Question about eBay Shipping - DPChallenge Forums

02/07/2005 11:39:22 AM · #1

I'm relatively new to Ebay, having only made 4 transactions, ever, but something happened to me on this last one and I'm not sure what to think of it.

I won an auction for a used Elan 7 film camera. I think I got a good deal, since most of the history on sales of similar cameras seem to be higher.

I immediately Paypaled the auction price, and, as per the seller's intructions, $20 for shipping from Minnesota to Montreal, Canada. For that price, I expected rapid shipment. When I got it, over two weeks later, I saw that the seller had sent it regular parcel airmail, at a cost of only $6.90 or so. $13 less than what I paid him.

Is this normal? Did the seller take a markup on shipping in order to make up for a lower than hoped for selling price?

I have not left any feedback yet, and neither has he, which is odd, considering I paid him within about 12 hours of the aution's closing.

I don't really care about the $13 dollars. It's more a question of principle. I don't like being taken advantage of.

Any opinions on what happened here or what I should do?

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

02/07/2005 11:44:20 AM · #2

It seems to be a growing trend on ebay that sellers charge exorbitant shipping rates. Or shipping and "handling," as they are perhaps thinking. I would double check the auction and make sure that it didn't say anywhere on there that he was sending it parcel airmail and then I would probably leave neutral feedback stating that they overcharged for slow shipping (unless the camera was packaged in $13 worth of packaging, which I highly doubt).

I always check now for the shipping price before I bid and unless they mention that they will be sending it at the speed of light, I don't bid if the amount seems crazy. It doesn't cost $15 to mail a cd, etc.

kosmikkreeper

Nikon D300s

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

02/07/2005 11:44:51 AM · #3

HI Mario... I started buying on Ebay as well in the past year... I always ask what shipping costs AND method (USPS, UPS, FedEx...) will be to Canada (and I aslo ask if they can ship it as a "gift" to prevent customs fees.. hint hint ;-)).

You have to remember that the shipping fee includes "handling", the box, ect... from my personal experience, $20 by USPS is a bit excessive.

Yanik

awpollard

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

02/07/2005 11:53:00 AM · #4

When shopping ebay the MOST important thing to check before/whilst bidding on an item is to check the Shipping and Handling cost. There are many that make their money from the Handling Cost...13 bucks over the shipping seems high but maybe the guy had to drive many miles to get it to the post office/UPS/Fedex.

The seller sets his/her own cost for handling which should cover packaging and the drive to the post office.

It will (should) specifically say in the shipping section of the listing what method the seller will ship. I personally use USPS Priority when selling and that very clear the bidders.

How did the individual ship it to you? $6.90 sounds like USPS or ground UPS. If USPS we do that all from the comfort of our own computers now, Label, insurace etc...the Postman picks it up so Handling should not be that high...and then if your Camera comes in a recycled box (used before) then I would wonder about the handling charge as well.

Again the first MOST important thing to check while bidding is how much are they going to dig you on shipping and handling. If it seems high and they don't tell you the method the item is going to be shipped...email the seller first.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

02/07/2005 11:58:57 AM · #5

They should be upfront about what the "handling" fees are. I almost never charge anything above the actual UPS cost. The exception is something that will take a lot of time and material to pack safely, like a bicycle, large telescope etc.

Keep in mind that soem people simply take the item to the UPS store and pay for them to pack and send the item. That is not economical. I bought a small box from the UPS store when I was in a hurry once and it cost me $8.00, for just the BOX!

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm f/4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

02/07/2005 11:59:19 AM · #6

There are many e-bay sites that make their profit on "handling" fees, yes. It's a "buyer beware" situation. Always check the shipping cost before bidding, and factor it into your maximum bid amount. In other words, "This item is worth $25.00 to me at my door; he wants 13 dollars for shipping/handling; my maximum bid will be 12 dollars."

On the feedback, be very careful. Feedback is becoming a tool sellers use to hold buyers hostage. A huge percentage of sellers will NOT give feedback until you do, and their feedback will mimic yours or worse. If you give them a neutral, they'll often give you a negative. In my experience, e-bay feedback has become an absolute joke.

We do a LOT of selling on e-bay (books) and we're very experienced at it. We are one of the few that gives feedback on receipt of payment.

Robt.

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

02/07/2005 12:16:13 PM · #7

Is it worth emailing the seller, asking him to justify his shipping markup? See if he flinches?

thatcloudthere

Canon EOS-1D

02/07/2005 12:18:27 PM · #8

Originally posted by mariomel:

Is it worth emailing the seller, asking him to justify his shipping markup? See if he flinches?

No...

OneSweetSin

Nikon D3000

02/07/2005 12:20:52 PM · #9

Something you might be missing is reasons for the extra shipping and handling. Packaging as well as the seller fees that ebay charges are often added into the shipping and handling charge.

vince31874

02/07/2005 12:31:11 PM · #10

I am an EBAY seller. Although I don't charge crazy amounts for shipping, I do include the cost of packing materials.

For instance.. If someone is getting something shipped UPS, I charge for the rate, plus an extra 1.50 for packaging.

Also, as buyers, we don't make as much of a profit as you think on shipping, since we have to pay EBAY a listing fee, a commission, and we also have to pay PAYPAL their fees.

Message edited by author 2005-02-07 12:36:15.

ElGordo

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS for Canon

02/07/2005 12:39:11 PM · #11

I have used eBay since 1998, both buying and selling. I always check the shipping cost before bidding and refuse to bid on anything that has a rediculous shipping charge. Cost of shipping materials and actual transport costs are acceptable. There are a lot of unscrupulous sellers on eBay that will sell at a very low price but gouge on the shipping. All in all, it is up to you to determine if the item is worth the combined sale price plus shipping cost.

02/07/2005 12:40:52 PM · #12

Originally posted by vince31874:

For instance.. If someone is getting something shipped UPS, I charge for the rate, plus an extra 1.50 for packaging.

I would not have even questioned that mark-up. That is very reasonable.

Originally posted by vince31874:

Also, as buyers, we don't make as much of a profit as you think on shipping, since we have to pay EBAY a listing fee, a commission, and we also have to pay PAYPAL their fees.

Those are NOT shipping fees. Those are costs of doing business that way. They should not be camouflaged as shipping costs.

vince31874

02/07/2005 12:42:13 PM · #13

I was not saying thats what I do, but thats the general reasoning behind it.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

02/07/2005 12:44:52 PM · #14

Originally posted by vince31874:

I was not saying thats what I do, but thats the general reasoning behind it.

Sorry, I didn't mean to imply that you did.

If someone does that, it's wrong.

vince31874

02/07/2005 12:49:12 PM · #15

Its ok.. I worded it wrong. I did say "WE". But I don't do that stuff.

Ecce_Signum

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

02/07/2005 12:50:26 PM · #16

Originally posted by bear_music:

Always check the shipping cost before bidding, and factor it into your maximum bid amount. In other words, "This item is worth $25.00 to me at my door; he wants 13 dollars for shipping/handling; my maximum bid will be 12 dollars."

Good point, well made! I have bought a few reasonably expensive items recently ($400+) and quite often (using the buy now feature) I get a better deal buying a more expensive item but after paying shipping/handling costs end up with a cheaper item and, I have to say, I normally get better service from more realistically priced goods with resonable shipping/handling costs.

lwkimages

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

02/07/2005 01:13:29 PM · #17

Originally posted by mariomel:

...
Originally posted by vince31874:

Also, as buyers, we don't make as much of a profit as you think on shipping, since we have to pay EBAY a listing fee, a commission, and we also have to pay PAYPAL their fees.

Those are NOT shipping fees. Those are costs of doing business that way. They should not be camouflaged as shipping costs.

While they're not shipping fees, they certainly qualify as handling fees, if you factor your cost of doing business into handling. I recently sold a lens for $325 + $15 S&H. The $15 covers the $10 or so for shipping/insurance/packaging + part of my cost for eBay and Paypal fees. I also consider the time it takes to photograph, describe and post the sale as "handling", or should those costs be camouflaged in the base price?

...I think the bottom line is for you, as a bidder, to consider the total amount you're willing to pay for an item, including base price and S&H, ...and, as bear_music indicated, bid accordingly.

Message edited by author 2005-02-07 13:14:36.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

02/08/2005 12:27:02 PM · #18

Well, last night I decided to contact the seller, to let him know that the lens has arrived safe and sound, and mentioned to him that I was surprised about the high mark-up on the shipping cost. He rapidly replied that he was sorry for the added cost to shipping and this morning sent me a $5 credit on Paypal. Now that's class.

As I said earlier, the $ was not the issue. It was more a matter of principle. But given his gesture, which I never expected, I'm very impressed, and my faith in people's honnesty has been restored.

All is well....

Now I have to go out and buy some film and try out my new camera. Wide angle photography here I come. Time to break out the fisheye!
WOOT WOOT!
:)

kosmikkreeper

Nikon D300s

02/08/2005 01:08:41 PM · #19

Originally posted by mariomel:

Now I have to go out and buy some film and try out my new camera. Wide angle photography here I come. Time to break out the fisheye!
WOOT WOOT!
:)

Film??? What the heck is that!!?!?! ;-)

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

02/08/2005 01:16:40 PM · #20

Originally posted by mariomel:

As I said earlier, the $ was not the issue. It was more a matter of principle. But given his gesture, which I never expected, I'm very impressed, and my faith in people's honnesty has been restored.

A good resolution indeed. Perhaps they just didn't know the cost of shipping and took a wild guess? In any case, I'm glad it worked out for you but I'd still caution against having full faith in the honesty of all ebay users. :)

Niten

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

02/08/2005 01:34:35 PM · #21

Probaly just an honest guy that put enough on there so he knew it would cover him. As long as he tells how much the shipping is going to be its all figured in.

Clearly he cares about his feedback, he paid you $5 to keep from getting a negative. If he had the shipping cost on there before you bought it, you extorted $5. Money saved is money earned eh? :)

Prof_Fate

02/08/2005 02:04:40 PM · #22

Shipping cost is hard to figure when you list an auction on eBay.
a)i have no idea where the buyer is or will be. If I ship USPS that may not matter much, but UPS it can certainly make a HUGE difference. I have been charged $2 more for 'rural delivery surcharge' - without a specific address there is no way for me, the shipper to know that charge will exist.

I don't trust USPS too far. UPS is trustworthy (try finding a lost package or getting paid for it!). If you pay USPS for all the bells an whistles UPS includes, the price is very similar.

When you try and ship across int'l borders - good f'n luck. There are customs forms and as for USPS insurance...it does not apply once ht epackage leaves US soil. So if it gets there broken you will never see your money as the shippers all point at eachother.

As for handling fees - yes, i agree that many seller overcharge. However, I have to drive 18 miles round trip to either USPS or UPS. I live in the boonies - my mailman is an inde contractor, no box pickup here. I have to stand in line when i get there. So my gas, car wear and tear and time are worth what? $20 an hour? Then my handling is $15, plus packaging materials and TIME for that too.

To be honest, i try to markup my shipping costs (actual postage) by 10% to cover my time, gas, materials. It is not enough. 20% is closer to break even.

I have refunded and charged more when actual shipping is out of line with what I had listed in my auction or if ht ebuyer is some place bizarre (it is amazing how many cannot read 'ship to USA only!).

Jacko