How do I not get screwed with shipping charges in an auction?

Pundit

Senior member
Feb 28, 2002
634
0
0
So I won an auction and I was told it would cost me ~$8 for shipping. I'm pretty sure it doesn't, so should I ask for him/her to send me the receipt along with the package? Or should I just pay and get ripped off a few bucks (I won the auction at a fairly low bid)?
 

djheater

Lifer
Mar 19, 2001
14,637
2
0
only bid on items that state the shipping up front.

It cost me 8.53 to send a 2 pound package UPS ground from IL to TX.... sucks :(
 

MrCodeDude

Lifer
Jun 23, 2001
13,674
1
76
That is usually how they make their money.. They may sell something for $20 under what it regularly is priced for, but then the shipping is $15 making it not that great of a deal. Basically, if it's anything over a pound in weight, be happy if it's under $7.50 for shipping.
-- mrcodedude
 

N8Magic

Lifer
Dec 12, 2000
11,624
1
81


<< That is usually how they make their money.. They may sell something for $20 under what it regularly is priced for, but then the shipping is $15 making it not that great of a deal. Basically, if it's anything over a pound in weight, be happy if it's under $7.50 for shipping.
-- mrcodedude
>>

 

Pundit

Senior member
Feb 28, 2002
634
0
0


<< only bid on items that state the shipping up front.

It cost me 8.53 to send a 2 pound package UPS ground from IL to TX.... sucks :(
>>


Same situation, except it would be like shipping from IL to IL. Am I getting the shafted or what?
 

yakko

Lifer
Apr 18, 2000
25,455
2
0


<< I was told it would cost me ~$8 for shipping. I'm pretty sure it doesn't >>

Actually it does. If you want it shipped you will pay $8.
 

Branded

Senior member
Aug 10, 2000
551
0
0
If a shipper takes it too a Parcel Plus outlet to ship stuff, it could easily be $3 above the normal shipping cost. If you think it is the sellers job to go out of his way to save you money you are mistaken.

I always put a set price for the continental usa in my auctions so people are not surprised.
 

tops2

Senior member
Oct 6, 2000
711
0
0
shipping, no matter where u buy from is usually pretty high
sucks...
 

CrazyDe1

Diamond Member
Dec 18, 2001
3,089
0
0
Umm...its not getting screwed on the auction...its simple laws of supply and demand...I PURPOSELY charge extra onauctions for shipping. On computers, I'll charge 85 dollars, and state it clearly in teh auction. The thing is I know I wont' get nearly as much for it as someone who only charges the right amount, but I SAVE on ebay fees. I also try to cover paypal costs with shipping fees. If someone offers free shipping and gets 85 dollars more, sure, thats fine, but they're paying 85 dollars more in ebay fees. On a lot of auctions, this adds up fast. If you look, you always get the same amount for the same items give or take 3-5%. Thats why if people ask me to use their shipping labels or ask for pickups I refuse...becuase if I offer the item w/o shipping, then my item sold for less and then I don't make the shipping fee up. In reality, if it was clearly stated in the description, you are NOT getting screwed and you shouldn't bid on the auction if you know the shipping charges ahead of time and dont' agree to them.
 

CrazyDe1

Diamond Member
Dec 18, 2001
3,089
0
0
As a sidenote, I sell dvd players that cost 12.70 to ship...I charge 25 for shipping. I get countless emails saying I am ripping people off on shipping. What they don't see is that it will sell for 25.00 12-15 less than those who charge 12.70. Occassionally people don't notice and jack my price up and in that case its even better...

Lots of times, I'll sell items like xbox's with a 30 dollar shipping charge and direct order from an online vendor with an affiliate program so that I can collect the affiliates and straight up make the 30 dollar shipping charge. No need to deliver or anything.

 

Pundit

Senior member
Feb 28, 2002
634
0
0
So you guys are telling me that a software box will cost $8 to ship within the same state? Well, I'm just gonna pay what was quoted.

Edit: But I'm going to ask that he attach the shipping receipt. If I'm paying for it, I'm entitled to it right?
 

spanky

Lifer
Jun 19, 2001
25,716
4
81
well i usually look at the terms of the shipping and handling cost befor i bid on an auction. if they already stated the shipping and handling costs in the auction terms, then it's up to you to spot it, read iut, understand, and by bidding... agreeing to it. a lot of places can sell things cheap but make it up by raping you on shipping (perfect example is pricewatch).
 

randomlinh

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
20,846
2
0
linh.wordpress.com
yeah, only bid on auctinos that state shipping up front. if they say "pay only actual shipping," then you'll want proof.. but somehow they will probably make a little off it. Only bid on those if you can't find it anywhere else and are prepared to take a hit in the s/h department.