Originally Posted by
rocks2dust
The cost of "free postage" is always built into the pricing. As you noted, for single, low-priced items, it requires raising the price to a level that looks overpriced to some buyers. That is why many large on-line retailers require a basket of items total a minimum amount before "free" domestic shipping kicks in (that way the built-in shipping cost percentage is spread among multiple items, or applies to a higher-priced item where the added cost is less of a factor). Free shipping doesn't work very well for auctions, low-priced items or international sales. Still, some customers have fallen for the "free shipping" hype and will choose an item that includes no added shipping charge over a lower-priced item that requires adding shipping (some don't even compare). Perhaps the new seller is aiming for those customers? If so, then I hope that type of customer becomes his/her buyers here, and those who comparison-shop and take into account the cost of postage should be very attracted to your listings.