@member220306 wrote:
lintbrush: This is simply not true. Nearly all online companies offer shipping options, customer choice. It should always be the customer's choice because it's the customer's money. Example: I just ordered a couple of paper items that were eligible for media mail shipping. The seller was asking for nearly $8 for priority mail shipment. Media was $2.63. Which do you think makes sense? I received a camera last week that had a $46 priority mail cost, $35 parcel. Which do you think makes more sense? It's always going to be my choice how I spend my money, and no, you don't have the right to ship at my cost any way you want to. Bad business, and I have no objection to noting that in feedback. As for risk damage, if it's broken and wasn't run over by the truck, it wasn't packed properly. I have been shipping everything from stained glass windows to delicate scientific instruments for 20 years by the most appropriate shipping method (which was priority only on those rare occasions when the customer asked for it). I've never had a single damaged shipment. It's how you pack it, not how often the post office handles it.
I'm assuming this is the post your were directing at me, member220306.
For one thing, I'm not concerned about what other online companies do. I select the shipping method appropriate for the item and do not offer the buyer a choice unless they contact me with a special request to upgrade, at their expense, to Express or Overnight service. I also do not use media mail, even for items that qualify, simply because it is too slow and being subject to inspection it is too easy for employees of the postal service to damage the item in the process.
I ship items that qualify as First Class Parcels and those that are too heavy via Priority Mail. I consider all forms of Priority Mail as Priority Mail so I calculate PM packages at the variable rate schedule, but use Flat Rate if it is more cost efficient for me. Since I use fixed rate S&H (Same price to all) it doesn't cost the buyer any more or less than what is stated in the listing.
Larger and heavier items may be shipped UPS or FedEx Ground or even by a freight company depending upon the requirements of the item being shipped. The particulars are, of course, would be spelled out in the listing in such cases.
Items restricted from travel by air are shipped by USPS ground service which use to be called Parcel Post.
Yes, it is always your choice as to how you spend your money. However, if you were to decide to spend any of it on anything from me you'll have to agree to my terms or take your business elsewhere.
Naturally, live auction sales are so much easier. "As Is, Where Is" is so much easier than having to deal with shipping. Of course, my people are always happy to help load your items into you car or truck.
"It is an intelligent man that is aware of his own ignorance."
