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How do I get buyers to use the shopping cart instead of individual purchases?

Wondering if anyone else has experienced this: Instead of filling a cart with multiple items, eBay buyer pays for each item individually. Not only can I not print and enclose a simple, single invoice/packing slip, eBay is charging me 30¢ per sale, and if a customer purchases 10 items, I'm being charged $3.00 instead of 30¢ had they used the shopping cart. Comments and suggestions welcome.

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How do I get buyers to use the shopping cart instead of individual purchases?

Anonymous
Not applicable

Give instructions in your ad. "If you wish to buy multiple items from me, please use the blue add to cart button. It's easier for you and easier for me"

 

or something like that.

Message 2 of 11
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How do I get buyers to use the shopping cart instead of individual purchases?

I was considering doing that, but didn't want to sound too bossy. The way you stated it, it sounds friendly and polite. Thanks! 

Message 3 of 11
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How do I get buyers to use the shopping cart instead of individual purchases?

@unloaditall 
If you offer combined shipping, that is a good reason for your shopping-cart pitch.    That gets the buyer to understand that you are better able to provide some savings if buyer is using one transaction.

 

but, regardless of what you do, some just won’t get it.  I’ve had regular buyers never understand my requests to add all items into one transaction.  For me, it isn’t a big deal - unless it is international.  I can’t combine GSP shipments after payment.  

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How do I get buyers to use the shopping cart instead of individual purchases?

Over the years, especially since my matchbook and matchbook cover listings have become more active, there have been instances when customers don't combine or claim they can't figure out how to use the cart.  

 

Most of the time I oblige them by manually combining items, printing the extra packing slips, copying the tracking info from the original envelope to the additional sold items and eventually refunding part of the extra postage. 

 

However, there are cases when someone buys an item and pays for it and I pack it up within five minutes and put it on deck for the bullet train post office run.   Less than ten minutes later the bell lights up again with a number indicating something may have sold and it turns out to be the same buyer.  Several questions come up yet I always consider how real life retail works.  People can buy something and leave the store and turn around to buy additional items.  I've done this.  The cashiers don't mind so when this happens on my ebay store I handle it with a smile.  If the "new" sale puts the weight over the price threshold I have to get creative.  Cancelling an unused label is fine but the new combined package will not make it to the bullet train nor will it be sealed for several hours just in case they want to buy a few more items spaced ten minutes apart.

 

 

 

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How do I get buyers to use the shopping cart instead of individual purchases?

Anonymous
Not applicable

@unloaditall wrote:

I was considering doing that, but didn't want to sound too bossy. The way you stated it, it sounds friendly and polite. Thanks! 


It's free and doesn't cost anything to put in. If people read it and use it, fine. If they follow human nature and only about 35% of them read it, fine, no big deal.

 

If even one person heeds it, then you've gotten your money back since it doesn't cost a cent to put in.

Message 6 of 11
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How do I get buyers to use the shopping cart instead of individual purchases?

Made this "note" to add to my listings. Feel free to copy & paste. Thanks again!

 

Add to cart button 3.jpg 

 

Message 7 of 11
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How do I get buyers to use the shopping cart instead of individual purchases?

My problem is I sell very cheap items that make almost no profit sold singly due to the $0.30 eBay fee and shipping cost.  With pultiple items I give 20% discount and I make considerably more money.  

yesterday I sold 13 items individually for buyer cost of $24 and my net was $15 before shipping. Had they used cart it would have cost them 19 and my net would have been $16.  I can live with earning a dollar less, but they want me to refund 20% and this causes me to come up over $5 short on a $15 net.  I gave them the option of cancelling all and I’d make them a single lot for 19, but they won’t respond.  I’m going to have to ship it as is with no discount and they’re probably going to be mad. 

Message 8 of 11
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How do I get buyers to use the shopping cart instead of individual purchases?

@njallen8 

Old thread from 2021.  Most likely the OP will not reply, as they don't appear to sell anymore.  Should you have any issues or problems it's always a good idea to start your own thread to get the help and advice you need for your specific situation.  Posting on old threads won't help you.  Your message will get lost.  

Message 9 of 11
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How do I get buyers to use the shopping cart instead of individual purchases?

It's always best to start your own thread instead of reviving old threads like this.

 

That said, it sounds like your business model is what needs to change.  Lot up your items and sell them in batches for higher prices, or sell more valuable items.  Selling things that cheaply doesn't work for anyone, it just is less dangerous for megasellers.

Message 10 of 11
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How do I get buyers to use the shopping cart instead of individual purchases?

Hi everyone,

Due to the age of this thread, it has been closed to further replies. Please feel free to start a new thread HERE if you wish to continue to discuss this topic.

Thank you for understanding.

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