Marketing Research Can You Help Please?

[Retrochic]

Hi. I'm doing a bit of market Research for my Ebay shop. I went on a course recently and was advised that offering 'free' shipping was an advantage but I'm not so sure, as most people surely know the shipping is not free but just added to the product cost. So, Initial reaction please, two sellers, two identical products one advertised as £15 + £2.80 p&p one advertised at £17. 80 free shipping. I need immediate opinion without thinking -Which, if any attracts you more? -and reason? Thank you for your help it will really be appreciated.

[Cloverjo]

You often see similar scenarios on Amazon Marketplace. In this instance I would go for the seller with the better reputation and/or feedback. But that's not what you're asking, really.
There is a mail order company that made a point of its not having free delivery because everyone knows it would just lead to increased prices anyway. However, it now boasts free delivery, so it would seem people are more likely to buy if free delivery is included.

[Old_Geezer]

I think it is attractive as it means the seller has stated the correct price all inclusive and I like that. I want to know without calculation or risk of missing the extra p&p what it is I'm paying. However in your example I'd hope I'd spot the situation in each and know they are the same, but I still think emotionally I'd be inclined to go with the free p&p all else being equal.

[Fitzer]

All in price always unless there are contra indicators such as poor feedback, I know it's not the same but I hate websites where you have to get to the checkout to find what the delivery charge is.

[iminoz]

I'd be marginally swayed to the free shipping option - in the unlikely event of needing a refund, I would expect to get 17.80 back.
Why not list some items each way and test the waters on Ebay?

[sandyRoe]

'Free' would make me pause and think. There's no such thing as a free lunch.
I'd go for the £15 plus P&p.

[wolf63]

I would go with the Free Shipping even knowing that it was the same price. I don't know why I do it - maybe just laziness.

I refuse to purchase any item on Ebay that has a photo with the wrong orientation. So make sure that your photos are the right way around. :-)

[TWR]

When I sell on EBay, I usually say if the price is below £££££££ I will refund the difference, I do not like ripping people off, I am satisfied with selling the Item without making profit on the postage ( Soft sod Aren't I?)

[maggiebee]

I always look for the "free" option when I can. This depends on total cost of course.

[Retrochic]

Hi and thanks for your feedback so far. I have a very successful eBay shop and have top-rated seller status -100% feedback and sell around £500-£1000 stock per month . Iminoz has mentioned something which is important with regards to free shipping and I'm going to have to look further into this -if something is returned then the buyer will expect the full amount returned and I will be out of pocket. Perhaps £17.80 shipping inc. may sound better? I have items for sale with and without 'free shipping' it depends on the value of the item and if the item needs Insurance. I'm gearing up for the Xmas rush so would like some input -thanks for the answers so far keep them coming!

[Cloverjo]

According to the money saver website (by Martin something, can't remember his surname) sellers are obliged to refund the delivery cost as well if a buyer requests a refund.
However, I have kicked up a fuss - citing this law - with a couple of online retailers who haven't refunded the delivery costs and they weasel their way out of it somehow, saying its not an actual shipping cost but a standard charge for delivery.

[Retrochic]

Cloverjo, sellers are only obliged to refund shipping costs if the item is refunded because its faulty. If you return an item because it does not fit or you change your mind then the seller is only liable to refund the item cost. however, as its been pointed out, if the original item included 'free' postage, then technically and possibly legally, you are obliged to refund the total amount. eBay give each seller the opportunity to state their Terms & Conditions with regard to returns and I'm sure, under eBay rules, you purchase items under agreement to these rules.

[Cloverjo]

Retrochic, this is from the Which website.
Note that the section for returning faulty goods comes AFTER the right to cancel any online purchase.

http://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/regulation/distance-selling-regulations

[Retrochic]

Thank you for the link cloverjo. As I said, any FAULTY goods are returned to seller and seller must refund item and all associated costs. If an item is returned because you cancel the order or change your mind, then the seller is only obliged by law to refund the initial cost of the item and not any associated costs (P&P). I really appreciate youR input but could we keep to the OP -thanks.

[bert_h]

One of the differences, from your point of view as the seller, could be how quickly you reach your selling limit of £3500 per month. The first option will only take you £15 nearer it, while the second one will take you £17.80 nearer it.

[Retrochic]

bert-h I don't have any selling limits on my account. I have a business account and an eBay shop

[ask100]

Remember that eBay take their 10% on the postage which ever way you do it.
If you offer the item with post included then you are obligated to refund that amount in the case of it being returned. So you lose out as you have paid for the postage.

[Retrochic]

Ask100 under the new distance selling regulations the seller is obliged to refund in full the item and the postage costs. This is new and not all sellers know this. I sent something back recently that I bought online and was refunded minus the original postage costs which I think is fair because the item was not faulty it just did not fit properly. I should really email back the seller for a full refund as this new law came in in June .

[Retrochic]

thank you very much for all those people who took the tie to reply. I had hoped for more replies but hey ho I expect 'sleeping in your bra (60 replies and rising) is much more interesting than my little post. lol!

[tonyav]

maggiebee
I always look for the "free" option when I can. This depends on total cost of course.

The same as maggie.