should I mention postage in auction?

Moglex

frivolous_fay wrote:

That's assuming you don't sell to anyone dishonest who only claims the item didn't arrive.

Your experience of the loss rate would include dishonest buyers, although you would not, of course, know how many of the losses could be ascribed to each cause.

soolin

Unfortunately I do lose parcels and self insure on smaller items, I never bother with recorded. However I won't risk sending an item over £32 without covering myself so have put special on as my post and packing and am going to refer to using a secure and trackable postage method for my buyers peace of mind in a paragraph at the end.

This is only a trial anyway, if it doesn't go well I won't commit to ordering more and will stick with my lower priced items. I also think that as my main competitors are all much lower feedbacked (I think I invented that word!) I may get some buyers who prefer spending money with an established seller...well, it's a thought isn't it?:rotfl:

I suppose I was just surprised to see sellers happy to ship without protecting themselves *and* taking paypal, it isn't something i've really come across before. The only other high priced items I sell are the ocassional mobile phone, and most sellers there automatically use special so charging for it doesn't make me stand out.

Soo

Moglex

soolin wrote:

I suppose I was just surprised to see sellers happy to ship without protecting themselves *and* taking paypal, it isn't something i've really come across before. The only other high priced items I sell are the ocassional mobile phone, and most sellers there automatically use special so charging for it doesn't make me stand out.

I'm always amazed at how many sellers believe that it is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that the item gets where it's supposed to.

I suppose any that sell for long enough will eventually get a nasty surprise

martindow

Hintza's advice (as ever) is good and you could try to see if you can get premium prices for high speed service. From your previous posts it's clear that you send things quickly.

If you find that SD makes sales uneconomical with your competitors' lower postage charges you'll have to decide whether it's worth taking the risk. I suppose if you were selling high value items regularly your losses would be a certain percentage and you could absorb the losses in the long run. It's a real problem if you are selling just the odd high value item as a loss of one of those would hit you hard. It comes down ultimately to how much of a gamble you're willing to take.

soolin

Martin, I'm just not a gambler and I have some poor experiences of the Royal mail so I just couldn't risk not using special. I still think if my prices are good enough than I can compete...keep your fingers crossed for me though.

Soo

itsmylife_2

Well personally if I was buying something for £60 on ebay, I would like to think that it would be sent SD (having had items "lost" in the post before), so I wouldn't object to paying extra on postage and I think you will find that many other buyers would agree. Any items that we sell on ebay that are over the £32 mark we send SD. I think most buyers see it and bid in confidence that you would be able to refund them if the item did get lost.

glossy123

I don't know if this will help, as the expensive items i sell tend to be "one Offs" as it were, but I have not found it a problem with buyers who seem to be willing to pay for carriage for more expensive items. I have sold 2nd hand saddles to the US when the postage is about one third of the total cost and it doesn't seem to be a problem for the buyer - I think they factor it in, and if paying more are willing to pay a bit more for the P&P to ensure it arrives! Best of luck Soo, keep us in touch with how it goes!

Octy

I have many varying value items and used to send everything before the PIP increase by Recorded but due to the increases I've started on some items that I know can go through the letter box First Class but giving customers the option of Recorded too.

My more expensive items (depending on weight) ie up to 2kg I always list with Special Next Day which is insured plus signed for.

I list this delivery in the postage options and also put details in the auction listing.

If a customer buys multiple items then depending on weight (as up to 2kg is reasonable for Special Next Day then it jumps to a ridiculous amount) then I will sent Parcel Post with Insurance. Although this isn't trackable and Paypal likes items to be trackable and signed for I know the parcel is insured so any problems I will be covered.

Octy

Contains_Mild_Peril

I think you can use Special Delivery as a selling point, since it will arrive the next working day after posting, as well as being safer. I think the postage section of the selling form still has an "insurance" box which some sellers use to charge extra, but you can put "included in price", which should aid buyer confidence.

rose_sparky

Octy[/QUOTE](as up to 2kg is reasonable for Special Next Day then it jumps to a ridiculous amount)Octy[/QUOTE]

There is definitely an unacceptable gap with the Special Delivery charges and another weight band is certainly needed.