How generous are you with the delivery option you select - Price vs Time

[goldrushfinds]

On somewhat larger items (for me) like shoes and small kitchen appliances, I usually list them as standard shipping so that I have the option to choose which one I want. Well for instance today I sold a pair of shoes and the shipping cost via FedEx was $14.50 while with UPS Ground it was $12.50. I charged in the listing $15 for shipping. Do you opt for the faster more expensive shipping method to provide better service, or save where you can and go with UPS (in this instance). 

[downunder-61]

It is up to you, if you have advertised the faster method, then I would be using that because a buyer caan get annoyed if they see a cheaper option was used and $15 covers the post charge for you.

[goldrushfinds]

Thanks. I have been wondering on some very large items if Wells Fargo Stagecoach is still an option. 

[slippinjimmy]

I only use the generic shipping options.

In the situation you describe I almost always use the cheapest method available, sometimes I will pick a slightly more expensive option depending on buyer location, value of the item and most often how quickly I will be shipping. I use an extended handling time in my listings but mostly ship a bit faster unless it's an order that came in just after I've done my shipping day.

I shipped today, first time this week (I have 5 day handling), I bumped up one shipment that was purchased last Saturday but I didn't for an order that came in this morning just a couple of hours before it was on the way.

In your example you would be losing money at $14.50 or maybe breaking even at $12.50, I don't like to lose money so I know what I would choose.

[alcoforever]

I would go with the cheaper option.   After ebay takes it's cut from the $15, you will barely break even on the shipping.

[goldrushfinds]

Thanks for your input.

[goldrushfinds]

Appreciate the feedback

[southern*sweet*tea]

I mainly ship paper items.  I charge a flat $3.95 - actual cost to me is anywhere from $3.43 to $4.50 or so using First Class Package.   I set shipping using generic economy shipping which gives an approximate ten day delivery to the buyer.   The buyer gets their items in anywhere from three to five days or so.

For larger items (which is rare for me now)I use buyer paid calculated shipping, and only use Priority Mail. 

Books I use Media Mail if they're a pound or more.

[nobody*s_perfect]

I don't have easy access to shipping via FedEx or UPS, so my shipping options are much simpler: I use USPS for everything.  

First Class for items up to one pound, Priority for over 1 pound. For heavier items, I might add Retail Ground as a second option for buyers who are frugal and hopefully patient. By using calculated shipping but leaving it set to "Retail," I have a built-in handling charge to cover packaging materials and eBay fees but I can honestly say in my listings that the shipping cost seen by the buyer is the calculated actual USPS cost.

[inhawaii]

Shipping from Hawaii I have limited options.

Anything under 1 lb. ships First Class Mail. No options to the buyer.

Anything 1 lb. or over ships Priority Mail. No options to the buyer.

Anything that qualifies for Media Mail i give the buyer a choice:

Media Mail (if they are looking to save money) or Priority Mail (if they want it in a hurry).

[iart]

Almost always price (and our convenience - USPS picks up at our door), unless the item is very expensive. If we sell a book for $500 we would probably ship it Priority rather than media.

All our costs are up. Fees, shipping, supplies and even buying items to resell. We have to save where we can.

[redmodelt]

I offer several different services and levels within those services, then the buyer pick which they want to use. Some people have preferences and don't want to use X service, so they have the option to pick between USPS and UPS. I will not offer FedEx. 

[12345jamesstamps]

I go with the one that is nearest me. USPS. This way if something is not showing tracking which I had 3 this month I can walk there to the post office in person to find out what has happened. That way I don't have to spend lots of time on the phone trying to get a real person to talk to.

[calntom]

My shipping choices are primarily choosen by the cost of the item itself. 

I may have items advertised as 1st Class Package but if someone buys 5 or 10 of them and the actual item cost runs say, $100 or higher, I will be changing the shipment to UPS even though the shipment remains under 1 pound.

[nobody*s_perfect]

Why do you switch to UPS?