Ebay Auctions

[Davemano]

Looking at EBay Diecast Vehicle Auctions it seems that the majority of the items attract no bids, and I wonder if this is because of the postage charges which in some cases are greater than the item. Add postage to the item price makes the items expensive - or is it just me wanting a bargain. The same comment applies to other auction categories.

[Old_Geezer]

As I understand it, that is just a "con" to reduce the bill from eBay. Most potential bidders will know and are going to look at it as part of the full price anyway and not be overly swayed by it. Or course it may have further knock on affects if you need a refund or whatever I suppose, and p&p isn't included in the refund.

[hc4361]

That con was ended a few years ago, Ron, when eBay included P&P in the final value fee.

[Old_Geezer]

I'll let Ron know ;-)

[hc4361]

Oops, sorry OG.

[Retrochic]

I sell on ebay and this is a tricky one - I sell mainly 'buy it now' some people like 'free postage' which it is not of course you just add the postage onto what you want for the item, some prefer to see the postage separately. For auctions I always add postage as you are not sure how much the item will make and don't want to say 'free postage' if the item sells for less than it would xost to post. Just look at the size of the item and how much the seller is asking for postage. most things iwll fit in a small parcel these days and that's £2.80 Royal Mail second. another pound is quite adequate for packing so you should get most things for under a fiver . The seller gets charged on the postage as well so if I charge £4 for postage 60 p of that goes back to theeving basket ebay as a fee along with 15% of the selling cost

[hc4361]

Any sensible seller would also post the using a 'signed for' method, unless the item is of small value.

[Davemano]

Thank you all for your comments, but it seems that EBay Auction purchasers have not seen it as I do. I should say that I do buy from EBay, but so far only direct sales giving free delivery.

[hc4361]

There is no such thing as free delivery. Whether you pay for it separately, which I prefer because you can see how much you are paying for P&P compared to the actual postage cost, or pay for it in with the selling price you are still paying for it.

No seller can afford to post anything for free.

[EDDIE51]

One factor in this particular case may be that unless they are in near perfect condition and preferably in the original box, most diecast vehicles are almost valueless. ( I assume you mean 'corgi' type cars?)

[boxtops]

I agree with retrochic and eddie - I sell on eBay, but don't offer free postage as I would have to boost the price of the item in order to cover the postage cost (usually, as retro says, about four quid). People who sell on auction or BIN for very low prices and free postage are probably those who buy and sell in bulk and can afford to take a loss on some items. Private buyers wouldn't do that, it's not worth selling under those circumstances - you might has well give the items to a charity shop.

[Davemano]

hc4361 I thank you for you comments but I can't see that firms like Amazon and the like leaving themselves liable for false advertising when they gave the price of an item and show FREE UK DELIVERY if it is not.

[boxtops]

It's FREE because the cost of delivery is probably allowed for in the price - they mean "there is no additional charge for postage"

[hc4361]

Dave, you cannot compare the likes of Amazon who sell in huge quantities and can afford to cut their profit margins to cover postage (better to sell 300000 with a 10% profit than 3000 at 20%) with the average eBay seller who not only sells in small quantities but has to pay eBay and PayPal fees as well as the postage and packaging.

If you have never sold on eBay you would be surprised at just how expensive and time consuming it can be.
Also, Amazon has huge leverage with its courier companies. If the courier company doesn't like their terms then Amazon can find another company who will. Try that with the Post Office as an eBay seller. Same with packaging - they don't pay the same for a jiffy bag as I do.

[Davemano]

Once again, thank all of you for comments, but it seems that some sellers must advertise in hope. I'll continue to browse and look at all your comments and questions which I enjoy, having been an AB member just a few weeks.

[hc4361]

I'm glad you're enjoying AnswerBank but be warned it can be highly addictive :)

[EDDIE51]

I have just sold a lens hood for a camera to Sweden £2.50 for the item and £4.20 postage , that is just what the postage and packing cost me I never make money on postage.

[Davemano]

hc4361 I agree it is addictive and isolates you from family. Early the other morning my wife came downstairs and smiled - luckily I still recognised her because I'd seen her like that before.

[Davemano]

EDDIE51 That is the exact point that I was trying to make. If I was the buyer of your item (rightly or wrongly) I would consider it as having cost me £6.70p

[Retrochic]

But it HAS cost you £6.70. If Eddie sold the item as £6.70 with free postage would that make you feel better? If you had to go to a specialist shop to buy the product how much bus fare or fuel would you have spent to get there and back? I often sell things abroad where the cost of postage is higher than the item -I always show separate prices for International shipping. I sold an item for £14.99 and £35 postage to Korea -they buyer was quite happy with that as obviously the item was worth buying for her at £49,99

[Sammy48]

I think it's a diabolical liberty that Ebay charge a final value fee on the postage now. It's not like you are making money out of it, well I don't.