One of the biggest complaints that Ebay buyers have is that of sellers charging too much for shipping and handling. Ebay's Excessive Shipping Charges Policy specifies that "sellers may charge reasonable shipping and handling fees to cover the costs of mailing, packaging, and handling," but does not define what reasonable shipping and handling fees are. Buyers often find that they are left to fend for themselves when being faced with expensive shipping fees. Some simply choose not to pay, while others find themselves asking where the protection is from such excessive fee chargers.
In order to protect yourself, here are some helpful tips you can utilize to avoid paying such high shipping and handling costs:
1) Be on the lookout for dirt cheap "buy it now" items with expensive shipping and handling fees.
These are usually items where the seller is trying to entice a buyer with an extremely low surface price while hiding the real price within shipping and handling cost. These items may seem like great deals on the surface, but the only person getting a deal is the seller.
2) Compare shipping and handling fees between sellers of similar items.
In order to protect yourself, here are some helpful tips you can utilize to avoid paying such high shipping and handling costs:
1) Be on the lookout for dirt cheap "buy it now" items with expensive shipping and handling fees.
These are usually items where the seller is trying to entice a buyer with an extremely low surface price while hiding the real price within shipping and handling cost. These items may seem like great deals on the surface, but the only person getting a deal is the seller.
2) Compare shipping and handling fees between sellers of similar items.
You will often find that shipping and handling fees vary from seller to seller due to their locations and what they want to charge. By comparing different shipping fees of the same item, you can get a good idea on its average shipping price as well as who is charging too much for shipping and handling. A good rule of thumb is to buy from a seller located closer to you as shipping prices will usually be lower.
3) Ask the seller for the weight and dimensions of an item.
3) Ask the seller for the weight and dimensions of an item.
If a seller is willing to tell you the weight and size of an item, you can calculate the shipping price yourself. USPS, UPS, Fedex, and DHL (international only) each have shipping calculators on their websites. Just visit the website of the seller's chosen shipper and you will be able to see the real price for yourself.
Note: A seller charging a little bit more than the actual shipping price is normal and is meant to cover supplies purchased to package an item.
4) Ask if a seller is willing to ship with a lower priced shipping option.
Note: A seller charging a little bit more than the actual shipping price is normal and is meant to cover supplies purchased to package an item.
4) Ask if a seller is willing to ship with a lower priced shipping option.
If a seller only lists an expedited service, such as USPS Priority Mail, and you don't mind waiting longer to receive an item, try asking for a slower option such as USPS Parcel Post or UPS Ground. Although it may take much longer to receive your item, you may save yourself a significant amount of money especially if the item is heavier or larger in size.
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