Handling cost questions.

[kamolde-26]

Hello I am about to post a very heavy object that is breakable and I am wondering if I should put a handling cost on it due to the mass of amounts of bubble wrap that it will need. I am just wondering is that something that I should do with putting the handling cost on there? I am kind of torn between putting it on there and not putting it on there. And I'm not sure of like how much I should put on there for the handling cost if any at all. Any constructive advice would be awesome thank you.

[caldreamer]

Personally, I would not purchase item from anyone that puts "handling charge".    What you should do is just increase your asking price.

[brightlightbookseller]

Handling charges are not visible to the customer separately, they're just wrapped up in the shipping amount.  You probably have purchased from sellers that include it and just didn't know it.

@kamolde-26I would think that's an appropriate usage of a handling charge, yes. We include one on all our listings to help cover the shipping supplies used.

[chapeau-noir]

Bundle the handling charge in with the shipping. I've shipped numerous heavy, delicate things (audiovisual, vintage electronics, etc.) and it has never cost more than maybe $5, anyway.

@brightlightbookseller  is right - if you use calculated shipping you can break it out but the buyer doesn't see it. I'm usually capped flat rate so I have to bundle it.

[fern*wood]

In the past if I had to purchase a large box for a particular item I have added one which will show up bundled in the calculated shipping charge.    These days I try to avoid selling such items due to the risks and costs involved.

[12345jamesstamps]

I shipped something USPS the other day...it is also breakable.

I put it in a box in another box...with used tissue paper.

Didn't have to buy anything to wrap it. It was all recycle stuff.

Funny thing, clerk asked if it was a liquid...I said yes.

So, it goes ground transportation...as HazMat transportation...with stickers on it by the clerk...Kind of cool stickers placed on it.

Wouldn't that mean it is more carefully transported? Interesting question I had to ask here.

Doesn't cost more...but is it more carefully transported.

Doesn't seem to take longer to get where it's going.

And it has $100. insurance.

[simba6]

You can just add packing to the price of the item when listing.   Are you sure you want to risk that?  Local pickup might be better.

Heavy, breakable and shipping go together like ice cream and onions.

[monroe67]

"Personally, I would not purchase item from anyone that puts 'handling charge'.    What you should do is just increase your asking price."

If you happened upon any of the listings from my selling ID, you would not see any mention of a handling charge.  However, the postage cost that you would see in the listing does include my outrageous $0.99 current handling charge.  

Handling charges are something that eBay sellers add into their shipping policies.  I use calculated shipping on all my listings.  Buyers do not see that those sellers have a "handling charge" as a separate aspect to the total price they pay. 

The postage cost you see in the listing is the total after eBay adds the amount of the handling charge with the calculated postage, which is based on the buyer's zip code, my zip code, and the weight and measurements of the item that I fill in when I create the listing.  

I'm going to increase my standard handling charge after the first of the year.  Ninety-nine cents barely cover the cost of a bubble-wrap-lined 12x9 envelope and a blank shipping label anymore.  

[kamolde-26]

Thank you so much I was not sure how that worked with the handling cost I wasn't sure if customers see that I've never had to do that before. But I do feel like the cost of the bubble wrap and the shipping is just killing me.

I do try to keep my prices reasonable. Thank you guys so much for your kindness and support I appreciate it thank you.

[chevymontecarlo88]

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@kamolde-26 wrote:

Hello I am about to post a very heavy object that is breakable and I am wondering if I should put a handling cost on it due to the mass of amounts of bubble wrap that it will need. I am just wondering is that something that I should do with putting the handling cost on there? I am kind of torn between putting it on there and not putting it on there. And I'm not sure of like how much I should put on there for the handling cost if any at all. Any constructive advice would be awesome thank you.

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It may be a good idea to pack it (double box if possible) and get a cost of shipping supplies. You can get these supplies at Walmart, Uhaul stores, UPS store, Staples. YMMV 

If you add the weight/dimensions to your listing (obviously you would need to pack it first) you can add the cost of supplies to the handling cost. 

Most people that are buying breakables, would rather pay a little more in shipping if it is packed properly and safe. You can always build the cost of supplies into the item you are selling as well especially if the shipping might be a little more expensive. 

Just double box and pad it well so you have no issues. 

-Good luck

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@12345jamesstamps wrote: ... clerk asked if it was a liquid...I said yes.

So, it goes ground transportation...as HazMat transportation...with stickers on it by the clerk... 

Wouldn't that mean it is more carefully transported?  ....

And it has $100. insurance.

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No, the Hazmat sticker doesn't mean it will be handled more carefully, only that it will not be shipped via air.  All USPS postage for Ground Advantage or Priority Mail includes $100 of insurance, that's not special.

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@kamolde-26 wrote:

 ... I am wondering if I should put a handling cost on it due to the mass of amounts of bubble wrap that it will need. I am just wondering is that something that I should do with putting the handling cost on there? ....

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The cost packaging such as bubble wrap can be (1) added as a handling fee in your shipping cost; or (2) add it to the asking price; or (3) take it out of your pocket.

An item that requires "massive amounts of bubble wrap" should probably be double-boxed. There's a limit to how much protection those bubbles can provide.

[12345jamesstamps]

Curious, so if one has to do a HazMat transport using their eBay shipping printing label...where do the stickers packed on package come from?

[12345jamesstamps]

One more question...and does it state 'HazMat transport' on the eBay shipping label?

[tobaccocardyahoo]

I would think twice about offering this item. I would reject the idea if I was not experienced in packing fragile items. IMO double boxing is required for fragile items, not optional. If you do not double box your chances of collecting on an insurance claim if the item is damaged is extremely low.

Add to that the cost of your time in packing this item. Many sellers work for less than the minimum wage when they sell on Ebay