Sellers who refuse to ship first class, why?

[quadcitypickers]

I collect a lot of things and see people charging $10 to ship an item that weighs 3 ounces or less.

Since I collect these items, I am in no hurry to get them, so I don't mind paying less for shipping if it saves me money.

I have asked lots of sellers if they can ship the item for $3.50-$4.50 first class. Most of these items can ship for $2.60 and change, and I figure a dollar or two to cover the box or bubble mailer.

99% of sellers I run into flat out refuse, usually the excuse is "first class mail wouldn't be any cheaper". They literally think FCM costs $6-$7. Maybe retail on a 16 ounce box.

I know this might sound like "whinning", but when you collect 50-60 of these things a year, $5 is quite a difference.

[castlemagicmemories]

Shipping methods are not negotiable, and you may find your buying somewhat restricted in the future if sellers respond to your requests by placing you on their Blocked Bidder Lists.  Some may interpret that as asking for something not in the listing, a violation.  I would suggest considering that the seller is in charge of the shipping method, both cost and carrier, and moving on if you don't like it, because it really isn't good form to be asking this.  Some may interpret this as you are setting them up for a false INR claim, and react accordingly to that as well. 

First class doesn't come with tracking.  Sellers need tracking to prove delivery or they open themselves up to buyers claiming they did not receive the item, when in fact they did.  The seller who cannot prove delivery via tracking will lose the case and money as well.

Shipping costs often are not confined to the actual shipping cost, nor are they expected to do so.  There are many expenses associated with selling that may be included in the shipping cost.

I understand you want cheaper shipping, but it is what it is.  Sellers can move part or all of the cost into the item cost, and they can move expenses into the shipping cost, so you really don't know just what you are paying.  Every year, there is a USPS increase, which will happen next year as well.  

[the*dog*ate*my*tablecloth]

I don’t have bubble envelopes on hand. I might if I routinely sold small items but I don’t. I usually ship things too heavy to go first class. So free boxes/envelopes it is!

i feel the same way when sellers charge $12-15 for something I would ship in a padded FRE

[nowthatsjustducky]

---

@castlemagicmemories wrote:

First class doesn't come with tracking.  Sellers need tracking to prove delivery or they open themselves up to buyers claiming they did not receive the item, when in fact they did.  The seller who cannot prove delivery via tracking will lose the case and money as well. 

---

First Class has had tracking for years (parcel that is); and it is every bit as effective as Prioritiy (the tracking that is).

I could have sworn you would have been around the block enough around these parts to know that.  How shocking.  😮  😛

[sam9876]

"First class doesn't come with tracking"

False.

[castlemagicmemories]

---

@nowthatsjustducky wrote:

---

@castlemagicmemories wrote:

First class doesn't come with tracking.  Sellers need tracking to prove delivery or they open themselves up to buyers claiming they did not receive the item, when in fact they did.  The seller who cannot prove delivery via tracking will lose the case and money as well. 

---

First Class has had tracking for years (parcel that is); and it is every bit as effective as Prioritiy (the tracking that is).

I could have sworn you would have been around the block enough around these parts to know that.  How shocking.  😮  😛

---

Sorry I was thinking of envelopes, per the following from a search on First Class mail, to confirm before I posted.

First Class Mail: This service includes a package type called "Large Envelope/Flat". This is essentially a flat envelope you would use to ship documents. It is the least expensive service you can get with USPSthrough ShippingEasy and it is not eligible for trackingservices. Learn more.Oct 10, 2013

[nowthatsjustducky]

I would claim a half Neener Point(tm) on that one, but it looks like we were posting at the same time.  😄

[castlemagicmemories]

Ok, you got me!:smileyhappy

Neener points to you both!  (It's hard to split those blasted points, you know!)

Most of my items arrive Priority, so who knew?  That seems to be the preferred method for those I buy from, in any case.

[myjunqueyourtreasure]

For one thing First Class Mail isn't the same thing as First Class Package, so best to use the right term.

@castle - First class PACKAGE (the $2.66 minimum) does have free tracking. It's FC Mail that doesn't.

[nowthatsjustducky]

I have to admit to just being in a bit of a silly mood this morning; due mostly to an excellent sleep in and thus far only a single cup of J.  Really need to shut down my eBay forum and Facebook tabs and get crackin' on today's Etsy, eCrater, and eBay listings and getting today's shipping ready to go out.

[myjunqueyourtreasure]

Slacker.

My parcels are already done = )

[castlemagicmemories]

---

@myjunqueyourtreasure wrote:
For one thing First Class Mail isn't the same thing as First Class Package, so best to use the right term.

@castle - First class PACKAGE (the $2.66 minimum) does have free tracking. It's FC Mail that doesn't.

---

Yes, sam and  ducky posted that.  When I hear first class, I think

envelope.  Thank you, @myjunqueyourtreasure, @nowthatsjustducky abd @sam9876

[castlemagicmemories]

---

@nowthatsjustducky wrote:

I have to admit to just being in a bit of a silly mood this morning; due mostly to an excellent sleep in and thus far only a single cup of J.  Really need to shut down my eBay forum and Facebook tabs and get crackin' on today's Etsy, eCrater, and eBay listings and getting today's shipping ready to go out.

---

Silly works, no worries!  What did they say on Mash...oh, yes, JOCULARITY, JOCULARITY!

[escuintla]

I think first class doesn't have a tracking if you go to the post office, you need to pay for it, at least that is what I found out last time I went there, right? 

I am asking because it's been like a century since I mailed something from the very USPS office. 

Now, I know for a fact a cd can weigh up to 7 oz. but disregarding its weight, I see some people charging $4.99, which may include the % Ebays and Paypal gets. 

I guess you have to make a living, right? 

[castlemagicmemories]

I look at it like this.  They have what I want, and they are in charge.  They get to choose how much the shipping costs and what carrier they use.  If I don't like it, I have the choice to move on.  I don't feel asking a seller to change how they ship or their cost is allowed, especially given that there may be other expenses rolled in the amount they have listed.  If I want it, I have to pay what they listed.  Old school ebay here.

I think that could mark you as a problematic buyer.