a card that comes to me in an envelope with a 37 cent stamp. The guy has taken no precaution to make sure the item gets to me safely and has pocketed several bucks for himself.
"All evil needs to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
The best way to handle shipping is to charge as little as possible. 1-2 standard size graded cards can be shipped in a bubble mailer with delivery confirmation (insurance is worthless I believe) for under $2 in cost, which is what I charge for shipping. Inexpensive raw cards can be shipped packed between cardboard from a cut up priority box in a plain envelope with a .39 stamp. I charge .60 to ship 1-3 raw cards.
I was billed 10.65 for shipping and "handling". When I protested I was informed that this was a benefit auction and they had to print nice invoices, etc. The shipping info in the auction stated that it would be 4.-10. I figured 1 card would be at the bottom of that range, but didn't figure on the mandatory insurance and the handling being extra.
The card came in a bubble mailer with no invoice.
Always looking for Topps Salesman Samples, pre '51 unopened packs, E90-2, E91a, N690 Kalamazoo Bats, and T204 Square Frame Ramly's
<< <i>It is simple economics when it comes to shipping, the more that is charged, the less the item will sell for. Someone who thinks they are making an extra couple bucks by charging an inflated shipping price is only fooling themselves. In reality, they are likely costing themselves significantly more than the shipping profit because the item may sell for less than it normally should. There have been instances I've been able to steal items where the seller was doing just that, trying to gouge on shipping... my total price including the shipping wound up being much lower than what the item regularly sells for.
The best way to handle shipping is to charge as little as possible. 1-2 standard size graded cards can be shipped in a bubble mailer with delivery confirmation (insurance is worthless I believe) for under $2 in cost, which is what I charge for shipping. Inexpensive raw cards can be shipped packed between cardboard from a cut up priority box in a plain envelope with a .39 stamp. I charge .60 to ship 1-3 raw cards. >>
word
"All evil needs to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
1-2 Cards = $3.50
3-4 Cards = $5.00
5-15 Cards = $6.00
Then insurance is an extra $1.30
Anything up to 3 cards is in a bubble mailer. Four cards or more is always in a box. Sure it's a little on the high side if you only win one card. But when's the last time you won 10 or 15 cards and paid $7.30 for insured shipping?
Mike
It also took me too long before I started to immediately check shipping costs. Even though I've been soaked many times before.
I don't blame you for being fed up.
<< <i>Was fairway54 the seller?
I don't blame you for being fed up. >>
Funny. I just got off the phone with a guy who was talking about how nice his stuff is but how uninviting his shipping and feedback policies are.
I had been charging $2.75 for graded cards, which I package with bubble wrap and cardboard inside a padded mailer, and $0.25 for each additional card won. I'll probably increase those rates to $3.25 and $0.50, respectively, the next time I launch auctions. I know that increase is higher than the actual increase in USPS rates, but my prices will still be pretty fair in relation to the eBay average.
I know to factor shipping into my bidding, but it still drives me crazy when the level of service provided is not commensurate with the S&H fee. To me, $4 or more to throw a slab in a bubble mailer with 80-90 cents postage is a ripoff.
<< <i>Was fairway54 the seller?
I don't blame you for being fed up. >>
A couple of years ago, Fairway54 shipped me a 1966 Hank Aaron PSA 8, a $300 card, in a plain white envelope with no protection whatsover and no insurance (of course I paid for insurance). Something like this is the only time I get upset with a shipping situation. As some have mentioned above it is up to the buyer to read how much the shipping costs are and bid accordingly.
My ebay listings
Out of all my dealings on ebay or with other collectors, pretty interesting that my first problem isn't with someone over cards or memorabilia, but over part of an extension ladder.
Rick
Totally hate when u are forced to pay $6 or $7, then you get the package & it says IN CLEAR VIEW $1.95.
The guys who try to make money off the shipping, I just do not buy from them ever again.
Be good my brothers.
SUCK IT UP!! We ALL have the same situation...it's a cost of doing business!!
What's next a surcharge because you have to heat the room your computer is in??
If people over charge on S&H..I simply choose not to buy from them!!
Sure they can low ball their sale prices if they whack you on S&H!! 4 Sharp Corners comes to mind....yes I've bought from them..but when you buy 30 cards and get charged$32.50+ for S&H..only to get the cards shipped in a box for $8.00....BS!!!
The only time I but from them is IF I really need the cards for my Registry Sets..
With the new flat-rate boxes...there's NEVER a need for S&H to be more than $8.00....I can mail 75-80 graded cards..double boxed for $8.00....the insurance is optional...but in most cases..I'll even add that in thanks of bulk purchases!!
I get $2.00 for the 1st 3 graded cards....50 cents each card after that....up to the $8.00...never more than that!!
and depending on the buyer....S&H is often thrown in as a freebie...repeat customers get the thanks!!
<< <i>I was interested in buying something I needed for the house (i.e. not cards) on ebay. I asked the seller what it would cost to ship to my zipcode. He responded "$29.50". It is a pretty heavy object. So I factored that into my bid, won the item, then get an invoice showing shipping charges of $38.50. When I asked him what happened to the $29.50, he said the $29.50 was "only an estimate", the shipping charge he quoted me "Wasn't cast in stone", and I had to pay what he invoiced me or he would file an “unpaid item dispute” with ebay. I refused to pay, so I now show an unpaid item in my file, and will probably get a "strike" against me, as well as my first negative, for failing to pay. The Seller refuses to withdraw the transaction, or change the shipping charges to what he quoted me. Ebay considers it a contract and the buyer is obligated to pay for an item, but what happens when the Seller changes the shipping charges on you?? My only satisfaction will come from filing a negative feedback against the seller after I get one from him.
Out of all my dealings on ebay or with other collectors, pretty interesting that my first problem isn't with someone over cards or memorabilia, but over part of an extension ladder.
Rick >>
Rick,
Don't let this a&&hole get away with that. Hopefully, you save his email with the freight quote. Forward it to ebay with your complaint that the seller is not honoring his quote. You did everything right - this jerk wad is doing everything wrong. Good luck.
"All evil needs to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
<< <i>plain and simple...I'm sick of people saying their S&H chargres are higher due to Ebay's fees and Paypal fees....blah blah blah..
SUCK IT UP!! We ALL have the same situation...it's a cost of doing business!!
What's next a surcharge because you have to heat the room your computer is in??
If people over charge on S&H..I simply choose not to buy from them!!
Sure they can low ball their sale prices if they whack you on S&H!! 4 Sharp Corners comes to mind....yes I've bought from them..but when you buy 30 cards and get charged$32.50+ for S&H..only to get the cards shipped in a box for $8.00....BS!!!
The only time I but from them is IF I really need the cards for my Registry Sets..
With the new flat-rate boxes...there's NEVER a need for S&H to be more than $8.00....I can mail 75-80 graded cards..double boxed for $8.00....the insurance is optional...but in most cases..I'll even add that in thanks of bulk purchases!!
I get $2.00 for the 1st 3 graded cards....50 cents each card after that....up to the $8.00...never more than that!!
and depending on the buyer....S&H is often thrown in as a freebie...repeat customers get the thanks!! >>
Amen Brother!
Be good my brothers.
1) pay ebay sellers' inflated shipping fees and factor them into your bid (but, yes, higher shipping fees due lead to higher overall costs and vice versa).
2) pay "retail" prices at cards or shows.
3) buy from dealers web sites (many of whom get their inventory off ebay).
4) incur the costs of paying for or finding material so that you can grade your cards yourselves (and pay psa's shipping fees both ways).
Option number one will usually cost you the least amount of money. As long as the shipping fees are stated upfront, I've never seen any reason to complain and I still don't.
Where the USPS really gets you is in the insurance. I mean I charge $1.30 for insurance regardless of the total. At best I break even on it. Anything with a DV of over $50, I lose money on it - and the higher the DV, the more I lose. I'm always amazed at how few people choose to take advantage of insurance. Especially when the sap only charges $1.30 for any amount.
Mike
Stingray
Go to the USPS website and look under packing material (boxes)....there are 2 types...one will fit binders, sets up to 660 ct box...the other is good sixed...will fit 4-5 400ct boxes...or up to 4 PSA boxes....get constructive with your packing and save a TON!!
http://shop.usps.com/cgi-bin/vsbv/postal_store_non_ssl/display_products/productDetail.jsp?OID=4849227
http://shop.usps.com/cgi-bin/vsbv/postal_store_non_ssl/display_products/productDetail.jsp?OID=1003567
I don't know about you guys, but my post office has pulled ALL Priority mail boxes and is selling designer boxes!! THESE Proirity mail boxes are FREE from the goverment..all you have to do is ask!!
As for the flat rate boxes....the fee is $7.70 as long as you can get it cleanly in the box!! Nothing hanging out..flaps have to be uniformlu closed and taped!! and NO WEIGHT limit...as long as it fits in the box...$7.70!!!!
Any weight, any State, $7.70. No matter which Flat Rate Box you choose, the postage is $7.70, regardless of weight or destination.
No need for a scale. Visit Click-N-Ship to purchase and print postage from your home or small business computer. You don't need a scale.
No need for a trip to the Post Office. Visit Pickup Options to arrange for next-day pickup at no extra charge (available in most locations) using online Carrier pickup.
The corrugated box you have selected is shaped like a garment box (11-7/8" x 3-3/8" x 13-5/8") and is ideal for clothing, books, board games, and relatively thin items.
Mike
I use to buy and sell a little using SCD classifieds not that long ago, and shipping was never a problem (I never even thought about it). A few bucks each way.
Maybe it's the state of the economy, rising gas prices, rising Ebay fees (probably a combination of all of them) that's lead to it.
What can you do.
Mike
<< <i>Ebay has almost killed their own low end market. 25 cents to list a 99 cent auction. 5 cents Final Value Fee. Plus almost everybody pays through Paypal nowadays which is another 40 cents. That's 70 cents out of 99 cents and that's not counting if you use a Buy It Now, Listing Designer, or Scheduled Listing which all cost you more. Plus if you have a lot of auctions that go unsold, then you really take a bath on the whole thing. Unfortunately, sellers making a profit on shipping is the only thing that allows many collectors to find the cheaper cards that they need. >>
<< <i>Was fairway54 the seller?
>>
Of course it was. Just like everyone knows who charges $4-$6-$8.
I like buying from fairway when I need lots of cards from him. His auctions on low dollar cards often go for well less then Ebay Market price due to his shipping.
Naturally his response was 23,000 postives and I am in the minority.
My reply back was that he could now count on my no longer bidding on any of his auctions.
Honestly if you ask me, what they are doing is fraud. They tell you the shipping prices and then never actually spend that much on it.
As I stated, I paid $7 for shipping on three commons, and they came in a bubble mailer and $1.35 in postage. So he basically made a profit of $5 on teh shipping costs. Now if he ran 1000 auctions, that is a very nice profit for him doing nothing but ripping people off.
Can you say class action lawsuit??
P.S. I just won another 3 cards from DSl Sports. Again three commons, and shipping charges were $8. Now on another front, $8 for them is a MAX. they charge $4 for the first card, $6 for two and $8 on another above 3 cards. Unlike Mr. Lins who continues to charge another $1 for each additional card.
I won't hesitate to buy from him again, because I did pick up a bunch of cards for $6.50 delivered that usually are between $8-$9 delivered individually.
<< <i>Yes, Mr. Bob Lins (fairway54) was the seller that I am fed up with.
Naturally his response was 23,000 postives and I am in the minority.
My reply back was that he could now count on my no longer bidding on any of his auctions.
Honestly if you ask me, what they are doing is fraud. They tell you the shipping prices and then never actually spend that much on it.
As I stated, I paid $7 for shipping on three commons, and they came in a bubble mailer and $1.35 in postage. So he basically made a profit of $5 on teh shipping costs. Now if he ran 1000 auctions, that is a very nice profit for him doing nothing but ripping people off.
Can you say class action lawsuit??
P.S. I just won another 3 cards from DSl Sports. Again three commons, and shipping charges were $8. Now on another front, $8 for them is a MAX. they charge $4 for the first card, $6 for two and $8 on another above 3 cards. Unlike Mr. Lins who continues to charge another $1 for each additional card. >>
Now is Mr Lins running a full time business ? Does he do all the shipping work himself ? Does he have employees to pay ? I do not know the answers to those questions as i don't know what kind of operation he runs but assuming he does that all costs money which is included in the handling costs. Sometimes the irony is someone will pay $100 for a common 1978 Topps card and complain about paying for shipping ?
His shipping policy definately cost himself bids so i will let him decide if its good business or not.
How many people on here have seen the same PSA 9 card sell for $10 in one auction with a $5.00 shipping charge and the very same day sell for $20.00 in another auction that has a $2.00 shipping charge. Thats why i factor the shipping charge in my bid and can very often come out ahead of someone who is out of principle refuses to pay the $5.00 shipping charge but will pay twice as much for the same card
"All evil needs to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
Always looking for Topps Salesman Samples, pre '51 unopened packs, E90-2, E91a, N690 Kalamazoo Bats, and T204 Square Frame Ramly's
Now with DSL they are a little different. Again, they max out at $8 shipping. But the cool thing with them, if you win an auction one Sat & you see you want to bid on something that is ending next Sat, they are cool enough to let you wait til that auction is over. So to me, at least I am getting a little customer service for that $8. More often than not, most dealers will let you wait a few days to see if you win something else from them.
Be good my brothers.
It is a complete lack of respect for not only a buyer, but for the cards themselves, when a seller ships in a plain envelope w/stamp. I bought a 1960 roger maris A.S. card last yr, and the jerk shipped it the same way.....ended up denting in the top let border so bad i wanted to cry....the card had a legit shot at an 8 had it not been for his carelessness. It hurt more to see a 45 yr old card that was so beautiful and lasted that way for so long just ruined in a moment of stupidity.
---
-- Yogi Berra
http://www.clark22murray33.com
<< <i>I am having a problem now with a seller.....who I will not name till I know if he will make good or not, but I purchased 2 cards, both very inexpensive, and he charged me $3.50 shipping for each card, and NO discount. So a total of $7.00 shipping, for 2 low $$ cards, and the guy has the nerve to ship them in a plain white envelope, with no padding, no nothing for protection, and just a 37 cent stamp thrown on. He has failed to respond to 2 emails so far. >>
FYI,
By charging full shipping for each item, the seller is obligated to ship them separately. By not shipping them separately, he committed mail fraud.
Tabe
I'm not so sure about that. Maybe he committed some sort of contract law violation but mail fraud?
Steve
<< <i>I am pissed every time I get a package from Fairway54. Nice cards but cmon, send them with a little protection for the Sheetload of cash you ask for shipping. >>
I stopped buying from him all together. Stuff is nice, but I just feel cheated every time, so the decision to stop buying from him was easy.
Be good my brothers.
<< <i>If people over charge on S&H..I simply choose not to buy from them!!
Sure they can low ball their sale prices if they whack you on S&H!! 4 Sharp Corners comes to mind....yes I've bought from them..but when you buy 30 cards and get charged$32.50+ for S&H..only to get the cards shipped in a box for $8.00....BS!!! >>
4SC charges $14.50 to ship 30 cards ($8.50 for 6 cards + 0.25 for each additional). I'm not saying $14.50 is reasonable for an $8.00 box, but where did you get $32.50 from?
I'll name one. eBay ID is (555). Company is called Vintage Sports Cards, Inc. In October, I won 26 raw 1973 cards from him, all on the same day. His s/h terms do state $2 plus 50 cents each additional. Nonetheless, I pleaded with him to charge me a reasonable amount for the lots. He would not budge. I paid that ******* almost $15 for what turned out to be a $2 postage bill.
I don't begrudge any seller from making a quick buck or two. But this was extortionate.
I have never...nor will I ever...buy from that ******** again.
Nick M