How do I ask a buyer for more shipping, when ebay has charged too little?

[tazemporium]

I thought my listings were all US (domestic) or only via ebay's global shipping, which is handy. Apparently an old listing of mine though had it listed worldwide. 

Which is fine, except ebay computed the price for shipping as $7.93 to Luxembourg, for my accurately weighted/sized mailing, while USPS demands $13 minimum. And this is for an item that was only like $9 to begin with. 

I gave the listing the exact dimensions and weight, somehow it came up with this low price and now I'm trying to figure out how to ask some stranger in Luxembourg if they'd be willing to cough up another $5. Though I don't even know how to do that, properly, via ebay's system. I'm also going to just offer a refund. 

And of course I know I need to now go through my listings and at least unlist them while I make sure I've got things set up the way I should.

Any input appreciated! Is there a way to charge or request additional payment after-the-fact? I'm pretty ready to just eat the $5 to avoid hassle, but I really shouldn't have to.

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@tazemporium wrote: ... I'm trying to figure out how to ask some stranger in Luxembourg if they'd be willing to cough up another $5. Though I don't even know how to do that, properly, via ebay's system.... I'm pretty ready to just eat the $5 to avoid hassle, but I really shouldn't have to.

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There is no way to ask the buyer to pay for your mistake; it's  a violation of policy.

[tazemporium]

I should add:

Buyer selected "USPS First Class Mail International / First Class Package International Service" which is actually $16.77, it's only the eBay International Standard Delivery that is available at $13.00

[monica-sells]

looks like you configured the shipping for a "Large Envelope" Pricing, and the calculator is using International First Class Parcel Rates (which is all you can offer I think) with tracking......

Dunno for sure if you can just put it in an envelope without tracking for that price (postage paid at Post Office)....

remember, ebay can only charge what you configured. The program does not have the ability to create numbers out of thin air.....

[tazemporium]

But this isn't my mistake... my weight and dimensions were accurate. If ebay's calculator had asked for the actual shipping cost, it would have been at least $13.00 (actually $16.77 to send this via the First Class option they'd selected). 

[12345jamesstamps]

A mistake on your shoulder for only 5 bucks. I would paid it. And maybe get nice feedback from the buyer.

Mail the item first....then later mention to buyer in an email I made a mistake in shipping but I still mailed it...and do a Happy Holidays in the email. Maybe "buyer" will say what do I owe you for the extra shipping charge? You never know what buyers will do. 

[nobody*s_perfect · Accepted solution]

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@tazemporium wrote:

But this isn't my mistake... my weight and dimensions were accurate. If ebay's calculator had asked for the actual shipping cost, it would have been at least $13.00 (actually $16.77 to send this via the First Class option they'd selected). 

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$7.93 would be the rate for an international First Class  "Large envelope."  If your item meets the criteria to be mailed as a FC Large envelope, then you might be able to purchase postage for it at your Post Office counter.  eBay only sells labels for packages, so the label form will indicate "buyer chose" something that they sell postage for, even if it's not a service that you offered in the listing.

[tobaccocardyahoo]

This is the sort of error which is often the reason you got the order.

Your choices are cancel and risk the consequences or take the loss.

[tazemporium]

Wow. Thank you all for such good responses, and so **bleep** fast! Y'all have been really helpful.

I'm running to the PO now to ship it in time, hopefully will lose just $5 or get lucky and lose nothing. I definitely need to overhaul my listings and check that I'm selecting everything properly.

[tazemporium]

Tedious update: Got to the PO in time. Was informed by the USPS that "International Standard Delivery" isn't a thing, paid $17.61 for a 1st class package (can't go as an envelope because it's an ounce over 3 oz). Left with a net loss, especially after ebay/paypal fees. Wee! Time to unlist everything until I know how not to repeat this silliness.

Just noticed this forum bleeped my word that sounds like "dam." Lol. Thanks again, all

[nobody*s_perfect]

Thanks for the update. "International Standard Delivery" is an eBay term, so I'm not surprised that a retail clerk was unfamiliar.   The weight limit for an International First Class letter is 3.5 ounces, but the weight limit for an international FC flat (AKA Large envelope) is 15.994 ounces, so it seems to me that's what you should have used unless there was something about your packaging which made it ineligible to be mailed as a flat. Don't unlist everything; just eliminate international shipping. 

http://pe.usps.com/cpim/ftp/manuals/dmm300/notice123.pdf