Combined shipping settings/options are screwed up. Where to change?
Am running into problems making combined purchases from certain sellers, but what's worse is that the sellers in question aren't aware that they are blocking combined total requests. They THINK they have things set up to allow combined shipping, but eBay is blocking buyers from even REQUESTING combined totals.
Is there a tutorial anywhere to link to, or send to sellers who inadvertently have their settings set incorrectly?
eBay's settings are so opaque and convoluted, with various settings either conflicting with, or operating in conjunction with, other settings under the hood in a way that sellers are oblivious to, and eBay does not effectively or clearly communicate this issue.
Note: this isn't a complaint against any particular seller. Most have been very accommodating. I just wish I knew what specifically to tell them.
The way eBay currently has this set up is killing sales. Many buyers will balk at pre-paying multiple shipping charges in the hopes that the seller MIGHT refund overage after the fact... when in fact the seller is not obligated to, as the transactional agreement the buyer entered into by checking out was paying those multiple shipping charges.
Buy first and hope to refund later is NOT what eBay's default should be, yet here we are.
12345jamesstamps
·2 years agoIf buyers are using cellphones...may not be able to do that.
But hey, as a buyer myself, I went out to the bars with the boys and bought stuff on my cellphone when I got bored or did auctions.
Yes, it is killing International sales for me. I hate doing refunds because it comes out immediately of "available funds" like in 5 seconds. LOL.
But that's why I do free domestic shipping....
That .30 per charge for each item a buyer purchases...if 2+...sellers do not get that back. Sounds like a good plan for someone...LOL.
iaulle2
·2 years agoIt sounds like you're experiencing frustration with eBay's system for allowing combined purchases and shipping, as well as with sellers who may not be aware of how to properly set up their listings for combined shipping. While there isn't a specific tutorial provided by eBay for sellers on this matter, you can offer some guidance to sellers who may be inadvertently blocking combined total requests. Here are some steps you can suggest:
Check Listing Settings: Sellers should review their listing settings to ensure that they have enabled combined shipping options. This can typically be found in the shipping section of their listing creation or editing process. They should make sure that they've selected options such as "Combined shipping discounts" and have specified how they want to handle combined shipping charges.
Verify Account Settings: Sellers should also review their account settings to ensure that they haven't inadvertently set restrictions on combined purchases or shipping. This includes checking settings related to shipping preferences, buyer requirements, and any other relevant account settings.
Consult eBay Help Resources: eBay provides various help resources and articles for sellers, including guidance on setting up shipping preferences and offering combined shipping discounts. Sellers can search the eBay Seller Center or Help pages for information on how to properly configure their listings for combined shipping.
Contact eBay Support: If sellers are still unsure or encountering issues with combined shipping settings, they can reach out to eBay's seller support for assistance. eBay's customer support team should be able to provide guidance and troubleshooting assistance for setting up combined shipping options correctly.
Encourage Clear Communication with Buyers: Sellers should also communicate clearly with buyers about their combined shipping policies. They can include information in their listings or communicate directly with buyers who inquire about combined shipping options.
By following these steps, sellers can hopefully address any issues with combined shipping settings and provide a smoother buying experience for their customers. Additionally, providing feedback to eBay about the challenges you've encountered with their system may help improve the platform for both buyers and sellers in the future.
ri_fashions
·2 years agoI am a seller on here and most of my sales are bulk orders. I have called customer service twice today but there's no options to turn the auto pay features off. It seems this rolled out yesterday. It has caused nothing but headaches today. I was able to invoice one shipping cost and now its forcing the buyers to purchase everything at the full amount. Hopefully something gets done soon about this. I have lost 5 bulk orders today alone. Buyers don't want to pay multiple shipping cost when they can get it shipped for a lot cheaper. The only option we have right now is to refund the shipping cost difference.
steady2304
·2 years agoHonestly sellers are just as baffled as buyers when it comes to combined shipping.
I have my preferences set to allow buyers to "combine multiple purchases up to 7 days to get discounted shipping".
I also have my preferences set to "Not Require Immediate Payment on BIN listings".
Yesterday a repeat buyer purchased 2 items from me. Both were BIN listings. He clicked on each to purchase and then clicked on confirm and then went to back out before paying so that I could send him an invoice. What happened instead was the eBay system not allowing him to proceed unless he completed both purchases and paid full shipping on each.
He then added both items to the shopping cart and clicked request total from seller and eBay wouldn't allow that saying seller does not offer combined shipping.
He ended up just paying full shipping on both and now I have to issue a refund because of eBay's ineptitude. Luckily for me this was a repeat buyer who knows I offer combined shipping and would refund him the difference. I could just see if this was a new buyer, they would probably given up and shopped somewhere else.
It is really getting ridiculous with eBay's constant interfering with buyers and sellers who want to take advantage of combined shipping. There is no reason for it except for the fact eBay doesn't make as much in fees when buyers and sellers utilize combined shipping discounts.
I think eBay needs a refresher course on following what is in their own Help Pages:
Offering combined shipping | eBay
ltldpr
·2 years ago". . . eBay doesn't make as much in fees when buyers and sellers utilize combined shipping discounts."
There's our answer!
I was thinking that it was a bug, but now I see that it's actually a feature, instead.
Thing is, it turns buyers off, so they just buy one item, or no items after getting frustrated. That feature, in the long run, is eBay shooting itself in the foot.