We see the term Combined Shipping in eBay auctions, but the term has many definitions and really needs to be clarified by each Seller in their TOS (Terms of Sale).

The general term refers to putting two or more items in one box. If nothing is written in the auction description, a Buyer might contact the Seller and ask if they combine shipping. The Seller could reply saying they will gladly combine shipping.  In one auction, it clearly states that the shipping price is $5.00. The second auction says shipping is $8.00. The Buyer wins both auctions and then gets an invoice for $13.00 to ship them both in the same box. 

Perhaps the Seller assumed the buyer was concerned about the planet and wanted to save a tree by using only one box. Perhaps the Seller thought the Buyer just wanted to write out one check (and that adding the two sums is the same as combining). The problem would be if the Buyer assumed it meant a price reduction and was unahppy to learn it did not.

The simple solution for Sellers is to state shipping costs in their auctions, and specify if they combine shipping (or not) and then define that policy.

Some Sellers cannot combine shipping because the items are located in different warehouses. For example, a Seller lives in Arizona and stores their silverware in a local warehouse. They also are a Manufacturer's Representative for chocolate candy- which ships from Pennsylvania. As much as the Buyer would like the box of truffles and the demitasse spoons to be combined into one shipment, the Seller cannot oblige his valued customer.

Other reasons for not being able to combine shipping could be the items are already packed and the company is set up to only ship that way. Perhaps they hired a college student in the summer to pack, and are now only equipped to print out a label to be placed on the boxed item. Some Sellers are disabled, working a day job or have other commitments- even more than one eBay store.

There are many variations, but the point I wanted to make was that sometimes the Seller cannot combine shipping and it's not that they aren't sympathetic to their Buyer's needs. If the Seller clearly has it written in their auction that they do not combine shipping, there would be no need to ask them to re-consider. Just bid or buy accordingly.

However, if a Seller states that they do combine shipping, but do not provide details, your best bet is to contact them before you bid.  Be sure to include important details such as your zip code and which items you are interested in. Often a Seller will state which shipping method they use. If they offer a choice, be sure to include your preferred shipping method.

If you see in the listing that they only ship DHL, you would not ask for a combined shipping price and then offer your FEDEX account or specify you need USPS rather than DHL. A Seller must use his own shipping label with his return address for business bookkeeping, for delivery proof, insurance purposes, or for PayPal compliance. When a Seller offers only one choice in shipping, it's probably because it best suits their needs.

Often the needed information is already in the auction description. If there is a calculator, you can enter your zip code and calculate. You can change the number from 1 to whatever (you can even put in a larger number than what is available in case you are going to ask about additional quantities). However, the calculator is only for identical items.

If the shipping price is fixed, you might see a discount right below the shipping price. For example: 1st item is $5.00 shipping, 2nd item is $2.50. That is also usually offered on identical items (such as DVDs from a Seller who only sells DVDs).

Combined shipping prices never means that the Seller has not added a handling fee to the shipping price. Sometimes the handling fee is just added the first item purchased, sometimes it is included on all items. Not all Sellers charge a handling fee.

The important thing is to carefully read the auction listing before you ask about combined shipping or alternate shipping methods. Be prepared to pay full shipping price for each item, and never negotiate after you have purchased using Buy-it-Now or after the auction listing has closed. If, after reading the description, you have questions, contact the seller and see what can be worked out. A good seller will enjoy your pleasant (but sincere) request and, if possible, will do his or her best to accomodate you.

 Polar Express Gifts