A possible solurion to a problem.

[kabilab]

I initially joined e-Bay in 2003, for the purpose of liquidating non-selling stock from my store. For approximately the first 15 yrs., all went well. I was moving dozens of movies for $3.99. Then e-Bay raised the DVD percentage, my primary category, to 12% AND shipping began an annual increase. The identical items today must sell for $6.59 to produce the same result.

I read of one seller's solution being to open a second account, which would not use tracking. I checked with my local Post Office branch and the clerk stated my DVDs would qualify for non-machinable rates.  This would  enable me to considerably lower my prices and return to the days of being competitive.

In all the yrs. of selling movies for $4, I do not recall anyone attempting to fleece me on such low dollar items, so tracking is of no value to me. I would use my existing account for games and higher cost goods.

Please share any disadvantages, if any, to the above.

[toysaver]

"Please share any disadvantages"

Dishonest buyers may know that no tracking or proof of delivery means they can file INR and get it for free.

[dbfolks166mt]

   If you have gone 15 years without having to adjust your cost/pricing model consider yourself fortunate. I have to adjust my pricing every time I list something to account for exactly what you mentioned, increasing fees, increasing postage as well as other increasing business operating expenses. 

     One thing you may want to thing about is using calculated shipping on your DVD's rather than free shipping. Another option may be combining your DVD's into like lots of 5-10 DVS's to reduce shipping costs. Personally I would never ship anything I sold on eBay without tracking. As toysaver mentioned it's an open invitation to scammers. 

[chevymontecarlo88]

Would you have to mail the CD/DVD without the case to meet the weight (3.5oz) and size (Thickness) requirements?

[femmefan1946]

@toysaver 

True but most people are honest.
Heck, most don't even look to see if the seller uses a tracked service.

And the savings from using untracked services should be greater than the losses from the occasional late delivery or scam .(I believe the former is more likely than the latter.)

In addition, given a choice* between two $10 items one with $2 shipping and one with $5 shipping, the cheaper one will sell faster.

*Throw in a $12.99 one with Free Shipping and I'd bet it would sell even faster. But that's another discussion.

[caldreamer]

I cannot believe that you have "free shipping and free returns" for videos (so basically you are a lending library).   Why would anyone keep video when they can just "watch it and return for free".   

[kabilab]

Cald,

To the best of my recollection, my last return was over a yr. ago. I am guessing you are one of a majority of people for whom watching a movie is a single experience.  In my store, I have only taken in approx. 6 returns in the 11 yrs. of my current location.

Thanks to all for replying.

[chevymontecarlo88]

kabilab How do you package your DVD or CD's when shipping this way?

[kabilab]

Carlo,

I have not, as yet, tried employing the non-machinable USPO manner of shipping. The reason being is that method is without tracking.

What I have used these past 19+ yrs. is a padded mailer with the case, disc and artwork inside. That was why I sought the Post Office clerks judgment on using the non-machinable rate, which is approx. $1.25. I might do as some sellers and eliminate the case.

I would open a second account and only use it for the $4 DVDs. Were I not age 80, the time would be prohibitive.

[stephenmorgan]

There are DVD Envelopes made of cardboard for about 20 cents each.

[chevymontecarlo88]

Makes sense and seems like a great way to move low value titles with some profit.

Thanks for the post!