Is this Ebayer on a Crusade?
ILikeMercs
Posts: 1,392 ✭
I was listing coins and got this message:
Did you post an incorrect amount for mailing? A 'slabbed' dime can be mailed 1st Class for .80c -including the cost of a 'bubble' mailer.
Demanding $8 -when mailing cost is so much less- is one of the best ways to get expelled from eBay...they've (finally) started to crack down on such excesses. I hope you did make an error, because until there's a bid it can be changed.
I'd like to bid, but I won't with such cost.
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I replied:
do you know how much insurance is on $300+ coin.And no worries, you won't be bidding on it.
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He wrote back:
Postal insurance on $300 is $4.40. *IF* the coin sells for $300 -unlikely on eBay- there's still $3.60 left for postage [.63c] and a mailer [.17c on eBay]. There's $2.80 remaining as 'profit'(?).
You DO NOT say the mailing cost demand includes any insurance; in fact, there's 'None offered'. A potential bidder sees the $8, with no insurance included, and automatically assumes that the seller is one of those who rip buyers off.
I believe you'd attract many more interested bidders if you'd post reasonable mailing charges [e.g., .80c] with the requirement that postal insurance will be computed on Ending Auction Amount.
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Now he's telling ME what my coin is worth and what I pay for bubble mailers, so I replied back:
take a hike, OK?.....Ebay has a policy about auction interference and people harassing others too. Move along and don't bid if you don't like it. Go ahead and report me. I'll be in Beverly Hills with my $2.80 "profit." But read in my description before you do.
So am I WAY over the top on shipping AND insurance. I can't get the "insurance included" option to work so I put it in the description. EDIT TO ADD: I did raise my shipping a bit since I usually take a LOSS on it.
IF I out him, read his "ME" page.
Did you post an incorrect amount for mailing? A 'slabbed' dime can be mailed 1st Class for .80c -including the cost of a 'bubble' mailer.
Demanding $8 -when mailing cost is so much less- is one of the best ways to get expelled from eBay...they've (finally) started to crack down on such excesses. I hope you did make an error, because until there's a bid it can be changed.
I'd like to bid, but I won't with such cost.
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I replied:
do you know how much insurance is on $300+ coin.And no worries, you won't be bidding on it.
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He wrote back:
Postal insurance on $300 is $4.40. *IF* the coin sells for $300 -unlikely on eBay- there's still $3.60 left for postage [.63c] and a mailer [.17c on eBay]. There's $2.80 remaining as 'profit'(?).
You DO NOT say the mailing cost demand includes any insurance; in fact, there's 'None offered'. A potential bidder sees the $8, with no insurance included, and automatically assumes that the seller is one of those who rip buyers off.
I believe you'd attract many more interested bidders if you'd post reasonable mailing charges [e.g., .80c] with the requirement that postal insurance will be computed on Ending Auction Amount.
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Now he's telling ME what my coin is worth and what I pay for bubble mailers, so I replied back:
take a hike, OK?.....Ebay has a policy about auction interference and people harassing others too. Move along and don't bid if you don't like it. Go ahead and report me. I'll be in Beverly Hills with my $2.80 "profit." But read in my description before you do.
So am I WAY over the top on shipping AND insurance. I can't get the "insurance included" option to work so I put it in the description. EDIT TO ADD: I did raise my shipping a bit since I usually take a LOSS on it.
IF I out him, read his "ME" page.
Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball 0
Comments
-Paul
I almost always include insurance in the shipping costs I do.
I usually remember to mention it, and I do think I am pretty easy going on ebay and reasonable, but if this buttmunch had responded to me the way he did to you, I probably wouldn't have been as nice.
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
<< <i>You should out him.
I almost always include insurance in the shipping costs I do.
I usually remember to mention it, and I do think I am pretty easy going on ebay and reasonable, but if this buttmunch had responded to me the way he did to you, I probably wouldn't have been as nice. >>
I wouldn't be so nice if it wasn't through Ebay messages.
TorinoCobra71
If hte item sells for more, you get more insurance, if it sells for less, then the buyer wins. in any case they pay actual, and you get to put the handling cost in your pocket less the bubble wrap, taxi ride to the Post Ofice, your time and trouble...oh I guess you'r over $2.80 now!!!
The potential buyer needs to get a life!
Ike Specialist
Finest Toned Ike I've Ever Seen, been looking since 1986
<< <i>If you postion the shipping as actual shipping cost, actual insurance costs and a handling fee, it'll keep most buyers honest. you are then upfront about the actual costs.
If hte item sells for more, you get more insurance, if it sells for less, then the buyer wins. in any case they pay actual, and you get to put the handling cost in your pocket less the bubble wrap, taxi ride to the Post Ofice, your time and trouble...oh I guess you'r over $2.80 now!!!
The potential buyer needs to get a life! >>
The thing about "actual", at least for a part timer like me, is that I don't know how much the shipping will cost, or the insurance, until after the auction. Insurance is easy to figure out based on winning bid price, but the shipping isn't (for me). I may ship it in a bubble mailer or may ship it in a box, etc. I ship with the materials I have at hand. Knock on wood, no problems based on that yet, but I have eaten some costs myself when the total came to more than what I listed and I have made a buck or so when it didn't. Not in it to make money from the shipping, nor lose it, but I like to try to be quick and efficient in getting the item out after a win.
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
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I think it's outrageous that your potential bidder took up the cause on your auction, for many reasons: 1) $8.00 isn't that high, and there are thousands of auctions where shipping charges are outrageous for him or her to rail against and 2) He presumes to know where you buy your bubble mailers and for how much (17 cents he says), and apparently if you choose to pay 99 cents at Staples for them, he or she is going to force you to buy them cheaper from a supplier of his choice! 3) The buyer has no clue what postal insurance is or what it's for--it protects the seller, not the buyer, so why any bidder is worried about insurance is beyond me. Whether an item is insured or not, the seller must still deliver it to the buyer. 4) The bidder is apparently clueless about eBay and Paypal fees, and how high they actually are (he may not even know they exist). If you did walk away with $2.80 in excess shipping, I guarantee you it isn't "profit"--eBay and Paypal's cut is far more than the pennies that are recovered in a miscalculated shipping fee. 5) He assumes you're sending the coin in a bubble mailer (maybe you stated so, but if not, then how does he know?)--many sellers choose to ship items boxed via priority mail.
<< <i>I think $8 is a little stiff, unless it included ins. I also think S&H charges is part of the way you make a little and nothing wrong with that. I certainly wouldn't attempt to tell any seller how to run his/her business, but simply not bid. I say out them
So am I WAY over the top on shipping AND insurance. I can't get the "insurance included" option to work so I put it in the description. EDIT TO ADD: I did raise my shipping a bit since I usually take a LOSS on it.
Many ebayers are lucky if they sell one item a week (or month/year).
This is not trying to make a profit on S&H, but just come close to covering actual costs.
roadrunner
1. You did not say that the shipping/handling INCLUDED insurance so the buyer has a
valid gripe.
2. There is no auction interference. He's talking to you mano on mano and not interfering
with your auction in any way.
3. Shipping and handling cost are in fact covered by ebay rules and you are not supposed
to profit. You can charge a resonable amount but not excessive amounts and your
including insurance and not disclosing that fact would in my mind be excessive for the
S & H.
4. His idea of value may or may not be correct. A dime is certainly not costly to ship and
his math is close (so is yours if you leave the Ins out of the picture).
good luck,
bob
When i was selling , I would take a batch of envelopes to the post office (I had to go anyway) after i filled them with the items, i would then have them weighed and marked as to the exact postage. I would then finish my transaction with the exact amount of postage and the exact amount for the cost of the envelope included. The buyer had the choice as far as insurance. It was in my payment info that if they do not choose to have the package insured, that I was not responsible for a loss.
My buyers paid exactly what my cost was.
If I made 2 to 3 bucks on each transaction for nothing, It would bother me. i realize some folks are OK with charging it, some folks are even OK with paying it. I on the other hand thought about it from the perspective of the collector who was buying the coin. I avoid sellers who make a profit on S&H. so I figured that others would be happy to pay the correct amount for shipping and I was right. I had loyal repeat buyers as they knew that they were getting their coins with no bologna with respect to S&H.
Thats just one opinion. I notice that folks here are able to post their honest feelings about an issue. I like that. Some may not like this post but when I was selling on ebay, I could sleep nights.
Thanks,
Bill
myurl http://www.foundinrolls.com
and you did not read what I wrote.
<< <i>So am I WAY over the top on shipping AND insurance. I can't get the "insurance included" option to work so I put it in the description. EDIT TO ADD: I did raise my shipping a bit since I usually take a LOSS on it. >>
I have no problem with paying a little extra on the shipping as long as the seller does not pull a media mail parcel post on a 300+ item and wants 8-12 for that item. That would be a reason to report back to ebay for fee avoidance.
This actually happened to the wife awhile back- she bought me an item paid over 400 for it- item was listed as shipping via priority mail with insured value- it was sent media mail- guess what was inside the box when it showed at the house....
A magazine subscription for the Oprah rag and the item she won.
Yes the wife reported it to ebay and the seller was naru'd for this- seems like they did about 15 items this way.
When you go to invoice, it's 100% automatic. No calculating necessary!!!
Ike Specialist
Finest Toned Ike I've Ever Seen, been looking since 1986
Russ, NCNE
<< <i>If one assumes selling on ebay is a business then considering the time to write up the sale, put the package together, go to the PO to mail it (48.5c per mile), S&H fees, return trip home.....you probably cannot get this all done for less than $10-15. $3 or $8.....what's the difference? On a $10 coin or a $1000 coin you still have to do all the above. >>
If one is going to split hairs to this extent and get this picky then the smart seller who combines trips to the PO should cut the buyers a break. If you send out 10 packages then you should figure your vehicle cost at 4.85 cents per mile per buyer and not the $4.85 that you are presumably taking in. The point is that experienced sellers/shippers should have a pretty good idea of what it costs to ship whatever it is they are selling and charge accordingly. I'd have no issue with charging 10% extra to cover unforseen expenses.
It seems that ebay never runs out of buyers that think they're the first person to learn something -- e.g., how to shop for supplies, how to calculate postage and insurance, how to add two numbers together -- and they want the whole world to know it. They're an annoyance, at best.
Ebay has found another way to show off to shareholders by squeezing every last penny from sellers (and from, duh, BUYERS too) with the new feedback system with a specific rating on shipping and handling costs.
Now a seller exercising caution to keep every buyer happy has to take at least a slight loss on shipping, which no doubt will bring some great values to shoppers, right? Right?
<< <i>Let me guess. Does the guy have the word ship or some variant as part of his handle paired with a year? >>
Are you thinking BullShipper55 or smoething like that?
<< <i>It was in my payment info that if they do not choose to have the package insured, that I was not responsible for a loss. >>
Good luck explaining that to PayPal when you get hit with an "item not received" chargeback
<< <i><< Let me guess. Does the guy have the word ship or some variant as part of his handle paired with a year? >>
Are you thinking BullShipper55 or smoething like that? >>
Nope. I got a similar eMail a while back, but I can't remember the exact handle. It was something like shippingpolice2006 or similar.
Russ, NCNE
<< <i>Are you thinking BullShipper55 or smoething like that? >>
-Paul
If "Sarge don't like it, tell him to take a flyin' leap!
YOU manage your affairs the way YOU think best.
I try to cut my as close to actual costs as I can but it costs to hold an auction on the "Bay."
I printed out PayWeenie's fees along with FeeBay's FEES and by the time all is said and done, together they make about 10% while WE are fortunate to make any profit, particularly with all the buyers with Death grips on their wallets. I must say that I am fortunate though as I have a lot of repeat customers and I treat them right. If they're good to me I will give nice bonuses and actual costs, particularly when multiples are won at "Good" Money.
Better still, just ignore "Sarge" and block his ace! Do what YOU think best!
Good Luck!
It's very simple - figure the shipping cost into your total bid. And get a life!
<< <i>
<< <i>If you postion the shipping as actual shipping cost, actual insurance costs and a handling fee, it'll keep most buyers honest. you are then upfront about the actual costs.
If hte item sells for more, you get more insurance, if it sells for less, then the buyer wins. in any case they pay actual, and you get to put the handling cost in your pocket less the bubble wrap, taxi ride to the Post Ofice, your time and trouble...oh I guess you'r over $2.80 now!!!
The potential buyer needs to get a life! >>
The thing about "actual", at least for a part timer like me, is that I don't know how much the shipping will cost, or the insurance, until after the auction. Insurance is easy to figure out based on winning bid price, but the shipping isn't (for me). I may ship it in a bubble mailer or may ship it in a box, etc. I ship with the materials I have at hand. Knock on wood, no problems based on that yet, but I have eaten some costs myself when the total came to more than what I listed and I have made a buck or so when it didn't. Not in it to make money from the shipping, nor lose it, but I like to try to be quick and efficient in getting the item out after a win. >>
and to be fair, here's my feedback. No complaints yet. EDIT: deleted my FB, you had your chance.
<< <i>For you shipping nitpickers - Do you argue with real companies like LL Bean, Amazon.com, Dell, or HP when you order something by mail and they hit you with a shipping charge more than actual costs?
It's very simple - figure the shipping cost into your total bid. And get a life! >>
Some people would complain about it even if they got the Dell or Amazon "FREE" shipping deals
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
Although I charge within a dime or three of exact postage/insurance when I do sell, my gas cost to go to the post office is more than $2.80. It's thirteen miles there, thirteen miles back, and my truck gets 16 mpg. With gas at about $2.80 right now, that's about $4.55 for me to drive to the post office with a package.
-David
Brian
I LOVE
On shipping charges, I feel the same way as a few others on here. As long as the cost is stated up front, the extra cost or handling fee just becomes part of the decision. Some say to do exact shipping and that the shipping expenses like time, tape, bubble wrap, gas, tire wear (lol), ect. is a cost of doing business. Very few businesses view it this way. The majority seem to factor in the costs into a shipping/handling total calculated separately from the sale of the item as if it were two different divisions of the company.(usually is)
I don't charge much in the way of handling, but I do have a small buffer in addition to the materials cost as I got tired of losing money on shipping with profits on item sales not always that large. While I understand my ebay sales are not a large business, there is no reason not to model yourself after one to some extent at least to protect your sales profits. With the PaypaypayPal and epay fees one needs all the help they can get.
"NOT pleased: Seller's $3 mailing charge turned out to be MORE than 3x 'actual' Seller cdave7212( 1231) Mar-05-07 13:00 290085185860 Reply by cdave7212: Charged $1.79 for Coin & $3.00 Shipping PayPal shows he only paid $4.79 Total Mar-19-07 08:19
This clown is blocked.
<< <i>take a look at the comments "sarge" left for folks lots of neutrals b!t$hlng about shipping and being overcharged >>
Agreed, this guy is a joker. Lots of neutrals and even finds a way to touch on shipping overcharges when there isn't one. Looks like he collects disagreements as much as coins.
<< <i>
<< <i>It was in my payment info that if they do not choose to have the package insured, that I was not responsible for a loss. >>
Good luck explaining that to PayPal when you get hit with an "item not received" chargeback
I still dont use paypal. I get a check or a money order, it has to clear then the merchandise is shipped. No fuss, no muss, no mess.
myurl http://www.foundinrolls.com
Check out my current listings: https://ebay.com/sch/khunt/m.html?_ipg=200&_sop=12&_rdc=1
- Jim
Fighting the Fight for 11 Years with the big "C" - Never Ever Give Up!
Member PCGS Open Forum board 2002 - 2006 (closed end of 2006) Current board since 2006 Successful trades with many members, over the past two decades, never a bad deal.
<< <i>Sarge is an idiot, and blocked. Smoeone should point him to this forum thread. >>
Ol' Sarge has been around for awhile. Reading this thread won't deter him from his goal. He's going to take this to the end, you shipping shrews! Mike
Indeed- I have a hard time imagining a bigger waste of time than to harrass people about their shipping charges...
<< <i>The potential buyer needs to get a life!
Indeed- I have a hard time imagining a bigger waste of time than to harrass people about their shipping charges...
You should try and deal with him. We went back and forth 4 times before he blew ME off! I had fun. You see, his is a noble quest. Kinda like Sir Lancelot, only different. Mike