OK, everyone chime in

[pvcliff]

Customer wanted to buy a tin that weighs over a pound once boxed and packed. She asked me if I could ship it cheaper than PM. I didn't answer her in time for some eBay sale not to expire, so she bought anyway and is now asking again, nicely, for me to "ship cheaper", she is in no hurry and on a budget. I like shipping PM because I end up with at least an extra buck in my pocket after the eBay discount.  Here are the numbers:

$10.99 item (had been listed at $12, I saw a watcher a day ago so I took a dollar off; I always take the extra penny to help me remember that when I see an item ending in .99 that I've sold a watched item)

Buyer paid $12.90 PM, my cost after discount is $10.48, so $2.42 more in my pocket before eBay starts taking some of it

Parcel Select is $10.79

I was inclined to give her $2 off and still ship PM in the spirit of the season and because she must like cats since it was a cat item. But then I think, my efforts would make me about $8 instead of $10, so I find myself feeling not so charitable. Thoughts?

[slippinjimmy]

Depends on my mood.....and also if the buyer has paid yet or not (I'll assume not for the sake of my comments)

In a good mood, just discount the $2 and ship it Priority

In an OK mood, explain that the cheaper parcel service isn't actually cheaper for a package of this size

In a foul mood, no answer or just a "the price is the price, no cheaper way".

I'm rarely in a foul mood and if I just sold something I'm usually in a good mood.

[emerald40]

Like they say, a bird in hand ---

$8 now - $10 who knows when - if ever

[myboardid]

I'd give her 50 cents and ship PM.  She had nothing to do with you choosing to lower the price before she bought it. 

My buyers wanT their items quick.  I charge for Parcel Select, and like youc an get priority for the same or a few pennies more, so I always ship Priority.  Exception - very large boxes that go into the dimensional weight level. 

[pvcliff]

Thanks, everyone. I decided I felt OK giving $1.20 back and still shipping PM without feeling like I was being put out.

[18704d]

pssssst......

list with free shipping.

(not totally 'valid' but many times, it helps)

Lynn

[lintbrush*]

I would have simply declined with a nice note and a brief explanation that because she lives on the opposite coast Priority Mail costs $12.90 and USPS Ground is $12.72 

[nobody*s_perfect]

I think your charity would be wasted on your illogical and entitled buyer.

[pvcliff]

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@18704d wrote:

pssssst......

list with free shipping.

(not totally 'valid' but many times, it helps)

Lynn

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I do on everything that can go First Class or Media Mail. Harder with distance related charges. I guess I'm going to have to make some changes in January when they start charging FC by distance.