Shipping & Handling costs

[doodman]

I bought some items from ebay and they said the S&H was $15.00. I looked at the postage and it said $6.38.

I have never looked at this before. Does everyone do it? Is this bad on their part? Did they rip me off?

Or is this normal? Do people have a charge for the "handling" part?

I can contact them, but I wanted to know if this is normal. Because I am sure they will say so.

I really don't want to be pissed-off about this, but I have a feeling I might be. But I suppose anyone can charge what they want for "handling."

A lot of questions, but does anyone have any answers?

 

[Snags]

A friend of mine does a ton of sales on ebay, and he bases the shipping charge on what it would cost from here (Seattle) to New York. If he sells to someone there, he breaks even. Closer, he makes usually enough to cover shipping and his auction fee. I don't think anybody has ever complained about it.

 

[doodman]

A friend of mine does a ton of sales on ebay, and he bases the shipping charge on what it would cost from here (Seattle) to New York. If he sells to someone there, he breaks even. Closer, he makes usually enough to cover shipping and his auction fee. I don't think anybody has ever complained about it.

So you are saying I wasn't screwed? I am fine with paying extra as long as it is normal and I have just never looked into it before.

 

[Snags]

It's fairly common.

 

[mikeslub]

Many sellers of high volume, low dollar amount items on ebay make their entire profit on their fixed shipping and handling charges, which almost always exceeds their costs for shipping and "handling" (that's where they get 'ya). If it indicates their charge in the ad and you buy it, then you owe it even if their cost is lower.

 

[Snags]

Many sellers of high volume, low dollar amount items on ebay make their entire profit on their fixed shipping and handling charges, which almost always exceeds their costs for shipping and "handling" (that's where they get 'ya). If it indicates their charge in the ad and you buy it, then you owe it even if their cost is lower.

My friend sells tools, and a large percentage of his sales go to rural areas where it's much more convenient for the buyer to go through the postal service rather than drive to the nearest hardware store.

 

[doodman]

My friend sells tools, and a large percentage of his sales go to rural areas where it's much more convenient for the buyer to go through the postal service rather than drive to the nearest hardware store.

huhuh- he delivers tools in "rural areas"- huhuh. Does he-uh- deliver in the rear?huhuh And what are HIS "handling fees?"huhuh

 

[Tom Wittrock]

I know when I ship something, it costs me a lot more than postage. Time, effort, packaging and materials, etc....
What is fair, depends on many factors.
Ask up front, before the deal is done. That's your best chance of being satisfied.

 

[doodman]

I know when I ship something, it costs me a lot more than postage. Time, effort, packaging and materials, etc....
What is fair, depends on many factors.
Ask up front, before the deal is done. That's your best chance of being satisfied.

I am actually "satisfied." But I was really more curious than anything. I could have asked the question better, but I was on the verge of becoming emotional about the issue. It is just not something I have ever thought about.

Thanks guys!! I'll go cool down now.

 

[Tonefiend]

"handling" is the most expensive part of selling on Ebay. You have the packaging materials, and then the time driving to the P.O. then waiting in line which is an easy 30 minutes.

 

[Rich R]

LOTS of items on eBay have S and H higher than the sales price. Its an important factor to consider.

 

[DaveTV]

Shipping takes time, and time is money, right?

I could just throw it in a box with no protection, and send it on it's way.........or, spend some time and do it right.

It's also a good way to recoup the paypal fees, if someone pays with a credit card.