eBay's new fee structure

[cohibasmoker]

On the other side of the coin, with auction houses charging 20% buyers fees, this buyer saved about $340.00 on his/her purchase. The down side? he/she didn't get one of those awesome LOA's that accompany auction house items.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Just an opinion.

Jim

[commando]

On the other side of the coin, with auction houses charging 20% buyers fees, this buyer saved about $340.00 on his/her purchase. The down side? he/she didn't get one of those awesome LOA's that accompany auction house items.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Just an opinion.

Jim

I agree with you Jim, and frankly, I do much more buying on eBay than selling. The biggest problem with eBay's new fee structure will be for the seller who sells heavy items. Let's say someone sells a large fifteen-pound stack of Sports Illustrateds for $5. Even if the seller is able to fit the magazines in a large flat rate priority mail box that costs $15 to ship, they are now paying eBay an additional $1.40 in fees based on the shipping cost. On the seller's $5 auction, they are paying almost $2 in fees. If the seller is smart, they will up their shipping quote to $16.50 or $17.00 in this example.

[cohibasmoker]

I agree with you Jim, and frankly, I do much more buying on eBay than selling. The biggest problem with eBay's new fee structure will be for the seller who sells heavy items. Let's say someone sells a large fifteen-pound stack of Sports Illustrateds for $5. Even if the seller is able to fit the magazines in a large flat rate priority mail box that costs $15 to ship, they are now paying eBay an additional $1.40 in fees based on the shipping cost. On the seller's $5 auction, they are paying almost $2 in fees. If the seller is smart, they will up their shipping quote to $16.50 or $17.00 in this example.

I agree with what you say. There are many issues many of which are outside our control of eBay. Ever look at the back of your electric and/or cable bill? There are more charges associated with taxes and fees than costs associated with actual usage. Yes, personal taxes have NOT been raised but fees associated with government regulations have. I am NOT defending eBay but I can't imagine their operating expenses.

Here's a suggestion, try "media" mail. If magazines are being shipped, its a much more affordable rate. The downside? Its very slow but hey, the buyer won't complain if they save a few bucks.

Jim

[trsent]

I agree with what you say. There are many issues many of which are outside our control of eBay. Ever look at the back of your electric and/or cable bill? There are more charges associated with taxes and fees than costs associated with actual usage. Yes, personal taxes have NOT been raised but fees associated with government regulations have. I am NOT defending eBay but I can't imagine their operating expenses.

Here's a suggestion, try "media" mail. If magazines are being shipped, its a much more affordable rate. The downside? Its very slow but hey, the buyer won't complain if they save a few bucks.

Jim

When you ship your item via Media Mail, if the post office asks what's in the box, don't tell them magazines but state books otherwise magazines don't qualify for Media Mail. I never understood what the difference was from magazines to books shipping bulk flat rare, but they have issues.

[trsent]

To save 20% each month and to receive better search engine exposure, last April I switched to what is now 100% free shipping. I have to start bids at a higher price to protect myself from loss and really, I have fallen for eBay's new concept that that want me to list everything fixed price but my sales have been solid and my monthly bill has not gone that much.

[NEFAN]

To save 20% each month and to receive better search engine exposure, last April I switched to what is now 100% free shipping. I have to start bids at a higher price to protect myself from loss and really, I have fallen for eBay's new concept that that want me to list everything fixed price but my sales have been solid and my monthly bill has not gone that much.

I'm a little confused, if you up the price of the item to cover shipping, then give free shipping, aren't you still paying the same 9% fee?

[otismalibu]

I'm a little confused, if you up the price of the item to cover shipping, then give free shipping, aren't you still paying the same 9% fee?

I'm reading it as eBay's free shipping incentive has helped offset some of the increased fees. Should never get less than a 5 for the shipping cost grade.

[trsent]

I'm a little confused, if you up the price of the item to cover shipping, then give free shipping, aren't you still paying the same 9% fee?

Yes, but that doesn't matter - If you charge anything for domestic shipping, you will receive low DSRs and if you offer free shipping, you get an automatic "5" in the shipping and handling charges category. So I pay eBay a fee - The 9% for a store owner I thought was only on the first $50.00 for a sale, then the precentage goes down. You have to control the market these days to make eBay work.

See what eBay's goals are? 100% free shipping.

[kudu]

When you ship your item via Media Mail, if the post office asks what's in the box, don't tell them magazines but state books otherwise magazines don't qualify for Media Mail. I never understood what the difference was from magazines to books shipping bulk flat rare, but they have issues.

I was told by my PO that the advertising in the magazines is the reason why they cannot be shipped media mail.

[trsent]

You're obviously right, but these types of auctions were a very small percentage of eBay's biz. Seems like they could have had a guy monitor these gift card auctions (and similar problem auctions) by typing in a keyword or two and scanning the results. Any auction with unreasonable shipping could've been shut down.

I don't want to complain too much.... But I want eBay to remain a reasonable place to buy and sell collectibles, especially the cheap ones. I do collect 1980s baseball cards, ya know!

I have reported many auctions for excessive shipping, and I have never seen one ended. They take the report and then who knows why I waste my time because I never see results from eBay Trust and Safety.

I was told by my PO that the advertising in the magazines is the reason why they cannot be shipped media mail.

Yes, that is their old rule. Why that matters I have no clue.