Question
I missed this one. http://community.here.com/infopop/em...icon_smile.gif
Did anyone else have the impression that the labels for First Class Mail, Parcel Post, and Media Mail would be free when printed via eBay's Online Postage feature since the Priority and Express Mail labels are free? I certainly had that impression and after looking over the old announcements I can't find any reference regarding a fee to be charged for the First Class, Parcel Post, and Media Mail labels.
From eBay's Shipping Center:
http://pages.ebay.com/services/buyan...ngcenter9.html
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Pricing
There is no surcharge for buying UPS labels or U.S. Postal Service Priority Mail® and Express Mail® labels with postage and Delivery Confirmation?.
Soon eBay will also allow sellers to buy U.S. Postal Service First Class Mail®, Parcel Post®, and Media Mail® labels.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Here's the new announcement which specifies a $0.20 per label processing fee (surcharge?) for printing the First Class, Parcel Post, and Media Mail labels. Why is there a processing fee for some but not all of the labels?
http://www2.ebay.com/aw/marketing.shtml
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Update on New Shipping Features
Date: 03/12/04 Time: 02:46:04 PM PST
We are pleased to announce that eBay and PayPal's Online Postage service now supports First Class®, Parcel Post® and Media MailT. Online Postage enables you to print U.S. Postal Service® shipping labels with Delivery ConfirmationT and pay for the postage from your PayPal account.
The newly supported services require a $0.20 per label processing fee and $0.13 for the Delivery Confirmation. Priority Mail® and Express Mail® labels will remain free to print and offer free Delivery Confirmation. Also, please note that the service now allows members to set which date the package will be sent (up to 3 days in advance of the label printing date). For instance, you can print labels on Sunday and send the item up until Wednesday.
Some of the benefits to members include:
Print from Your Computer - You can print shipping labels with postage and Delivery Confirmation conveniently on your printer, and choose whether or not to display the postage amount. If you use eBay's Online Postage together with the U.S. Postal Service's free Carrier Pickup service, you can save a trip to the Post OfficeT.
Nothing to Download - All you need is a Web browser and a high quality ink-jet or laser printer.
Pre-populate buyer addresses - Let eBay or PayPal automatically fill in the buyer's shipping address and package information when you use Online Postage.
Pay with PayPal - Pay for your postage or shipping label using PayPal.
Track Shipments Online - You and your buyers can track the shipment status directly in My eBay or the Item page.
Track Expenses - You can keep track of all your shipping expenses directly on PayPal.
No Monthly Fee - eBay doesn't charge a monthly fee.
To learn more about this feature, please click here.
We welcome your input about these enhancements, and invite you to leave comments or questions at the Packaging & Shipping discussion board.
eBay <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I suppose the convenience factor will induce some sellers to use this feature but there are other convenient options which are cheaper. I think $0.20 per label is too much to pay considering the cost of shipping packages is already causing problems for some folks.
Blanche
Answer
Nickels and dimes, that's what it is all about.
Like Chinese water torture, drip, drip, drip...
Answer
I just found a post on the P&G Board made by the President of Endica which may explain the $0.20 fee:
http://forums.ebay.com/db1/thread.jsp?forum=96&thread=410058876&modifed=20040 313221424 Packaging and Shipping Board
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>bluewindow99 (94 )(view author's auctions)
03/13/04 10:14 PM (# 57 of 62)
Fairly solid rumors in the postage industry have EBay earning a 6 to 8% commission on Priority and Express Mail labels they sell. That's why there needn't be a service charge.
USPS considers First Class, Media and Parcel Post to be lower profit items and likely offers less of a commission to EBay (or perhaps none). That is the likely reason for the 20 cent/label fee. There is also a 13 cent USPS surcharge to use E/DC on these mail classes.
There is no information of how EBay shares the income with Pitney Bowes.
STAMPS and Endicia are given NO commission on any postage they vend on behalf of the USPS, and thus need to charge a service fee.
harry*endicia.com <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Blanche
Answer
I'll keep hauling my packages to the Post Office using my own labels. Twenty cents per label is outrageous.
Answer
Geez, my local PO has labels for Parcel Post for 10 cents. Every once in a while I need one.
http://home.neo.rr.com/partimebizz/feb/why_rum_gone.gif