"Ebay Rates" for shipping ???

[greentea7]

 

 

This would be my first time selling on ebay and I'm so confused.

So when I enter the package dimension and weight + select NYC zip code for destination (I'm in the west coast) in the calculator, I can select "ebay rates" which will then show $6.66

But when I enter the exact same package dimension and weight on the listings page, it shows $8-$9. (= same as the "In-store rates" on calculator)

How can I select Ebay Rates??

[robbie31415]

Yes you save it how it's showing.

Then on this link you set it to give the discount.

https://www.ebay.com/ship/prf

Shipping discount settings = eBay discounted rates

Please know setting this means you will get less for shipping than you will actually pay.

[wastingtime101 · Accepted solution]

The question is whether you want to charge buyers retail rates or discounted rates @greentea7 . Keep in mind that you have access to discounted rates when you purchase labels on eBay regardless of how much you charge the buyer.

The setting to offer buyers discounted rates can be found on your shipping preferences page under the carrier specific discounts setting: https://www.ebay.com/ship/prf

Since eBay charges a fee on total cost buyer pays (item + ship + tax), by charging discounted rates you are losing money on every single package. If you want to make up for that you can add a handling fee or increase your item costs - or simply charge retail rates for a built in cushion instead of passing on the discounts.

[sha_193668]

It sounds like you're encountering a common issue for first-time eBay sellers. The discrepancy between the rates you're seeing could be due to a few factors:

1. **eBay Discounted Shipping Rates**: eBay offers discounted shipping rates to sellers who purchase labels through eBay's platform. When you're using the shipping calculator, the $6.66 rate is likely the discounted eBay rate. However, on the listing page, the rates might be defaulting to retail prices if you're not selecting the correct shipping option.

2. **Shipping Service Selection**: On the listing page, make sure you're selecting the same shipping service that corresponds to the eBay discounted rate you saw in the calculator. Sometimes, the default might be a different service that doesn’t apply the discount.

3. **Adjusting Shipping Preferences**: You might need to manually select eBay's discounted shipping option during the listing setup. Look for an option like "Use eBay Labels" or something similar in the shipping section of your listing.

4. **Account Settings**: Ensure your eBay account is set up to purchase and print labels through eBay. This setting might affect the rates shown during the listing process.

If you continue to have issues, you can contact eBay support for more detailed guidance or check their help section on shipping. This should help you align the rates you're seeing on the calculator with those on your listing page.

[wastingtime101]

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@sha_193668 wrote:

It sounds like you're encountering a common issue for first-time eBay sellers. The discrepancy between the rates you're seeing could be due to a few factors:

1. **eBay Discounted Shipping Rates**: eBay offers discounted shipping rates to sellers who purchase labels through eBay's platform. When you're using the shipping calculator, the $6.66 rate is likely the discounted eBay rate. However, on the listing page, the rates might be defaulting to retail prices if you're not selecting the correct shipping option.

2. **Shipping Service Selection**: On the listing page, make sure you're selecting the same shipping service that corresponds to the eBay discounted rate you saw in the calculator. Sometimes, the default might be a different service that doesn’t apply the discount.

3. **Adjusting Shipping Preferences**: You might need to manually select eBay's discounted shipping option during the listing setup. Look for an option like "Use eBay Labels" or something similar in the shipping section of your listing.

4. **Account Settings**: Ensure your eBay account is set up to purchase and print labels through eBay. This setting might affect the rates shown during the listing process.

If you continue to have issues, you can contact eBay support for more detailed guidance or check their help section on shipping. This should help you align the rates you're seeing on the calculator with those on your listing page.

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@sha_193668 Did someone tell you that you would be employed by eBay and eBay would pay you to post product reviews, write forum posts, or grab orders? This is a scam, and they are setting you up to steal from you. The scammers will earn your trust with fake proof of their system, perhaps even let you withdraw very small payments, then they will tell you that you have to pay them to be able to withdraw more payments.

This is called a task scam or an order-grabbing scam. The fake company might use the name "eBay Mall" or a different name. Either way, it's a scam that has nothing to do with the real eBay.

eBay doesn't pay people to write forum posts, write product reviews, or grab orders. No legitimate company pays for this type of "work."

If the scammers ask you to sign up for a cryptocurrency account, don't do it. Don't give them any money; you won't get any of it back. More info: https://malwaretips.com/blogs/ebay-job-scam/

[dbfolks166mt]

     As a seller shipping can be one of the more challenging aspects to master due to all the options and variables. wastingtime101  has already detailed how to use the eBay discounted rates and the repercussions of doing so. I never offer sellers the discounted rates, and while the actual cost of what I pay for the label is generally less than the buyer pays for shipping, those extra dollars help cover the cost of the eBay fees on the shipping and the packing materials. 

     I have not purchased shipping labels on eBay in a LONG time but utilize Pirate Ship which has the same, or better, discounted rates as eBay has. I pay for those labels with a cash back credit card which tends to add up over the months/year further reducing my actual cost and then simply add the tracking information into the eBay order. 

     I am not sure what you are selling/shipping but while USPS ground advantage is often the cheapest shipping method if you have larger or heavier items a USPS priority mail flat rate package or envelope may be a cheaper option. It's amazing what you can shove into a flat rate envelope and the weight limit on those packages is 60 pounds. Also be aware that most USPS services including ground advantage and priority mail come with $100 in insurance coverage. If you ship more expensive items you may want to add additional coverage. 

     EBay also offers UPS and FedEx services but you should be aware both are infamous for unilateral surcharges once the package is actually shipped and delivered. As a new seller this forum is a great place for you to get suggestions and advice, preferably before you run into issues/problems. 

[greentea7]

Thank you for your reply @wastingtime101 

So I thought:

Since I will choose "Buyer pays calculated shipping" option, and seller fee is a certain percentage of (item price + sales tax buyer paid + shipping fee buyer paid),

lower shipping cost will lead to less deduction from the money I will earn.

But you are saying that:

"Keep in mind that you have access to discounted rates when you purchase labels on eBay regardless of how much you charge the buyer." 

So does this mean - Whether I choose ebay rates or standard rates, that only matters to buyers, and as a seller myself, I will always be able to access & purchase the discounted (ebay rate) label. So, if I choose the standard/non-discounted rate option, I will ultimately earn more since

the amount I pay will be LESS than what buyer pays me for shipping.

Did I understand that correctly??

[wastingtime101]

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@greentea7 wrote:

"Keep in mind that you have access to discounted rates when you purchase labels on eBay regardless of how much you charge the buyer." 

So does this mean - Whether I choose ebay rates or standard rates, that only matters to buyers, and as a seller myself, I will always be able to access & purchase the discounted (ebay rate) label. So, if I choose the standard/non-discounted rate option, I will ultimately earn more since

the amount I pay will be LESS than what buyer pays me for shipping.

Did I understand that correctly??

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Yes.

The only exception is for services where there is no discounted rate compared to retail (example: Media Mail used for books, movies, etc costs the same through eBay as it does at the retail post office counter).