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The Kitchen Table

Ebay seller vent!

13 years ago

I've been buying and selling at ebay for about 10 yrs, and you would think I'd learn. The last 2 items I sold the postage cost me more then the buyer paid. I always try to add just a bit more in case and to pay fees, so how is this happening? People just hate to pay high postage but by the time you pay postage, ebay & paypal fees you haven't made anything or you ended up in the hole.

If your put your prices too high they won't buy. I can't win for losing!

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Comments (9)

good36
13 years ago
I always weigh mine and put in the furthest away zip code. I live in Michigan and I put in a California zip code. That is what I charge for USA shipping. I was losing money too. I realized it was because I was using local shipping rates.
User
13 years ago
I used to sell on Ebay. I had a scale and measuring tape and always said the customer will pay actual postage, which will be determined at the end of the auction. Please ask before bidding. They would email me, I would get their zip code/postal code, then let them know exactly what they're paying, by going to Canada Post's website and inputting all the information.

OR, you can go to the post office website, input the measurements and weight, then play with postal codes to see approximately what it would cost to send to the US, Canada or overseas and then charge that amount.
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Original Author
13 years ago
I have my own scale and I have been using the Calculated shipping option. That's why I don't understand whats going on. I always add just a few extra ounces just in case I am off.
lynn_d
13 years ago
Can you use the flat rate shipping from the USPS? Keep the boxes on hand so that you know if the item will fit?
ruthieg__tx
13 years ago
It happened to me once or twice but I've gotten pretty savy about rates. I love the flat rate boxes...
User
Original Author
13 years ago
Usually the flat rate box is more then the normal charge so I rarely use them.

I just had another one I under charged. I will have to start being more careful. grrrrr
wildchild
13 years ago
I have my own scale and I have been using the Calculated shipping option. That's why I don't understand whats going on. I always add just a few extra ounces just in case I am off.

When using Calculated shipping you will see the shipping to your location since you are signed in on your eBay name using your zip code.
So the shipping price (calculated) will always show the lowest cost--- zone 1 cost.

You have to put in the farthest zip code from yours to get an accurate cost.
jackie_ok
13 years ago
I always use the calculated shipping and I have never had a problem unless it is an oversized package. You would see the calculated cost in your zone, but your buyer would see the cost in their zone so that is really the only way to do it unless you use Priority Mail flat rate boxes.
wildchild
13 years ago
I don't think the OP was using the shipping calculator widget that is is available to the buyer. I think she was saying she was using the eBay calculator to decide what to charge for shipping. If she was offering the calculator that Jackie refers to she wouldn't be setting a shipping price. The calculator would. The widget that you can make available for the bidders is different from just the calculator where one puts in the weight and size of the package.

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