Outrageous shipping charges for sealed DC games...

[Charlie]

I'm trying to put together a complete set of sealed DC games, and I'm getting pretty close. So I figure, I would check out Ebay to see if I could fill out my collection. I haven't done so yet, because I don't trust stuff to be truly factory sealed... With just over 200 sealed DC games, I have had a couple people try to pan off obvious re-shrinks as factory sealed. Plus, I don't want broken cases. But what the heck, maybe I'll find a good deal, right? Wrong.

Good fucking gawd, what some people charge for shipping is unbelievable.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3019491273&category=4305

Alone in the Dark for the DC. Good price. Cost for shipping: $5.50. For a fucking CD. That's not including insurance.

In fact, I've got through about 100 auctions and the lowest anyone is charging is $4.50. This is outrageous.

[SoulBlazer]

That's why I sell stuff on Amazon as opposed to EBay whenever I can. :D

Amazon is quite fair with its shipping costs -- they are built into the price so you get the money for shipping. The default is by Media Mail (something like $2.22, which is usually more then enough) and you can also pay extra to have it sent by Priorty. For international shipping Amazon is also generous in money for PayPal.

Normaly, by the time you ship something and then factor in your packaging costs you break just about even.

When I DO sell stuff on EBay (like my Genesis/32X system now) I always say I'll ship by Priorty in the States and AirMail to the rest of the world. Priorty plus the cost of packaging for me is just about $5 -- my normal shipping rate. If it's heavy or requires a box, then I'll go $10. $10 or $15 for AirMail depending on weight.

I just shipped a CD to England today, as a matter of fact, in a normal Post Office envelope. $8.20 to send that sucker by AirMail, plus another $1.50 for the enevlope -- no price goarging for me! LOL

The best sellers on EBay will give you a choice of how you want it shipped and the rates are the same you would find on Amazon. And me. :D

[slapdash]

Good fucking gawd, what some people charge for shipping is unbelievable.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3019491273&category=4305

Alone in the Dark for the DC. Good price. Cost for shipping: $5.50. For a fucking CD. That's not including insurance.

In fact, I've got through about 100 auctions and the lowest anyone is charging is $4.50. This is outrageous.

Though I tend to agree with you, I would like to point out a couple of things...

First, Alone in the Dark is, IIRC, a multidisc game and comes in one of those double-sized jewel boxes. So it does in fact weigh more than most DC games.

Secondly, that $4.50 is -- I think -- the cost of priority mail with insurance up to $50 and/or return receipt. In other words, the post office provides the box, you drop the game in, bingo bango, all done. It's an easy option for the seller, and protects the seller and maybe the buyer.

That said, of course that game could be shipped by regular mail for $2 or less, and if you ask, some sellers will allow it.

[MyNameIsBoB]

Priority Mail for that would be $3.85 and $1.30 for insurance. I recently bought 3 snes games and paid $5 shipping(when it cost me $1.25 for the item). I have yet to receive them and I bought them almost 2 weeks ago. I never overcharge shipping. Some people are just greedy.

[chadtower]

Priorty plus the cost of packaging for me is just about $5 -- my normal shipping rate. If it's heavy or requires a box, then I'll go $10. $10 or $15 for AirMail depending on weight.

Priority mail supplies are free from the USPS and can be ordered to be delivered directly to your house. All at no cost. Half the point of Priority Mail is that they supply you the materials. There should be NO packaging costs for Priority Mail.

[SoulBlazer]

Who wants to bother with that? I buy good enevelopes, package them up, and then go to the Post Office and pay for Priorty shipping. The last thing I want to do, espeicly in my small and always busy PO, is waste time there....standing in line takes forever anwyay. Regardless if you get your shipping container from the post office there or buy it on your own, the total cost is the same. (And I never ship by BOX if I can help it -- much more expensive to mail)

[chadtower]

Who wants to bother with that? I buy good enevelopes, package them up, and then go to the Post Office and pay for Priorty shipping. The last thing I want to do, espeicly in my small and always busy PO, is waste time there....standing in line takes forever anwyay. Regardless if you get your shipping container from the post office there or buy it on your own, the total cost is the same. (And I never ship by BOX if I can help it -- much more expensive to mail)

No, the total cost is not the same. You order the supplies from teh USPS and they are delivered to your house free of charge. No cost of supplies, no delivery charge. That's free supplies delivered right to your house. You can have your stuff all packed up and ready to go just the same as if you'd bought your own supplies, but you don't have to charge the buyer. It costs no more to priority mail a CD in a box than it does to priority mail a CD in an envelope. The way you're doing it you're charging more than you need to and that is what the original poster was complaining about.

[jaybird]

I had no idea you could order boxes for free online.

http://shop.usps.com

Thanks for the tip!

[chadtower]

I had no idea you could order boxes for free online.

http://shop.usps.com

Thanks for the tip!

Yeah, it totally rocks! And shhh... you don't have to use the supplies strictly for priority mail... there are plenty of things in my house taped with priority mail tape...

another tip:

You can print priority mail labels with FREE DELIVERY CONFIRMATION on that site as well...

[jaybird]

Why the hell didn't they teach me useful stuff like this in college?!?

Thanks!!!

[chadtower]

Again, no problem. Check their site also for a small app that will allow you to manage many items at once, rather than doing it via the web interface in serial. I last used it like a year ago but if it's still there, it's quite useful...

[Bratwurst]

They tyvek material envelopes are great for turning inside out for other uses.

[SoulBlazer]

Well, I live in a apartment with a VERY tiny mail box, so I have to go to the post office anyway to pick up all my packeges. :) Plus, I'm usually never here anyway between work, school, and social activities....

I prefer usuing those stock enevelopes anyway from the post office -- they are study, protect well, and easy to handle. Better then the cheepo stuff you get from Wal-Mart. And I don't just sell CD's on Amazon -- I also sell complete games, books, magazines, etc.....any of that will fit into one size enevlope, so it's easiest to just buy those. And sellers have thanked me before for USING those enevelopes.

In any case, I still think $5 is a good price for shipping Priorty (I do confirmation with that money as well) and no one has ever complained. :)

[SoulBlazer]

Oh, just to add on --

Yup, checked the site. No way in heck those would fit in my little box.....I'd have to go the PO anwyay. :)

Maybe once I get a house. :D

[Charlie]

"Secondly, that $4.50 is -- I think -- the cost of priority mail with insurance up to $50 and/or return receipt. In other words, the post office provides the box, you drop the game in, bingo bango, all done. It's an easy option for the seller, and protects the seller and maybe the buyer."

Well, in the case of the 5.50 game, it's FIRST class mail, not priority, and that's not including insurance... all of the 4.50 ones I saw said "insurance is optional for $1.50" or something similar. According to the 5.50 person, most of that is for his 'handling' cost.

Handling cost? That's like walking up to someone and saying "I'll let you fondle my testicles for $3.00".

[jonjandran]

I guess it's not worth anything to you guys for people to package something up and take it to the post office. They should just do that for free , right ? I guess nobody's time and energies are worth anything ? x_x

[chocobokick]

I think that's only about 50cents to much. We charge $5 for shipping like other people here. Sent priority mail with delivery confirmation, game in a ziploc bag and/or with bubble wrap. Sometimes it's just over or under $4, sometimes it's over $6 (like Lunar box set size boxes). It varies, but it's easier to group together. And we combine shipping so usually we pay more then it costs to ship anyway.
My biggest problem is bubble wrap, it's about $2 for a tiny roll and that really adds up

[slapdash]

Thanks for some examples guys; my main point is that some people are charging you for "real" services (i.e. Priority over regular mail, insured over non-insured, etc) -- but others are scammers out and out.


I guess it's not worth anything to you guys for people to package something up and take it to the post office. They should just do that for free , right ? I guess nobody's time and energies are worth anything ? x_x

Ah, but that's what profit on the item is for. They're going to sell it anyway, right? So raise the minimum bid, don't screw me on postage.

[jonjandran]

I guess it's not worth anything to you guys for people to package something up and take it to the post office. They should just do that for free , right ? I guess nobody's time and energies are worth anything ? x_x

Ah, but that's what profit on the item is for. They're going to sell it anyway, right? So raise the minimum bid, don't screw me on postage.[/quote]

Why do you think it's called Shipping AND Handling. E-Bay is a job for some people. And Getting supplies and going to the post office , etc is TIME, and as we all know , TIME IS MONEY.
And what's the difference between charging a handling charge on e-bay and the charges when you mail order ANYTHING. Any time you mail order anything there is a handling charge, you are not charged actual shipping.
E-Bay is a business, and businesses charge shipping and handling. As long as it is reasonable , like a dollar or two............ Get over it !!!!!

[Griking]

Why do you think it's called Shipping AND Handling. E-Bay is a job for some people. And Getting supplies and going to the post office , etc is TIME, and as we all know , TIME IS MONEY.
And what's the difference between charging a handling charge on e-bay and the charges when you mail order ANYTHING. Any time you mail order anything there is a handling charge, you are not charged actual shipping.
E-Bay is a business, and businesses charge shipping and handling. As long as it is reasonable , like a dollar or two............ Get over it !!!!!

Actually I ENCOURAGE your charging handling fees because as long as people like you insist on charging handling fees I'm guaranteed more sales on ebay. I never have and never will charge a handling fee on any of my auctions and I proudly advertise it in my auctions.

[jonjandran]

Why do you think it's called Shipping AND Handling. E-Bay is a job for some people. And Getting supplies and going to the post office , etc is TIME, and as we all know , TIME IS MONEY.
And what's the difference between charging a handling charge on e-bay and the charges when you mail order ANYTHING. Any time you mail order anything there is a handling charge, you are not charged actual shipping.
E-Bay is a business, and businesses charge shipping and handling. As long as it is reasonable , like a dollar or two............ Get over it !!!!!

Actually I ENCOURAGE your charging handling fees because as long as people like you insist on charging handling fees I'm guaranteed more sales on ebay. I never have and never will charge a handling fee on any of my auctions and I proudly advertise it in my auctions.

Let's see, I sell EVERYTHING I list on E-Bay. So how am I helping your sales ? People know that if I charge extra for shipping and handling that they get a well packaged item and speedy delivery. By the way I charge $5.00 for priorty and $3.00 for First Class. After the bubble wrap , mailers , labels , Etc. that's a huge $.50 profit. Ouch , I should be taken out and shot ...... @_@

[chadtower]

Let's see, I sell EVERYTHING I list on E-Bay. So how am I helping your sales ? People know that if I charge extra for shipping and handling that they get a well packaged item and speedy delivery. By the way I charge $5.00 for priorty and $3.00 for First Class. After the bubble wrap , mailers , labels , Etc. that's a huge $.50 profit. Ouch , I should be taken out and shot ...... @_@

No, they dont' know they're going to get a well packed item unless they've done business with you before. They HOPE they're going to get one but more often than not any seller (no implications on your shipping here) will just pocket the extra cash and send it poorly. I can't tell you how many times a 'handling' fee has gone along with an item so poorly packed it was damaged in transit...

[slapdash]

I guess it's not worth anything to you guys for people to package something up and take it to the post office. They should just do that for free , right ?

Ah, but that's what profit on the item is for. They're going to sell it anyway, right? So raise the minimum bid, don't screw me on postage.

Why do you think it's called Shipping AND Handling.[/quote]

So they can justify gouging us?


E-Bay is a job for some people. And Getting supplies and going to the post office , etc is TIME, and as we all know , TIME IS MONEY.

And in case you couldn't follow my logic, that's what profit on a sale is for.

Why don't stores charge you handling for the trouble it took them to put everything on the shelves and put price tags out? Because the cost of that work is already in the profit margin.


And what's the difference between charging a handling charge on e-bay and the charges when you mail order ANYTHING. Any time you mail order anything there is a handling charge, you are not charged actual shipping.

Wait, have you somehow gotten the impression that I like "handling" fees outside of eBay? That would be an incorrect assumption. Do you think I'll pay any handling fee outside of eBay? That is also incorrect. I hate gouging by any mail order source and will refuse to shop at places where the handling fees are unreasonable.

[/quote]E-Bay is a business, and businesses charge shipping and handling. As long as it is reasonable , like a dollar or two............ Get over it !!!!![/quote]

I'll "get over it" if you'll get off your high horse. We were talking about UNREASONABLE handling fees. In fact, if you read back to my original post, I was actually defending some of the higher fees. So read what I actually said, not what you think I said.

[Tetsu]

Psst...flip those free priority mail boxes inside out, and they work great for shipping overseas...

[jonjandran]

To Slapdash :
I wasn't addressing your original post. I was responding to everyone crying about handling cost.
And as for your "so called logic" . What's the difference between adding a handling charge or including it in the price ? The end total is the same/ x_x
Like I said GET OVER IT !!!!!
And I am not on a high horse. I'm talking about something that is a common practice and accepted in the business world. That is it is accepted by reasonable people who can look at a situation and come to the proper logical conclusion and not just an emotional one.
Nuff said ..................I will respond no more............
P.S. My Kung-Foo is STRONG !!!!!!!!!!

[chadtower]

Well, there are many people, such as some of us, who do not pay such fees. That much is demonstrably true. It can be concluded, therefore, that those of us who fall into this category will not be buying from you. :-D

[slapdash]

Psst...flip those free priority mail boxes inside out, and they work great for shipping overseas...

Doesn't work at my PO -- they now stamp the inside of the box with "Priority Mail" so you can't do that. Luckily my packrat ways have led to a reasonable supply of pre-stamped boxes.


To Slapdash :
I wasn't addressing your original post. I was responding to everyone crying about handling cost.
And as for your "so called logic" . What's the difference between adding a handling charge or including it in the price ? The end total is the same/ x_x

But one is more honest than the other. THAT's the difference.



Like I said GET OVER IT !!!!!
And I am not on a high horse.


Bullshit. If you weren't on a high horse you wouldn't be saying things like "GET OVER IT !!!!!". I repeat, get off your high horse.


I'm talking about something that is a common practice and accepted in the business world. That is it is accepted by reasonable people who can look at a situation and come to the proper logical conclusion and not just an emotional one.

My conclusion is at least as logical as yours. Why can't you accept that? And "common practice" is not synonymous with "ethical practice" or "honest practice".


Nuff said ..................I will respond no more............

Great.


P.S. My Kung-Foo is STRONG !!!!!!!!!!

Your kung fu is misspelled.

[SoulBlazer]

Let me try to change this topic a little bit --

Anyone else here sell stuff on Amazon? I sell five times more stuff on Amazon then I do on EBay.

What do you think of their built in shipping rates? :)

[buttasuperb]

Why do you think it's called Shipping AND Handling. E-Bay is a job for some people.

If I'm asked type up a quarterly report or whatever at my work, I don't ask for a .50 handling fee, so that argument is ridiculous.

I remember there being some seller on yahoo auctions who charged 9.99 for shipping on CD games, and would not combine shipping. His excuse was that he only had one hand, so his neighbor did all the packing and shipping for him. Sure it sucks that he lost a hand, but it's no excuse to charge a shitload so you can make extra profits. If you can't ship stuff or can't find the time to go the post, I think you need to find another job.

Anyways, I charge 4.50 for priority mail and 2.50 for first class, both with delivery confirmation. So, 3.85 +.55 = 4.40, so I make a whopping .10 cent profit on priority mail stuff. And in certain cases with priority mail, I undercharge on accident and lose some money. But that's just how it goes. But I don't add a couple bucks to the fee just because I have to pack the stuff up and drive to the post during lunch, that's crap, and not a good way to get a reputation of being a good and honest seller.

[Captain Wrong]

Let me try to change this topic a little bit --

Anyone else here sell stuff on Amazon? I sell five times more stuff on Amazon then I do on EBay.

What do you think of their built in shipping rates? :)

I have been selling on Amazon for over a year. Personally, I think their built in shipping rates are the biggest scam ever.

They charge the buyer their regualr shipping rate and then give the seller barely enough to cover media for a small item. This really hurts if you're selling multiple CD sets or an oversized book. I want to know where the extra dollar something goes. As far as I can tell, Amazon just pockets the difference, which isn't fair for the seller or the buyer.

Factoring in cost for packaging, I've always lost money on shipping at Amazon. Even without the packaging cost, I'm only barely breaking even. Of course, since it's not an auction I can set my prices accordingly, but Amazon sellers are cutthroat. If I put something up at a reasonable price, it's a guarantee that a week later there will be at least two items listed for less. Too many high volume sellers to really give people like me a fair shot.

And don't get me started on their high selling costs...

(I know the question will be, so why do I bother? Well, it's better than taking stuff to Half Price Books. They REALLY fuck you. At least with Amazon I get something for my stuff.)