Selling fees

[e-sister11]

I don't know if this has been covered here, but I noticed a disdain for older topics anyhow, so I thought I'd better start fresh:

Please list pros and cons regarding the fees for listing a basic auction item such as a pre-owned handbag. 

I've noticed that a seller could actually lose money if not careful because eBay counts SHIPPING as part of your profit, even though for mine, the shipping calculated barely covered the actual price of shipping I paid, so the discount wasn't helpful since eBay is taiking a fee based on the larger shipping amount, and then Paypal takes their cuts on top of that (before eBay takes their cut, so on the gross, not net).

Don't offer me a discount, then, already, eBay?!

I calculated, as a new seller, based on my first ten sales, that on average, the fees ate up about 25% of the actual selling price of the item alone- once shippingcame out and eBay & PayPal took their cuts.

So I was wondering, if I charge free shipping and try to calculate a flat ship rate into the selling price, will eBay take a cut on the shipping I actually pay in addition to their 10% off the total sale?

Will I lose on shipping if someone farther away buys it?  Will people even look at my auction if the price is higher, but free shipping?

And finally, what polite advice can anyone offer to make the margins more appealing to a new seller? 

Feeling disappointed in the process. Thanks in advance.

[ted_200]

I calculated, as a new seller, based on my first ten sales, that on average, the fees ate up about 25% of the actual selling price of the item alone- once shippingcame out and eBay & PayPal took their cuts.

That's not out of line with most sellers' experiences. 

About the only help I can offer is to either buy cheaper, or stick to items that have a gross margin well in excess of 25%.

Expensive items, with farily low margins, that cost a lot to ship, don't end up turning a lot of profit here since eBay/PayPal charge fees on everything (revenue to cover the item cost, and shipping - not just the profit).

[e-sister11]

"Getting a handle on how to charge for shipping is one of the hardest parts of selling on eBay. It doesn't help that eBay's own calculators aren't always accurate."

EXAAAACTLY!!!! You hit the nail on the head!!! THANK YOU! You get it. You're going to get the prize I can feel it!

[fern*wood]

There is no fee to print your label on ebay, plus you get the online discounted postage cost that way.

Some things just aren't practical to sell online due to shipping/fees.  If the value is low and the shipping cost is high, I try to not offer those items now.

I might offer free shipping for light weight items or items where I can offer 1st class or fixed price shipping.  If the calculator is needed, then I generally charge for shipping rather than try to work it into my pricing.  The fees are what they are---not much you can do about them, but always plan ahead for them so you don't lose money.  

[jomor_61]

Only you can control how much profit you make off an item.

Set your price point where you needed to be to make it a profit and don't take anything lower.

Shipping doesn't matter, either way you're going to get charged for 10% of your entire transaction.

Large heavy items calculated shipping is the way to go small light items, add the cost of shipping into your item price.

You also need to include things like your packing materials or tape your shipping labels, your fees ect.

You can either charge a handling fee to cover all of that or include that in the base price of you item. THEN add the amount of profit you hope to make to the price of the item.

[e-sister11]

Your answers are not helpful and you're not comprehending. You just said I am mistaken and then stated EXACTLY what I said. Please go away now and help someone else.

[e-sister11]

Please go away now

[sam9876]

"Unless I'm mistaken, eBay takes 10% of the sale and 10% of the calculated retail postage charged the buyer"

You are mistaken.  "Retail postage" has nothing to do with it.

[e-sister11]

please go away now with all these snarky replies. Not helpful.

[ted_200]

Never list for less than you will accept for the item.

Please look at OP's completed listings for:

DANSKO WOMEN'S TAMARA SLIP-ON CLOG BLACK MEDIUM FULL GRAIN 39 (US 😎

... to see why this is not always a good plan.

$32.99 start price = No Sale.

$18.99 start price = $47 sale.

They're lucky it didn't sell for $33 the first time around...

[e-sister11]

Okay that was actually helpful and not snarky. Imagine! Thanks.

[e-sister11]

Thanks for the polite reply and I agree, it punishes the rest of us when they ding us for shipping.
.
I just want to sell some of my junk that might be someone else's treasure. I wouldn't charge shipping at all if possible. The "calculated shipping" doesn't cover the fees on the shipping. That effectively means eBay takes about 20% off your selling price, and then PayPal gets theirs, which is twice 2.9% + 30 cents... about 25% off the sale price of the item alone. It's hidden to sellers unless they do the math.
.
I'm flabbergasted that these repliers, many of them, do not see that it amounts to about 25% in fees off the item sale price! Do they actually sell things on eBay? Or did they not do the math? They think MY math is wonky! Hilarious!

[e-sister11]

Thank you, this is helpful.

[e-sister11]

It could be just me, but this reply seems condescending. Tone not helpful, but at least you reluctantly answered the question.
"Does not play well with others"

[e-sister11]

You should quit thumbs upping yourself.
"DOES NOT PLAY WELL WITH OTHERS"

[e-sister11]

Thank you for the polite answer. I'm just selling things I don't use or that didn't fit around the house. Not a power seller. Just want it to be worth my effort. But if I ever move in that direction....