OVERPRICING OF POSTAGE

[shellyshelly40]

DOES ANYONE HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I WAS CHECKING OUT DVDS AND FOUND ONE SELLING FOR $3.00 AND THEN $8.00 POSTAGE. BOTH SELLER AND BUYER ARE IN BRISBANE. WHY CAN'T EBAY DO SOMETHING ABOUT REGULATING POSTAGE AS THERE ARE SELLERS OUT THERE THAT SELL THEIR GOODS FOR A SMALL PRICE AND THEN HIT YOU WITH UNBELIEVEABLE POSTAGE. THEY SHOULD BE AWARE THAT IT ONLY DRIVES A BUYER AWAY AND IT IS NO LONGER CLASSED AS A BARGAIN.

[best.buys]

don't some of you realise that there is no ebay mandatory law that you have to post on every thread.

[nudder12]

I'm keeping the thread alive - it's still relevant!!

I'm a small-time ebayer. Mostly buying, but sometimes selling when I have stuff I can't bear to throw in the bin.

Recently had an item I simply wanted to get rid of, but preferred to give someone else a chance to own it. Advertised price $2 and pickup only.

Buyer asked if I'd post. 

Sure, why not I thought.

Checked dimensions etc, checked AusPost website, postage cost $14.80.

Went to revise listing and add postage cost, but ebay said "oh no you can't ask for $14.80, maximum postage for an item this cheap is $7" - even though ebay doesn't know the dimensions of the item!!!

So, after trying various methods, I modified the listing to include "calculated postage" (please don't quote me about this, I'm relying on my memory).

Anyway, after entering the dimensions and weight etc of the item, guess what? - ebay comes up with a postage cost of $14.80. Exactly what I wanted to add to the listing myself, but rejected by ebay as too high.

I could live with that, except then I'm losing money by not covering handling and packaging costs (and possibly Paypal fees).

So I was 'forced' to increase the actual item cost to cover those items. 

And I'm not even trying to make a profit - just to offload something I no longer need, cheaply.

There's no (ebay) justice.

As others have said (doesn't matter how long ago) - it's simple - as a buyer you either agree to the postage costs or you purchase from elsewhere.

[*new2vintage]

Yes, an almost 3 1/2 year old thread is relevant forever isn't it ?

[nudder12]

Thanks for your contribution "deja_vu_items" - of immense value. (it's not 3 1/2 years old at all, the last post was earlier today, or can't you read dates??)

It's as relevant as the most recent post!!! (besides, it can't be totally irrelevant or you wouldn't have replied)

ps - why do ebay impose maximum postage amounts? In my case (above) I could have (theoretically) been selling an elephant. Just because I choose to sell it cheaply doesn't mean the postage cost would be less.

[lustrekate]

Well said - once was bump - it is about time that people on these forums gave positive reenforcement to their fellow buyers and sellers rather than criticizing every word that is said.  How about if you do not like old threads you dont comment

I know I asked for advice perhaps 6 months ago and instead someone looked through my listings and was extremely critical.  Not helpful at all - mind you my question did not relate to my listings.  But I do notice that their feedback is private.

[bright.ton42]

I find this thread relevant and it's up to the reader to work out the 

differing costs in postage these days, but a lot of the discussion 

is good and informative. 

I think it's a pity deja that you spend so much time dissing older

threads when with your experience you could be adding information for  those

of us who are not so knowledgeable as you.  To me a thread is dead only

until it's revived and current again -    so what!  Who cares!    If these things

bother you Deja find some threads that don't, plenty here.  

[littlepuss3]

The cost of postage on small items is going through the roof!! Especially in the US (must have the most expensive postage in the world! Check it out.) Are some sellers making money on this?  Real turn off when trying to get reasonably priced goods. 

[*new2vintage]

DEAD THREAD  DEAD THREAD  DEAD THREAD  DEAD THREAD

[i-once-was-bump]

once I see deja-vu I know it will say "dead thread", nothing like living up to your id.

[*crikey*mate*]

Thanks for your contribution "deja_vu_items" - of immense value. (it's not 3 1/2 years old at all, the last post was earlier today, or can't you read dates??)

It's as relevant as the most recent post!!! (besides, it can't be totally irrelevant or you wouldn't have replied)

ps - why do ebay impose maximum postage amounts? In my case (above) I could have (theoretically) been selling an elephant. Just because I choose to sell it cheaply doesn't mean the postage cost would be less.

What sized satchel did you post the elephant in?