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I have a big sign over my desk: EVERYONE HATES THE SHIPPING! Here’s a handy link for the most frequently asked question on eBay: How much will it cost to my zip code? http://ircalc.usps.gov/ This is the USPS shipping calculator. It will tell you everything you need to know and it’s not that hard to use. Just ask the seller: What’s your zip code and how much does this weigh??
There are two things that a buyer should keep in mind. What an item weighs will differ from what it will weigh after it is packed. The second thing is that there are plenty of “hidden” packaging costs that the seller absorbs that are expensive. Tape, bubble wrap, labels, printing costs, bubble mailers... these have an impact on any seller’s bottom line. Many sellers use the shipping calculator to include the cost of these fees and other sellers don’t. Not only are packing supplies expensive, but packing items for mailing is labor intensive.

That’s why that link is a good buyer’s tool. It give you a good indication of the shipping costs prior to bidding.

Any seller can now schedule a pick-up service through the USPS within 24 hours to pick up a Priority Mail package right at their front door. The price of gas shouldn’t be an excuse unless the seller lives in a rural area where this service isn’t available. I changed my own handling time from one day turnaround to a two day turnaround to utilize this service.

There are two flat rate Priority Mail services: The flat rate large envelope costs $4.05. There are two sizes for the flat rate box and they’re both $8.05. After that - everything is calculated by weight. You know your zip code - ask what the seller’s is.

As a buyer, you have the right not to bid. But don’t complain about the shipping costs after the fact if you didn’t do your homework first. That’s the buyer’s responsibility. Furthermore, not everything gets shipped via Priority Mail. The USPS has limits on what it will accept. If you are buying an oversized item - don’t expect delivery in three days time. Don’t expect delivery in 10 days time. Ask the seller - how will this be shipped and what is the turnaround time?

I am always horrified at how many negatives large powersellers receive because their shipping is done through a warehouse. These sellers ship thousands of items on a daily basis. Please! Show a little respect for large, wholesale operations. There is a reason why they can sell items at such a low price. I am also amazed at how many times a buyer will bid without reading the listing first. Every seller has the right to list their terms of sale as long as they remain within the eBay guidelines. This includes shipping terms, handling fees, turnaround time, and refund policies.

Instead of searching with the “time ending soonest” option, try the “time newly listed” option instead. This allows you as a buyer to ask plenty of questions prior to bidding. Any seller is more than happy to answer questions regarding rates, turnaround time, and especially return policies. If a seller doesn’t respond - then pass. If a seller says “I don’t know” then pass. As a buyer you will be pleasantly surprised - most sellers DO know and WILL respond!

Do you know that eBay prohibits sellers from answering questions during the last few hours of an auction? If you ask for details 2 hours before an auction ends - you are flat out of luck because the seller is prohibited from responding to questions - it’s a serious violation of the rules.

Do you know that as a buyer, you can join Square Trade? It is a good service that protects both buyers and sellers and treats both parties fairly. Check it out. It’s worth every penny. And do post the Square Trade emblem next to your eBay name. It gives sellers confidence that they are working with a savvy and RESPONSIBLE bidder! As a buyer, you have the right to figure it out for yourself in advance - and when in doubt - ask questions first. Both buyers and sellers have obligations - and we all play by the same set of rules.

Before I became a seller I never paid insurance. Now, I wouldn’t think of purchasing anything over $25.00 without it. Why take the risk? It’s no bargain if an item is lost during shipment. Delivery confirmation is one thing, but replacement value is quite another. Should you receive an item that is damaged, then the seller should be able to provide you with all of the insurance information. You are required to keep the original packaging for inspection. Work with your seller - and your seller will work with you.