Buyer chooses shipping

[cottagecache]

How do I list so that buyer always pays the shipping method I choose, such as first class?

[7606dennis · Accepted solution]

You have to list it with the method that you choose as the only method offered and with the buyer paying the S&H. 

You could offer free shipping and simply add the cost into your asking price but that requires that you use the highest possible shipping cost in your calculations.

[nobody*s_perfect]

Buyers can only choose from among the shipping options that you have decided to offer in the listing.It's misleading for eBay to say that the buyer "chose" the shipping method when you only offer one "choice." If you set up your listing with only First Class shipping, then that's what the buyer will "choose."

[simply-the-best-for-you]

If you only offer 1 choice, then they will have to 'choose' the 1 choice you offer.  

The only way they can choose is if YOU offer more than 1 option. 

[cottagecache]

One more question along these lines:  why isn’t first class shipping offered by eBay always. I’ve been finding (too late) that priority was the one chosen by eBay and I didn’t have the option for first class. 

[rosachs]

eBay can't offer First Class for all listings - First Class is for packages under 1lb total weight.  If you go over that, USPS requires a different class.  Priority Mail is often the service used, but Parcel can also handle those larger packages.

During the 8-9yrs I was selling shoes (and self-employed), I offered two shipping options at the same rate - USPS and FedEx Ground.  What I noticed is that customers 'chose' whichever shipping option was presented first, even tho they could select either.  I even changed the charges, making whichever service was second be the cheaper one -- and the first service listed was still the mass favorite.

My conclusion was that most customers don't even think about shipping, or didn't at that time.  The checkout form has changed and those alternate options are more visible, but I believe the default is still the first service on the list.  Most folks never look and never change.

-Bob.

[simply-the-best-for-you]

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@cottagecache wrote:

One more question along these lines:  why isn’t first class shipping offered by eBay always. I’ve been finding (too late) that priority was the one chosen by eBay and I didn’t have the option for first class. 

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@cottagecache  B/C FC may not be allowed for the weight or type of the item.  eBay doesn't know what method you're going to need to use.  Some sellers use MM, some use Parcel, some pkgs have to go Priority.  It wouldn't be correct to always have FC as the default. 

ETA:  Also some items are restricted to ground travel & cannot go FC.  Those items can be more common than you think. 

[phibroa_11]

It's ridiculous to pay  $100+ shipping on a $100 item.  That will discourage most buyers if time is not of the essence. I can understand the seller choosing the carrier, but the buyer should be able to choose service level.

[ckimodog]

@phibroa_11 

This is an old thread from July of 2022, I doubt that person will reply.  Should you have any concerns or questions it's always a good idea to start your own thread to get the help and answers you need.  The mods will most likely shut this one down due to it's age & the best answer was chosen.

Happy New Year

[ebooksdiva]

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@phibroa_11 wrote:

It's ridiculous to pay  $100+ shipping on a $100 item.  That will discourage most buyers if time is not of the essence. I can understand the seller choosing the carrier, but the buyer should be able to choose service level.

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@phibroa_11 

No one is forcing you to buy that item at that shipping price. 
Sellers make the decision as to what carrier they use and the type of shipping that carrier provides.

Some sellers offer buyers a choice of shipping options some don’t.
You are free to find a seller that has the same item with a shipping cost you would be happy with. 

[kh-stanley1]

Hi everyone,

Due to the age of this thread, it has been closed to further replies. Please feel free to start a new thread HERE if you wish to continue to discuss this topic.

Thank you for understanding.