So, eBay in its infinite wisdom - as has been discussed previously - shows the shipping option they decide is appropriate rather than what we, the sellers, enter.
Yesterday I updated some listings to add a second shipping option. When I checked my listings then, both choices were displayed. My own ZIP code was entered.
Today I add a new listing with the second option added and when I looked, it wasn't displayed. I thought maybe it didn't "take." So I had to go in to Turbo Lister, but saw it is in fact there. Next I have to take the time to edit my listing only to see it is indeed in there. So I put a ZIP code from another state in and of course, now both options are displayed. So I've wasted time because something that worked one way yesterday didn't work the same way today.
Now, consider this scenario. I live in Florida. I happen across something listed from a seller in Florida that my sister in the West might be interested in so I send her a quick text to let her know, but I warn her the listing ships by Media Mail. The listing is in Florida and when I looked it showed Media Mail shipping. She's had bad luck with Media Mail or maybe she needs it faster so she passes. However, had she looked at the listing, because of her ZIP code she would have seen there was at least another shipping option, one that was faster and would have met her needs. I realize her cost would have been more due to calculated distance, but still the faster option would have been known.
I know the scenario above wouldn't be common, but still, eBay, why on earth do you hide the options? (Rhetorical) I'm smart enough to look at two options or more and make my own decision based on delivery time and cost. Sellers have said there are some buyers that prefer one shipping method above another, even if they might have to pay a little more or wait a little longer. Maybe someone won't be home for something arriving faster and wants a slower option to accommodate his or her schedule? And it would be especially nice if something worked the same from one day to the next.
/end rant
