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To Fix or Not To Fix - That Is The Shipping Question!

by: saferseller( 19176Feedback score is 10,000 to 24,999) Top 5000 Reviewer
4 out of 5 people found this guide helpful.
Guide viewed: 831 times Tags: Fixed Shipping | Free Shipping | Ship Laptop | IBM | Dell


SaferSeller and SaferSeller4U have been selling on eBay since January of 2000. They are certified eBay education specialist that offer training, and Trading Assistance to help others sell their items.
 
Whether it has come to your attention or not, there is a bit of scam right under our noses on eBay! It seems of late, that inflated fixed shipping is becoming more and more common place in listings of small electronics and cell phones, i.e.; Motorola Razr BIN $99.00 - shipping $49.95! Sure, it's always been done and eBay is working hard to eliminate it, but it brings to mind an honest question: Does (honest) fixed shipping help or hinder sales?

From what I have seen, it helps. As long as it is fairly done. On many items listed we often "ballpark" a fixed shipping rate based on an average rate for the continental U.S. from our location. Sometimes we gain a buck or two and sometimes we lose, but it always averages out just fine. The benefits of this practice can be shared by both buyer and seller. The buyer is able to proceed to checkout without wondering if the shipping rate will cause "sticker shock" when he or she get there and the seller benefits from a reduction in lost sales due to seemingly high shipping costs. Everyone knows in advance! No more hovering over the checkout button wondering if the shipping cost will be more than the item won!

It works like this: We list a Laptop for a BIN of $399.95. Shipping ranges from $ 16.95 to $21.95 - an average of  $19.95. A buyer knows BEFORE purchasing that this item will total $419.90 - seems fair, so they buy. No questions, no guessing - it's just plain easy! This method won't always work but, more often than not, on easily shipped items, it will! You'll also find that this practice is accompanied by a reduction in email questions about shipping rates. Time saved = money earned! A good thing all around! Give it a try!

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Best Regards,

SaferSeller

Ready, Willing & Able
The SaferSeller Team
9860 Southern Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL 33411

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Guide ID: 10000000002815489Guide created: 01/30/07 (updated 04/12/08)

 
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saferseller
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