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gsabc

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 9:12 am
by fantine33
So, I was a nosey parker and checked out your artwork auction since you had expressed such pleasure with it a couple of times.

You didn't ask for advice (friendly or otherwise), but I thought I'd clue you in and maybe it will help you out. If you'd rather not have people profer such, please just ignore. But please know that I'm truly trying to be helpful, since in past I've had to take a couple lumps in my ebay inexperience (and, every once in a while, even now).

You stated in your listing that the shipping was an estimate and dc and insurance would be added. But, you already put a flat price in your shipping, so that is the price you have to honour. Your estimate is more than double what the priority rate would be, so normally you'd be covered. Except you also indicated that insurance was included. Given the high bids, you're already a couple bucks in the hole (nice problem to have, huh?). And, of course the higher, it goes the higher you go over the estimate, but, percentage-wise, I'd take that deal every time. Plus once you get over $600, the insurance increase is quite minimal (about $1 per $100).

You've also given the bidder his choice of shipping methods, so the others might be more, I don't know. I wouldn't trust UPS with it, though. About 1 out of every 4 packages I get from them is mangled in some fashion.

You can't change anything now since you already have bids and I'm sure you'd rather have the large price and eat some shipping than the other way around, but if you want to do that for future listings then don't put anything in the shipping (knowing that some people, myself included, would just hit "back" in that case). I suppose a newbie ebayer or someone who wants it so bad there's no questions asked would just accept what you've put in your description, but for the money you're getting, I wouldn't push it. You also don't want a bad feedback on such a high tag item.

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 10:05 am
by gsabc
Aren't the disclaimers I put in about the shipping charges sufficient? I truly haven't a clue on how much this will cost to ship, and am still checking out the best method to package it. And as far as the Canadian shipping goes, I'll need to have my hand held through the entire process.

I could be mistaken, but I don't think I'll have a problem if (when) I charge more than stated for shipping. Most of the top bidders have contacted me at one point or another with questions. They all seem pretty understanding in this regard.

There are horror stories on all the major shippers. One store in my area that sells on eBay will ONLY ship UPS, because of constant problems with the post office. You pays your moneys and you takes your cherce.

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 11:16 am
by fantine33
gsabc wrote:Aren't the disclaimers I put in about the shipping charges sufficient? I truly haven't a clue on how much this will cost to ship, and am still checking out the best method to package it. And as far as the Canadian shipping goes, I'll need to have my hand held through the entire process.

I could be mistaken, but I don't think I'll have a problem if (when) I charge more than stated for shipping. Most of the top bidders have contacted me at one point or another with questions. They all seem pretty understanding in this regard.

There are horror stories on all the major shippers. One store in my area that sells on eBay will ONLY ship UPS, because of constant problems with the post office. You pays your moneys and you takes your cherce.
You can put anything you want in the description section, but it won't trump ebay's rules. Like people put "payment is due within 3 days" or "I do not accept Paypal" but that doesn't matter because ebay gives you 7 days and requires sellers to accept Paypal (except older ones like me who are grandfathered).

But I agree with you (like I touched on in the original method) that if somebody wants it that bad, they aren't going to quibble. Plus, if you're spending that much money you usually have quite a bit of contact with the seller before you pay (as you indicated). But, if they do an immediate "pay now" when they win, ebay will give them the shipping you've entered and you have to go with that.

I've shipped over a thousand packages through USPS and only one hasn't made it to the destination. Lucky for me it was a low cost item. I always do delivery confirmation and I do think that having the bar code on the package makes them a little more vigilant in delivery. One of my main things is you get that in your mailbox (if it's not too big) or your door. UPS just tosses something wherever. The other day I had a cardboard box sitting in a pile of snow (as opposed to the rest of the porch, which was clear). I get several parcels a week and my UPS guy is pretty good, but lots of times packages are crushed, mangled, have been soaked, etc. before he even gets them.

And, I forgot to add, congrats on your listing! I can't imagine how excited you are about it.

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 12:18 pm
by PlacentiaSoccerMom
Can you post a link, I am really curious about the artwork.

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 12:27 pm
by gsabc
PlacentiaSoccerMom wrote:Can you post a link, I am really curious about the artwork.
http://tinyurl.com/yumcyl

And excited isn't the word. Flabbergasted is closer. GW giggles when I update her on new bids. My jaw is too near the floor to let me giggle with her.

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 12:30 pm
by PlacentiaSoccerMom
Wow! The price is probably going to go up a lot before the auction ends.