GaryC wrote:
> I am an eBay seller and the thing most buyers aren't aware of is the expense
> involved just to list. Shipping is not cheap. If you don't think so try
> checking with UPS and FED-X for charges to ship the weight in question, then
> figure in the cost of the box (it isn't free) and the packing material
> (doesn't grow on trees) and it becomes apparent they are not gouging you.
> (there are exceptions) If you want something for nothing check the dump or
> flea markets. We eBayers have to eat too, and if we ship and absorb the
> cost we might as well give our stuff away. Would you work a couple of days
> at your job and have your boss tell you that you had to pay for the
> materials you used in making HIS product and shipping it? I think not!
Gary,
Many of us are aware of the costs so don't paint everyone with the same brush.
Being an ebay seller/buyer myself I try to recycle all my boxes. I cut the tape
and fold them down. This takes up much less space than nesting them. All foam,
anti-static bags, peanuts and bubble wrap is also saved and re-used. No, I am not
a 'tree hugger', I am just practical. Fortunately I have the space to store these
reusable packing materials. Also, I am aware that some people don't have the
space to do so, or don't ship often enough for this to be practical for them. As
for packing material not growing on trees, I have to disagree. I use shredded
paper for some of my packing needs. Said paper does grow on trees :-) All that
having been said, a lot of my packing supplies are free, but not always. There
are times that I have to buy supplies, and when I do I try to buy materials at
reasonable prices. If you are going to Staples or Uhaul to by your bubble wrap
and boxes you are not being a very wise businessman.
And yes, as you stated, there ARE some people who overcharge on shipping. But, if
you are taken by one of these people, it really is your own fault for not checking
on the shipping charge before placing your bid. If the shipping cost are more
than you are willing to pay then simply don't bid on that item. You can only be
taken advantage of if you allow someone to do it.
I don't think ebay sellers should eat the shipping costs, I just think they should
be fair. They should not try and make a profit off the packing materials. I also
think sellers/shippers need to understand that when someone is charged for
packing, they should get their moneys worth. I have never had any item I packed
damaged in shipping except for one guitar that UPS drove a fork life fork
through. Hey, you can't anticipate everything, but packing something well doesn't
take that much time or intelligence. I will admit that I have spent several days
packing a weeks worth of ebay and swap list sales. Some things take more time and
care than others simply because they can not be replaced.
Also, I must say that I can only remember ever receiving a poor packing job from
only two lem swap list members (you know who you are). And that's not bad
considering how many of you have made multiple sales to me over the years.
Best Regards,
David A. Culler
--
"To err is human, but to really foul things up requires a computer."
-- Anon
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