I don't understand eBay transaction fees calculations

[zarchy]

If I look at the transaction details on an item I sold, it shows the amount the buyer paid for shipping.  I would think that this consists of my actual shipping cost, plus any handling fee that I charge.  But the number is significantly larger.  I don't get it.  In the past, these fees always added up as I would expect.  Did something change?

[ebooksdiva]

The shipping amount the buyer pays is what is shown to them in the listing.
Not your actual shipping costs.
When you print a label you may see a different in costs because you are receiving a commercial discount for purchasing your label on line as opposed to buying at the post office which are retail prices. 
The only way a buyer would pay actual shipping is when the seller puts those costs into the listing. 
USPS had rate changes in effect January 21st https://community.ebay.com/t5/Announcements/2024-USPS-Rate-Changes/ba-p/34236252 

[zarchy]

Has it always been this way?  I seem to remember that when I would check the numbers a few years ago, the shipping cost to the seller would be actual plus handling fee.

[dhbookds · Accepted solution]

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@zarchy wrote:

Has it always been this way?  I seem to remember that when I would check the numbers a few years ago, the shipping cost to the seller would be actual plus handling fee.

I think you mean to the buyer..........  Yes, the buyer has always paid retail, plus handling fee, if any....... and seller is charged commercial rate, which is less than retail.

That said.........you can choose to charge the buyer commercial rate plus handling in your preferences........ (at least for USPS, not sure about the others)........

By the way, tho......media mail doesn't have a commercial rate...........

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[stainlessenginecovers]

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@zarchy wrote:

Has it always been this way?  I seem to remember that when I would check the numbers a few years ago, the shipping cost to the seller would be actual plus handling fee.

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Are you using 'calculated shipping'?

Are you using 'retail' or your cost?

Did you know the 'handling fee' is hidden and is in 'addition to'?

Fees are based on 3 things

Item

Shipping Cost THEY pay

Sales Tax

Then, 

Sales Tax is 'removed' and you are left with

What Item Sold for Plus Shipping YOU charged MINUS Fees that eBay charges.

Then, you purchase the label at the 'real' cost that 'you' pay.

[downunder-61]

This is a really good ready reckoner for fee's (thanks to lacemaker3)

[zarchy]

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@dhbookds wrote:

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That said.........you can choose to charge the buyer commercial rate plus handling in your preferences........ (at least for USPS, not sure about the others)........

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Thanks for your reply.  Where exactly is this setting?  Is it a global setting, or can I choose it on an item by item basis?

[trains_a_53]

buyer did ship my stuff back and ebay gave him a full refund

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@zarchy wrote:

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@dhbookds wrote: ... you can choose to charge the buyer commercial rate plus handling in your preferences....... 

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Thanks for your reply.  Where exactly is this setting?  Is it a global setting, or can I choose it on an item by item basis?

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Unfortunately, it's a global setting in your site preferences. Go to "Shipping discount settings":

https://www.ebay.com/ship/prf