Overcharging on postage

[hjcircus]

I recently purchased some trousers and when they arrived the postage was only $6.60 even though the seller had stated it was $11.50. They came wrapped in some brown paper and a plastic bag. I emailed the seller and said that I thought it was a bit expensive and she said that all eBayers overcharge postage to cover for interstate costs and that she was really time pressed and that she had more urgent things to think about than refunding me. I was taken aback, because I go out of my way to make postage as cheap as possible. I also told her about the postage calculator by postcode that she could use. She thinks I am just an unhappy eBayer and stated so. She has a 100% feedback and I am reluctant to give her a negative. I also stated that in her listing she should state that her postage covers all states. What do you think?

[2106greencat]

Just wondering: ?:| had the post come in at $16.50, would you have offered to pay the extra into her paypal account? Please remember there is a lot more involved in posting than just a stamp. Time, travel, packaging, if at the end the total value including the postage quoted was acceptable to you, surely that is what matters? a small postage discrepancy shouldn't be an issue :8}

[*kazumi*]

Just wondering: ?:| had the post come in at $16.50, would you have offered to pay the extra into her paypal account?

No, why should they?  It is the seller's responsibility to weigh (and measure - if relevant) accurately, and list with correct postage charge. The buyer has no way to judge how much exactly will the postage be - especially if the item is just on the 500g.

Lets say seller lists large item with postage of only $5, while all other sellers have $30.  People will chose the one with low postage; the seller cannot then turn around and say by the way actually postage is going to be $30.

I often underquote slightly on postage, to give me the edge, BUT I honour the quote - I cover the difference.

[annies_fancy_dress]

I had a buyer ask overnight how  I could justify $7:10 postage on a smallish item.

Sheez, the stamps cost $6:60 and the postage box(bought in bulk) is 50c.

Don't people realise they get the sticky tape (5cm wide and about 60cm in length) for free.

AND my time FREE to post

AND my petrol FREE to drive to the P.O.

That's apart from the paper and ink for the invoice in the box with the item, and another for my records.

Then the cheap item still had to be bought but me in the first place and has been accruing C.C. interest until it's sold.

Can I scream Yet??????????????????

[2106greencat]

Kazumi - I also cover the difference - often - but it is not about 'just' the postage - as mentioned earlier by many, what about the time, packing materials, trip to post etc, as I said, it comes down to a  lot more than just a 'stamp'. And once again...even if the charge is higher, the buyer agreed, as someone else mentioned, had it had a 'postage paid' stamp instead of the actual receipted amount, the buyer would be blissfully unaware and happy with the bargain!. if the total paid was worth it, who care's?

[*new2vintage]

I've recently asked a seller to pack something in a box instead of packaging that was just big enough for it. When I received it I found out postage had cost over $10.00 more than expected. He had said nothing about it so I contacted him and he suggested $10.00 which I was happy to pay. On the rare occasion when I undercharge I never ask for more.

As for time etc I usually use old packaging and because I don't operate a business I don't think charging for my time is relevant. I spend a while packing some things to give them a good chance of arriving undamaged. I charge $1.00 for handling which isn't enough but it helps me to maintain healthy DSR's.

As for buyers agreeing to pay too much - not many sellers state what their P & H costs are made up of which is very convenient for some of them.

[serafina1984]

I was wondering what other sellers do when working out postage within  australia... As I am a new seller I worked out the postage from where i live non-metropolitan QLD to metropolitan VIC, however after the item sold the postage worked out to be $5 cheaper based on where the buyer wants the item sent. I did take into account extra costs for lots of bubble wrap, $1 for handling etc. I'm wondering whether I should offer to refund the difference or offer registered post? I'm not even sure if i can refund the difference via paypal...

I'm very new at selling & want to have the best chances of positive feedback as i hope to continue selling!

[thesoulyearns]

... after the item sold the postage worked out to be $5 cheaper... I'm wondering whether I should offer to refund the difference or offer registered post?

I'm very new at selling & want to have the best chances of positive feedback as i hope to continue selling!

I sold a DVD recently and upgraded them to Reg post for free because the price was more than I expected it to sell for. The buyer noted the upgrade in their positive feedback. Aslong as everything else is good (e.g. packaging, product, etc), a free upgrade or a refund will most likely be received very well.

[thesoulyearns]

It annoys me when the quotes don't work...

By the way, send a courtesy message to the buyer to nofify them of the upgrade or refund. Otherwise they may not know what you've done for them.

[patchoo78]

Next time be forceful and assertive and let us all know what you’re thinking.

:^O

Also LOL @ Muppet :^O

[leader-of-the-band]

that post was soooooooooooo long ago I'd forgotten about it.  Old thread dragged up.