eBay is ok with a seller charging for & not shipping with the method specified in the listing for example USPS PRIORITY & shipping with a slower, much cheaper method for example First class or Media, no penalty levied on the seller if the package should arrive to the buyer by ebay's last estimated date for arrival.
Even if the seller ships by a slower ,cheaper method than specified in the listing & the package does arrive late, buyer will not be entitled to some refund of the excess postage paid to & received by the seller.
Many sellers, Canada, USA and Internationally use generic terms for shipping services. Something eBay has no problem with (Flat rate shipping byproduct). My favourite: International Priority. It's nothing close to priority!! Personally, if I pay for a service I would like to know what service I am getting. I have a very dreamworld mentality but how I roll. 🙂 Similar to the sellers who use broad terms for where they ship from.(I realize there may be sellers who ship from several warehouses, but still that could be noted. Plus doing so gives bad intel when a buyer searches by distance.) When someone says they ship from Canada that to my mind is a bit vague. Like saying Europe.
As a seasoned e-commerce expert with extensive knowledge in online marketplaces and seller practices, I can affirmatively address the concerns raised in the provided article regarding eBay's policies on shipping methods, seller accountability, and the use of generic terms for shipping services.
Firstly, it's crucial to acknowledge that eBay operates within a framework of policies and guidelines that sellers are expected to adhere to. While eBay generally encourages transparent and accurate listings, there have been instances where sellers deviate from the specified shipping method without facing immediate penalties. However, this practice is not in alignment with eBay's recommended standards.
Evidence from various seller forums and discussions reveals that eBay tends to prioritize customer satisfaction. In cases where a seller fails to ship using the agreed-upon method, and the package arrives after eBay's last estimated date for arrival, buyers might not be automatically entitled to a refund of excess postage. This nuance in eBay's policy can create friction between buyers and sellers, as the expectation of receiving the service paid for is not consistently met.
Furthermore, the use of generic terms for shipping services, such as "International Priority," is a widespread concern. This practice can be misleading for buyers who expect a specific level of service based on the terminology used. As an enthusiast with a keen eye for marketplace dynamics, I understand the importance of clear and accurate communication between sellers and buyers.
Generic shipping terms, like "International Priority," can indeed create a disparity between the expected service and the service provided. eBay, as a platform, should ideally encourage sellers to provide detailed information about the shipping methods they use, fostering transparency and helping buyers make informed decisions.
In conclusion, eBay's leniency on deviations from specified shipping methods and the use of vague shipping terms can potentially lead to customer dissatisfaction. As a responsible and knowledgeable participant in the e-commerce ecosystem, I advocate for transparent communication between sellers and buyers, emphasizing the importance of accurate listings and detailed shipping information to build trust and ensure a positive online shopping experience.
Shipping costs are regulated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC Act prohibits unfair or deceptive trade practices, which include overcharging customers for shipping. If a seller overcharges a customer for shipping, the customer can file a complaint with the FTC.
When a shipment is marked as FOB destination, it means the seller handles getting the goods to the buyer's location. The seller pays for transporting the goods, including freight charges and insurance if needed. The title and risk move from the seller to the buyer once the goods arrive at the destination.
How to report excessive shipping charges by sellers. Here is how to report excessive shipping on an item. I was given this by talking to Ebay support today: 1) Select REPORT ITEM on the auction page, 2) Select LISTING PRACTICES, 3) Select AVOIDING EBAY FEES, 4) Select PAYMENT SURCHARGES.
If you send the freight out cost to the customer, you can record it as an unpaid bill in the income statement next to the freight expense. This way, when the customer pays, it can offset the cost. You may have a negative freight out expense depending on what you charge the customer and what you pay for the invoice.
The major causes for higher shipping costs are inefficient cargo ships, shipping container shortage globally, limited supply of commodities, and increased consumer demand. Each of these factors add pressure on the international shipping rates. Why do companies charge so much for shipping? Shipping is a complex process.
The seller will always be responsible for the package containing their product until it gets to the purchaser. This essentially means that as an e-commerce seller, you are responsible for the package until it is officially delivered– even though the package is no longer in your possession.
The buyer handles transportation costs from the seller's location to the final destination. The seller handles transportation costs until the goods reach the buyer's destination. The risk of loss or damage to the goods transfers to the buyer once the goods leave the seller's location.
FOB shipping point holds the seller liable for the goods until they're transported to the customer, while FOB destination holds the seller liable for the goods until they have reached the customer.
To be clear one last time though, eBay's Shipping Policy can be enforced if the buyer is able to show that they were grossly overcharged for shipping and handling, and according to the eBay representative, this falls under returning an item (seeking a partial refund) due to the item not being as described (with the S&H ...
The cost considered "too much" for shipping from an online store varies based on factors such as the item's value, urgency, size, and your personal preferences. However, as a general guideline: Percentage of Item Cost: Shipping costs exceeding 20-30% of the item's cost might seem excessive.
It not fraud and you aren't forced to buy here period. If you feel the shipping costs are too high, don't buy. There's nothing for eBay to investigate, shipping is not just the cost of POSTAGE and sellers are not required to charge the exact cost of postage.
Business shipping rates can vary widely depending on package size, weight, delivery speed, and location. On average, a small package can cost about $8, while large packages can cost about $18 to $21 for shipping.”
Simply fold the total cost of shipping into your product price. For example, if your cost to create and package a product is $15 and you want a 20% profit margin, you'd need to charge $18. If it costs $8 to ship the product, you can either charge $18 + $8 shipping or $26 + free shipping.
There is no legal code written on this topic however where it can get dicey with the law is if purchasing terms and invoices indicate that the customer will be charged for "freight" only and they end up charging more.
that is not only unethical it is also agains federal law. ebay shipping policy adheres to federal laws for mail order companies which is what you are if you sell on ebay.
Wave of retailer class actions assert merchants are overcharging consumers for shipping. Two recently filed complaints portend the onset of a new wave of class actions in California courts that could affect all companies that sell consumer goods online or by mail order.
The answer depends on the choices you make. Giving away shipping 100% free, which means you bear the full shipping cost from your margin, can hurt your business unless you charge a premium on your products from customers. This is because shipping charges are dynamic and differ from location-to-location.
Introduction: My name is Aracelis Kilback, I am a nice, gentle, agreeable, joyous, attractive, combative, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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