Postage costs feedback on Ebay

Langerhan

I've recently sold a few bits and bobs on Ebay - just things I don't use any more like some kids' comics and a few clothes. Ten people have left me feedback, which I guess is enough to put a percentage next to my name.

When I clicked through, I saw that the feedback is broken up further into "Accurate description", "Delivery time", "Reasonable postage costs" and "Communication". All of them are rated 5 apart from the postage costs one.

My postage costs are the cost of a stamp for the comics or the cost of sending a small package for the clothes. It's clear on my listings how much they're going to be. Which brings me to my question: what's the point of this aspect of the rating? I can see how it might help other buyers to check if things are delivered on time or if the descriptions are accurate, but what's the point of rating how much Royal Mail charges for a stamp? Especially since potential buyers will be able to see if for themselves anyway. Are people just expecting free shipping for everything these days? I'm selling comics for 99p, so I'd be losing money if I did that.

I know from other posts on here that a lot of people don't pay much attention to the ratings, but this has me puzzled!

molerat

Yes, people expect free postage and even charging at cost is too much for some.  You need to factor the postage cost into your selling price and offer free postage.

soolin

I would also caution about selling such low cost items. If you are truly only charging stamp cost then after fees , which are payable on both item and postage, plus the fixed 30p fee, you are probably just about breaking even. 

Langerhan

Obviously I'm not making mad cash here, but I'm only listing on 70% weekends so it's not too bad. It's pocket money rather than business money. Comics aren't something you can charge a lot for unless they're very specialist ones; even at 99p, I usually have to list a few times before they sell.

TOP_CAT

How do you actually click through and where to see the detailed feedback ?
Had a go in my limited sales feedback but couldnt find the detail you describe below ?

When I clicked through, I saw that the feedback is broken up further into "Accurate description", "Delivery time", "Reasonable postage costs" and "Communication". All of them are rated 5 apart from the postage costs o

Langerhan

TOP_CAT said:

How do you actually click through and where to see the detailed feedback ?
Had a go in my limited sales feedback but couldnt find the detail you describe below ?

I'm not sure how much feedback you have to have before it appears, but if you click the number in brackets by your name next to the star, "Feedback ratings" will be on the left and "Detailed seller ratings" will be on the right.

TOP_CAT

Think ive found out why so Langerhan is correct 

I cant see detailed seller info because I dont sell enough ?
Seems you need 10 feedback replies within 12 months .

From past one third of sales feedback stats Id need to sell 30-35 items in 12 months to get somewhere around 10 feedback replies