I lost almost $20 today selling on eBay.

[chasearooauctions]

So,  I offer free returns. ( It's what eBay wants from their sellers.) I received back the same item I shipped (that was the good news). Then, I looked at my numbers for this item. It cost $4.25 to ship (Free shipping. It's what eBay wants from their sellers) $4.25 for the return. ( It's what eBay wants from their sellers.)  I can't charge a return fee unless the item was used, damaged or different. PAYPAL got 3% ($9.25). Although, this month I get to keep it. Next month, I don't. (It's what PAYPAL wants from their sellers) I don't know if eBay keeps their 10% FVF ($31.50) or not. 

PAYPAL-$9.25

USPS- $8.50

eBay - $31.50

[tdumonde2014]

Why do you buy products that generate a loss?

[segar-6213]

The fees should be refunded by eBay

[pjcdn2005]

If you refunded through the return you will get your ebay fees back. You should also get your PP fees back other than the .30 transaction fee. Paypal will stop refunding all fees sometime in October but you should receive yours back.

eBay may want you to offer free shipping and free returns but it is up to each individual seller on whether or not that works for them.

[glgenterprise]

It's that OP has been hit for the shipping in both directions during a return - but their numbers are a little screwy - so they've lost a bit of money on the return, not that they are "buying products that generate a loss"

If it was a full return for refund - OP should get their paypal and ebay fees back - and only be out the shipping in both directions.

[disneyshopper]

It's what ebay wants?

If you wish to be a top rated seller PLUS, in order to receive 10% credit on FVF, then you must accept free returns and 1-day handling (along with 30 day returns).

I was a TRSP at one time, but when ebay reduced the credit on FVF to 10% and required free returns, I thought it wasn't worth it, and I did not do it.  I only kept the 1-day handling.

[ed8108]

EBay says that it's just simply the cost of doing business.

So the OP should consider their financial loss might have been far greater. 

OP has indeed been lucky, this time.

[parkersparrow]

So if being top rated plus is not worth the cost of having to pay for free shipping & returns, why don't you just stop? Charge for shipping or increase your prices.

[lja440]

You can still give eBay what it wants but not be a door mat. 

eBay wants Free Shipping. Then figure out what it will cost you to ship that item and include it in to starting price.

eBay wants free returns then build that into your starting price by self insuring. My norm is 3% for non breakables,5% for breakables. As I have very few returns and no lost or damaged climes, over 15 years these few cents per listing has grown to the point that I dipped into the risk fund to pay for my daughters school band trips to Chicago and Disney. 

Also factors you need to consider is your items cost to you, all listing and FVF's AND YOUR MINIMUM PROFIT.

I never list something I can't at least get 30% over and above my costs.  Same with my B&M, I do have some really unique pieces (some fab art glass), but for the most part my rule is if I have to dust it, it's been there too long and it moves to an eBay listing. Same with here if it makes it through 2 listings without a sale then it gets pulled. 

I am not here to make eBay money. I am here to work with eBay and make money, if in the process eBay makes some well then good for them.

[no_zero369]

@lja440 wrote:

You can still give eBay what it wants but not be a door mat. 

eBay wants Free Shipping. Then figure out what it will cost you to ship that item and include it in to starting price.

eBay wants free returns then build that into your starting price by self insuring. My norm is 3% for non breakables,5% for breakables. As I have very few returns and no lost or damaged climes, over 15 years these few cents per listing has grown to the point that I dipped into the risk fund to pay for my daughters school band trips to Chicago and Disney. 

Also factors you need to consider is your items cost to you, all listing and FVF's AND YOUR MINIMUM PROFIT.

I never list something I can't at least get 30% over and above my costs.  Same with my B&M, I do have some really unique pieces (some fab art glass), but for the most part my rule is if I have to dust it, it's been there too long and it moves to an eBay listing. Same with here if it makes it through 2 listings without a sale then it gets pulled. 

I am not here to make eBay money. I am here to work with eBay and make money, if in the process eBay makes some well then good for them.

---

Huh?  How can you do that!??? 

Setting up a self insurance fund, charging a bit extra to fund the fund, running eBay selling like a business - oh my! 

Top-notched stuff.  Hope others follow your lead.

[lja440]

How to set up self insurance.

I take a look at the trending prices for my item. Say the item is a vinyl lp. Currently trending at $20 including shipping. Lp's are breakable so I add 5% ($1) for self insurance. This I take out of my wallet and it goes into a coffee can on top of my roll top desk when i list. When i get around to it this ends up being deposited  into a savings account. Currently  there is $1164. In the account and 2  $500 CD's.