Shipping multiple quantities of an item in one listing

[lazyflamingo]

Hello,

Can anyone out there help me with this issue? I have some items that I list that have multiple quantities. I list for purchase ONE and enter the weight and size of the box. The problem is when a person buys multiple quantities and pays immediately, the automatic calculator in the system does not calculate the correct shipping.  A few times I have had a buyer pay and then when I pack up the multiple quantities a larger box is necessary. The larger the box is the shipping charge for me is exponential. I don't want to set my account to send an invoice to ALL buyers before paying.  That would just cause headaches and delays. However, I would like to set it on the individual listings that multiple quantities would cause this problem. I have sold pillows and purchasing one isn't a problem, however, when a buyer purchases 4...I need a bigger box and that makes shipping increase... most recently 4X what the buyer paid.  Does anyone know what the best solution is? I put in the description the problem as stated here and asked the person message me to get a shipping quote if they want multiple quantities.  Didn't help. Purchased and paid and then I'm scrambling and trying everything to get it into a smaller box. Advice would be appreciated. Thank you

[wastingtime101]

To start, you cannot send an invoice post-sale and increase the cost of shipping, even if the buyer hasn't paid yet.

eBay does not offer a straightforward way to deal with the situation you're describing. Your best bet would be to set up rate tables and apply them exclusively to those items where people buy multiples, kicking a box size up to dimensional pricing.

Rate tables will let you charge a flat shipping cost based on regions and you set up those regions (state groupings).

You have the option of charging a flat cost for one with a reduced cost for each additional, or charging a flat cost for each item (so you can ship in 2 boxes instead of 1 larger box).

[lazyflamingo]

Ugh. Right now I’m thinking it’s easier to list one and say in the description I have more. Then state to message for a shipping quote. But that would just reduce number of potential buyers who don’t see the quantity available in the description.  
I took a look at the rate table and clicked on some of the categories but don’t understand how to tailor it for someone who chooses 3 or 4.  I am feeling the flat rate may scare away potential buyers who choose a lesser quantity. Or am I not understanding? 

Or leave it the way I had listed with correct quantity and text in the description saying to message FIRST for shipping quote for multiple quantities. Then if they don’t, cancel the transaction. Sure would hate to do that. 

[monica-sells]

why not just price each one individually like you are doing, and charge the same for multiple items (ea. additional of the same)

that way, let's use your example of 4 pillows if it costs 5.00 to ship one it would invoice the buyer for 5 X 4 $20.00 for shipping. At least you should be covered if you put them in one box. If it's only 13.00 in one box, just refund 7.00 to the buyer...

If its 24.00 for combined, send them separately @5.00 each

I realize it's not optimal, but it will keep you from eating postage all the time...If a buyer requests a shipping cost 'review' you can calculate the refund and advise the buyer.....

tables would work, but it is a pain with dimensional weight

[cambriachick]

Before the new listing form, there was a line that let you fill in the amount for additional items.  Is it gone?

[vintagetreasuretroves]

I am also wondering the same thing. 

[sakkoch]

I was also looking for that option and cannot find it.

[pursenurse]

I was also running into the same problem but I just figured it out: 

To the right of "Shipping Policy" you should see 3 vertical dots.

Click on those dots and you should see 4 options. Click on the 4th one that says: 

"Edit cost for this listing"

Then a new window pops up which shows you the actual shipping price you've entered and then just below that they finally give you a little window that says: "Each additional cost"

And - there you go! I hope it helps. (Why it is so hidden is beyond me - the only thing I can think of when I encounter these types of issues is the same thing I've told to many CSRs over the years - is that I feel that the techies that actually work on the nuts and bolts of this site should also have some experience as a seller.  Obviously they don't and that is something that eBay should look into.

Good Luck!

[pursenurse]

It isn't gone but it's fairly well hidden. I just explained the procedure for finding it - above. You should see it in my reply to lazyflamingo.

Good Luck!