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Post by Great-Northern-Willmar Div on Feb 10, 2015 16:51:24 GMT -8
Thanks for the post Jim and Omaharoad. I’m going to let this issue die only because I don’t think the moderator will tolerate much more non-train talk. Thanks again, Mark Poppycock! This is the crew lounge for "off topic" discussions. This is a topic that others may learn from, since e-Bay is the go to place to sell model railroad items we don't need anymore. This topic on shipping is on point and nobody is calling the other guy a "meanie", "idiot" and above all isn't covering: The hobby is dying Pre-orders Athearn Quality control or lack there of The hobby shop is dying and a host of other topics that seem to get dredged up like sewage at least once a month. You've got questions and I'm sure others may learn a thing or two. I wouldn't apologize. |
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Post by nebrzephyr on Feb 11, 2015 8:03:57 GMT -8
Update on shipping my first eBay sale: I wasn’t going to post this here, but I think the information is relevant to all selling items on eBay. DO NOT TRUST THE CALCULATED SHIPPING FROM EBAY.I don’t want that to be understated because I just came from the post office (my second trip to get the package shipped) and was told that they have been getting several Not sure what exactly you referring to on "DO NOT TRUST THE CALCULATED SHIPPING FROM EBAY". If you list an item at say 2#, and specify the right shipping option (Priority Mail, 1St Class, etc) the eBay postage will match the USPS charge from the USPS web site for that weight and shipping option. If you want to check it go to the USPS web site and enter the weight and shipping option from your zipcode to the buyer's zipcode. It works. As Jim pointed out you really need a postage scale and box sizes. I've shipped 100's of items in 12x6x4 plain cardboard boxes and never had an issue with postage errors. Hope this helps. Bob |
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Post by llxlocomotives on Feb 11, 2015 13:31:17 GMT -8
I ship 100% through e-bay shipping. All HO trains. In every case I provide the weight.
I never have a problem. With one priority package, the PO will pick up all of your items at your front door.
If you use just any box, the weight of the box is costing you. The box and material to secure the item can put you over 13 oz.
The reality is you have to spend a little to save in the long run. I find Amazon to be a good place to find shipping supplies. In deciding what to buy you need to decide how much and what you need. I prefer indestructible white mailers. They come in a large array of sizes. Before you buy anything, you need to decide what the range of size and weights will likely be.
It sounds hard, but if you list single cars and engines, then 80% of your shipments will be single items. Your choice of box and packing material is dependent on what you are shipping. The logic is a box that will hold your item wrapped in bubble wrap. No larger. I use a 10x3x3 box. If the item is longer, I cut down another box and make it longer. At the end of the day my all in cost of shipping is under $3 to the US for everything but engines.
If your average shipment weighs 11 oz then you should order the best size priority box from the PO. They will be free initially, but they will cost you $2 for every single car you ship.
There are some tricks to understand about priority shipping as well. The shipping costs change at fixed increments of weight. 13-16 Oz are one price, 17-32 Oz are another, 33-48 yet another. etc. it is important to understand that the PO uses integer oz weights. So 13.6 is 13. 16.7 is 16, etc. For me 16.8 is 17, we are dealing with the PO, their scales may not agree with yours.
Invariably, the weight is near one of these break points, so saving a ounce or two in box and packing weight can be with a couple dollars in shipping.
When it comes to flat rate shipping, it is a fixed cost up to a specified weight, then it becomes standard priority. That weight varies with the kind of flat rate box.
The PO is giving a significant discount for purchasing you postage on line. Besides the obvious, they are having trouble getting good people. Thus they want you to do some of their work for them.
Good luck,
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Post by nebrzephyr on Feb 11, 2015 14:13:53 GMT -8
There are some tricks to understand about priority shipping as well. The shipping costs change at fixed increments of weight. 13-16 Oz are one price, 17-32 Oz are another, 33-48 yet another. etc. it is important to understand that the PO uses integer oz weights. So 13.6 is 13. 16.7 is 16, etc. For me 16.8 is 17, we are dealing with the PO, their scales may not agree with yours. Good luck, You are correct on PO uses "integer oz weight" (other than 1st Class) once you exceed 16oz. So 1#1oz or 1#15oz is same price as 2#0oz. Bob |
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Post by tdspeedracer on Feb 11, 2015 18:12:31 GMT -8
In most instances I've been able to ship single cars under 13oz, which qualifies for first class. On top of the discount through ebay, you get a tracking number on a first class package at no charge. Unlike at the post office.
Side note;
Anyone use the filters to weed out potential bad buyers? Blocking bidders with policy violations, non paying strikes ect... I've used it for the last year, but as of late, keep getting bombarded with requests from potential bidders that can't bid. I'm sure it hinders the final sale price, but I'm almost thinking its worth it not having to deal with someone who's already given others issues. Any thoughts?
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Post by atsfan on Feb 11, 2015 18:57:40 GMT -8
Thanks for the post Jim and Omaharoad. I’m going to let this issue die only because I don’t think the moderator will tolerate much more non-train talk. Thanks again, Mark Buying and selling trains via ebay is a HUGE part of the hobby Not everybody scratch builds cars and engines due to a variety of reasons And there are two types of train guys, those that have started to thin their collection, and those that will start to someday........ |
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Post by nebrzephyr on Feb 12, 2015 6:22:25 GMT -8
Side note; Anyone use the filters to weed out potential bad buyers? Blocking bidders with policy violations, non paying strikes ect... Yep, all the time. As you probably know you can set "parameters" in your profile to weed out certain types of bidders. Bob |
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