Question
I have a set of items that are packed in four boxes, each weighing approximately 26 pounds. I would like to list these with a shipping calculator, because if I just charge a flat fee that covers all zones it penalizes a buyer that is closer to my location. The high shipping cost may also result in some lost bids in the event that someone lives close by.
It doesn't appear that the eBay shipping calculator has a provision for calculating shipping on multiple items to the same address on the same day.
I suppose I could just put the shipping ZIP code in and have people calculate their own rates via UPS or FedEx Ground, but I really would prefer to have either a price of calculator in the auction.
I have seen instances where some sellers put something like this in an auction:
The charge for shipping will be TWICE what is shown on the eBay UPS calculator. We have broken this up into 2 box boxes to reduce oversize / weight fees. The price shown on the calculator is for one box which weights 65 lbs. You will receive two boxes weighing 65 lbs.
However, I'm not thrilled about this because at checkout it would only put half the shipping in the invoice and I can see the potential for problems.
So, what are the best options for this situation?
Answer
If insuring the packages you have better odds with Pay Pal if shipped seperately. Speaking from experience.
Answer
Empires:
Sounds like it was a bad experience, huh?
I'm still trying to figure out if there IS a way to use a calculator for a shipment of multiple cartons over 100 pounds - I haven't even reached the insurance part yet!
Answer
What carrier are you planning on using? They may have one on their site.
Answer
If you can't figure out another solution you could put in the highest rate possible for zone 8 and then state in your auction that you will return the difference if the rate is actually lower. Or some version of this.
eta--I just looked up the difference between local and zone 8 for priority and see it's HUGE! ($30.00 difference per box) so this probably won't work...
Answer
goodworks1:
I checked out the rate via UPS and FedEx Ground and they are around $100+ to Zone 8. UPS and FedEx Ground are what I anticipated using just because of the rate for heavier items.
Empires: I suppose I could put links to the rate calculators in the auction, I was just wondering if there might be a smoother method.
One thing I am considering is just going with a moderate fixed shipping rate (say, $50) and just eating any overage. That way high fixed shipping doesn't put a potential bidder off and there is a chance it might not cost too much more.
I expect these items to end in the $300-400 range and I have very little into them so if shipping winds up dipping into my potential profit it isn't the end of the world.
Answer
In the past I've used wording like "Buyer pays cost of shipping, which is estimated to be in the $50-75 range. Here is a link to FedEx's shipping calculator, which will give you a better idea of cost..." yadda yadda.
Answer
Years ago I ran across an auction for a heavy item, and the seller had made a table in the auction with "zoned" shipping.
ie.
If you live in Zone 1 (whatever states those were), shipping will be $X.
If you live in Zone 2 ....
etc.
Would something like that work?
Answer
Prior to the availability of shipping calculators it was common to see:
"Shipping weight equals ### lbs and actual shipping cost via FedEx will be quoted at end of auction."
When all else fails fall back to the basics.