mam98031 • Volunteer Community Member • Buyer/Seller since 1999
In case people weren't aware, if you OFFER* an overnight shipping option or an international shipping option (excluding EIS) and a cheaper domestic shipping option is also offered in your listings (for example $10 for UPS Ground and $40 for UPS Next Day Air), eBay is supposed to only charge you a final value fee as if the least expensive shipping option was selected by the buyer.
This feature used to work automatically at one point but has been malfunctioning. For example, I offer USPS ground advantage as the cheapest option, and have other faster options, up to and including UPS Next Day Air, which is 1-day shipping. I was automatically charged FVF on the entire ~$50 overnight shipping fee. The correct method is to charge as if the buyer selected the least expensive option.
I did contact nn ebay agent and they did credit me, but I shouldn't need to contact ebay every time I need a credit. I just had another order come through today with overnight shipping and I was again charged FVF on the full shipping.
* The policy is worded using the word OFFER, not what the buyer SELECTS. Meaning you should be able to enjoy the discount if you ALSO offer other shipping options that aren't overnight and the buyer selects those more expensive shipping options, like a UPS 2nd Day Air shipping method.
Another seller on ebay messaged me and said they are getting charged the correct amount of FVF based on this policy, however, 1: Their cheapest shipping is $0 free shipping, and 2: They use flat rate shipping options rather than calculated shipping options. See their photos below.
The very first part of my original post links to the policy that explains that the discount applies if you have a 1 day shipping (or international shipping) option AND a cheaper or free option, you are charged FVF appropriate for the cheapest option regardless of what the buyer selects.
For what its worth, the policy is working for international orders that are direct shipped to the buyer, but it's working incorrectly - instead of charging FVF based on the cheapest domestic shipping offered, it didn't charge any FVF at all on any shipping, FVF was only charged on the item price. I do not offer free domestic shipping.
@dhbookds wrote:I thought the lower fvf was only for overseas shipment, not domestic. In other words, on overseas sales, you are charged fvf on your lowest domestic charge. I don't remember any discount for overnite domestic shipping. Unfortunately, when I go to help files to try to verify that, am in a verify loop and can't get thru to the actual help pages.
It looks like you are shipping domestically?........
You are absolutely correct.
When shipping internationally and you state both US shipping and international shipping, if you make the international sale, the FVF will be calculated on the US shipping amount.
Clarity would be good as I read that differently than the OP and you are. I believe the policy is talking only about international shipments. I look forward to what the team has to say.
@dhbookds wrote:
@ssateneth I finally got to the page and you are absolutely correct:
If you offer 1-day or international shipping as well as a cheaper or free option (like domestic shipping), the total amount of the sale is calculated based on the cheapest domestic option you offer. If you only offer 1-day or international shipping but no cheaper option like domestic shipping, the total amount of the sale is calculated based on the service the buyer chooses
I was unaware of the domestic component.......I apologize.
sound like this may be a glitch that needs to be taken care of?
Hey @dhbookds, we have gone ahead and reported this to the proper team to be investigated.
Kyle,
