My New Ebay Shipping Charge Disclaimer

70ToppsFanatic · December 11, 2011 1:12PM

Thanks for all the ideas in the previous thread on this topic.

NOTE REGARDING SHIPPING COSTS: It is my responsibility to make sure that this card gets to the winning bidder. With USPS insurance
for items worth $200 costing $2.85 NOT INCLUDING THE POSTAGE you can rest assured that I am not gouging you on the shipping costs.
In fact, by the time you add the cost of a padded-mailer, inner protection and the postage it is a FACT that the amount charged to you for
shipping is LESS than the actual cost from USPS. I would greatly appreciate the winning bidder taking that into consideration when you
fill in your feedback "star" ratings. The handling charge is disclosed up front --- NO SURPRISES. If you think it is excessive then take it
into consideration in your total bid rather than get the Ebay police sending me nastygrams because someone complains that my shipping
charges are excessive. Thank You.

Toro · December 11, 2011 1:21PM

I remember I charged $15 for shipping USPS Priority Mail. The shoes wouldn't fit in a flat fee box so I had to brown box it. $36 to Maine with Signature Confirmation. Unbelievable.

hhmag70 · December 11, 2011 1:54PM

It sounds nice and all but will mean nothing to some buyers.

JoeBanzai · December 11, 2011 2:02PM

I agree with hhmag70. People will simply ignore your disclaimer and "ding" you if they don't agree with your charges, no matter how reasonable they are. I have also noticed that when listing eBay tells the seller some no no's about referring to the feedback, so be careful.

Good luck though.

Joe

illinifan912 · December 11, 2011 2:12PM

put whatever you want as a disclaimer not gonna help.

digicat · December 11, 2011 3:29PM

You (and your buyers) can save a little bit if you go with Ebay's ShipCover insurance instead of USPS insurance.

earlycalguy · December 11, 2011 3:32PM

by the time someone is leaving you feedback days or weeks later they are not very likely to remember the details listed in the description such as your shipping lingo

Probstein123 · December 11, 2011 7:43PM

I hear the sentiment, but people don't read, they just react...

jlzinck · December 11, 2011 9:20PM

<< You (and your buyers) can save a little bit if you go with Ebay's ShipCover insurance instead of USPS insurance. >>

A gentleman on the Blowout forums swears by Ebay ShipCover and will not use anything else for hi priced items.

TonyC · December 11, 2011 10:02PM

Just a thought: when people see that you're concerned about your DSRs, do you think they become more likely to mess you with because they know it bothers you?

Boopotts · December 11, 2011 10:29PM

Every time I read a disclaimer like that-- and many sellers have them-- I assume I'm dealing with a high-maintenance amateur who doesn't know how to handle himself professionally.

When in doubt, do what the pros do. Read Rick's auction descriptions, or Bret Toman's, or even 4SCs. If they aren't begging people not to ding their stars or whatever then you shouldn't do it either.

bobbyw8469 · December 11, 2011 10:30PM

I like the thought behind it. People won't read it though. It is too long winded. Just do like I have done. Run your reports, block the dingers, and move on......too many decent buyers on Ebay to give your stuff away to.

Elemenopeo · December 11, 2011 11:21PM

I understand the frustration, but you won't be doing yourself any favors with that. Your disclaimer comes across as bitter and defensive and it would raise a red flag with me of a potentially problematic seller... and I'd steer clear.

Brick · December 12, 2011 12:01AM

<< I understand the frustration, but you won't be doing yourself any favors with that. Your disclaimer comes across as bitter and defensive and it would raise a red flag with me of a potentially problematic seller... and I'd steer clear. >>

bking · December 12, 2011 12:02AM

<< Just a thought: when people see that you're concerned about your DSRs, do you think they become more likely to mess you with because they know it bothers you? >>

Not only that, but just about the only time I check a seller's feedback for problems (beyond the percentage) is when I read a bunch of complaints in the body of their listing. It makes me think they have had a bunch of issues.

ndleo · December 12, 2011 12:09AM

I would avoid a seller that had that type of disclaimer on his listing.

The reality is that ebay wants you to eat the shipping. I rarely run auctions anymore and just list a starting price I can accept with S&H.

jimrad · December 12, 2011 1:41AM

<< 

<< I understand the frustration, but you won't be doing yourself any favors with that. Your disclaimer comes across as bitter and defensive and it would raise a red flag with me of a potentially problematic seller... and I'd steer clear. >>

>>

Yankees001 · December 12, 2011 9:41PM

It doesn't mean anything on ebay. Buyers will still leave you the feedback and start they want to.

Also it's way too long.

Dave

WinPitcher · December 12, 2011 10:26PM

I like it, make sure it's in really large type.

Maybe different colors too. (Neon)

Having it blink wouldn't hurt either.

thedutymon · December 12, 2011 10:41PM

<< 

<< Just a thought: when people see that you're concerned about your DSRs, do you think they become more likely to mess you with because they know it bothers you? >>

Not only that, but just about the only time I check a seller's feedback for problems (beyond the percentage) is when I read a bunch of complaints in the body of their listing. It makes me think they have had a bunch of issues. >>

Same here !!!!!!!

YeeHah

Neil

Southsider · December 12, 2011 10:47PM

The more disclaimers, exclamation points, capital letters, large font and colors that a seller uses in an auction makes me increasing likely to avoid doing business with that person. In my experience these are warning signs of a real pain to deal with. I'd rather not.

cards651 · December 13, 2011 12:02AM

Lots of great comments here. Not sure if this helps but I would add that buyers are comparing your shipping costs to other sellers. Buyers really do not care about the cost of materials and USPS charges. Actual costs are irrelevant. A good seller needs to figure out a way to compete with what other sellers are charging. Also, an individual seller is not 4sc or Rick P. or Kruk cards. All of the big name company/consignors have generally invested heavily and are able to charge more for shipping. A buyer knows that these sellers are in the business of providing collectibles. They are not filling orders upon returning home from work. This is not intended as an insult. I buy lots of cards and I can tell you that I bought a good amount from 4sc and a good amount from Jim/Tom/Charlie etc. These are two different markets and buyers have different expectations from each of them.

TmbrWolf22 · December 13, 2011 11:33PM

Not sure why everyone cares so much about these Ebay stars .... I have never been concearned as a seller, or a buyer about stars.

Southsider · December 14, 2011 12:06AM

<< Not sure why everyone cares so much about these Ebay stars .... I have never been concearned as a seller, or a buyer about stars. >>

Some sellers (power sellers?) get discounts on Ebay fees based on maintaining their star ratings above a certain level. So people who give sellers low stars can actually cost the seller some money in the long run.

bobbyw8469 · December 14, 2011 12:38AM

<< So people who give sellers low stars can actually cost the seller some money in the long run. >>

Exactly. It is ESPECIALLY vindicitive when the star dingers are sellers themselves and charging the EXACT same shipping charge as you!! I guess what is good for the goose is not necessarily good for the gander.

My New Ebay Shipping Charge Disclaimer

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