eBay’s shipping tool…what’s your opinion?

Posted by in Uncategorized | 8 comments

Did you know that you can include eBay’s shipping calculator right in your eBay listings? This allows customers to calculate their own shipping right in your auctions.

Do you use eBay’s shipping calculator?

Here’s a link to more information about eBay’s shipping calculator:
http://tinyurl.com/3yotlo

Does it work well for you? Do you like or dislike it?

Try it if you haven’t yet and let us know your thoughts.

  • http://stores.ebay.com/Ktynse-eBooks-Plus Cheryl

    I have always used the calculator in my auctions and I love it. IT really cuts down on the amount of emails that I get about shipping costs. I love that I can add multiple different shipping options in the calculator and they all show up for the buyer.

    I am not happy with the recent changes where we now have to include the dimensions of the box we are using if we are wanting to ship via Priority Mail. Turbo Lister won't allow me to use the shipping calculator without adding the dimensions. I know this is due to changes with the Postal Service, but it is still aggravating.

    I have noticed an increase in flat rate shipping charges since this change came into effect.

    Overall I still think the calculator is a terrific tool and should be in every auction that requires shipping.

  • http://www.MisspelledBargains.com John Cumbow

    Hi Jim,

    I have to say that, so far, I have NOT used eBay's shipping calculator in any of my auctions. But then, MOST of the time I sell books and ship them via Media Mail.

    The best thing about the Media Rates is that they are based strictly on weight, so the cost is the same no matter where the package is going, as long as it is within the U.S. (including APO/FPO addresses, and U.S. territories & possessions).

    Sometimes I use Priority Flat Rate mailers as well. Again, the price is fixed no matter what the U.S. destination.

    All of that said, I DO think the shipping calculator looks like a great tool to add to your auctions, and I'll probably give it a tryout as soon as I start selling off some of my 'non-book' stuff.

    Thanks for the forum. And thanks for your helpful newsletters. I look forward to each issue.

    John R. Cumbow (jjjroy)

    http://www.MisspelledBargains.com

    Find the misspelled eBay auction bargains that other bidders miss!

  • http://www.funcoastcomicsandsupplies.com Rob Stanley

    Hey, Jim,

    I agree with Cheryl's comments.

    At first I used the flat rate shipping charge. This was because some of the first few ebooks I read about selling on Ebay recommended this.

    I usually always ship worldwide and when I first started out I put in my auctions "please email me for shipping rates outside of the U.S.".

    The amount of emails I got asking what the postage would be to ship to all these different countries (and the time it took me to figure out what it would cost) made me decide to switch over to calculated shipping – and I don't regret it a bit.

    As far as I can tell it didn't effect the bids on my items a bit (I switched over a year ago)

    I still get the occasional question from a potential buyer wondering about the postage (even though they can figure it out for themselves)

    but I don't mind. I figure it's just someone new at the Ebay buying game and I'm happy to help them.

    I also don't like having to put in the dimensions when using the shipping calculator.

    It seems to me as long as you know the dimensions you're supposed to use for "small package", "large package" and the weights – you should be ok.

    Here is another endorsement for Ebay's shipping calculator.

  • http://www.globaltradersresources.com Charlie

    I have been using the shipping calculator for a little over a year. It is a very powerful tool.

    One of the benefits is the lack of questions (eMail) regarding shipping charges. A real time saver.

    Another benefit is I can predetermine my handling charges for both Domestic shipping and International shipping, everyone pays the same charge. (Weight + Handling = Shipping & Handling Charges)

    So, if your counting, I am all for the shipping calculator. . . . Charlie; AKA Stringmkr

  • Dot

    I too started out with a flat rate fee for shipping. Many emails later, I realized what a benefit the calculator is, and I use it all the time. I believe the buyer appreciates the fact that shipping charges are not some "made up" figure from the seller, and that they can choose a less expensive form of shipping if they want. And yes, putting in the dimensions is aggravating.

  • http://stores.ebay.com/Lisas-Cargo_W0QQssPageNameZl2QQtZkm Lisa

    Here's another YES vote on the shipping calculator. I started using them recently and like them a lot although I agree with the other posters that it is bit of a pain. I use a dropshipper and so I just estimate what an average phone or GPS (or whatever) weighs and the size box it comes in. If I don't already have a good idea about that I call my rep who is GREAT and can connect me with the shipping depatment to find out dimensions and weight. When I used the flat rate I was really overcharging customers in some countries while losing money on other items.

    One caveat: I just added a note in my automatic invoices that tells them to use the drop-down menu in the shipping box. I dound that they often did not know how to actually find it! I also put it in the end-of-auction email.

    Hope that helps!

  • Shawn

    I have mixed feelings regarding the Shipping Calculator. I have found that when using USPS that it is fairly accurate, but using UPS as the shipper, its almost always $3.00 lower than the actual cost to ship.

    I typically use the calculated shipping for bigger items, and flat rate for items that are easier to calculate.

  • http://carolfreedomstore-ebay carol

    I have never used the calculator, I have flat rate shipping for items and the coins I ship are a lower shipping fee than everything else.