How do I accurately calculate shipping when offering more than one of the same item?

[antis]

I have 8 of the exact same item to sell. For this reason, in the Sell an Item form I've indicated I've set the Quantity to 8 and I've chosen Buy It Now and turned off auction or accept offers. I know the size and weight to ship one of them. I can't offer free shipping or a flat cost. But it looks like when a Buyer indicates they want to buy more than one, the calculated shipping cost is only changing based on weight and zone, but not package dimensions. Experimenting with the shipping cost part of the listing, I know that shipping two of these items in one box means bigger dimensions, and that really changes the calculated cost. But the Checkout experience seems to only care about weight and zone. It's not like I can fit all 8 of these into one box - each additional item a Buyer wants means a bigger box, which is a higher cost, but it's not showing that in the checkout. How do I accurately get the right calculated cost to the Buyer before they buy? Ideally, I'd be able to pack what they want, measure and weigh the package, then generate an invoice. But doesn't Buy It Now require immediate payment? I really don't know what to do. THANKS in advance!

[fbusoni]

@antis 

I've had this happen once or twice in the past with my listings.   I never could figure out an automated eBay-way around this problem, as you've so eloquently described.

Consequently, I stated in the listing description that if the buyer wanted two or more, I would ship separately, but provide the buyer -- as appropriate and if applicable -- a shipping discount to offset any  potential overcharge, once the transaction had processed.    

It's a little awkward, but I never had anyone complain.  

The other way to go about this of course is just to list the single item with the maximum dimensions of any box that you might have to use.   I have done that as well, and have reduced the weight of the item to compensate for the size of the box.   You may end up taking a hit with this method, however, if a buyer wants all of the items in your listing.

If anyone here with more experience has a solution, I'd be very interested in learning about it.

[kensgiftshop]

There's not much you can do about the size of the box.

Figure out about what it would cost to ship each item the furthest, then set your shipping to use that price for each additional item.

[dhbookds]

without knowing what the items are/how big.......difficult to answer........

I gave this answer on plates.......

I use a flat shipping charge.......figuring the lst item to furthest zone, then figuring the additional cost per item to furthest zone and use that for "each additional item cost".....works for the same item.....ie. plates.......not for unlike items.........you can refund the overage....

You can limit the total number available if there could be a dimensional problem...

Not sure why you state you can't use flat rate......

[rfmtm]

While you can't have the buyer see the correct calculated combined shipping in advance of purchase, you can do so before they pay.

Turn on Combined Payments.

Set Calculated Shipping to "No Discount".

Turn off Immediate Payment.

Turn off Require a Payment Method.

Put a notice in the listing for buyer to put item and quantity in their cart and click on Request Total and wait for your adjusted invoice before paying.

[12345jamesstamps]

Maybe a little different approach...but my solution was to offer free domestic shipping and adjust the item for sale.

Less of a hassle for me and the buyer and no emails back and forth usually.

Yes, I have gotten like 27+ items sold from a buyer lately...and it happens a lot.

Buyers always look at shipping...and some sellers might lose a buyer if it's too complicated to figure out the shipping or have to email the seller...some buyers have either poor English or never graduated...from the emails I get.

I prefer simple sells.

And heck, anyone buying more than one item is a 'great buyer'...and can turn into a potential buyer.

'Repeat buyers' are the best during slow periods of time.

I have some same items and never do quantity...that is a kill for me.

I never nickel and dime a buyer for shipping...but that's just me.

Plus the feedbacks one gets on shipping helps...check my feedbacks.

[antis]

@fbusoni I appreciate your ideas. Let me make sure I understand them.

In the first one, you're counting on the buyer to read and follow instructions in the description before they pay, correct? How do you ship each item separately if they've basically only paid for shipping one? In other words, for this idea to work, don't you have to set the shipping cost pretty high in the listing? And then ship separately and issue a refund for any overpaid shipping?

In the second idea, you list with the maximum, but when it comes time to ship you lower the weight until the shipping cost matches what they pay? And you have to once again explain that in the listing first, right?

[antis]

@kensgiftshop Thanks for your reply. Your idea would result in a high shipping cost estimate in the initial listing, but if a buyer is closer and shipping should be less, would you offer a refund of the difference? I don't want to overcharge a customer on shipping, but I also don't want to be stuck having to cover the shipping myself.

[antis]

@dhbookds Thanks for your answer. Each item is approximately 18" x 19" x 5". To be sure I understand your idea, you figure one item to the furthest. Then calculate additional -- like 1+1, then 1+2, etc. -- and ... spell that out in the listing description (there's no place for "additional item cost" in any form I can find). So if I have 8 items, I should put in the listing the shipping dimensions for all 8 at once? And then offer a refund if someone only buys 2, for example?

I only stated I "can't" use a flat rate, because it seems like I'd have to set it to the maximum so that I don't get stuck paying for the shipping, but then the estimated shipping cost will appear pretty high for potential buyers and I think that would turn them away from purchasing my items, wouldn't it? It seems like the answer is to always explicitly state that you will offer a refund for the overage. Anyway, sure I can offer a flat rate... I'm just trying to make sure to both buyer and seller get the appropriate fair pricing.

[antis]

@rfmtm I really appreciate your step-by-step reply. I went looking at it and found the settings to adjust. For turning off Immediate Payment and Require Payment Method, eBay throws up warnings that this could result in sold items going unpaid, and that made me pause. Your idea also depends on the buyer reading and following the instructions, and you're counting on them waiting for the adjusted invoice, right? I like your detailed answer, but have you done this yourself and it's worked out well?

[oaktoncardinal]

I've recently encountered your situation and now have a coupe of listings I've created to account for the shipping issue.  My listing(s) are for fancy dishes in 14x14" boxes.  Here's what I've done.  I've made a listing for 1 of the item and included in the item title - 'Multiples Available' I have the shipping calculated on the weight and dimensions of 1 of the items.  In the description of the listing I state I have multiples (and the number available) and if they'd like more than 1 please send me a note with desired number so I can create a custom listing for them explaining that multiples will have a incremental increase in shipping charges.  

[kensgiftshop]

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@antis wrote:

@kensgiftshop Thanks for your reply. Your idea would result in a high shipping cost estimate in the initial listing, but if a buyer is closer and shipping should be less, would you offer a refund of the difference? I don't want to overcharge a customer on shipping, but I also don't want to be stuck having to cover the shipping myself.

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I do free shipping so I don't have to deal with that.

You're right, buyers closer might pay a little more for shipping, then buyers further away.

It's up to you if you want to refund anything to the buyers.

The buyer will see what the shipping charge is before making the purchase.

[toysaver]

Try a listing just 6 to start - a set with 4, and a set with two.  If the 4 sells, end the set of two and do sell similar on the 4.   If the 2 sells, do sell similar and list another set of 2.  

[antis]

@12345jamesstamps I really appreciate your different approach based on your experience. I understand how free shipping and adjusting the item price is less hassle. I'm really aware of how shipping looks to a buyer and how it might make them not buy from me, and I'm also trying to keep it simple. But fair to everyone. If I read your whole answer correctly, you either "offer free domestic shipping and adjust the item for sale" ... which then prices your items potentially higher than someone else's right from the start, right? ... or you "have some same items and never do quantity" ... which I take to mean that you even if you have like 8 of something you just make 8 different listings instead of specifying a Quantity in a single listing, right?

[12345jamesstamps]

I look at other seller's items in the same category and I will usually undersell my item by a little of their's.

I always prefer free domestic shipping. 

Item cost + shipping of other sellers...my price will be under that total price with free shipping.

Don't want to hang on items for years...LOL

Buyers are picky in the stamp category and want what the photo shows...so I won't do 'quantity'...I list everything separately. This is where sellers make a mistake in my category.

Key is also 'feedbacks'...really hard to get them nowadays.

Poor quality stamps get marked down to .99 with free domestic shipping  for window shoppers who might look at other items for sale and make a purchase.

Business plan is for me...'repeat buyers'...my 'bread and butter' during slow periods like this week which has been awful. My repeat buyer base is 25+ %.

If I get a big sale..sometimes like 25+ items sold to same buyer...I will mail all out in 2 or 3 separate envelopes for .73 and email buyer with photo items are in the mail in more than one envelope.

I prefer not to do 'parcel' packages since they take forever to get to the buyer...untracked shipping gets delivered in 3-4 days cross country...haven't lost anything in years.

Good luck.