Buyers don't appreciate excessive postage charges - and will walk

[bykimbo]

That is correct. We do not know invoice total for shipping the three items, nor do we know what amount was discounted for the multiple sale. We do know that the buyer was charged double the cost of mailing the item as evidenced by her package.

We do know that shipping cost is calculated for one item based on weight (including packaging), method, and location. System is usually spot on. However, for multiples, although system does same calculation, the additional weight added for packaging times number of items, throws the invoice shipping total off. To correct sellers usually weigh items and manually discount shipping total via drop down feature. We do not know why seller did not correct invoice shipping total to reflect the actual cost of mailing the package.

The buyer is in the UK. Has she said the seller was in the US? UK sellers do not have the shipping calculator in eBid.

[florida33549]

I notice so many of those big online shopping places like O now use flat rate shipping, really cheap like $2.99 for everything no matter how much is ordered. So people are going to look at our shipping and wonder why we are charging $5.99+ plus a handling charge. These companies can afford to pick up the extras couple of bucks, they save lots of bucks on buying the supplies by the ton, so that low shipping is seen as a very positive bonus for buying from them. Plus they got all the staff to pack, the PO picks up there without giving them lip, and they can get stuff out in a snap. Hard to compete against them.

Just got a promotional email from Kohl's this morning. Free shipping with orders over $100. Otherwise same shipping rates or higher than I use. So the big companies have handling charges the same as the small sellers.

IMHO, all the fuss over handling charges began at the 'bay', when buyers were able to leave unwarranted feedback and ding sellers with DSRs. Granted, some sellers over there, were piling on the handling charges, but the buyers had the option of purchasing or not, since shipping charges are listed. Here on ebid, handling charges are shown to the potential buyers. If a buyer does not want to pay it, they just don't bid.

For multiple item shipping [if it is not listed in description], the buyer just has to ask before bidding, what's the total shipping charge for xyz. Buyers must take some responsibility themselves.

[raindropsies]

I personally have never known what the "handling fee" is for. is there a simple explanation?

[bykimbo]

I personally have never known what the "handling fee" is for. is there a simple explanation?

Because time is money, surely? Up to you if you use one, and I don't, but a perfectly reasonable concept for those who wish to cover all costs and deter frivolous returns etc.

[florida33549]

I personally have never known what the "handling fee" is for. is there a simple explanation?

For me, handling fees cover different things. If I am shipping glassware, I usually have a $2 handling fee because insurance will be $1.75 at the U.S. post office and I have no way, on this particular site, to add insurance to the shipping fee other than using a handling fee. Otherwise, my handling fees cover my boxes, packing peanuts, etc. that I have had to purchase to ship items. The easiest way, for me, is to average the cost out over all my items. I find that $1-$2 per listed item covers most of my out-of-pocket shipping expenses. Of course, if I can combine shipping, I lower the handling fees because the items ship together.

I'm sure each seller has their own things that handling fees cover, so I guess there is no simple explanation.

[raindropsies]

Because time is money, surely? Up to you if you use one, and I don't, but a perfectly reasonable concept for those who wish to cover all costs and deter frivolous returns etc.

I don't use one, I don't think I'd be allowed to use one either as a business seller under UK DSR's, however as I have not looked into using a handling fee I could be wrong

[raindropsies]

For me, handling fees cover different things. If I am shipping glassware, I usually have a $2 handling fee because insurance will be $1.75 at the U.S. post office and I have no way, on this particular site, to add insurance to the shipping fee other than using a handling fee. Otherwise, my handling fees cover my boxes, packing peanuts, etc. that I have had to purchase to ship items. The easiest way, for me, is to average the cost out over all my items. I find that $1-$2 per listed item covers most of my out-of-pocket shipping expenses. Of course, if I can combine shipping, I lower the handling fees because the items ship together.

I'm sure each seller has their own things that handling fees cover, so I guess there is no simple explanation.

Whilst I agree that the handling fee is an easy replacement for the insurance in the example given, the thing I don't understand is the things like the green highlighted text, because in my mind "postage and packing" cost should already have this covered, unless I am missing the point.
So if the price to post (stamp price + getting to post office) & pack the item (box, bubble wrap, peanuts, etc) is x amount, why charge for packaging things in the handling fee? it don't make sense to me.

[MagnetsAndHangers]

As far as I am concerned, if I see an item I want - I put a top price on it that I am willing to pay.

Seller can call it what they want - handling, shipping, packaging or even call it a banana or a grapefruit if they want.

If the total price is more than I am willing to pay - then I dont buy.

If item xxx is 1p, plus £21.00 shipping/handling etc............or it is £21.00 plus £0.01p shipping handling, Then I couldnt give two hoots - if the total price of £21.01 is what am willing to pay - then I will buy it. If it is not - then I wont.

Anyone that pays over the top for an item, (highter TOTAL than they figure item is worth to them), then complains afterwards, i put that down to just downright stupidity.

Simples.

That is me with my buyers hat on.

[bykimbo]

Whilst I agree that the handling fee is an easy replacement for the insurance in the example given, the thing I don't understand is the things like the green highlighted text, because in my mind "postage and packing" cost should already have this covered, unless I am missing the point.
So if the price to post (stamp price + getting to post office) & pack the item (box, bubble wrap, peanuts, etc) is x amount, why charge for packaging things in the handling fee? it don't make sense to me.

How you allocate costs is your business, but I don't see why you'd expect everybody else to do it exactly the same way. What "doesn't make sense" about somebody choosing a different break-down to you?

[florida33549]

Whilst I agree that the handling fee is an easy replacement for the insurance in the example given, the thing I don't understand is the things like the green highlighted text, because in my mind "postage and packing" cost should already have this covered, unless I am missing the point.
So if the price to post (stamp price + getting to post office) & pack the item (box, bubble wrap, peanuts, etc) is x amount, why charge for packaging things in the handling fee? it don't make sense to me.

Using the shipping calculator, x amount only covers the price to post. Not my supplies to package, insurance, delivery confirmation, etc. The handling charge covers those extras.