Free shipping

[catherinemcclanahan]

what is free shipping how does free shipping work does the buyer or seller pay for the shipping? that question has been on my mind a lot these days

[house*of*paws · Accepted solution]

Hi @catherinemcclanahan 

‘Free shipping’ means the buyer does NOT pay a separate charge for shipping.

The seller pays for shipping … BUT has folded in the cost of postage and shipping expenses into the cost of the item when they listed it.

[catherinemcclanahan]

yeah I've been thinking about I don't know if I can afford it I was going to try free shipping when I'm able to afford it.

[biggymoe]

If a seller offers free shipping, the seller pays the actual shipping cost.  If a seller offers free shipping, they need to factor that expense into the selling price.

[catherinemcclanahan]

I don't understand about the expense

[fern*wood]

It doesn't look like you are charging enough to cover the shipping now, so if you aren't factoring in some of that cost into your price, you will make little if any money on the transactions.  Don't forget fees are deducted from the selling price, taxes paid & postage.   Your low dollar items don't have much wiggle room.

[catherinemcclanahan]

What about raising the prices on both costs I've been seriously thinking about that lot.

[ckimodog]

@catherinemcclanahan 

If you offer free shipping as a seller to a buyer, the seller pays.  

Happy Selling!

[catherinemcclanahan]

this is the reason why free shipping crosses through mind over and over.

[ckimodog]

@catherinemcclanahan 

 As @biggymoe stated, you need to factor that into your price which means, raise your price.  

Happy Selling!

[catherinemcclanahan]

I'm going to do that explains this block I recently had

[714ricki]

The seller pays for the shipping.

[catherinemcclanahan]

yes that's true

[soh.maryl]

A seller can list an item for $20 plus $5 shipping.

Or a seller can list an item for $25 with free shipping.

Do you see how that works? Basically, free shipping isn't really free, but some buyers seem to think it's a great deal vs paying for shipping.

Do not offer free shipping unless you follow the above example.  

[catherinemcclanahan]

Oh yes and Oh no