(Updated May 2009)

I always try to keep shipping and handling rates as low as possible.  When people receive a package from me, they see the actual postage cost, but don't understand how much the handling costs are.  This applies to all Sellers, but I'll use my situation as a Disney pin seller to help you understand...

In May 2007, postal rates for small bubblewrap envelopes nearly doubled in price, due to a re-classification of those envelopes as "packages."  In May 2008 and May 2009, they rose yet again.

Before the rate change, postage was $.60 for the first ounce to mail.  With the May 2007 change, that amount rose to $1.13 for the first ounce.  For international buyers, that rate has increased about $.65 to start.  Since then, that rate has risen to $1.17.

"So why do you charge $2.95 for a package and do you combine shipping?"

On Stage vs. Backstage

First off, YES...I give a $2.20 S&H discount on any additional auctions won, paid for at the same time.  As for my expenses beyond just the postage, here's the breakdown:  Think of postage as "on stage" costs...the costs everyone sees.  Here are a Seller's "backstage" costs:

Listing the pin.............................................................................................................35 or 55 cents.

EBay's Final Price Charge...................................8.75% of Sold Price (up to $50), then 3.5% above that.

PayPal Charges..............................................................................................About 3% of Sold Price.

So let's take, for instance, a pin that sells for $20.  Taking the cost to list the pin (35 cents) + eBay's final price charge ($1.75) + PayPal's Charges (approx. 60 cents) + Postage ($1.13) = $3.83.  Note: If I choose to advertise with borders, bold print or other upgrades, I never pass along that cost to buyers (that's my gamble and you shouldn't have to pay for it).  THEN, on top of that are supplies: packing peanuts, bubblewrap, bubblewrap envelopes, etc. (about 50 cents' worth of material) + gas to get to the Post Office, etc.  LOL...you get the picture!  Rarely do I break even on shipping/handling costs, but that's part of being a Seller.

What I Won't Do is Gouge

Why I will promise you is this: We don't charge what we do for S&H to make extra money.  But when you look at all that listing and handling an auction entails, you understand that $2.95 is not even break-even for me...but it's where we are committed to remain as long as we can, so we can continue offering great Disney pins at a reasonable price.

If EVER there's a reason why you feel you can't give me a 5-Star Feedback Rating for shipping costs, please email me.  After reading this article, you still feel my S&H rates are out of line, I'll listen to your reasoning...

Thanks for reading...I'd appreciate you taking a second to mark this as HELPFUL (below) so that others will see this in the future.