eBay

decoratorsfriend · ‎06-19-2017

Can the seller decide what shipping service to use if they offer free shipping? Since a seller has to choose the shipping service they will use when listing an item, do they have to still use that service when an item is purchased even if another shipping service would be faster delivery and cheaper? Will this hurt the sellers metrics? For example, I usually have Fedex Smartpost as the shipping method since most of my items will ship cheaper with that service. However, there are times when USPS Priority is a cheaper choice and is obviously a faster delivery time. If ebay is really all about the buyer's happiness, then it makes sense for both the buyer and seller for the seller to be able to ship using a faster and cheaper service if it is available (regardless of what is in the listing) AND this shouldn't hurt the sellers account. I am only asking about situations when a choosing a different shipping service is equal to or better than what is on the order. I offer free shipping on my items.

muttlymob · ‎06-19-2017

For example, I usually have Fedex Smartpost as the shipping method since most of my items will ship cheaper with that service. However, there are times when USPS Priority is a cheaper choice and is obviously a faster delivery time. If ebay is really all about the buyer's happiness, then it makes sense for both the buyer and seller for the seller to be able to ship using a faster and cheaper service if it is available (regardless of what is in the listing) AND this shouldn't hurt the sellers account.

Nope. Sellers should use the shipping service that is shown in the listing. There are generic categories that you can list instead of a specific shipping service that allows you to choose the appropriate method - Standard, Economy, Expedited, etc.

But once you state a specific service such as FedEx Smartpost or USPS Priority, you need to stick with that one unless you upgrade to a faster service WITH THE SAME CARRIER.

Some buyers prefer one carrier over another, so changing carriers without the buyer's knowledge and consent could be problematic.

newerused · ‎06-19-2017

If, say, I am expecting an item via U.S.P.S. it stays safely at my PO box.
If the seller sends it UPS or FED EX instead it's left on my porch available to anyone stopping by.
Not good.

I realize you're generally offering Fedex but a switch to USPS may create an unforseen problem.

Perhaps if you message any buyer you're wanting to change the shipping option?

@decoratorsfriend wrote:
Can the seller decide what shipping service to use if they offer free shipping? Since a seller has to choose the shipping service they will use when listing an item, do they have to still use that service when an item is purchased even if another shipping service would be faster delivery and cheaper? Will this hurt the sellers metrics? For example, I usually have Fedex Smartpost as the shipping method since most of my items will ship cheaper with that service. However, there are times when USPS Priority is a cheaper choice and is obviously a faster delivery time. If ebay is really all about the buyer's happiness, then it makes sense for both the buyer and seller for the seller to be able to ship using a faster and cheaper service if it is available (regardless of what is in the listing) AND this shouldn't hurt the sellers account. I am only asking about situations when a choosing a different shipping service is equal to or better than what is on the order. I offer free shipping on my items.

buyselljack2016 · ‎06-19-2017

FedEx Smartpost to Priority should not be an issue, as delivery is done by USPS with either service.

lex-talon · ‎06-19-2017

If a seller offers an "expedited" method of shipping, say Priority mail, they cannot downgrade to a economy service such as media, parcel post, etc. It's the sellers responsibility to check which shipping options are available to meet their criteria.

decoratorsfriend · ‎06-21-2017

You can't choose Standard, Economy or Priority without choosing a specific service. That is what ebay needs to allow sellers to do when they offer Free Shipping. When listing an item, you have to pick a shipping service, it can't be generic.

readabouthorses · ‎06-21-2017

@decoratorsfriend wrote:
You can't choose Standard, Economy or Priority without choosing a specific service. That is what ebay needs to allow sellers to do when they offer Free Shipping. When listing an item, you have to pick a shipping service, it can't be generic.

I've seen lots of listings that just state Economy with no specific service chosen. I see it a lot in the magazine back issues section where sellers are going to use Media Mail but don't want to show it so they just choose Economy. I think you can only do that if you are giving Free Shipping or just showing a flat rate like $4.00 for Economy.