[meteorite-list] Shipping to bad news places.
Hello List, I've noticed most U.S. dealers on E=bay don't ship to Italy. I was wondering what other countries are bad news to ship to and should be avoided? Sean Brooks #7781 __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteorite-list-archives.com Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] Shipping to bad news places.
I've had issues with India on 50% of my shipments there and have stopped shipping there. Usually it's so much bureaucratic red tape that its just easier to have the item returned. What is the chemical composition of this rock? Where is the paperwork for the mine this came from? Come back after lunch, in 2 hours Of course then it takes 6 months for your package to get back; flattened, tied with string, and covered in ink stamps and wax seals (surprisingly). YW Sent from my iPhone On May 7, 2013, at 10:21 PM, Sean Brooks shockwaver...@gmail.com wrote: Hello List, I've noticed most U.S. dealers on E=bay don't ship to Italy. I was wondering what other countries are bad news to ship to and should be avoided? Sean Brooks #7781 __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteorite-list-archives.com Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteorite-list-archives.com Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] Shipping to bad news places.
I just had a near loss with Italy. Against my better judgement, I shipped a sizable piece of NWA479. Luckily, I registered the package. It never got delivered, but the customer was able to track it down using the registered number. It had been sitting in the same customs office for 29 days. WTF? Jim Strope 421 4th Street Glen Dale, WV. 26038 Sent from my iPad On May 7, 2013, at 10:21 PM, Sean Brooks shockwaver...@gmail.com wrote: Hello List, I've noticed most U.S. dealers on E=bay don't ship to Italy. I was wondering what other countries are bad news to ship to and should be avoided? Sean Brooks #7781 __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteorite-list-archives.com Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteorite-list-archives.com Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] Shipping to bad news places.
Aloha Sean, I have been shipping to Italy without trouble for years. The reason other dealers don't ship there may be because of Italy's many import restrictions, which take up multiple screens on the USPS counter terminals. I've shipped over 5000 packages worldwide, and have only lost a handful. With all due respect to the countries and their people, I have lost packages in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil and China (I think the lost packages were scam thefts). gary On May 7, 2013, at 4:21 PM, Sean Brooks shockwaver...@gmail.com wrote: Hello List, I've noticed most U.S. dealers on E=bay don't ship to Italy. I was wondering what other countries are bad news to ship to and should be avoided? Sean Brooks #7781 __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteorite-list-archives.com Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list Gary Fujihara Big Kahuna Meteorites Inc. PO Box 4175, Hilo, HI 96720 (808) 640-9161 http://bigkahuna-meteorites.com/ http://www.ebay.com/sch/fujmon/m.html __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteorite-list-archives.com Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] Shipping to bad news places.
Now you know why Italy is on my DO NOT SHIP list:) Michael Farmer Sent from my iPhone On May 8, 2013, at 11:13 AM, Jim Strope fa...@yahoo.com wrote: I just had a near loss with Italy. Against my better judgement, I shipped a sizable piece of NWA479. Luckily, I registered the package. It never got delivered, but the customer was able to track it down using the registered number. It had been sitting in the same customs office for 29 days. WTF? Jim Strope 421 4th Street Glen Dale, WV. 26038 Sent from my iPad On May 7, 2013, at 10:21 PM, Sean Brooks shockwaver...@gmail.com wrote: Hello List, I've noticed most U.S. dealers on E=bay don't ship to Italy. I was wondering what other countries are bad news to ship to and should be avoided? Sean Brooks #7781 __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteorite-list-archives.com Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteorite-list-archives.com Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Visit the Archives at http://www.meteorite-list-archives.com Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
[meteorite-list] Shipping to Italy Question
I have seen many people are not willing to ship to Italy without high dollar postage. What is the reason for this? Also, what other places should people be careful when shipping to? Thanks, Greg C. __ http://www.meteoritecentral.com Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] Shipping to Italy Question
the problem is the italian customs, when they seen the value declared on the pack block this for many time, normaly 3 weeks but I have waith packs for months, and in this time its possible the pack go lost for the faoult of bastards thiefs persons works in the custom. I not have problems to receive pack outside Italy, only 2 its never arrive, the problem is if you put a valure declared of 300$ I have to pay a extra of at 60 euro of tax, and this not like many, is for this many italian ask to not put the value on the pak, or max. a low value, for not pay exaggerated taxes. Matteo - Original Message - Da : Greg Catterton star_wars_collec...@yahoo.com A : Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com Oggetto : [meteorite-list] Shipping to Italy Question Data : Sun, 30 Aug 2009 12:40:56 -0700 (PDT) I have seen many people are not willing to ship to Italy without high dollar postage. What is the reason for this? Also, what other places should people be careful when shipping to? Thanks, Greg C. __ http://www.meteoritecentral.com Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list M come Meteorite Meteoriti i...@mcomemeteorite.it http://www.mcomemeteorite.it http://www.mcomemeteorite.org Mindat Gallery http://www.mindat.org/gallery-5018.html ChinellatoPhoto Servizi Fotografici http://www.chinellatophoto.com __ http://www.meteoritecentral.com Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] Shipping to Italy Question
Hello! About 1year ago the Italian Post had a lot of problems! The italian newspapers have spoken about more than 200ton of mail (also registered and assured mail) blocked for many weeks, beacuse there weren't enough postmen for deliver the post. In that period the internal post and the foreing mail were very very slow...and many package went lost! At now seems all works better... But, as Matteo tell you, at know the Customs are the very big problem. Could happens that the post stops at the customs for more than 2-3weeks and you have to pay more than 25% of fees. Every times I ask to the dealers to indicate on the package something like Rocks sample for study without value and indicate as value 0$ or something just a little more expensive than the shipping cost...10$ or 15$. At now I have had problem just one time, the package was sent back to the dealer. But I never lost anything. The Deutsche Post had lost 1.2g of Mars that I have sold to a German collector Thanks! Francesco Moser IMCA #1510 - Original Message - From: Greg Catterton star_wars_collec...@yahoo.com To: Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com Sent: Sunday, August 30, 2009 9:40 PM Subject: [meteorite-list] Shipping to Italy Question I have seen many people are not willing to ship to Italy without high dollar postage. What is the reason for this? Also, what other places should people be careful when shipping to? Thanks, Greg C. __ http://www.meteoritecentral.com Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ http://www.meteoritecentral.com Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] Shipping to Italy Question
In all EU-countries you have to pay VAT, if the value of the shipment outside EU is higher than the limit, in Finland some EUR 45.00 = USD 64.00, and that means, the customs stops the shipment and you have to clear it. Given that EU law only requires that the standard VAT rate must be at least 15% (in Finland 22%). Usually Rocks sample for study without value works ok, and you should not have troubles with customs in EU. best, pekka s Francesco Moser kirjoitti: Hello! About 1year ago the Italian Post had a lot of problems! The italian newspapers have spoken about more than 200ton of mail (also registered and assured mail) blocked for many weeks, beacuse there weren't enough postmen for deliver the post. In that period the internal post and the foreing mail were very very slow...and many package went lost! At now seems all works better... But, as Matteo tell you, at know the Customs are the very big problem. Could happens that the post stops at the customs for more than 2-3weeks and you have to pay more than 25% of fees. Every times I ask to the dealers to indicate on the package something like Rocks sample for study without value and indicate as value 0$ or something just a little more expensive than the shipping cost...10$ or 15$. At now I have had problem just one time, the package was sent back to the dealer. But I never lost anything. The Deutsche Post had lost 1.2g of Mars that I have sold to a German collector Thanks! Francesco Moser IMCA #1510 - Original Message - From: Greg Catterton star_wars_collec...@yahoo.com To: Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com Sent: Sunday, August 30, 2009 9:40 PM Subject: [meteorite-list] Shipping to Italy Question I have seen many people are not willing to ship to Italy without high dollar postage. What is the reason for this? Also, what other places should people be careful when shipping to? Thanks, Greg C. __ http://www.meteoritecentral.com Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ http://www.meteoritecentral.com Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.71/2335 - Release Date: 08/30/09 06:36:00 -- Pekka Savolainen Solar Gems Jokiharjuntie 4 FI-71330 Rasala FINLAND member of IMCA #5776 www.imca.cc __ http://www.meteoritecentral.com Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] Shipping to Italy Question
Hi Greg and List, I have a regular customer in Italy and I have shipped packages there at least a dozen times with no problems whatsoever. Of course, I probably jinxed it by saying this in public. LOL Best regards, MikeG On 8/30/09, Greg Catterton star_wars_collec...@yahoo.com wrote: I have seen many people are not willing to ship to Italy without high dollar postage. What is the reason for this? Also, what other places should people be careful when shipping to? Thanks, Greg C. __ http://www.meteoritecentral.com Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list -- . Michael Gilmer (Florida, USA) Member of the Meteoritical Society. Website - http://www.galactic-stone.com FaceBook - http://www.facebook.com/galacticstone MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/fine_meteorites_4_sale Twitter - Twitter - http://twitter.com/GalacticStone eBay - http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/maypickle .. __ http://www.meteoritecentral.com Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
[meteorite-list] Shipping to the UK
Hello all, Has anyone had problems with shipping items to the UK? I can ship small items like micros, but whenever I ship a larger item to the UK, I get screwed. I just shipped an item to the UK and once in the UK, there was an additional charge of $40+ dollars for the recipient to pick up the item over the $32 bucks he already paid in shipping. The US Postal service said it was a tax imposed on the item by the UK. This is more than likely going to be a major loss for me here and it's not the first time. The last time I shipped a book and it cost me a hundred bucks! What's the deal, Nothing against the UK, but this is crazy! Cj Lebel __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] shipping and more
Good Morning and Happy New Year to you all. Tom Perry On Dec 31, 2004, at 6:56 PM, tracy latimer wrote: Ebay has a shipping calculator where the seller puts in his zip code, the weight of the shipment, the mode of shipping (the speed to send it out) and the calculator will supply the potential bidder the exact shipping cost.try it some time, it is pretty close to actual 90% of the time with what I sell. Be extra cautious with the shipping calculator. I have heard that there are a lot of ways for it to miscalculate, depending on what parameters are set... and sometimes it sets them itself, incorrectly! Always review its settings before you turn the auction loose to run. Tracy Latimer __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
[meteorite-list] shipping
Hi! Well, the eBay shipping saga is finished and I am not completing the sale. He refused point blank to reconsider the shipping charges of $25 for a thumbnail specimen, but I did notice that on his new auctions he made 2 critical changes - one was to have a proper starting price (so he no longer has to sell as $65 for $1) and also much more plausible shipping charges. So, negative feedback all round!!! Not a happy ending but he obviously did not want to nurture business like all of you (and me) want to. Sometimes I am deeply saddened by the stupidity of Mankind best for the New Year! dave Sec.BIMS IMCA #0092 __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] shipping
Dear Dave, Congratulations I think! The Chinese tend to have a higher than normal number of those that conduct business in that manner. Then again, always watch out for things that are too good to be true and buy from reputable dealers with good positive feed back. Something for nothing ALWAYS gets more scrutiny from yours truly. Before bidding, a cordial what will be the shipping costs, does my estimated amount agree with yours... Value of your time spent messing with a non-transaction is? And, so the total cost of getting nothing is? Inquiring minds want to know, Dave F. mjwy Dave Harris wrote: Hi! Well, the eBay shipping saga is finished and I am not completing the sale. He refused point blank to reconsider the shipping charges of $25 for a thumbnail specimen, but I did notice that on his new auctions he made 2 critical changes - one was to have a proper starting price (so he no longer has to sell as $65 for $1) and also much more plausible shipping charges. So, negative feedback all round!!! Not a happy ending but he obviously did not want to nurture business like all of you (and me) want to. Sometimes I am deeply saddened by the stupidity of Mankind best for the New Year! dave Sec.BIMS IMCA #0092 __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] shipping
I don't get ebay, one well known over seas seller has a $25 shipping fee, that's fine, but if another seller sells an identical meteorite at the same starting price, but with $2 shipping, form what I have seen, the meteorites will sell for the same amount lets say $15 in the end, even though they have to pay $23 more in shipping, do they just not care what the shipping charges are? Thanks, Tom peregrineflier IMCA 6168 http://www.frontiernet.net/~peregrineflier/Peregrineflier.htm - Original Message - From: Dave Harris [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: metlist meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com Sent: Friday, December 31, 2004 9:29 AM Subject: [meteorite-list] shipping Hi! Well, the eBay shipping saga is finished and I am not completing the sale. He refused point blank to reconsider the shipping charges of $25 for a thumbnail specimen, but I did notice that on his new auctions he made 2 critical changes - one was to have a proper starting price (so he no longer has to sell as $65 for $1) and also much more plausible shipping charges. So, negative feedback all round!!! Not a happy ending but he obviously did not want to nurture business like all of you (and me) want to. Sometimes I am deeply saddened by the stupidity of Mankind best for the New Year! dave Sec.BIMS IMCA #0092 __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] shipping
Dear Tom, List; For me, it come down to the word VALUEdo you value your dealers, the ones you have bought from in the past, or notable visible dealers, (IMCA members, List members, consistent sellers, better than 98% feed back and OVER 50 positive feed back). Value meaning supporting good dealers that offer good prices and good service (and piece of mind) are a real value. Support your good service and goods providers and they will provide the value. Supporting fly-by-night, or non confirmed sellers for a bargain hot 10 cents deal that costs a ton of shipping/handling/time to straighten out a mess is not a VALUE deal, and speculative at best. Many fly-by-night sellers could care less what you have to pay them for shipping, especially when you are to tight with your money to spend more than 99 cents on a meteorite that should sell for tens of dollars. I do not feel sorry for those that really expect something for nothing and get skinned at trying. One plays one pays. Support Value, support your good dealers. Dave F. Happy New Year to all! Tom AKA James Knudson wrote: I don't get ebay, one well known over seas seller has a $25 shipping fee, that's fine, but if another seller sells an identical meteorite at the same starting price, but with $2 shipping, form what I have seen, the meteorites will sell for the same amount lets say $15 in the end, even though they have to pay $23 more in shipping, do they just not care what the shipping charges are? Thanks, Tom peregrineflier IMCA 6168 http://www.frontiernet.net/~peregrineflier/Peregrineflier.htm - Original Message - From: Dave Harris [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: metlist meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com Sent: Friday, December 31, 2004 9:29 AM Subject: [meteorite-list] shipping Hi! Well, the eBay shipping saga is finished and I am not completing the sale. He refused point blank to reconsider the shipping charges of $25 for a thumbnail specimen, but I did notice that on his new auctions he made 2 critical changes - one was to have a proper starting price (so he no longer has to sell as $65 for $1) and also much more plausible shipping charges. So, negative feedback all round!!! Not a happy ending but he obviously did not want to nurture business like all of you (and me) want to. Sometimes I am deeply saddened by the stupidity of Mankind best for the New Year! dave Sec.BIMS IMCA #0092 __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] shipping
Tom, Ebay will tell you and do so in their user agreements that they Only Provide The Venue for the auctions/sales to occur. They do not police their site for everything that goes onmore and more they have to rely on the users to police themselves. Go look at antique/Persian rugs on Ebay. Lots of dealers that are very reputable. Look at the pricingsome start at a dollar and have a fixed shipping cost of $199.00, others have starting prices at $150.00 and up and have a $45.00 or more depending on where you live shipping cost. I have bought several rugs online from both types. The average 8 x 12 foot rug is about $45.00 to ship to me. I look for the reasonable shipping terms and then go for the item I want. As a seller on Ebay (desertcrystal) starting my 6th year I can honestly say that bidders do not read auctions and they do not ask questions. I do not care if the item sells for one pennyTHAT IS NOT what it is going to cost. Shipping should be your first concern anytime you are buyingnothing is a deal if the seller is making money on the shipping and by bidding on an item and then arguing about the cost is wasting time. Ebays rules are if you bid...you agree to the terms STATED in the auction at the time you bid. Anyone that bids should have first read the entire auction, they should UNDERSTAND what they read and if they still have questions they should ASK first before bidding. Simple common sense. I can not tell you the number of bidder I have had that never asked a single question about an item or the shipping until the auction was over and at that point, at least as far as this seller is concerned your pissing up a rope with me. You bid, you won, you pay, I ship, transaction over plain and simple. I answer 30 emails a day on average, many asking about the item, most about the shipping. I answer every question, I offer alternatives to issues, I try to accommodate any bidders reasonable request, special handling, really anything, as long as it is BEFORE the auction ends. I also charge a handling fee because we pack very well and professionally and that costs money and that cost we pass onto our bidders as a handling fee. BUT every seller that packs fragile items has to recover their costs for materials and they either do it in the starting price or in shipping/handling fees. I prefer to be upfront and say there will be a handling fee, I only ever charge EXACT shipping costs, plus handling25 cents a sheet for bubblewrap and $1.00 a cubic foot for peanuts and that is EXACTLY what I pay. If you look at my feedback our customers love our shipping and packing. I do not sell meteorites. If I did I would charge exact postage for whatever service they bidder wanted and only $0.12 - $0.25 cents for bubblewrap and only if it was really needed to protect the stone. I have used bubblewrap here that is not good for antiques but is great for metal and other things that won't shatter and since I get it free I give it away. My whole point is...90% of the problems on ebay is a lack of communication and understanding. Bidders need to ask questions, know the terms and understand what the costs will be. REPUTABLE sellers will have no problems answering questions, they will have reasonable costs and they will work with the bidder. IF every bidder did this the bullshit sellers that charge $25.00 to ship a thumbnail size piece of stone will not be on ebay long...they would not have bidders because the bidders would have asked questions and found out that the seller was screwing them and then would not bid. Please...everyone, If you are going to buy on ebay, ASK questions of the seller BEFORE you bid. Know what it is you are buying, what it will cost to ship and be sure you have no lingering questions. IF the seller does not answer the first email, send a second as lord knows how reliable email is. IF the seller does not answer or does not have the answers that make YOU feel good about the sale DO NOT BID. There will always be another chance at ANY item on ebay...all it will cost you is the time to find it. Nothing will ever replace the time spent arguing about something that could have been avoided 9 times out of 10 with a simple question before that mouse goes click. Mark Miconi Phoenix AZ Mark M. Phoenix AZ At least once every human being should have to run for his life, to teach him that milk does not come from a supermarket, that safety does not come from policemen, and that news is not something that happens to other people. - Robert Heinlein - Original Message - From: Tom AKA James Knudson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Dave Harris [EMAIL PROTECTED]; metlist meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com Sent: Friday, December 31, 2004 11:57 AM Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] shipping I don't get ebay, one well known over seas seller has a $25 shipping fee, that's fine, but if another seller sells an identical meteorite at the same starting price, but with $2 shipping, form what I have seen
Re: [meteorite-list] shipping
Hi Tom and list, Just returned from a nice vacation to Tennessee and North Carolina. Picked up a rare meteorite in the Great Smoke Mountians called snowangel. check it out: http://www.branchmeteorites.com/misc/snowangel.jpg and the strewnfield: http://www.branchmeteorites.com/misc/strewn.jpg do they just not care what the shipping charges are? Yes, that is it. It's called psychology. People disregard shipping and handling charges for the most part. I don't. BTW, whoever invented the term handling as a charge was a marketing genius. Imagine paying for someone to actually handle your merchandise. Similarly, whoever thought of adding .95 or .99 to the end of a holler amount was also a marketing genius! I see lots of micromounts on ebay which I would like to add to my collection but I don't bother because of the excessive shipping fees. Overcharging for shipping is older than ebay. Doing so insures that the ebay and paypal fees are paid and in many cases, such as the example here, adds profit. I almost always pass over any auction which doesn't list shipping fees or give some indication of shipping fees. If I am really interested in item, I will ask the seller to give me an idea as to shipping. Many times, the selller does not respond so I just pass the auction by. Hoping everyone has a great 2005! -Walter Branch - - Original Message - From: Tom AKA James Knudson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Dave Harris [EMAIL PROTECTED]; metlist meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com Sent: Friday, December 31, 2004 1:57 PM Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] shipping I don't get ebay, one well known over seas seller has a $25 shipping fee, that's fine, but if another seller sells an identical meteorite at the same starting price, but with $2 shipping, form what I have seen, the meteorites will sell for the same amount lets say $15 in the end, even though they have to pay $23 more in shipping, do they just not care what the shipping charges are? Thanks, Tom peregrineflier IMCA 6168 http://www.frontiernet.net/~peregrineflier/Peregrineflier.htm - Original Message - From: Dave Harris [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: metlist meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com Sent: Friday, December 31, 2004 9:29 AM Subject: [meteorite-list] shipping Hi! Well, the eBay shipping saga is finished and I am not completing the sale. He refused point blank to reconsider the shipping charges of $25 for a thumbnail specimen, but I did notice that on his new auctions he made 2 critical changes - one was to have a proper starting price (so he no longer has to sell as $65 for $1) and also much more plausible shipping charges. So, negative feedback all round!!! Not a happy ending but he obviously did not want to nurture business like all of you (and me) want to. Sometimes I am deeply saddened by the stupidity of Mankind best for the New Year! dave Sec.BIMS IMCA #0092 __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] shipping
not bid. Please...everyone, If you are going to buy on ebay, ASK questions of the seller BEFORE you bid. Know what it is you are buying, what it will cost to ship and be sure you have no lingering questions. IF the seller does not answer the first email, send a second as lord knows how reliable email is. IF the seller does not answer or does not have the answers that make YOU feel good about the sale DO NOT BID. There will always be another chance at ANY item on ebay...all it will cost you is the time to find it. Nothing will ever replace the time spent arguing about something that could have been avoided 9 times out of 10 with a simple question before that mouse goes click. Mark Miconi Phoenix AZ Mark M. Phoenix AZ At least once every human being should have to run for his life, to teach him that milk does not come from a supermarket, that safety does not come from policemen, and that news is not something that happens to other people. - Robert Heinlein - Original Message - From: Tom AKA James Knudson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Dave Harris [EMAIL PROTECTED]; metlist meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com Sent: Friday, December 31, 2004 11:57 AM Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] shipping I don't get ebay, one well known over seas seller has a $25 shipping fee, that's fine, but if another seller sells an identical meteorite at the same starting price, but with $2 shipping, form what I have seen, the meteorites will sell for the same amount lets say $15 in the end, even though they have to pay $23 more in shipping, do they just not care what the shipping charges are? Thanks, Tom peregrineflier IMCA 6168 http://www.frontiernet.net/~peregrineflier/Peregrineflier.htm - Original Message - From: Dave Harris [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: metlist meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com Sent: Friday, December 31, 2004 9:29 AM Subject: [meteorite-list] shipping Hi! Well, the eBay shipping saga is finished and I am not completing the sale. He refused point blank to reconsider the shipping charges of $25 for a thumbnail specimen, but I did notice that on his new auctions he made 2 critical changes - one was to have a proper starting price (so he no longer has to sell as $65 for $1) and also much more plausible shipping charges. So, negative feedback all round!!! Not a happy ending but he obviously did not want to nurture business like all of you (and me) want to. Sometimes I am deeply saddened by the stupidity of Mankind best for the New Year! dave Sec.BIMS IMCA #0092 __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] shipping and more
Dear all, Ebay has a shipping calculator where the seller puts in his zip code, the weight of the shipment, the mode of shipping (the speed to send it out) and the calculator will supply the potential bidder the exact shipping cost.try it some time, it is pretty close to actual 90% of the time with what I sell. Always be sure to request an invoice of actual shipping weight on combined items (always ask about combined shipping if it isn't stated in the auction) to save a few dollars on only paying ins. and delivery confirmation once, and I never ship anything with out insurance and delivery confirmation. It is stated in my auctions in numerous places and still, 10% can't read. Dave F. mjwy Walter Branch wrote: Hi Tom and list, Just returned from a nice vacation to Tennessee and North Carolina. Picked up a rare meteorite in the Great Smoke Mountians called snowangel. check it out: http://www.branchmeteorites.com/misc/snowangel.jpg and the strewnfield: http://www.branchmeteorites.com/misc/strewn.jpg do they just not care what the shipping charges are? Yes, that is it. It's called psychology. People disregard shipping and handling charges for the most part. I don't. BTW, whoever invented the term handling as a charge was a marketing genius. Imagine paying for someone to actually handle your merchandise. Similarly, whoever thought of adding .95 or .99 to the end of a holler amount was also a marketing genius! I see lots of micromounts on ebay which I would like to add to my collection but I don't bother because of the excessive shipping fees. Overcharging for shipping is older than ebay. Doing so insures that the ebay and paypal fees are paid and in many cases, such as the example here, adds profit. I almost always pass over any auction which doesn't list shipping fees or give some indication of shipping fees. If I am really interested in item, I will ask the seller to give me an idea as to shipping. Many times, the selller does not respond so I just pass the auction by. Hoping everyone has a great 2005! -Walter Branch - - Original Message - From: Tom AKA James Knudson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Dave Harris [EMAIL PROTECTED]; metlist meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com Sent: Friday, December 31, 2004 1:57 PM Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] shipping I don't get ebay, one well known over seas seller has a $25 shipping fee, that's fine, but if another seller sells an identical meteorite at the same starting price, but with $2 shipping, form what I have seen, the meteorites will sell for the same amount lets say $15 in the end, even though they have to pay $23 more in shipping, do they just not care what the shipping charges are? Thanks, Tom peregrineflier IMCA 6168 http://www.frontiernet.net/~peregrineflier/Peregrineflier.htm - Original Message - From: Dave Harris [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: metlist meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com Sent: Friday, December 31, 2004 9:29 AM Subject: [meteorite-list] shipping Hi! Well, the eBay shipping saga is finished and I am not completing the sale. He refused point blank to reconsider the shipping charges of $25 for a thumbnail specimen, but I did notice that on his new auctions he made 2 critical changes - one was to have a proper starting price (so he no longer has to sell as $65 for $1) and also much more plausible shipping charges. So, negative feedback all round!!! Not a happy ending but he obviously did not want to nurture business like all of you (and me) want to. Sometimes I am deeply saddened by the stupidity of Mankind best for the New Year! dave Sec.BIMS IMCA #0092 __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] shipping
BTW, whoever invented the term handling as a charge was a marketing genius. Imagine paying for someone to actually handle your merchandise. Thats not exactly true - shipping charges are the cost of postage to get your item to you - handeling is the cost of the box, packing material, and in some cases, waiting in line at the post office for an hour to send out a package because insured mail cant be simply dropped off at a drop box - think about it, if your boss made you stand inline for an hour, off the clock to pick up your paycheck, would you be happy about it? The cost of paking an item might not seem like much, but it certainly adds up - there was a time when i was selling on ebay alot of bulky items and it wasnt unusual to see charges on my credit card statement for a few hundred $$ from the packing supply store. even when we are tlaking about small micromounts, a membrane box, some packing material, and a cardboard box cost a few $ total - more than the actual postage might be for a small item, but it's a cost none the less. __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
[meteorite-list] shipping again
Happy new year friends! Shipping is critical - you are only entitled to charge for the materials, a respectable amount of 'labour' and the actual postage - anything else is, from eBay's point of view fee avoidance - that is why they take a dim view of shady shipping costs. Personally I would only bid on a heavy item from the US, especially if it said US only, after emailing the seller. I have never had a seller refuse to sell to me because I live in the UK! I know the shipping is going to be more - common sense! As I told Tom, (and I am sure Tom won't mind me quoting from my own email to him),I had a situation just this week... On the other hand, despite only stating UK buyers only, I have just sold an enormous box of rocks weighing in at 40lb (!) to the States and the shipping is $200 for a $100 item. I gave the buyer a) a month to pay and b) also gave him the option many times to pull out of the sale with no negativity as I realised that perhaps he acted on impulse! It is no biggy, just recoup the costs from eBay as a non-paying bidder - sale mutually agreed to be cancelled and that is that. I did not charge him for the running around I did getting the best price nor the materials it took to pack... That's the way to do it! ...same thing happened when I sold my 6 Newtonian. just common sense and decency non-dealer dave Sec.BIMS IMCA #0092 __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] shipping and more
Ebay has a shipping calculator where the seller puts in his zip code, the weight of the shipment, the mode of shipping (the speed to send it out) and the calculator will supply the potential bidder the exact shipping cost.try it some time, it is pretty close to actual 90% of the time with what I sell. Be extra cautious with the shipping calculator. I have heard that there are a lot of ways for it to miscalculate, depending on what parameters are set... and sometimes it sets them itself, incorrectly! Always review its settings before you turn the auction loose to run. Tracy Latimer __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
RE: [meteorite-list] Shipping Costs from Finland 2 thumbs way dowm
you ain't the only one: my recent experirence with finmet on ebay had that and for $30 i got a broken,resin filled, meteorite a month later in the most crappily packed unit for overseas travel ever. $30, i expect fed ex overnite (like fernlea does).after a previous experience, i now videotape and photo-document allarrivals and unpackings over packages over $100 in value. i tried to contact finmet (with photo essay attached) on this and as predicted, he dissappeared like smoke-failing to even return an email (heaven forbid offer something to make the situation right). i should have used http://www.didtheyreadit.com , but i dropped my guard and got snakebit again. damn, onother opportunity missed- i've gotta start thinking positively. for $30 , that slice should have been packed between 2 pieces of wood and sent in a package suitable for oveseas shipping, and been on my doorstep the next morning-2 THUMBS WAY DOWN. ebay feedback- WHAT A JOKE!!! everybody has good feedback due to RETALIATORY bad feedback. if i could have left it, i'da left wheelbarrow full of bad feedback. iam so mad, i can't type right now. i will be gradually switching over to yahoo mail (it has 100 FREE megs of storage). please cc to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [meteorite-list] Shipping Costs from Finland Date: Thu, 18 Nov 2004 20:34:02 -0500 I sent this yesterday but it apparently did not make it through: Hello Everyone, I have seen several meteorite auctions which list shipping charges from Finland as being $30.00 - $35.00 (USD). My question is, particularly for those list members who happen to live in Finland, does it really cost that much to send a 500-700 gram package from Finland to the US? -Walter __ Meteorite-list mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Meteorite-list mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
[meteorite-list] Shipping Costs from Finland
I sent this yesterday but it apparently did not make it through: Hello Everyone, I have seen several meteorite auctions which list shipping charges from Finland as being $30.00 - $35.00 (USD). My question is, particularly for those list members who happen to live in Finland, does it really cost that much to send a 500-700 gram package from Finland to the US? -Walter __ Meteorite-list mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
[meteorite-list] Shipping costs
Hello to the List and to Walter. Shipping costs seem to be really expensive in Europe. For example, sending a 1000g package from France to USA costs 20 dollars (15 euros). But asking $30 to $35 for Finland to USA seems a little bit too much... Pierre-Marie Pele www.meteor-center.com Vous manquez despace pour stocker vos mails ? Yahoo! Mail vous offre GRATUITEMENT 100 Mo ! Créez votre Yahoo! Mail sur http://fr.benefits.yahoo.com/ Le nouveau Yahoo! Messenger est arrivé ! Découvrez toutes les nouveautés pour dialoguer instantanément avec vos amis. A télécharger gratuitement sur http://fr.messenger.yahoo.com __ Meteorite-list mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
[meteorite-list] Shipping Internationally
I do all this strictly for fun. If there are mailing (h)eadaches, it is not fun. ...Martin H. (2004) Martin, List, I am looking for a monument in my city to inscribe the above quote credited to its owner. I may even have to resort to graphitti. But that fun of Martin has been contageous not only for me, but for others, thanks to a superspecial shipping maneuver he executed to absolute perfection and on top of that, with the nicest greeting card enclosed. Registered, regular mail, whatever, while you all debate conclusively or not the verdict, in Mexico my limited experience has been everything worse than suspected, each list email on the subject reminds me that I have dealt with a couple of dealers who truly are gold standard for which I am very satisfied, but Martin certainly gets the Highest Diamond Peridot Meteorite award on a personal note. Receiving those meteorites was so much fun, perhaps this email will help ease my sense of gratuitude, which has also been knawing at me ever since, each time I share those specimens with someone who shares the wonder we all have here. And even a copy of the original label?...:-) Saludos, Doug [EMAIL PROTECTED] escribe: Hi List, I usually charge $3 for shipping on order under $200. That is $1 for a padded envelope, ~$1.00-$1.50 postage, and $0.45 for delivery conformation. Any money made on shipping is likely 50 cents or less, but often I absorb a greater cost when I include the specimen in a plastic case if it is fragile, or if it is heavy but inexpensive. I like to retain control over shipping choices on sales over $200 based upon where the piece is going, how it needs to be packed, and to whom it is being sent (since some collectors are higher maintenance than others). Therefore, I pay shipping on those orders so I can do it however I see fit. I do all this strictly for fun. If there are mailing eadaches, it is not fun. Martin On Oct 1, 2004, at 11:01 AM, Adam Hupe wrote: Hi List, Priority mail cost $3.85 and that is exactly what we charge on smaller items. Do not forget that multiple orders are combined. On the average seven pieces are shipped in one package making it about 50 cents an item, and all show up within 3 days. I would say this is not a bad deal. As far as international shipping goes the boxes the meteorites are shipped in have to be paid for unlike Priority Mail making it about the same cost. Shipping is not a good way to pad auctions. Hope this clears up a few things, Adam - Original Message - From: fcressy [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: mark ford [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Meteorite List [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, October 01, 2004 9:22 AM Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] General Meteorite Interest HasIncreased100%InLast Year Hi Mark and all, Regarding the small pieces: I guess if you keep the piece small and start it on ebay at at 99 cents, but charge four dollars for shipping, you can make money even if you get one bid (excluding overseas shipping). Postage in a small padded envelop is less than a dollar which you've made up on a single bid. Even if you have a free give-away, you're making money. So who need a fall sale ;-) Cheers, Frank - Original Message - From: mark ford [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Meteorite List [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, October 01, 2004 2:51 AM Subject: RE: [meteorite-list] General Meteorite Interest Has Increased100%InLast Year Hi, 'Supply and demand', that's what determines prices, there is a lot more material around, these days, just look at the number of people selling stuff. Having said that I have noticed that there are less and less larger specimens around, everything seems to get cut these days! Mark __ Meteorite-list mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
[meteorite-list] shipping costs.
Hi, On some of the issues that Bernhard raised - it does cost around $5 to $7 to send from the UK to the States - allowing for the purchase of a padded bag, the packing time, the queuing at the Post Office (very lengthy here!) and then sending as 'signed for' delivery. Shipping costs are NOT just the price of the stamp! But it is important that the seller does not rip the punter off - it DOES leave a bad taste in one's mouth when a milligram piece is sent costing $10! Mike Farmer seems to charge minimal prices and I always appreciated that! just my $0.02 worth FWIW Thanks dave IMCA #0092 Sec. BIMS __ Meteorite-list mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
RE: [meteorite-list] shipping costs.
Hi All, Shipping, in my opinion, should be a minimal part of a purchase. I understand it's an important part, but low shipping and good service will always bring a customer back for repeat sales. My shipping costs are based on weight. 95% of all meteorites I sell ship for $1.00 and international shipping from me rarely tops $2.00. I consider the costs of the ziploc, the padded envelope, the specimen card and a little for my time and $2.00 usually covers it. I, like the Hupes also offer additional shipping options. I can send a package via 1st class or Airmail for $2.00 or less (Usually) or I can send Priority which is $4.00 or $5.00 to most Western European countries. (No Priority in most Eastern European countries yet) As of today, I haven't had any problems with any Airmail packages getting Lost and I have shipped to countries all over the world. I sell small pieces mind you, but I still believe the buyer should only pay the least that is necessary for them to get the item. Just my thoughts, Cj __ Meteorite-list mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] shipping costs.
Yes Stefan, we have the worst place to sent from. German mail is the most expensive on earth, that's why always pay not only the package stuff, but also the larger part of the shipping costs, if I list items in US-ebay - otherwise I couldn't compete. Mike Farmer is the best. Even if he looses a small specimen at 1buck, he will charge 1buck for all shipment and he's the fastest in sending the stuff. The worst of the sellers, who lists each week his auctions, is I.K., who asks 10$ shipment even for small crumbs sent within EU. Martin A. - Original Message - From: Stefan Ralew [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Bernhard Rems [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, October 01, 2004 8:30 PM Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] General MeteoritInterestHasIncreased100%InLastYear Hi Bernhard and List, for everyone which is interested in it, here are the official charges for packages from Germany to Oversea locations: Normal letter (max. 20gm and 235 x 125 x 5mm): 1.55 euros ($1.90) Compact letter (max. 50gm and 235 x 125 x 10mm): 2 euros ($2.46) Maximum letter up to 50 g: 3 euros ($3.69) up to 100gm: 4 euros ($4.92) up to 250gm: 8 euros ($9.84) Additional costs for registered mail: 2.05 euros ($2.52) It`s my experience that registered mail is a very safe solution. I have sent many, many packages and no package with registered mail has been lost till now. For example: I pay for a 50gm letter (270x200x20mm) from Germany to the US by the registered airmail 6.05 euros (around $ 7.45). And I do not charge for envelopes and packing (mostly incl. Jewelbox). Good packing costs place and weight and the postages are a little bit more expensive. Registered mail will be the first choice for me in future because I send most meteorites on my risk. An insurance isn`t available for packages from Germany to the US. With unregistered mail I don't have any possibility the check the way of my packages. Mike, how you make such collector frienly prices? $0.99 for the item and $0.85 free shipping?? I think I should read your Ebay Ads more attentively in future. ;-) Best wishes, Stefan Stefan Ralew Meteorite Collection Berlin/Germany www.meteoriten.com Bernhard Rems wrote: And what I forgot to say: there are OF COURSE sellers who charge $7 for unregistered mail. Those were the ones I am talking about :-) Bernhard __ Meteorite-list mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Meteorite-list mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] Shipping theft IE HIGH CHARGES
Hello all My shippig is fixed to $5 minimum but$2 go lost with the paypal tax normaly, or the all $5, if this no go lost all the $3 is for the registered shipping. This dealer accept paypal payments? Normaly many but a extra shipping cost for cover the money lost with the paypal tax. Regards Matteo --- Michael Farmer [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Anne and all, that is a waste, tiny items shipped priority? I have found over the last 7 years of doing this that first class almost always arrives just as timely. Of course, as long as you send that way and charge that then it is ok. I am talking more about the people who charge one rate and send at a lower weight. I have had several emails from clients of mine who discuss this about other dealers. Mike Farmer - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2003 10:35 PM Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Shipping theft IE HIGH CHARGES In a message dated 9/9/2003 11:09:16 PM Mountain Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I just saw one dealer who is on this list, selling a 1 gram Taza stone and adding $3.85 shipping charge. It costs .45 cents to ship and maybe .20 cents for the envelope. NET gain for the dealer $3.00 profit on the shipping alone. unless it is shipped by Priority Mail then the dealer is making $0 on shipping. I don't know about you but I ship practically everything in the States by Priority Mail, safer and quicker. BTW: I did not take the time to go search Ebay to see who you are talking about, just a tad busy right now. Anne M. Black www. IMPACTIKA.com [EMAIL PROTECTED] IMCA #2356 = M come Meteorite - Matteo Chinellato Via Triestina 126/A - 30030 - TESSERA, VENEZIA, ITALY Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sale Site: http://www.mcomemeteorite.com Collection Site: http://www.mcomemeteorite.info International Meteorite Collectors Association #2140 MSN Messanger: [EMAIL PROTECTED] EBAY.COM:http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/mcomemeteorite/ __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com __ Meteorite-list mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] Shipping theft IE HIGH CHARGES
Hi, Mike and List, I hope you all have recovered from your first shock on shipping charges. :-) Don't you think buyers do their math's when bidding for an item? If you clearly display your P/H charges I reckon it is up to the buyer to decide how much in total he/she is willing to pay for an item. You don't stay long around if you are trying to rip your customers off. I for myself prefer a good and fast service, even if I have to pay a couple of bucks more - but I do my calculations first. ;-) Best_regards Best regards from DOWN-UNDER, Norbert Heike Kammel ROCKS ON FIRE IMCA #3420 www.rocksonfire.com Michael Farmer wrote: I am in shock. I have just spent the evening perusing ebay, looking at sellers shipping charges. It is pathetic. I truly hope that the buyers on this list look around at prices and realize that many so called "dealers" are blatantly ripping people off with shipping charges. I find it pathetic. If you are a seller with constant ebay auctions, you have no right to charge outrageous shipping charges. I do not charge for my time, my daily trips to the post office. Selling and shipping meteorites is my business. I just saw one dealer who is on this list, selling a 1 gram Taza stone and adding $3.85 shipping charge. It costs .45 cents to ship and maybe .20 cents for the envelope. NET gain for the dealer $3.00 profit on the shipping alone. If you buy from people who rip you off on the shipping, you deserve to lose your money. Mike Farmer
Re: [meteorite-list] Shipping theft IE HIGH CHARGES
Dear All, I go with Norbert's post below, all of it. I like priority for a number of reasons (besides the handy free boxing). One, being since I am in the middle of no-where, that when myself or the customer pays with paypal, especially a buy it now option, instant money (sort of) that the buyer/myself like the idea that the specimen be shipped expeditiously (even if it is only in our minds eye). I try to get the piece in the mail system with in a couple of hours if not sooner if the post office is open. Indeed, the consumer/ myself does indeed look at that handling price aside from the base shipping cost. It is all considered in the final purchase price and we all examine that. I feel that trying to recoup paypal costs in the handling is in bad form there capt'n hook... I prefer to set my price with my total costs (minus the actual shipping cost) into the reserve/ initial asking price. Obviously, I can sell other rocks better than meteorites in today's competitive meteorite Emarket place. I do not buy from those that charge much of a handling fee. Best wishes, Dave Freeman IMCA #3864 ebay user id: mjwy Millennium Jade of Wyoming Rock Springs, Wyoming and on the down side of five Oh ROCKS ON FIRE wrote: Hi, Mike and List, I hope you all have recovered from your first shock on shipping charges. :-) Don't you think buyers do their math's when bidding for an item? If you clearly display your P/H charges I reckon it is up to the buyer to decide how much in total he/she is willing to pay for an item. You don't stay long around if you are trying to rip your customers off. I for myself prefer a good and fast service, even if I have to pay a couple of bucks more - but I do my calculations first. ;-) Best regards from DOWN-UNDER, Norbert Heike Kammel ROCKS ON FIRE IMCA #3420 www.rocksonfire.com %3Fhttp://www.rocksonfire.com%3F Michael Farmer wrote: I am in shock. I have just spent the evening perusing ebay, looking at sellers shipping charges. It is pathetic. I truly hope that the buyers on this list look around at prices and realize that many so called dealers are blatantly ripping people off with shipping charges. I find it pathetic. If you are a seller with constant ebay auctions, you have no right to charge outrageous shipping charges. I do not charge for my time, my daily trips to the post office. Selling and shipping meteorites is my business. I just saw one dealer who is on this list, selling a 1 gram Taza stone and adding $3.85 shipping charge. It costs .45 cents to ship and maybe .20 cents for the envelope. NET gain for the dealer $3.00 profit on the shipping alone. If you buy from people who rip you off on the shipping, you deserve to lose your money. Mike Farmer
Re: [meteorite-list] Shipping theft IE HIGH CHARGES
If you want to do business, and get paid quickly, you should accept the paypal costs. I pay for everything with credit cards, and they do not add on money to pay for the % loss. If that is the case, you should charge for ebay fees, and electricity in the price too. - Original Message - From: M come Meteorite Meteorites [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2003 11:25 PM Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Shipping theft IE HIGH CHARGES Hello all My shippig is fixed to $5 minimum but$2 go lost with the paypal tax normaly, or the all $5, if this no go lost all the $3 is for the registered shipping. This dealer accept paypal payments? Normaly many but a extra shipping cost for cover the money lost with the paypal tax. Regards Matteo --- Michael Farmer [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Anne and all, that is a waste, tiny items shipped priority? I have found over the last 7 years of doing this that first class almost always arrives just as timely. Of course, as long as you send that way and charge that then it is ok. I am talking more about the people who charge one rate and send at a lower weight. I have had several emails from clients of mine who discuss this about other dealers. Mike Farmer - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2003 10:35 PM Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Shipping theft IE HIGH CHARGES In a message dated 9/9/2003 11:09:16 PM Mountain Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I just saw one dealer who is on this list, selling a 1 gram Taza stone and adding $3.85 shipping charge. It costs .45 cents to ship and maybe .20 cents for the envelope. NET gain for the dealer $3.00 profit on the shipping alone. unless it is shipped by Priority Mail then the dealer is making $0 on shipping. I don't know about you but I ship practically everything in the States by Priority Mail, safer and quicker. BTW: I did not take the time to go search Ebay to see who you are talking about, just a tad busy right now. Anne M. Black www. IMPACTIKA.com [EMAIL PROTECTED] IMCA #2356 = M come Meteorite - Matteo Chinellato Via Triestina 126/A - 30030 - TESSERA, VENEZIA, ITALY Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sale Site: http://www.mcomemeteorite.com Collection Site: http://www.mcomemeteorite.info International Meteorite Collectors Association #2140 MSN Messanger: [EMAIL PROTECTED] EBAY.COM:http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/mcomemeteorite/ __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com __ Meteorite-list mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Meteorite-list mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] Shipping theft IE HIGH CHARGES
many accept payments with paypal charge of $5 or $7 for this. Matteo --- Michael Farmer [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: If you want to do business, and get paid quickly, you should accept the paypal costs. I pay for everything with credit cards, and they do not add on money to pay for the % loss. If that is the case, you should charge for ebay fees, and electricity in the price too. - Original Message - From: M come Meteorite Meteorites [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2003 11:25 PM Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Shipping theft IE HIGH CHARGES Hello all My shippig is fixed to $5 minimum but$2 go lost with the paypal tax normaly, or the all $5, if this no go lost all the $3 is for the registered shipping. This dealer accept paypal payments? Normaly many but a extra shipping cost for cover the money lost with the paypal tax. Regards Matteo --- Michael Farmer [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Anne and all, that is a waste, tiny items shipped priority? I have found over the last 7 years of doing this that first class almost always arrives just as timely. Of course, as long as you send that way and charge that then it is ok. I am talking more about the people who charge one rate and send at a lower weight. I have had several emails from clients of mine who discuss this about other dealers. Mike Farmer - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2003 10:35 PM Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Shipping theft IE HIGH CHARGES In a message dated 9/9/2003 11:09:16 PM Mountain Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I just saw one dealer who is on this list, selling a 1 gram Taza stone and adding $3.85 shipping charge. It costs .45 cents to ship and maybe .20 cents for the envelope. NET gain for the dealer $3.00 profit on the shipping alone. unless it is shipped by Priority Mail then the dealer is making $0 on shipping. I don't know about you but I ship practically everything in the States by Priority Mail, safer and quicker. BTW: I did not take the time to go search Ebay to see who you are talking about, just a tad busy right now. Anne M. Black www. IMPACTIKA.com [EMAIL PROTECTED] IMCA #2356 = M come Meteorite - Matteo Chinellato Via Triestina 126/A - 30030 - TESSERA, VENEZIA, ITALY Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sale Site: http://www.mcomemeteorite.com Collection Site: http://www.mcomemeteorite.info International Meteorite Collectors Association #2140 MSN Messanger: [EMAIL PROTECTED] EBAY.COM:http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/mcomemeteorite/ __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com __ Meteorite-list mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list = M come Meteorite - Matteo Chinellato Via Triestina 126/A - 30030 - TESSERA, VENEZIA, ITALY Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sale Site: http://www.mcomemeteorite.com Collection Site: http://www.mcomemeteorite.info International Meteorite Collectors Association #2140 MSN Messanger: [EMAIL PROTECTED] EBAY.COM:http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/mcomemeteorite/ __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com __ Meteorite-list mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
[meteorite-list] Shipping Charge Bottom Line
Hello- I think as I said before- the bottom line is the final price and it all comes out of the same pocket. I set what I am willing to pay in my mind (shipping included) and my highest bid when all totalled is that. Doesn't matter how it is figured up in the end. I really don't think anyone is fooled by this. Mike __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com __ Meteorite-list mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] Shipping theft IE HIGH CHARGES
My two cents worth (and personal off-list replies always appreciated at [EMAIL PROTECTED]) Buy items from many businesses, for example, Edmund Scientific Company, etc. you will pay a rather substantial percentage for SH and with a fairly high starting amount. Edmund's minimum is now $ 9.00 for any item under $50.00. 15% is not unreasonable to see in the commercial world. The handling charge includes box (which will cost from 25 cts to the better part of a dollar out of your net; filler (peanuts, foam, etc.,) tape, and, of course the time you spend packaging or paying someone to do it for you. This is a real and meaningful business cost. Also, your cost of actually going to the postoffice or carrier's office, and all the rest of it. This is especially true when low profit margin items are involved. Given business practices in the real world, SH policies of meteorite dealers, and collectors as well, as a group, tend to be surprisingly lenient. Most (myself included, so far at least) usually charge actual shipping only, and in many instances (as I do often with International clients) even less that the actual shipping charges, even though it is more time consuming to ship internationally. A real business needs to follow all of its costs. If handling expenses are not included as a part of the markup, then some must be reflected in SH costs, and this is a reasonable and equitable method of operating. I do agree that a small inexpensive chip does not need a priority box at $ 3.95 when you can use a bubble envelope which costs you only 12 cts in quantity. In addition to charging only actual postage costs, I do often use first-class for small items as that brings costs usually to dollar or so, and it is about as fast. For larger orders, our membrane suspension boxes, for example, we use UPS ground, or if speed is essential, 3 day, 2 day or overnight. For these, or meteorites, UPS (or FedEx / others) is safer that the postal system. You can track everything and have proof of delivery in the price. Insurance is only a few cents rather than over a dollar per hundred dollar value. I've often wondered whether one could even collect on a lost meteorite from the postal system given the conditions required for refund. Perhaps someone could relate their experiences. I would appreciate hearing that. ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). I'll most likely miss your reply if you hit reply to the list. Those of us who do sell meteorites often operate out of our homes and do not have a paid staff ,or in some instances are to some degree supported by way of space or facilities by the museum or educational institution with which we are associated. We, in effect, do not encounter many of the additional expenses that a business might have, and hence we can afford to give our clients this break. We also may not add in the cost of our time in running a business and that too benefits the customer. We are in a sense spoiling our customers! We are being very kind to them, and that is not a bad thing as we are a close knit and very specialized (and highly intelligent! ... tis true!!) and unique group of people. My first internet experiences as a collector brought me to Mike Farmer's website some time ago. I would click a e-mail request to him at 2 or 3 in the morning and receive a reply right away. Then we would email back and forth and complete a deal. I'm impressed at the time persons such as Mike (as only one example) spend, doing the business part after a long day, and always promptly sending out a well-packaged item and (with Mike) ALWAYS with a very professional looking typed label. Ron Hartman www.meteorite1.com www.membranebox.com - Original Message - From: John Gwilliam [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Michael Farmer [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, September 10, 2003 7:50 AM Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Shipping theft IE HIGH CHARGES Anne, Mike and List, I agree with Mike, it is wasteful to send items of small value (let's say $25.00) via Priority mail. However, when the value of the shipped item is higher than that, Priority is the safest way to go. Let me explain what I mean by safest. A few years ago, I shipped an item to a first time buyer via 1st Class at his request. After a week or so, I started receiving daily emails from him that he hadn't received the item yet. After several more days, he demanded a refund of his money. If I remember correctly, the item sold for around $90.00 and had cost me $60.00. To keep my Ebay customer happy, I had to send him a refund or face the possibility of receiving negative feedback. After that, I made it a policy to ship all items valued over $25.00 via USPS Priority with a Delivery Confirmation. Using this system, I can track the shipment of the package. A month or so later, the same Ebay bidder won another item which was worth about $100.00. The description in my auction clearly stated that I
[meteorite-list] Shipping theft IE HIGH CHARGES
I am in shock. I have just spent the evening perusing ebay, looking at sellers shipping charges. It is pathetic. I truly hope that the buyers on this list look around at prices and realize that many so called "dealers" are blatantly ripping people off with shipping charges. I find it pathetic. If you are a seller with constant ebay auctions, you have no right to charge outrageous shipping charges. I do not charge for my time, my daily trips to the post office. Selling and shipping meteorites is my business. I just saw one dealer who is on this list, selling a 1 gram Taza stone and adding $3.85 shipping charge. It costs .45 cents to ship and maybe .20 cents for the envelope. NET gain for the dealer $3.00 profit on the shipping alone. If you buy from people who rip you off on the shipping, you deserve to lose your money. Mike Farmer
Re: [meteorite-list] Shipping theft IE HIGH CHARGES
In a message dated 9/9/2003 11:09:16 PM Mountain Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I just saw one dealer who is on this list, selling a 1 gram Taza stone and adding $3.85 shipping charge. It costs .45 cents to ship and maybe .20 cents for the envelope. NET gain for the dealer $3.00 profit on the shipping alone. unless it is shipped by Priority Mail then the dealer is making $0 on shipping. I don't know about you but I ship practically everything in the States by Priority Mail, safer and quicker. BTW: I did not take the time to go search Ebay to see who you are talking about, just a tad busy right now. Anne M. Black www. IMPACTIKA.com [EMAIL PROTECTED] IMCA #2356
Re: [meteorite-list] Shipping theft IE HIGH CHARGES
Anne and all, that is a waste, tiny items shipped priority? I have found over the last 7 years of doing this that first class almost always arrives just as timely. Of course, as long as you send that way and charge that then it is ok. I am talking more about the people who charge one rate and send at a lower weight. I have had several emails from clients of mine who discuss this about other dealers. Mike Farmer - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2003 10:35 PM Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Shipping theft IE HIGH CHARGES In a message dated 9/9/2003 11:09:16 PM Mountain Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I just saw one dealer who is on this list, selling a 1 gram Taza stone and adding $3.85 shipping charge. It costs .45 cents to ship and maybe .20 cents for the envelope. NET gain for the dealer $3.00 profit on the shipping alone. unless it is shipped by Priority Mail then the dealer is making $0 on shipping. I don't know about you but I ship practically everything in the States by Priority Mail, safer and quicker. BTW: I did not take the time to go search Ebay to see who you are talking about, just a tad busy right now. Anne M. Black www. IMPACTIKA.com [EMAIL PROTECTED] IMCA #2356
Re: [meteorite-list] Shipping theft IE HIGH CHARGES
Hello Mike and list , I am by no mean's a dealer but I have sold a few. I believe you should keep shipping costs to a minimum for the buyer. I personally don't like paying shipping that is higher than the cost of the meteorite.If the meteorite is small, unbreakable and inexpensive, I think a padded envelope is the way to go. If the meteorite is a large inexpensive slice that could be easily broken, it should be sent in a box, first class. But if you gust bought a $400+slice of lunar rock, I think the extra for priority is the way to go. One nice thing about priority is all your boxes and supplies are free from the USPS. Also, If the meteorite is under one pound, you can send it for $3.85, so I see no reason for anyone in the US to charge more than $3.85 for shipping. Like mike said, Handling should be your own responsibility. When I charge $3.85 you can be sure that is how much I am spending on shipping. Thanks, TomPeregrineflier The proudest member of the IMCA 6168 - Original Message - From: Michael Farmer To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2003 10:06 PM Subject: [meteorite-list] Shipping theft IE HIGH CHARGES I am in shock. I have just spent the evening perusing ebay, looking at sellers shipping charges. It is pathetic. I truly hope that the buyers on this list look around at prices and realize that many so called "dealers" are blatantly ripping people off with shipping charges. I find it pathetic. If you are a seller with constant ebay auctions, you have no right to charge outrageous shipping charges. I do not charge for my time, my daily trips to the post office. Selling and shipping meteorites is my business. I just saw one dealer who is on this list, selling a 1 gram Taza stone and adding $3.85 shipping charge. It costs .45 cents to ship and maybe .20 cents for the envelope. NET gain for the dealer $3.00 profit on the shipping alone. If you buy from people who rip you off on the shipping, you deserve to lose your money. Mike Farmer
