Shipping

[5219rene]

When buyer pays shipping, can they choose whether to include tracking or not?

[inhawaii]

If you (the seller) ships USPS Ground Advantage, tracking is included at no charge.

[richard1rst]

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@5219rene wrote:

When buyer pays shipping, can they choose whether to include tracking or not?

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The buyer pays the shipping you specify and, as noted, tracking is automatically included with ground advantage. However, with such a low feedback score a single Item Not Received would be highly destructive to your metrics. Under your current circumstances I would never even consider sending something without tracking as proof of delivery. Even if the buyer asked for it.

[1786davycrockett]

@5219rene 

The buyer can not request tracking -- besides, tracking is automatic with nearly all USPS services, except First Class Letter mail.

[gloryglorygifts]

They can't if you don't include it as an option for shipping. You would have to use stamps on it and mark it as shipped on the ebay system. The option would be created using the USPS economy option, putting in any postage you would want to charge the customer, and then creating your own label, or marking the package with the address for shipment. 

Tracking protects you though, so you really don't want to do that. 

[mam98031]

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@5219rene wrote:

When buyer pays shipping, can they choose whether to include tracking or not?

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The tracking protects YOU far more than it does the buyer.  You should always ship with tracking so you can prove delivery.

[johnrj1226]

Buyers should always pay for shipping.. All though  some  sellers (usually new sellers)  believe "free shipping" is actually "free" and soon discover  they should have added the the cost of ship/handling to the price of the item

USPS first class postage stamps has no tracking. Seller takes a chance  on a buyer making a  and Item Not Received claim.

[5219rene]

Problem is, one of my products is only $5 (buy it now pricing) unless customer buys a large quantity.   Most customers want to buy only 2 and at that rate , I lose money on a $5 sale, when I include tracking.  I can’t price it higher than $5 because that’s already higher than competition.  

 

[itsjustasprain]

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@5219rene wrote:

Problem is, one of my products is only $5 (buy it now pricing) unless customer buys a large quantity.   Most customers want to buy only 2 and at that rate , I lose money on a $5 sale, when I include tracking.

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That is true. You might want to consider raising your minimum price and add more of those pieces to your minimum quantity. Consider also that your time spent in packaging and shipping is worth something as well. There is a minimum price for items sold on Ebay below which it is probably not worth your while even if you are getting the occasional sale that way.

[bdmh-enterprises]

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@5219rene wrote:

Problem is, one of my products is only $5 (buy it now pricing) unless customer buys a large quantity.   Most customers want to buy only 2 and at that rate , I lose money on a $5 sale, when I include tracking.  I can’t price it higher than $5 because that’s already higher than competition.  

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Those items will NOT qualify for the only cheap untracked services of 1st class letter & flats. Cheap, small, solid items are basically impossible to ship efficiently. Best bet is to increase quantity until it is feasible to do so or not bother trying to sell them.

[mam98031]

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@5219rene wrote:

Problem is, one of my products is only $5 (buy it now pricing) unless customer buys a large quantity.   Most customers want to buy only 2 and at that rate , I lose money on a $5 sale, when I include tracking.  I can’t price it higher than $5 because that’s already higher than competition.  

 

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@5219rene 

The solution is simple.  Then stated the amount you need for shipping on top of the price of the item.  Buyers know you have to ship it.  There are times where the shipping costs more that the product.  It is a buyers decision to make if their need or want of the item is worth the price.

[reallynicestamps]

If a buyer wants an untracked shipment, expect an Item Not Received claim.

I am old and cranky.

[dy60609]

You sold items as "free" USPS Ground Advantage shipping which would be "tracked" at a cost of $3.91 - $4.51.

Seems that you could offer "free" 1st Class letter envelope rate and pay the non-machinable surcharge rate (untracked) and also offer Ground Advantage as a second choice allowing the buyer to choose.

Likely most would choose the low-cost 1st Class but still think/expect tracking.

(UPS Ground Saver rates are crazy town for that item)(I would delete that option)

[luckythewinner]

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@5219rene wrote:

When buyer pays shipping, can they choose whether to include tracking or not?

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Buyer can choose from the shipping services that you offer.

If you offer a service that does not provide tracking, then the buyer can choose it.

But the buyer cannot stop you from including tracking, since you are the one buying the label. 

[gloryglorygifts]

What I do with items under $5, and I have a few of them, I offer volume pricing and charge shipping on the first item. This way, they only pay the one price for shipping, can get a discount on any additional quantities they want, and you get tracking. I think people want tracking nowadays and I know that when something goes astray, as they do, you need that tracking to protect you.  I actually have items that are cheaper than the shipping cost, and people do buy them.