Using eBay to ship something cheaper

[ahyou_7364]

Hello, I am shipping somewhat large, but light package across the country to a friend. USPS/ups/FedEx/pirate ship all list the shipping cost around $20-$30, whereas when I used ebays calculator it came up as $9. So my question is can I just post this item for like a penny and have my friend buy it so that way we can use ebays much cheaper shipping? To make sure no one else buys it I can just list the item for like $300 and then have my friend put an offer of a penny or something and I can accept it. There may alternatives to get cheap shipping  but I am just asking if this specific way is possible or if I will get in trouble for doing this. Thanks 

[friskya]

That's a pretty large difference in shipping costs. The eBay shipping calculator has been known to struggle calculating large package costs. I wouldn't trust it, especially if you're getting into the range where "dimensional weights" might be a factor.

People do list "private auctions" for buyers and I've never heard of anyone actually getting any eBay sanctions for it, but keep in mind that if USPS/FedEx/UPS/etc. decide that the shipping cost you paid is not correct, they WILL take steps to collect the correct amount.

In the case of FedEx and UPS, the most likely scenario is that they will collect from eBay, who will then get their money back from you. USPS will either deliver it to your friend postage due, or return it to you for insufficient postage. They also have the option of collecting it from eBay and then eBay will collect it from you.

So, while you could do what you're suggesting, it's not without its perils and in all honesty, you're probably just better off just buying your label through PayPal™ or PirateShip at the correct rate for its size and weight.

[donsdetour]

Such as you will be charged latter, for the corrected shipping cost: its a no:

Avoid what you thing you are trying to do.

A great way with shipping cost and that penny to end up paying way more than just correctly shipping it....

You do know eBay charges fees on shipping and tax as well as the item cost????

[nobody*s_perfect]

It sounds like you didn't enter the same dimensions when you checked the eBay shipping calculator. The USPS rates should be the same on all sites for the same package, address, service.

[ahyou_7364]

I mean, eBay charges 12% or so, +$0.30 for the listing, and the shipping eBay showed was like $20 cheaper. I’ve shipped this exact same item through eBay in the past when I actually sold it, and the shipping cost they gave was accurate at the time

[friskya]

Sounds as though you made your decision before asking your question.

Why did you bother to ask?

[ahyou_7364]

Thanks, I appreciate the info. I’ve shipped this exact item through eBay in the past when I sold it, so it seems their shipping cost calculator was accurate as neither me nor the buyer had to pay any extra money to cover anything extra. But I’ll tread cautiously given the info you gave 

[lacemaker3]

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@ahyou_7364 wrote:

I mean, eBay charges 12% or so, +$0.30 for the listing, and the shipping eBay showed was like $20 cheaper. I’ve shipped this exact same item through eBay in the past when I actually sold it, and the shipping cost they gave was accurate at the time

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That would not really be the case ... eBay doesn't have any fantastic discounts available on shipping. eBay shipping used to be exactly the same as the USPS cost for online shipping (USPS gives a discount for buying online, and not using the time and services of a counter clerk). I'm not sure if this is still true to the penny, but either way, eBay does not provide a fantastic discount like you are expecting.

Since eBay doesn't actually have any significant shipping discounts, if you are getting a quote that is so much lower than other services, that means there's something wrong with the lower quote. If it sounds to good to be true, then it is.

[ahyou_7364]

It’s definitely the same dimensions, I’ve checked and rechecked a few times. I don’t quite understand why the costs are so different. This is actually my third time shipping this exact item. The first time I shipped to a friend in California not through eBay. The shipping label cost me $35 through ups. Second time I sold the item to someone in New York through eBay (I live right in the middle of Cali and New York) and shipping cost $9. It was same service as well. That’s why I was thinking just shipping through eBay may be better since I saved so much

[kosmosattik]

A couple of things.  Sales tax (if applicable) will be charged on the sales price + shipping cost.   eBay will calculate their fees based on the sales price + shipping cost + sales tax + 30 cents.  I doubt eBay is going care as long as they get their $x.xx in fees.  Alternatively, your friend could pay a higher amount with free shipping and then you refund him.

I've never had a problem with USPS or UPS dimensional weights on many packages over the years, never had a non-delivery or postage due (that any buyer complained about) or an upcharge on the back end.  Nor have I seen an eBay shipping calculation for these packages that have turned out wrong.  With these services I've dropped the packages at the post office or UPS store counter and got a receipt with their weigh-in confirming my weight.  I surmise a lot of the complaints on this score relate to sellers guessing and underestimating the dimensions and weight when they list.

I tried FedEx for the first time recently and am waiting to see the actual shipping cost to come through so I cannot speak to the additional pound of flesh they may extract.

[donsdetour]

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@ahyou_7364 wrote:

I mean, eBay charges 12% or so, +$0.30 for the listing, and the shipping eBay showed was like $20 cheaper. I’ve shipped this exact same item through eBay in the past when I actually sold it, and the shipping cost they gave was accurate at the time

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Very unlikely it was the correct cost for shipping the item: you got luck and it was not checked up the line.

It can get expensive if one get caught in this stuff. A few good post about it do exist.

[kosmosattik]

Oh, one other thing to be aware of.  eBay will show shipping options that are not valid for the weight and dimensions.  For example, if you're looking at a Priority Mail rate you should verify that the package qualifies.  This is another reason some sellers might get stung on the back end.

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@lacemaker3 wrote:   ... eBay doesn't have any fantastic discounts available on shipping. eBay shipping used to be exactly the same as the USPS cost for online shipping (USPS gives a discount for buying online, and not using the time and services of a counter clerk). I'm not sure if this is still true to the penny....

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eBay's postage rates still match the published USPS online (Commercial) rates.  

The only exceptions are that eBay (1) charges the retail price for Media Mail, and (2) gives an additional 3% discount when Top Rated Sellers purchase Priority Mail postage.

[fern*wood]

Why don't you give the weight, dimensions & zips involved and let the knowledgeable posters here figure it for you?

[fab_finds4u]

A large package over a cubic foot is charged by DIM weight which means a lightweight package could end up costing what a 10 lb package costs.

You don't  have to list it and make a sale just to make a label. Go to paypal.com/shipnow and make the label there. You get the online rate there, too.