Seller refuses to combine shipping and refuses to use a cheaper shipping method despite my request.

[jennispear-0]

I won two auctions from the same seller.  Both winning bids were $0.99.   When I requested the total from the seller,  I specifically asked if they could combine the shipping charges, or in the alternative, use a different shipping method that I suggested which would reduce the shipping charges by more than half.  I also followed up with an email to the seller, which has gone unaswered.   Instead, I received two separate invoices from the seller.  The total shipping charges for both items came to $30.20 ($16.70 & $13.50).  This amount is extremely excessive especially when the seller's address is less than three hours from my residence.  They refuse to ship via Regional Box B, which costs $7.17 for up to 20 lbs.   They are even goughing me on rate they are using (Priority Mail Rate).  The acutal cost is only $8.82 for 10lbs and $11.87 for 15lbs.  I feel that this seller is upset because I won these auctions for $0.99 each.   What can be done if a seller refuses to use the much cheaper shipping method? Please advise.  

[chiaretta]

You have a more than average number of transactions for someone who only registered 18 months ago, you should know questions should be asked BEFORE bidding or committing to buy, and that includes asking if the seller is happy to combine and/or if they are willing to use a cheaper service.

Neither are compulsory, but had you asked in advance you wouldn't find yourself faced with the very real possibility they will open two Unpaid Item cases against you and if you still refuse to pay, close them giving you two strikes.

Even after more than 7.000 purchases I will ALWAYS ask if a combined invoice is to be expected when I never dealt with the seller before, if I don't like the answer I will click on the back button with no adverse consequences to my account or pay up what was clearly there before I committed

[*help_no_brakes*]

Were the shipping charges clearly shown on the listing PRIOR to placing a bid?

Did you ask the seller about combined discounted shipping PRIOR to placing a bid?

Buyers do not decide how a seller ships the items. 

[scratch*post]

What can be done if a seller refuses to use the much cheaper shipping method? Please advise.  

You can (1) pay for your items you agreed to buy or (2) ask nicely for a cancelation which the seller is under no obligation to give.

When you looked at the listings, the cost and method of shipping was provided to you. If you wanted combined shipping or different shipping method you need to ask the seller before bidding, not after.

[readabouthorses]

You should have asked prior to getting into the transaction if the seller would combine.

Also, maybe the seller does not have a Regional Box B. These are not available at the local Post Offices (my PO doesn't even know what they are) and have to be ordered. So if the seller even agreed would you be willing to wait for them to order the boxes so they could ship that way? Are you even positively absolutely sure your items would fit in the Regional B Box ... which B Box .. there are 2 of them?

These are all questions you should have researched and asked BEFORE getting into the transaction.

[green-night]

Instead, I received two separate invoices from the seller.  

OP, I agree with the others - the seller is under no obligation to combine shipping in any way whatsoever.    That said, I suspect you will be even angrier if you pay 2 separate invoices and then they do show up in the same box.  Therefore, when you pay, I would change the shipping address on one of those invoices and let your seller know that. 

[beautybylynn]

Most likely the seller isgetting his item prce in the shipping (which it totally ok since a fee is charged on the shipping amt paid) you have to take into consideration the entire price (item price + shipping=Entire price paid) its not fair, but thats the way it is

[southernfriedbelle]

Have to agree with the other responders on this. Surely, you've shopped and bought enough on eBay by now to know that a .99¢ price point is costing the buyer money, as he can't possibly ship the item for the actual shipping cost and  break even. That said, I don't think the practice of padding shipping prices to make a profit is very ethical, but that is just my opinion. I think items should be priced realistically and fairly and shipping should be the actual cost of shipping the item. But, that's just me.

Where you went wrong, as the previous responders have pointed out is failing to ask for combined shipping or a less expensive shipping method prior to bidding or buying. The seller made his items available at a price that included his shipping costs, however inflated you may perceive them to be. You chose to accept that price by bidding or buying. It's unfair for you to try to renege on the deal now that you've agreed to pay what the seller asked.

If I were in your place, I'd just chalk this up to experience and lessons learned. Always know the full price of an item before bidding or buying, including the shipping. Always ask questions regarding ANYTHING prior to bidding or buying. If you get an unsatisfactory response, or no response, don't bid or buy, and move on to another seller's listings.

You can cancel, as some have suggested, but be aware that if you do, it will go on your record as a retraction, and too many of those can eventually result in buyer restrictions. 

[phcd1]

The time to ask about changing shipping methods is BEFORE you win, not after. Sellers are not required to combine nor offer another shipping method that wasn't listed. Many sellers use low bid starting auctions to attract bidders, only to make up the price in shipping. Its called marketing and there is no eBay rule against that. Ever watch TV where they say "but wait, just pay separate shipping and handing and you get another one for free!", and the S/N is enough to pay for that second one?

[readabouthorses]

@jennispear-0

And since we are talking about shipping methods you might want to review those magazines you have listed because they cannot be sent Media Mail due to postal regulations. Don't want your buyers to receive them with Postage Due.

[jbbowers12012]

agreed with others....just chalk this one up as a lesson learned & pay the price and shipping charges that you have agreed to. no one needs 2 unpaid strikes. next time ask questions before you buy. BEST OF LUCK!

[missjen831]

What can be done? Nothing! Pay or take the strikes. You don't get to dictate shipping and you agreed to the shipping costs in the listing. I don't know why you think you can make these kinds of demands after the fact? The seller is in control of shipping.