eBay

suzie-qpink · ‎02-14-2020

Hello,

I was wondering what other sellers do in this situation. I have some threads (cross stitch) that weigh practically nothing but the value of them is $25.00. I have them listed for $6.99 with shipping as first class parcel post. I did that because otherwise if I ship them first class letter I run the risk of them getting lost in the mail with no tracking as first class letter does not have tracking. I have a potential customer asking if I would consider shipping them in an envelop - so in other words for the cheaper shipping. I would love to do that for him/her but then I run the risk of loosing the $25.00 and would not know if he/she received them or not. And of course then I could loose my $25.00 items. What would you do? I appreciate your time.

femmefan1946 · ‎02-15-2020

I have a potential customer asking if I would consider shipping them in an envelop - so in other words for the cheaper shipping.

Always be suspicious of someone asking for a lower price.

Especially if the cheaper shipping cannot be tracked.

Check her Feedback Left For Others.

Suspicious remarks would be along the line of "Thank you for your cooperation."

I am a grouchy and cynical old lady.

I agree that if you are selling them for $6.99 (plus $5 shipping), they are worth $11.99 tops, and you customer thinks they are worth less than that.

lja440 · ‎02-15-2020

@debsfantasticfinds wrote:
I have bought first class through my post office, though didn't use a stamp. Your receipt will have a tracking number. Then you can add it to your sold listing. Maybe the PO will help you with it in an envelope that way?

A letter will not have tracking no matter if you use a stamp or get a meter strip at the Post Office.

Items shipped by letter or flat do not qualify for tracking.

Now you can buy postage that has tracking for a mail piece that physically can qualify as a letter or flat, but this postage will cost the same as if you are shipping a box or padded mailer that weighs the same.

lja440 · ‎02-15-2020

@suzie-qpink wrote:
Hello,
I was wondering what other sellers do in this situation. I have some threads (cross stitch) that weigh practically nothing but the value of them is $25.00. I have them listed for $6.99 with shipping as first class parcel post. I did that because otherwise if I ship them first class letter I run the risk of them getting lost in the mail with no tracking as first class letter does not have tracking. I have a potential customer asking if I would consider shipping them in an envelop - so in other words for the cheaper shipping. I would love to do that for him/her but then I run the risk of loosing the $25.00 and would not know if he/she received them or not. And of course then I could loose my $25.00 items. What would you do? I appreciate your time.

To clear up a few points. There is no such thing as "first class parcel post".

There is First Class Parcel. Which can be a fraction of an ounce up to but not over 13 ounces (bought at the Post Office) or15.9 ounces bought on-line.

Parcel Post is no more. USPS split the Parcel Post class (aka USPS ground shipping) into two areas Retail Ground which is purchased at the Post Office, and Parcel Select which is available on-line. These like old Parcel Post is limited to ground transportation, Good for large and heavy packages and to ship items that are prohibited from air transport.

Now my recommendation for your shipping.

First class Parcel for up to 4 ounces costs from $2.74 to $3.18 depending on distance. Why not just add $3 into your items BIN price and list with Free Shipping. No quibbling over the s/h costs.

lightlily_arts · ‎02-15-2020

I would not ship in an envelope. Those poly shipping bags are safer and prevent shipping damage. You need the tracking number to prove delivery and avoid claims. Your shipping charge is very low.

wastingtime101 · ‎02-15-2020

@getitright1234 wrote:
If you look at the OP's listings a lot of the needpoints/crewels are sold in lots. Bet they more likely weigh 10-15oz as a lot.

I would mail the lots using Priority shipping using a flat rate envelope, non-padded which is cheaper, and buy my labels via eBay for further savings.

OP said they were talking about a listing for $5.99 - presumably this one: 163955554642

There is no need to ship that priority flat rate. It would be a waste of money.

GLORIOUS!

wastingtime101 · ‎02-15-2020

typo - $6.99

GLORIOUS!

lovefindingtreasures2 · ‎02-15-2020

I sell collectible stamps and military patches on another ID and I send them all using no tracking and use stamps on envelope. Most stamp buyers, military and probably your thread customers too are not scammers. I've never been scammed, and they are delighted they do not have to pay for overpriced shipping. Usually they are older, not out to scam you, and they leave nice feedback too.

I actually dumped TRS status on the other account to do this, I sell a lot more now too.

Things to consider.

You will lose Top Rated Seller status if you don't use tracking. (TRS no longer matters to me here, the advantages aren't much).

You aren't being charged the additional 10% on top of your final value fees for shipping using tracking.

You will sell more.

You run a slight risk of being ripped off. Your category is not a high scam category, and your customer is probably used to buying this way.

You aren't losing $25 if you are selling it for $6.99. It's only worth what someone is willing to pay. If it hasn't sold, consider your options.

Your letter will go through the stamping machine if it isn't packaged with tracking, so keep that in mind. A piece of thin cardboard and items in a bag solves that issue.

I'd go for the sale, but I tend to believe most people aren't crooked, I've had very few rip offs or scams come my way but I don't sell high scam products.