Freight option when listing

[serafin20564]

In 2024 I was able to pick more freight options when listing an item and it would give you an estimate, now it only gives you 2 options, is there an option I can pick to go back to 2024 option?

[wastingtime101]

Last time I checked nothing changed about freight. You could either enter a flat cost or use an option where the buyer contacts you for costs before buying.

eBay did change the shipping calculator a few months ago.

With which shipping services were you previously getting estimates for freight with the eBay calculator @serafin20564 ?

Tagging in @lakefor94 re: freight knowledge.

[lakefor94]

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@wastingtime101 wrote:

Last time I checked nothing changed about freight. You could either enter a flat cost or use an option where the buyer contacts you for costs before buying.

eBay did change the shipping calculator a few months ago.

With which shipping services were you previously getting estimates for freight with the eBay calculator @serafin20564 ?

Tagging in @lakefor94 re: freight knowledge.

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@serafin20564 @wastingtime101 

I can't remember what exactly was there in the past. 

Thinking it was Freight and Flat Rate Freight.

I only use Freight in the listing because the buyer has to contact me before they can purchase.

Then I get their address and look it up on Instant Streetview.

Find out if this is a residential? Does it need a box truck with a liftgate? Is it an inside delivery? Is it a upper floor delivery? Is there an elevator? 

If commercial building, does the building have a dock an 18 wheeler can back up to? 

I find out what exactly the delivery entails, call my freight company and get a price.

Get an OK from the buyer. If yes, I change the listing to Flat Rate Shipping, enter the price and that allows them to purchase the item.

That is all I need is the Freight option and can then change to Flat Rate Shipping after striking a deal with the buyer. 

[wastingtime101]

Thanks @lakefor94 , that's my recollection, as well. I don't recall eBay every providing freight estimates with the calculator.

The only thing I can think of is the option where a seller lets eBay pre-fill shipping info based on similar listings, so perhaps they suggested a flat rate based on what other sellers were charging. But I don't think that's what the original poster is talking about.

[lakefor94]

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@wastingtime101 wrote:

Thanks @lakefor94 , that's my recollection, as well. I don't recall eBay every providing freight estimates with the calculator.

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@wastingtime101 

I could not imagine a calculator being feasible for freight shipments. So many variables and they surcharge for everything that comes up.

Another thing to watch out for is if the buyer wants to have it delivered to a freight handling company and then pick it up there. If the buyer procrastinates and waits a week to pick it up, they surcharge for storage... 

Risky business, not to mention the possibility of an INAD. I have to be very confident in the buyer and my product to ship freight. 

[wastingtime101]

I wonder if @serafin20564 is referring to all shipping services as "freight" as opposed to actual Freight for oversized items?

I looked at their listings and there is "Freight" attached to $18-20 items that can ship via regular non-freight methods.

Maybe they will come back with more specific info and/or screenshots about what they need help with.