Question about Ebay shipping costs?

**COUNTRYBUMPKIN** · 01-01-2005, 10:51 AM

I won an auction yesterday on a nice catbed. I won it for $1.04. That was great!

But I am not pleased at all with the $14.99 shipping cost for a foam catbed. UPS ground. Is this right? Is this an unfair/extremly high shipping cost for a small foam catbed?

The seller ships from the US.

**AmyMCGS** · 01-01-2005, 11:04 AM

I don't know for sure, but I think you can double check the shipping charge by getting the weight of the package, the zip codes of the to/from cities, and going to the ups website. Kat would probably know for sure. I know you can do that with the post office, so I might be getting the two mixed up.

I always check shipping before I bid because I once had something similar happen-- I paid more for shipping than for my item.

Did the seller's ad specify shipping method/cost?
Would they be willing to go a cheaper shipping route?

I guess I'm not much help~ just wanted to say that I'm sorry you had that disappointment. It kind of takes the fun out of winning, doesn't it?

**paelthom** · 01-01-2005, 11:08 AM

Sorry to say, but some sellers make money on the shipping. I've found several cases where they overcharged for shipping but as long as they listed it in their ad, there is not much you can do about it. Remember to read all that fine print before bidding. Yep it does take the fun out of winning.

**slowtypinwoman** · 01-01-2005, 12:15 PM

We just about had the same thing happen to us. Michael wanted a book. I went to look at the shipping. The book was .99 Tthe shipping was $12.90! I know you can ship media rate for around $3.

**COUNTRYBUMPKIN** · 01-01-2005, 12:18 PM

Thanks ladies. This auction did take the fun out of winning

**KKCondrey** · 01-01-2005, 12:25 PM

It all depends if he is charging you for shipping and for packaging or just shipping. I hate to admit it but the price of cardboard is ridiculous. Also depending on how big the cat bed is or how big of a box he puts it in to ship, unfortunatly it will be shipped as a 30lb package instead of the actual weight.

Also if he goes to a store other than a UPS Store or the UPS Counter at one of the main hubs the other stores mark up the counter rates you would be charged thru UPS.

**kaykwilts** · 01-01-2005, 05:55 PM

I try to save as much money for my buyers as possible by raiding the dumpsters for boxes. I don't get the boxes that have been mixed in with stinky stuff. I go behind the stores and get thier boxes. I save all my packing peanuts too.

**duchesskyria** · 01-01-2005, 06:04 PM

I've also seen what was a great deal and then look at the shipping to find something else. so people do it to save cost on the listing fees. in your case they saved maybe .50. I pick up boxes all the time. For my jewlery I do add the special pkg in the shipping cost b/c it costs more to get cardboard envelopes that are padded. But I only add .25. A childs size bracelet cost me $1.75 to ship. My adult ones vary more in wieght.
Sorry you bargin was a flop! ~K

**Mom23boys** · 01-01-2005, 06:08 PM

Shipping seems high! I always check shipping fees before bidding on an item.

Maybe you can email the seller and ask if that is the cheapest shipping? Maybe they are willing to work out something for you.

**Michelle** · 01-01-2005, 06:28 PM

Some sellers are getting their profit from S & H to avoid paying commission on their bids. So they'll list something for $0.01 but then charge $15 for S & H. Then they only need to give Ebay a tiny fraction for their cut. It's against Ebay regulations to do that, and you should report them.

**crdurham** · 01-02-2005, 01:39 PM

Definitly fee avoidance on the sellers part.... I never bid on anything unless I know the shipping cost ahead of time... and on my auctions I always give a shipping amount.

You can question the seller, and then report...but they will probably give you negative feedback....this will probably be a case of live and learn...lol..

Sorry your good buy turned into a shipping cost nightmare!