Shipping

[jdbelt1960]

I just had a potential buyer asking me about combined shipping price. I already price my items at a discounted flat rate. I am not sure how EBAY does this. I cannot ship multiple items at the flat rate I am charging though. I asked him to contact me and maybe I can take a few dollars of an item.

[chapeau-noir]

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@jdbelt1960 wrote:

I just had a potential buyer asking me about combined shipping price. I already price my items at a discounted flat rate. I am not sure how EBAY does this. I cannot ship multiple items at the flat rate I am charging though. I asked him to contact me and maybe I can take a few dollars of an item.

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Just calculate how much it would cost to ship the items combined and give the buyer the quote. 

[jdbelt1960]

How does one send refunds without negativity.

[reallynicestamps]

Well technically a "combined" shipping rate is not a "discounted" shipping rate.

Technically.

So if you charge $2 for each shipment, and get an order for five items, you could

Ship separately and charge $10

Ship together, and charge $10

Ship together and charge $5, because the package is within the dimensions and weight for that rate.

Ship together and charge $15 because the combined package exceeds the dimensions and weight for that rate.

Let the buyer know the combined rate - discounted or not.

If they are still interested

Tell the buyer to put all the items into their Shopping Cart (top right hand corner of page).

Adjust the shipping there.

[reallynicestamps]

Since the buyer is "potential" deal with the question before they actually pay you too much.

[chapeau-noir]

I combine shipping all the time and then refund the overage - there's even a line item in the refunds area for shipping discount. 

A refund has no relation to negativity (?)

[mommaknows]

@chapeau-noir  just did this today.

[krazzykats]

I combine all the items a buyer wants into one listing, weigh it, and inform the buyer.

If they agree, I create a new listing for them to purchase with immediate payment. 

It's basically about putting everything in writing to protect both myself and the buyer and ensure there are no misunderstandings.

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[chapeau-noir]

I'm all FP/IPR and have a blurb in my description that if you want combined shipping, just put everything in your cart and check out. I will calculate the combined shipping and issue the discount promptly. Every once in a while someone asks if I combine shipping and I tell them "absolutely" - I think they just like the reassurance. 

Periodically someone will purchase several items independently, but I think I can bear the periodic 40 cent extra per item and I still combine everything - I'm just happy they bought my stuff lol. 

[mommaknows]

@krazzykats I gave this sweet buyer the option of either, as you said, creating a new listing with the items and the new weight and dimensions or just refunding the difference in postage after purchasing them. She chose the refund. It worked out well.

I had this come up once before and basically it went the same way. It does seem cleaner your way. I'll try it if it comes up again. Thank you for showing how it is cleaner for all.

No misunderstandings is good business. 

Thanks again. I am always open to options. 

[mommaknows]

@chapeau-noir  can you explain to me how that works, please. You have the buyer put their items in the carts then what? I am not sure what comes next. This allows for the cost to be determined prior to payment?

Thank you in advance. 

[christworks]

People must run their businesses in a manner that they are comfortable with. That said, I cannot imagine taking the time to create an entirely new listing (potentially of unrelated items) for multiple items someone wants to buy.  I also do not understand why some sellers issue miniscule refunds over whatever the shipping label was. No company does this. None. Again, people must run their businesses in a manner they are comfortable with and what makes sense to them.

To the OP, your reply is in your statement:

"Dear XXX, I appreciate that you would like a discount on shipping. However, if you look around at other sellers, you will see that my shipping rates are already discounted. I kept my discounts in place even after USPS recently raised rates earlier this week. Sincerely, jdbelt1960"

Then, you combine the shipments and maybe you have enough leftover to pay for your supplies. 

[mommaknows]

Sorry,  I'm getting tired.  Maybe I'll check back tomorrow. This is important. I want to make it easy and clear for myself and the buyer.

Any step by step help is appreciated. 

[krazzykats]

What work?

I simply copy the buyer's message request for the description, upload pictures I already have, add the combined postage amount and price.

Some of my past custom combined listings have been worth decent money and it moves more inventory than the one-off sales.  I'll combine anything that can safely ship together.  

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[chapeau-noir]

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@mommaknows wrote:

@chapeau-noir  can you explain to me how that works, please. You have the buyer put their items in the carts then what? I am not sure what comes next. This allows for the cost to be determined prior to payment?

Thank you in advance. 

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@mommaknows  I'm immediate payment required so they pay up front. So, let's say they purchase three items and the shipping on each is $6. They pay for three items plus $18 shipping. I pack and weigh the items and find it costs $10 to ship, so I refund the $8 on their order - if you do so, you'll see that there's a line item for giving a shipping discount. I'm a quick shipper as well as having a pretty good idea of weights and shipping costs, so I refund their overage promptly. I've had up to 15 items in one shipment (when I was full time and had a lot more listings running) and done this.