One thing I've noticed about the new eBay star ratings.

Russ · May 14, 2007 6:23AM

There are plenty of bidders who don't have a friggin' clue about shipping costs. I lose money on shipping, yet I don't have solid 5's for that category.

Russ, NCNE

ebaytrader · May 14, 2007 6:29AM

<< I lose money on shipping, >>

It's gets a lot worse starting today. A couple of packages that would have cost $8-9 on Friday cost over $11.00 today. I just shipped a 4 ounce item that was 70¢ more than Friday.

Russ · May 14, 2007 6:30AM

<< <>

It's gets a lot worse starting today. A couple of packages that would have cost $8-9 on Friday cost over $11.00 today. I just shipped a 4 ounce item that was 70¢ more than Friday. >>

Yeah, I know. I took it up the ass on 40 packages this morning.

Russ, NCNE

LALASD4 · May 14, 2007 6:37AM

All Ebay items should be ship COD's so bidders will know how much it cost.

I am just joking of course.

Cameonut · May 14, 2007 6:37AM

I haven't sold anything under the new rating system yet.

As far as shipping goes, I clearly state what the shipping charges are. I use Priority Mail or Registered Mail for a variety of reasons. And I do everything I can to keep it reasonable - in other words, I don't gouge the buyer.

If the buyers don't like it, I'll let them rate me low on shipping. I don't set the rates at the PO.

ccmorgan · May 14, 2007 6:44AM

Buyers often feel the have the upper hand when judging sellers. Me, as long as I get the goods I give good ratings. Not the sellers fault if I don't read what shipping and insurance is.

clarkbar04 · May 14, 2007 6:52AM

I don't care about shipping charges. If they are high, I figure it into the cost of the coin and bid accordingly. If it is a nice coin that I really like, I figure, it beat the hell out of me having to spend the gas and lodging to drive 3 hours to a coin show to find it.

grabba · May 14, 2007 6:54AM

I took a hit also on shipping this morning as I shipped out 8 packages. I can't believe how much it is costing to send things now. I'm definitely going to revise my shipping charges.

I can't even imagine sending out 40 packages in one visit.

grabba · May 14, 2007 6:55AM

How many transactions as a seller does it take before you get those star things?

Zoins · May 14, 2007 6:57AM

I haven't given any seller detailed ratings yet, I just use the traditional positive/negative/neutral.

123cents · May 14, 2007 7:01AM

I'll fix you up good on the stars rating Russ when I get my 1807.

Bochiman · May 14, 2007 7:04AM

<< How many transactions as a seller does it take before you get those star things? >>

10 reported transactions. If under 10 left for feedback, you can't see it until it reaches 10

Russ · May 14, 2007 7:06AM

<< I'll fix you up good on the stars rating Russ when I get my 1807. >>

Which one did you get? I think you may be one of the ones I REALLY got hosed on.

Russ, NCNE

puritan9 · May 14, 2007 7:08AM

How can people complain about shipping when they know the cost before they bid? If they don't like it, don't bid.

I do not overcharge at all, but some people have no clue what it cost to ship. You have to buy boxes, packing material, and put gas in your car (and that ain't cheap! ) to get to the post office.

123cents · May 14, 2007 7:09AM

<< 

<< I'll fix you up good on the stars rating Russ when I get my 1807. >>

Which one did you get? I think you may be one of the ones I REALLY got hosed on.

Russ, NCNE >>

The ANACS VF-20.

Bochiman · May 14, 2007 7:20AM

<< How can people complain about shipping when they know the cost before they bid? If they don't like it, don't bid.

I do not overcharge at all, but some people have no clue what it cost to ship. You have to buy boxes, packing material, and put gas in your car (and that ain't cheap! ) to get to the post office. >>

Careful, while I agree with you, there are some that will string up up for that comment....you do know you can have the mail carrier pick up from your residence, right? You also know that you should not consider the materials nor gas as it was nice of someone to buy your stuff anyway

(only half joking with those...not from me but from what others have posted here).

messydesk · May 14, 2007 7:21AM

To many bidders, a '5' is going to mean free overnight shipping. Hostile power screwers will use intimidation to get buyers to leave high scores. EBay will become a kinder, gentler, and more civilized place as a result.

Russ · May 14, 2007 7:23AM

<< I do not overcharge at all, but some people have no clue what it cost to ship. You have to buy boxes, packing material, and put gas in your car (and that ain't cheap! ) to get to the post office. >>

I don't figure anything in to my costs other than postage, insurance, and packing materials and I was still over a grand in the red last year, and I'm tracking even even worse so far this year.

Russ, NCNE

Russ · May 14, 2007 7:24AM

PS: Which is okay, since I don't look at shipping as a profit center. But, the ignorance of some eBay bidders irritates me.

Russ, NCNE

Cladiator · May 14, 2007 7:25AM

<< 

<< I do not overcharge at all, but some people have no clue what it cost to ship. You have to buy boxes, packing material, and put gas in your car (and that ain't cheap! ) to get to the post office. >>

I don't figure anything in to my costs other than postage, insurance, and packing materials and I was still over a grand in the red last year, and I'm tracking even even worse so far this year.

Russ, NCNE >>

Sounds to me like you need to raise your rates. No one is in business to lose money.

puritan9 · May 14, 2007 7:27AM

I know I will never leave a box in front of my home waiting to be picked up since the person picking it up might not be from the post office.

I don't make a dime on shipping.

CarlWohlforth · May 14, 2007 7:41AM

I finally have enough detailed ratings to see what they look like. My average is 4.5 for shipping charges, 4.9 for communications and shipping time and 5 for item as described. I ship within 24 hours of getting paid and don't even hold most checks until cleared but I still got nicked on that one. There is no way in the world I could ship any sooner.

I think some ornery people just don't give out the highest ranking. If they can choose pos, neg or neutral they will go pos, if they get to rate out of 5 they will go 4 even if they have no complaint at all.

I also think people want free shipping. Even if they know the costs ahead of time and even if they know the costs are reasonable they will tag you for that just because.

Zoins · May 14, 2007 7:44AM

<< I also think people want free shipping. Even if they know the costs ahead of time and even if they know the costs are reasonable they will tag you for that just because. >>

They may have been spoiled by Amazon.com. I always get free shipping from Amazon and think it's great. Yes I know eBay sellers are not in the same league as Amazon and I don't expect free shipping when buying on eBay. I'm just providing a possible reason for this phenomena.

StrikeOutXXX · May 14, 2007 8:06AM

Only because Carl had his eBay link, and I know Russ's, I did a little comparison. This wasn't to show who is better/cheaper or to be a wise guy, I just find it funny that Carl's rating is lower than Russ' given the following in the last week or so that I found close:

Carl Item Close, Shipping Cost. Carl includes insurance in his cost.
$211.49 - $4.50
$167.29 - $2.50
$118.51 - $2.50
$106.41 - $2.50

Russ Item Close, Shipping Cost. Russ includes Careful packing and insurance in his cost.
$212.50 - $5.95
$168.01 - $3.95
$117.51 - $3.95
$107.50 - $3.95

Assuming insurance costs the same for both, and postage is the same (on average since it's different per zip code), if Russ is losing money, Carl must be losing his shirt. Maybe one of you has a supplier of envelopes, boxes, packing material different from the other? What exactly are you including with your packaging that is costing the money? Carl, do you just lose money and factor that into a higher bid price? Where can Russ save $1.50 on shipping?

thisnamztaken · May 14, 2007 8:12AM

<< I lose money on shipping, yet I don't have solid 5's for that category >>

How did you learn that? I thought that sellers would not be able to see their own "star" ratings but that just potential bidders would see them.

CarlWohlforth · May 14, 2007 8:16AM

I lost money shipping the items you listed. I think Russ and I use similar packing supplies. I am self insured for items under $100 which I think saves me half a buck per item. I also ship first class. Perhaps Russ ships Priority? Hmmm, maybe first class really is slower and that is why I got nicked on shipping time?

Another thing is I just received my 10th detailed feedback today so my data reflects only 10 customers. Russ' detailed info reflects many more feedbacks so my lower rating may be skewed by one customer.

Goldbully · May 14, 2007 8:16AM

<< 

<< I lose money on shipping, yet I don't have solid 5's for that category >>

How did you learn that? I thought that sellers would not be able to see their own "star" ratings but that just potential bidders would see them.

>>

What if Russ logs out and logs in as a guest????

He'll see stars for sure!

CarlWohlforth · May 14, 2007 8:18AM

<<How did you learn that? I thought that sellers would not be able to see their own "star" ratings but that just potential bidders would see them. >>

I can see the details, no problem. I can see the star ratings and when I hover my mouse over them I see the exact number like 4.9/5.

percyb · May 14, 2007 8:22AM

You should look at the cost of shipping that dealers of paper money charge. It's over the moon.

Russ · May 14, 2007 8:38AM

<< Only because Carl had his eBay link, and I know Russ's, I did a little comparison. This wasn't to show who is better/cheaper or to be a wise guy, I just find it funny that Carl's rating is lower than Russ' given the following in the last week or so that I found close:

Carl Item Close, Shipping Cost. Carl includes insurance in his cost.
$211.49 - $4.50
$167.29 - $2.50
$118.51 - $2.50
$106.41 - $2.50

Russ Item Close, Shipping Cost. Russ includes Careful packing and insurance in his cost.
$212.50 - $5.95
$168.01 - $3.95
$117.51 - $3.95
$107.50 - $3.95 >>

If I felt motivated, I'd list 10 times as many auctions that sold for WAY more than my estimate and cost me as much as double my charge to ship. But, let's analyze the ones you listed:

$212.50 - $5.95
Actual just postage cost: $6.07

$168.01 - $3.95
Actual just postage cost: $3.92

$117.51 - $3.95
Actual just postage cost: $3.92

$107.50 - $3.95
Actual just postage cost: $3.92

Add in the Safetmailer at 13c, the bubble mailer at 18c, and the label at 6c and I lost money on every one you listed.

Russ, NCNE

ReleaseTheHounds · May 14, 2007 8:46AM

I paid $2.50 shipping for a coin that cost under 70 cents in postage to ship. I gave the guy 4 stars out of 5.

Bochiman · May 14, 2007 8:53AM

<< I paid $2.50 shipping for a coin that cost under 70 cents in postage to ship. I gave the guy 4 stars out of 5. >>

That's part of the problem. See what Russ listed.
Shipping supplies aren't free and, a lot of shippers that do this a lot, have their own insurance (private) and can't use the USPS insurance I believe.

So, you paid $2.50. You don't state what it is. I would think, unless that was for a loose coin, in a piece of paper, and in an envelope with no packing around it, that that is a good price for something to be shipped. The $0.70 was likely for shipping itself. Seller probably figured to "self-insure" since it was likley under $50. Why bother giving $1.30 to the USPS. If something had happened, seller would likely have eaten the return or sent a similar coin to you.

So, value of insurance is ~$1.30 in that case. Add the price of any shipping materials, and you are getting right close.....if the seller doesn't buy in bulk, then the materials likely cost more than Russ showed.

I think, if you did give 4 out of 5 stars, and part of it was to ding the seller for charging $2.50 and postage only showing $0.70, then you are an unreasonable person that I really wouldn't want to chance buying from me.

MrBeast · May 14, 2007 8:57AM

What is the point of having a feedback rating for shipping costs in the first place? After all, the shipping charge is clearly stated in almost every listing and isn't that all that that really matters - not what previous buyers think about what they paid. If I think someone is gouging through their s+h it doesn't matter if their feedback is 5 stars. An absolutely futile improvement.

ReleaseTheHounds · May 14, 2007 8:59AM

You make it sound like 4 out of 5 stars is a bad thing.

I guess people are used to the near perfect feedback ratings they get... gadzooks.. 4 out of 5 is only 80%!!

Russ · May 14, 2007 9:04AM

<< I guess people are used to the near perfect feedback ratings they get... gadzooks.. 4 out of 5 is only 80%!! >>

Actually, you bring up a good point. I guess I'm irritated by something that, in the scheme of things, isn't really all that important.

Russ, NCNE

ddink · May 14, 2007 9:10AM

<< you do know you can have the mail carrier pick up from your residence, right >>

Will the postal carrier also bring a scale, weigh the item, and accept your credit card as payment--or give you back change if you'd like to pay them in cash?

Not everyone is able to stay at home and babysit their packages (some eBay sellers actually *gasp* have jobs). Not everyone is able (such as if the item needs over $500 insurance) or willing to print online postage. Not everyone has the materials or other items (such as postal scales) necessary to print postal labels from the home.

As far as I'm concerned, $.485 per mile is good enough for the government, it's good enough for an eBay bidder.

<< charging $2.50 and postage only showing $0.70 >>

You are right...which is why I *always* choose the "hide postage cost on label" option in PayPal. Heaven forbid they paid $.05 more for shipping than it actually cost.

johnnymondo411 · May 14, 2007 9:23AM

If I don't think the shipping is fair and I really want the item I try to get them to lower it.

BobaFett72 · May 14, 2007 9:28AM

Its been mentioned before, and I'll say it again. The new system is retarded. The seller doesnt get to leave a detailed feedback for the buyer; they are still shackled with the basic, pos. neg. neutral. I want to rank the buyers on communication, timeliness of payment, poise, bathing suit competition and evening wear. Geez! come ebay throw me a frikkin bone here

Coxe · May 14, 2007 9:35AM

I started out trying to figure out reasonable shipping rates for each lot and it began to get insane. So I went to exact cost, charging what would surely be just a little over the highest possibility and doing a PayPal refund on the difference after I shipped. A few buyers were pleasantly surprised at that after being initially puzzled. I still like that approach. But I then just went to free shipping. Yeah, I pay fees on the whole price then, but it is simpler. I did get burned once on it. A guy in Texas had the wrong address in the system (and it was confirmed). I shipped it registered and insured. It came back to me and I had to ship it again, doubling the cost ($47) and losing me money on a great coin. The guy didn't even have the decency to leave some positive feedback.

Midus1 · May 14, 2007 9:36AM

The new Ebay feedback system is one sided in my opinion slanted to the buyer. I agree most buyers have no clue what it cost to ship a product.

CarlWohlforth · May 14, 2007 9:39AM

I had some silver Barber dimes sell recently for 10 cents. I guess the bidders were figuring in the cost of shipping because there is 90 cents of silver in those coins!

4 out of 5 bugs me too. I've had %100 positives in over 1,500 transactions and it was a goal to keep a perfect score. Ah, I guess it really doesn't matter in the big scheme of things. I've increased shipping charges today to cover the new postage rates. I think I will increase it again next week to try to cover costs on all auctions, not just to break even on average.

DenverDave · May 14, 2007 9:46AM

<< 

<< Only because Carl had his eBay link, and I know Russ's, I did a little comparison. This wasn't to show who is better/cheaper or to be a wise guy, I just find it funny that Carl's rating is lower than Russ' given the following in the last week or so that I found close:

Carl Item Close, Shipping Cost. Carl includes insurance in his cost.
$211.49 - $4.50
$167.29 - $2.50
$118.51 - $2.50
$106.41 - $2.50

Russ Item Close, Shipping Cost. Russ includes Careful packing and insurance in his cost.
$212.50 - $5.95
$168.01 - $3.95
$117.51 - $3.95
$107.50 - $3.95 >>

If I felt motivated, I'd list 10 times as many auctions that sold for WAY more than my estimate and cost me as much as double my charge to ship. But, let's analyze the ones you listed:

$212.50 - $5.95
Actual just postage cost: $6.07

$168.01 - $3.95
Actual just postage cost: $3.92

$117.51 - $3.95
Actual just postage cost: $3.92

$107.50 - $3.95
Actual just postage cost: $3.92

Add in the Safetmailer at 13c, the bubble mailer at 18c, and the label at 6c and I lost money on every one you listed.

Russ, NCNE >>

The same guys that gives ya 4 of 5 stars for shipping cost paid with PayPal..."-(

There goes another $3 to $6 per deal as listed...

LindeDad · May 14, 2007 9:49AM

Sounds like it might be time for a lot of flat rate priorty mail envelopes and a required insurance table in my listings.

sonoranmonsoon · May 14, 2007 9:53AM

I had a bit of a shock today. The PO wanted $9.00 to ship priority mail to Canada. Not quite, but almost a double. I have been offering free shipping lately, but that is rediculous. Now I have to revisit my shipping charges again.

Barndog · May 14, 2007 10:11AM

<< The new Ebay feedback system is one sided in my opinion slanted to the buyer. I agree most buyers have no clue what it cost to ship a product. >>

bingo. Offer free shipping and I guarantee you still won't be able to maintain a 5-star rating for shipping.

One thing I've noticed about the new eBay star ratings.

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