2009 August 07

When Your eBay Package Comes Postage Due Who is Responsible?

August 7th, 2009 |

Author: admin

Dear eBay Queen;

This has never happened to me and I don't know what to do. Here is the story.

My brother-in-law does not have an eBay or PayPal account, and he wants me to order a computer part. I received the part today, but there is $2.03 postage due. The seller sent it out 1st Class Mail with delivery confirmation. I asked my post master what the problem was, and he said that the package didn't conform to the rule saying all first class packages must be at least ¾”.

I emailed the seller, and he is fussing with me because this part was inexpensive, (around 5.00) and he offered free shipping on it. To his credit, he did respond back to me. I have sent him a picture of the receipt for the postage and a close up of the package with the amount visible on it.

If the seller refuses to give me back the money that I paid in shipping, should I make my brother-in-law pay me since it’s his part? Isn’t there some kind of thing I can file with PayPal?

Thanks for any advice,

John G.

Dear John;

I would ask the seller to refund your money for the $2.03 postal mistake. If he refuses to pay for his error, I would contact eBay and let him know what happened. If the seller does not refund your money, you could contact eBay and let them know. If all else fails; you can give the seller a negative.

Dear eBay Queen;

I checked out the new requirements for eBay UK, and it looks like they are going to REQUIRE free shipping on media mail items. I have learned that eBay “tries” things out in other countries, before they do it in the USA. I would be so angry if I was a UK media seller. That's ridiculous!

Here’s what the new rule says: Free postage and packaging for more Media categories. Beginning October 19^th, 2009, sellers listing in selected media categories will be required to offer free Post and Parcel as their first domestic postage option. To help you adapt listings quickly and easily, we're also introducing new bulk editing functionality in mid September.

Excessive P&P costs are often mentioned as a major reason for buyers spending less on eBay – especially in the very competitive media categories. Where eBay has tested making offering a free delivery service a requirement, we have seen buyers respond positively and conversion rates of listed items rise.

Media items are often impulse purchases and buyers perceive free P&P as a great deal. By making postage & packaging free we aim to attract more buyers to the media categories and increase sales for media sellers.

TAKE ACTION:

a.. Understand the Media categories where free P&P will be introduced (see above).

b.. Amend your listings with the new bulk editing functionality before 19th October, 2009.

c.. Take a look at our checklist to ensure your business is covered for these changes.

All I know is that EVERY TIME eBay takes it upon themselves to "improve" my sales, they never seem to improve. When do you think they are going to do this in the United States?

McKenzie; Lee’s Summit

Dear McKenzie;

I don’t know if eBay will do this. It’s really hard to predict what they will do next. Sometimes I am completely shocked at some of the changes they have made. If they do make this change it will be to compete with Amazon.

As a buyer, I think free shipping is nice, but I can’t imagine eBay requiring a seller to do this. As your grandmother probably told you, “Nothing in life is free”. Free shipping is the same. Either way you are going to pay for it.

You are right, about eBay trying out things in other countries before they implement them in the United States. If they do roll out this free shipping change in the US it won’t be for another six months to a year.

Strange eBay item of the week: eBay item 130320040053(enter this number in the eBay search box in the top right corner of the home page). Just in case you needed a new helicopter. Here’s one on eBay that didn’t sell. Bell 222A Helicopter VIP Reserve Not Met:$300,350.00 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280371986373

Suzie Eads is a nationally known eBay marketer and eBay trained Education Specialist. She lives in Rantoul. Do you have a question for the eBay Queen? E-mail: questions@asktheebayqueen.com.