Shipping Advice

Paitience is something you will soon find new ebayers have very little of.  I don't know how many times I have had people write me and ask "Where is my item," after only two or three days.  One customer from Mexico even filed a dispute when he had not received his item in three days.  That would be some trip - from Iowa to Mexico via the post office in three days.

As a seller - I often think Maybe it's my fault for not managing customer expectations better.  Here are some of my tips for managing customer shipping and delivery expectations:

1. Put a shipping policy section in each auction.

• Clearly state shipping methods, delivery times, and costs.  Don't just say media mail $4.99. Say:  Shipping by media mail is $4.99.  Normal delivery time is six to ten days, but can take upwards of one month.  Please be patient."
• International shipments take extra care.  Explain why you chose the shipping method you are using, expected delivery times, and the pitfalls of using ground shipping.  Also, for more expensive items - you need to remember, tracking is next to impossible.  For smaller items registered mail is possible, but shipping starts around $20.00.  For larger packages FedEx, DHL and UPS are probably better options.
• If you have a hefty handling fee - take a minute to explain how you pack items, and why it is so costly.  People will pay more to get their item safely ... if you tell them how you are different.

2)  Let people know when their item is shipping, and how they can track it.

Try these ideas and you can save a lot of email and phone hassles.