eBay

packratville · ‎08-10-2019

I'm still not able to list a lot of items right now, but when I did have more consistent sales I always had a good rating on shipping/handling charges, usually 5.0 and I don't think ever lower than 4.9. Now I'm at 4.7 (and I think before my last feedback received today) it was 4.9. If this last person brought the rating down, in fact he paid $3.25 shipping but my actual postage cost turned out to be $3.36.

It's frustrating because in almost all my sales lately shipping has actually cost more than what I charged, and when it didn't it wasn't by much.

Is it just me, or is part of the problem the hike in USPS fees and people just aren't realizing that it costs a lot more to send things?

I've always used stealth shipping over the years but I'm thinking it's time to show the shipping cost on the package.

Any suggestions? I know shipping/handling doesn't count against sellers but it can't look too good to potential buyers. And irritating when I know I'm not overcharging.

lightlily_arts · ‎08-11-2019

I don't think it matters whether you use stealth postage or not. Some people will still complain because they think shipping should be cheaper or free. But here's another thought; that some people will ding your stars just because they can. Some people don't understand the stars and just won't give anyone the five stars. How many times do you see people leaving a neutral rating but the comment is positive. Why would someone ding your star for communication? I know that I answer every question and in a timely manner. All of my feedback is positive but someone came along and gave me 4 stars across the board. I believe I know which buyer did it and they gave me a great positive comment, but for the life of me why ding my stars?

melsieh67 · ‎08-11-2019

Honestly I'd rather see a $30 item at a glance, than get excited seeing a $10 only to see that shipping is literally double the cost of the item. Many buyers really don't know what shipping costs should be, especially with programs such as Amazon Prime, and it feel like a ripoff to see that, even if it's honest.

Plus many of us remember the days of $1 items with $50 shipping.

This won't be popular but if you're wondering about buyer psychology...this may be part of why EBay tries to push free shipping. Yes, with the costs included in the item purchase price, or course.

packratville · ‎08-11-2019

Unfortunately, that's probably true. Everyone's probably a bit spoiled now with so much "free" shipping from major retailers and websites and expect it from everyone now.

I've been puzzled many times by positive comments accompanying neutral ratings. It's even worse when it's a negative rating and highly positive comment. Guess that's all just eBay life now. It sure doesn't make sense that you got glowing comments yet less than five stars.