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Multiple Item Shipping Question

Greetings All:

I would like to list 4 of the same item in a multiple listing. The listing page shipping allows for fixed rate shipping and an extra shipping charge for each item after. My problem is 1 item weighs 2lbs & fits in a Legal Flat Rate Envelope, so the shipping for 1 would be that cost. If 2 items are purchased a Medium Flat Rate Box will be used, so extra for an additional item would be the difference in cost of these shipping methods, $6.00. If all 4 items are purchased the Medium Flat Rate Box can still be used since all 4 items can be squeezed in with no harm to them, but the buyer will be charged an extra $12 shipping for them ($6 for each extra item). What is the best work around for this problem?

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Re: Multiple Item Shipping Question


@holmaneva-2 wrote:

Greetings All:

I would like to list 4 of the same item in a multiple listing. The listing page shipping allows for fixed rate shipping and an extra shipping charge for each item after. My problem is 1 item weighs 2lbs & fits in a Legal Flat Rate Envelope, so the shipping for 1 would be that cost. If 2 items are purchased a Medium Flat Rate Box will be used, so extra for an additional item would be the difference in cost of these shipping methods, $6.00. If all 4 items are purchased the Medium Flat Rate Box can still be used since all 4 items can be squeezed in with no harm to them, but the buyer will be charged an extra $12 shipping for them ($6 for each extra item). What is the best work around for this problem?


My gut says to go calculated shipping because of the way the weight and size graduates but I see your problem....  My large account sells odd shaped items that unfortunately weigh slightly over 1# so I'm stuck with trying to use FRE or LFRE.  My buyers rarely buy multiples but when they do I simply refund the difference after I've packed/labelled/shipped them.  I note this in my commonly-asked-questions. 

 

Not sure what you sell but if you think your buyers will more than likely only purchase one at a time this might be a simpler option for you.  If I were a buyer in a local postal zone, the flat rates being charged me might appear excessive and drive me to another seller

 

My other thought is to list only one but write in your description that you have more and would be "happy to combine shipping to save..."  This generic statement is attractive to a thrifty buyer but doesn't lock you into any particular amount which is good since calculated might be your best option when 2 or more are purchased...and the rates vary greatly by location. 

 

Just a few thoughts...hope it helps. 

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Re: Multiple Item Shipping Question

List them all.


Then put what you will charge for shipping right in the listing (and set the shipping charges in the listing form to come as close as possible to what you are advertising, but err slightly over rather than under or you will eat the losses).

 

1 item - Shipping $XXX

2 items - Shipping $XXX

3 items - Shipping $XXX etc.

 

Then have a simple statement  right under the shipping that if eBay overcharges on shipping, you will refund the difference via PayPal.

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Re: Multiple Item Shipping Question

Thanks to all for the help.

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Re: Multiple Item Shipping Question

Anonymous
Not applicable

You can add a note to your listing telling buyers to add items to their shopping cart and use the "request total from seller" button before paying, giving you a chance to revise the shipping on the invoice.

 

If you had a store you would be able to run a shipping promotion.

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Re: Multiple Item Shipping Question


@Anonymous wrote:

You can add a note to your listing telling buyers to add items to their shopping cart and use the "request total from seller" button before paying, giving you a chance to revise the shipping on the invoice.

 

If you had a store you would be able to run a shipping promotion.


Request total is not available most of the time, per my continual complaints and posts to eBay.  It is disabled for multiple reasons as well as for no apparent reason at all. 

 

Shipping promotions are limited and really only work if you use flat rate shipping or shipping rate tables.  For calculated shipping eBay can ONLY adjust by the total weight, it has no support whatsoever for the size of the items.  

 

The best solution is to list the prices and assure the buyer that you will refund the difference promptly.  

 

Member of the Grumpy Old Man crew
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