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<p>[QUOTE="FunkeysFinds, post: 1059, member: 83"]Hello - </p><p><br /></p><p>I hope it is OK to ask this question here; I wouldn't ask it on the eBay forums as the Mods would likely move it to the Shipping Board and I'm really looking for factual input from other PGP sellers - this is really where the input is the most valued to me and perhaps to others. I've never posted about this on a forum and I know it is not uncommon sadly, many TRS and other sellers have been through it. </p><p><br /></p><p>Two years ago I sold a great deal more PGP on eBay (I have 4 online stores total, 3 besides eBay) and space in one antique mall. At that time I was not building in the shipping cost aka using the Free Shipping model. Unfortunately, in a one-month period several folks who purchased 'media' items (CD's, movies and books) dinged my stars for shipping - these are folks who paid for First Class and Media Mail rate. I lost my TRS at that time and was in danger of going into below standard which thankfully I avoided. It was very frustrating that folks who paid for heavy china and pottery had no issues with the shipping rates (which I know is not always the norm), yet the folks who paid between 1.50 - 3.00 for shipping really impacted my account. </p><p><br /></p><p>I felt then that in order to protect my account and standing I needed to build in the shipping cost and go with the Free Shipping Model. For the past two years, I've had to move more and more PGP and vintage items out of my store because of this as this built-in cost in general is too high - I think, even when often I've had the lowest price in comparison to others who offer FS. I've had to sell more Media items and sometimes other items I normally wouldn't just to have sales, which again isn't uncommon. I was able to get my TRS back but at what cost. </p><p><br /></p><p>My sales overall since building in the shipping cost has decreased over $3,000 each year (that is actual sales, not the shipping cost) on just eBay. That is a huge amount when you pay taxes and it is your own business. </p><p><br /></p><p>I know in August eBay says that sellers can charge 'what they want' and we won't be penalized for this (no more dings), or we get dinged and they don't count (I'm not fully certain I understand how they will keep track of it). I'm also not certain I trust this as we've seen the programs change yearly - if they change next year, who is too say something retroactive won't bite us? </p><p><br /></p><p>There are a few members that have successful stores that I do sometimes look at their listings - it is good to be humble... and they do a combo of both free shipping and charge for shipping. </p><p><br /></p><p>I've been thinking of doing this on more items, especially the PGP - I've got a full set Purington Apple China, another set of Walker China, another set of Metlox something... that stuff will sit forever if I use free shipping I'm afraid. </p><p><br /></p><p>But I'm also afraid to take the first steps and remove the free shipping option. I read a post recently about some buyers dinging sellers who shipped coast-to-coast, not understanding how expensive it was, even when they provide the shipping label showing the cost. </p><p><br /></p><p>I know I have rambled ALOT... any feedback would be appreciated. My current model or lack-of is killing me. I have 8 bookcases full of PGP (with more coming in) that is unlisted. </p><p><br /></p><p>This is the most I've ever spoken on any board. I think I like it here. </p><p><br /></p><p>Thanks,</p><p><br /></p><p>Cory[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>
[QUOTE="FunkeysFinds, post: 1059, member: 83"]Hello - I hope it is OK to ask this question here; I wouldn't ask it on the eBay forums as the Mods would likely move it to the Shipping Board and I'm really looking for factual input from other PGP sellers - this is really where the input is the most valued to me and perhaps to others. I've never posted about this on a forum and I know it is not uncommon sadly, many TRS and other sellers have been through it. Two years ago I sold a great deal more PGP on eBay (I have 4 online stores total, 3 besides eBay) and space in one antique mall. At that time I was not building in the shipping cost aka using the Free Shipping model. Unfortunately, in a one-month period several folks who purchased 'media' items (CD's, movies and books) dinged my stars for shipping - these are folks who paid for First Class and Media Mail rate. I lost my TRS at that time and was in danger of going into below standard which thankfully I avoided. It was very frustrating that folks who paid for heavy china and pottery had no issues with the shipping rates (which I know is not always the norm), yet the folks who paid between 1.50 - 3.00 for shipping really impacted my account. I felt then that in order to protect my account and standing I needed to build in the shipping cost and go with the Free Shipping Model. For the past two years, I've had to move more and more PGP and vintage items out of my store because of this as this built-in cost in general is too high - I think, even when often I've had the lowest price in comparison to others who offer FS. I've had to sell more Media items and sometimes other items I normally wouldn't just to have sales, which again isn't uncommon. I was able to get my TRS back but at what cost. My sales overall since building in the shipping cost has decreased over $3,000 each year (that is actual sales, not the shipping cost) on just eBay. That is a huge amount when you pay taxes and it is your own business. I know in August eBay says that sellers can charge 'what they want' and we won't be penalized for this (no more dings), or we get dinged and they don't count (I'm not fully certain I understand how they will keep track of it). I'm also not certain I trust this as we've seen the programs change yearly - if they change next year, who is too say something retroactive won't bite us? There are a few members that have successful stores that I do sometimes look at their listings - it is good to be humble... and they do a combo of both free shipping and charge for shipping. I've been thinking of doing this on more items, especially the PGP - I've got a full set Purington Apple China, another set of Walker China, another set of Metlox something... that stuff will sit forever if I use free shipping I'm afraid. But I'm also afraid to take the first steps and remove the free shipping option. I read a post recently about some buyers dinging sellers who shipped coast-to-coast, not understanding how expensive it was, even when they provide the shipping label showing the cost. I know I have rambled ALOT... any feedback would be appreciated. My current model or lack-of is killing me. I have 8 bookcases full of PGP (with more coming in) that is unlisted. This is the most I've ever spoken on any board. I think I like it here. Thanks, Cory[/QUOTE]
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