[CR]Re: Outrageous shipping charges

(Example: Framebuilders:Jack Taylor)

Date: Mon, 07 Feb 2005 09:03:37 -0800
From: "Rich Pinder" <rpinder@usc.edu>
In-reply-to: <BE2CF596.5DB04%tullio@TheRamp.net>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
References:
Subject: [CR]Re: Outrageous shipping charges

I recently got a huffy reply from one person when I asked whether he'd 'reduce' shipping costs based on using Priority Mail. Something like "Did you read anywhere on my ad where it said shipping costs are negotiable" (ouch...).

Many folks are actually using Ebay as a business, and the recent thread about parting out bikes, and how the individual parts just really add up - shows that a few $$ could indeed be made if someone wanted to do auctioneering full time. And, if someone flat rates for $8 , and they have 7 small parts that all get shipped out on one day, AND they use the USPS free packaging and $3.85 flat rate priority mail, well thats a net income for their 'shipping costs' of $29.05 for that days trip to the post office. WAIT - they dont have to go to the UPSP if the envelope/box is 1lb or under, they can just leave it on the front step for the postman (at least, I can do that here where I live)

One thing that I have seen on a couple sellers, (and have done on the very few sales I've made) , is clearly state my intent to ONLY charge actual shipping charges, and that any excess will be refunded to buyer, via paypal. I think its a nice touch, and wish I saw it more.

Rich Pinder Van Nuys, CA
> I've also asked them to re-calculate if I'm close
>to them. A lot of times I ask after I won the item, and I tell you, they
>do it. So ask, and you will receive.
>
>
>george argiris
>
>On my own auctions, I often estimate the shipping cost because I am unable
>to fully package each item, weigh it, and look up the shipping cost on the
>internet before each auction. So, I'll give it my best guess and state a
>flat rate in the auction. Sometimes I'm high and make a buck or two.
>Sometimes I'm low and lose a buck or two.

>

>Todd Kuzma