Why high shipping rates by ebay sellers? (1 Viewer)

[Hunter Rose]

People also seem to forget that 15% of what you charge in shipping goes to eBay/PayPal just like the purchase price. So to break even on shipping you realistically have to charge 15% more than actual shipping cost.

eBay is great for putting people together, but unless you are willing to take a loss as a non-dealer re-seller you often have to charge more on eBay to break even or make a slight profit.

 

[tdubel]

People also seem to forget that 15% of what you charge in shipping goes to eBay/PayPal just like the purchase price. So to break even on shipping you realistically have to charge 15% more than actual shipping cost.

eBay is great for putting people together, but unless you are willing to take a loss as a non-dealer re-seller you often have to charge more on eBay to break even or make a slight profit.

Furthermore, there is an unfortunate mentality that the internet created - "thou shalt have a God given right to free shipping". That is the attitude that has been driven into the consumer and with costs where they are today, it is just not sustainable for an true blue ebayer (ie individual seller, not a full time business or large shop). As a buyer, I have always factored in shipping costs to my final price as I have understood that in order to get what I want, shipping is a cost.

TD

 

[Warrior]

Furthermore, there is an unfortunate mentality that the internet created - "thou shalt have a God given right to free shipping". That is the attitude that has been driven into the consumer and with costs where they are today, it is just not sustainable for an true blue ebayer (ie individual seller, not a full time business or large shop).

Yeah, don't get me started on "free" shipping; even for a full time business/large shop it is becoming non sustainable, not to mention the clerk at the post office I go to said rates are going to be going up very soon to be more in line with what UPS charges.


I seriously have to wonder how much longer "free" shipping will be an option no matter what the scenario.