| Author | Content |
CindyInAZ
Tempe, AZ
(Zone 9a)
July 05, 2008
11:45 PM Post #5210545
| How do we report this? I'm being charged $11.10 to have a 3 inch plant shipped to me - without a pot. |
dmj1218
west Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
July 05, 2008
11:46 PM Post #5210550
| then cancel the sale if you don't want to pay it |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
July 05, 2008
11:59 PM Post #5210592
| First I might try contacting the seller and find out why it costs so much, depending on where they are and how they were planning to ship it might be legit. I just paid $8 for Fedex to ship a small gift to a friend of mine in Los Angeles using their normal service, not even rushed or anything, so especially if this person is in a part of the country that's not near AZ and they're using expedited shipping of some sort to send it by air so your plant doesn't fry as it travels ground across the country then that could be a real shipping charge. Their response to your inquiry will tell you whether it's a legitimate charge or not, if it's the real cost and you don't like it maybe you can negotiate to accept slower but cheaper shipping at your own risk. Or of course if they blow you off or ignore you or are rude, then you know they were gouging and in that case I'd probably use the "contact us" link to contact admins about it. |
dmj1218
west Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
July 06, 2008
12:22 AM Post #5210679
| you are right, shipping rates can be higher than you think these days
and for obvious reasons, increasing almost daily |
UniQueTreasures
Beaumont, TX
(Zone 8b)
July 06, 2008
12:56 AM Post #5210852
| Was the shipping charge not listed in the ad? If not, you should have contacted the seller BEFORE you purchased to find out the charges. |
june_nmexico
Albuquerque, NM
(Zone 7a)
July 06, 2008
01:39 AM Post #5210927
| It's good to remember that you are not just paying for postage,
but also for the packing materials used by the seller to ship your item. |
CindyInAZ
Tempe, AZ
(Zone 9a)
July 06, 2008
09:01 AM Post #5211411
| I've examined this very carefully before I made my post. I've shipped plants and purchased plants for years and I know what goes into the process. There is a cancel order option for the shipper but not the buyer.
The plant I wanted is $2.50 and the shipping fee turned out to be over $11.00 when I got the invoice. I have contacted the seller and attempted to negotiate shipping and ultimately cancel the order. I guess because it was a three inch plant I assumed it would be less than a pound or that he might be accommodating and agree to use a smaller box. . I've never put a three inch plant in a 12 inch box nor have I received a tiny plant in such a large box. I did not want to fill a 12 x 12 box, which is a USPS issued box and is free. It is less than five dollars to ship anything under a pound to Arizona from anywhere in the US by USPS. I personally recycle everything I use, boxes are free and I know how much ink and tape costs. I even checked the zip codes through the USPS web site to verify the cost of a two pound box thinking maybe he uses a lot of newspaper and I still feel the amount over the shipping cost is excessive. Two pounds from the destination is $7.96, leaving $3.00 for tape and ink and manual labor.
I just want to know now where is the "contact us" link is as I feel my issue is excessive shipping fees and somehow thought we were supposed to be protected from price gouging in this venture.
Thank you. |
threegardeners
North Augusta, ON
(Zone 5a)
July 06, 2008
09:03 AM Post #5211417
| There is a contact us link at the bottom of every page here at DG. |
CindyInAZ
Tempe, AZ
(Zone 9a)
July 06, 2008
09:16 AM Post #5211458
| Thank you threegardeners. I sincerely hope I do not have to use it. |
dmj1218
west Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
July 06, 2008
10:03 AM Post #5211713
| I have shipped many times to AZ from here between 1lb--2lb and it is always above $5. In fact, I cannot ship anything within the state of Texas at very close to 1lb USPS priority + delivery confirmation for less than $4.50.
I'm talking a box, not a bubble mailer--boxes and shredded paper adds mass
yes, I do use the USPS store online for the discount |
shushinggrasses
July 06, 2008
11:11 AM Post #5212018
| CindyInAZ, what did the seller's ad say the shipping cost would be? |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
July 06, 2008
11:18 AM Post #5212036
| Excessive charge. Period. |
CindyInAZ
Tempe, AZ
(Zone 9a)
July 06, 2008
11:23 AM Post #5212053
| They really didn't say exactly how much a single plant would be. Just that you could check on the cost of a 2-4 pound box to your zip code. I know I should have asked first. I admit I made that mistake. But I thought I knew how much it would be and prepared myself to pay at the most $10.00 for plant and shipping.
I know, my big mistake, lesson learned...ask first. I did not examine the ad and dissect it.
|
CindyInAZ
Tempe, AZ
(Zone 9a)
July 06, 2008
11:28 AM Post #5212070
| Thank you gordo. This is what I have been trying to say.
He's not cancelling my order so I guess I'll just pay him, lesson learned. |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
July 06, 2008
11:46 AM Post #5212146
| Contact and negotiate a partial refund.
If he doesn't wish to comply, contact him again and mention that discussion of excessive shipping charges in the feedback zone will lose him more customers than gain him profit in the end.
|
kathy_ann
Judsonia, AR
(Zone 7b)
July 06, 2008
01:05 PM Post #5212632
| I agree, I've shipped 122 boxes out, and have never charged 11.00 for one plant. it's rediculous and I would throw a fit as well, I wouldn't pay for it by no means. Sorry, I've been burned by ebayers taking advantage on high shipping charges. THAT's where they make theirmoney.
I'd use the contact link at the bottom of the page, and You know how to leave feedback as well if things don't work outto your advantage. others should know how high their charges are for one plant.
Now that being said, Ijust paid l2.00 for my very first buy it now at marketplace, but the plant was huge in the picture of the sale. will probably take that to ship it |
gardengirl1960
Seabrook, TX
(Zone 9a)
July 06, 2008
01:17 PM Post #5212703
| The true cost is about $5 to ship. Priority boxes are free and the tape for the priority boxes are free also. The packing shreaded paper $0 but priceless!
This message was edited Jul 6, 2008 12:18 PM |
gardengirl1960
Seabrook, TX
(Zone 9a)
July 06, 2008
01:38 PM Post #5212809
| The only thing i don't like about peanuts is that when I unpack a plant they go Everywhere!! Kind of a mess:) |
kathy_ann
Judsonia, AR
(Zone 7b)
July 06, 2008
02:39 PM Post #5213075
| Woops, I forgot I do have to buy tape, we no longer get free tape, is my only expense, If you get free tape from the po you had better stock up. LOL we stopped getting the priority mail tape free over a year ago or so. they think the sticky on the boxes is enough, even though it comes open during shipping most times. that's not their problem |
kathy_ann
Judsonia, AR
(Zone 7b)
July 06, 2008
04:36 PM Post #5213567
| I also forgot I buy the ink for th eprinter to print of f the labels and I buy paper towels and saran wrap, which alldoes add up. Just didn't realize how much I do spend on shipping supplies I guess.
|
gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
July 06, 2008
10:09 PM Post #5215273
| I am positive I lose money on shipping considering all the tape, bubble wrap, peanuts, etc. But I am having waaay too much fun to stop shipping. |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
July 06, 2008
10:17 PM Post #5215318
| Ditto here! ;-) |
kathy_ann
Judsonia, AR
(Zone 7b)
July 06, 2008
10:23 PM Post #5215359
| WEll, this weekend after about 25 boxes, I'm not having fun. Still working now as I type. LOL |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
July 06, 2008
10:28 PM Post #5215382
| Ah...Miss Kathy, that's success! ;-)
Enjoy it! |
kathy_ann
Judsonia, AR
(Zone 7b)
July 06, 2008
10:37 PM Post #5215433
| yes, I keep telling my self that LOL
|
dmj1218
west Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
July 06, 2008
10:44 PM Post #5215468
| I've lost on shipping on almost every MarketPlace order I've done that involved boxes--and that's just the actual the shipping itself. I've just started having them print the shipping on the label so the customer can't possibly say I price gouged...
I just took all the things requiring boxes off for re-evaluation (and also a fencing project tomorrow--can't get to PO for a couple of days). By the time I cover incoming PayPal fees, additional shipping chgs I've covered, and Dave's % when he asks for it...I can only think of one thing to do and that's raise prices.
Luckily though, I finished and shipped about 3pm this Sunday which is earlier than most Sundays. =) |
kathy_ann
Judsonia, AR
(Zone 7b)
July 06, 2008
10:49 PM Post #5215482
| That's not good for you . loosing money every time.
I charge a certain amount, i've stuck extra money back into the box for unused shipping at times, and other times i've refunded on paypal for extra charges. I don't always do this, but sometimes it's hard to tell what to charge, and better to over charge and refund than undercharge and be stuck with the loss. It's working out great for me this way. |
gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
July 06, 2008
11:02 PM Post #5215529
| I don't know until I get to the post office what it is going to cost. Sometimes I am right on target (not counting any supplies anyway) and sometimes it just has to 'come out in the wash'.
My goal is to make enough money to order more plants (LOL) |
dmj1218
west Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
July 06, 2008
11:06 PM Post #5215547
| I was charging $5.99 which I thought would cover it--but I have 3-4 page detailed planting/growing instructions and an invoice that goes in every bulb order I ship, shredded paper in there too. Its not a problem on my website--and I usually just charge a couple dollars over actual shipping as compared to 25-30% as a lot of companies do.
Seeds are OK--never seen that go over $1.92 yet and I charge $2.50 (new, good quality bubble mailers are not free--that's the difference--and not excessive in my opinion--and they know the shipping on everything in the ad upfront prior to ordering).
So I left them up and I'll think about bulbs and plants when I get this fencing project done this week. |
kathy_ann
Judsonia, AR
(Zone 7b)
July 06, 2008
11:07 PM Post #5215553
| Gessie, I was referring to dmj loosing money on shipping charges everytime. you'd have to be able to print off your labels in order to know the shipping amount and be able to stick the excess into the box though. I couldn't ship boxes without the account at the usps web site and printing my own labels. I think the folks at the po would give me a hard time and put me on the back burner while they waited on other customers. I hhate waitng in their lines anyways, this way I can stick them on the counter even if they have 5 folks in line, they know it's me and don't ask any questions. drop off and go. it's very easy LOL . I'd have to do something diff if I were dmj loosing money on shipping every time. that's akiller LOL |
gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
July 06, 2008
11:12 PM Post #5215584
| sorry...thought you were talking to me. I have the scales I ordered from the USPS site but our post office is so small and friendly, they help me bring my boxes in. I am laffin' as I type this to say there has never been a line at the post office since I moved back home several years ago.
I do need to learn how to use both the scales and the printing of the labels.
gail |
dmj1218
west Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
July 06, 2008
11:16 PM Post #5215603
| yeppers Gail--it will save you a little money to print at home
I still take them in myself
=) |
Melissa_Ohio
Southwestern, OH
(Zone 6b)
July 07, 2008
12:30 AM Post #5215955
| As I said when the market place was being talked about, sellers need to build the cost of doing business into the price of the plant, just like most businesses do, and not tack on to the shipping cost. If you need a "handling" charge to pay for your ink and tape, then say "I have added a $1.50 handing fee into the price of the plant to cover my shipping expenses"
If you are forced to go through with the sale, make sure you take a picture of the postage on the box, and if there is some kind of feedback system set up, which a lot of the sellers didn't want, make sure that you note you were happy/not happy with the plant, and you thought shipping was excessive. That will at least keep others from falling into the same trap.
I have a feeling that your box will arrive with the postage price hidden though. :(
Just as I said months ago, it won't take long for folks who aren't regulars here to find it and join, and I noticed last week when I was looking at some stuff for sale, that a person who had a ton of things for sale was a brand new subscriber... imagine that. |
dmj1218
west Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
July 07, 2008
12:45 AM Post #5216001
| Melissa--I'm a professional grower, I know how to add the costs. Its just that on the marketplace they tend to prefer the more "inexpensive" things I do--so I've been trying to give them what they seem to want. And you can state on line that you want the postage to appear on the printout and it will, I always do it whether its a marketplace or website sale. I want them to see what the actual shipping is and that I'm only charging a little more. That generates a lot of repeat business for me through the website.
I'm thinking that my "odds and ends" will do better here--things I don't have that many of and not necessarily even bulbs. Then I will just charge more for the item and cover it that way. |
Melissa_Ohio
Southwestern, OH
(Zone 6b)
July 07, 2008
01:29 AM Post #5216092
| I know Debbie, but the seller that is charging her 11.00 probably doesn't think or do business like you do. :( I buy a lot of stuff on ebay, and have been gouged by shipping charges more times than I care to count... but won't buy from anyone that doesn't state the shipping charges up front.
I had an excess of a few items last month, and sold them on ebay. I "guestimated" the shipping charges, and over-charged 2 of the people. I refunded their overage. The other person, the shipping cost more than I"d guessed, so I ate that shipping charge. I guess I could have justified to myself keeping the overages on the other folks, but I just don't feel right doing that.
I just really feel that when you're selling something you should build your cost of handling into the item, rather than try to make it up on shipping. I remember reading a post from Dave saying that he wasn't going to tolerate folks gouging on shipping, which is why I suggested she take pictures of the postage cost, if it's there. Perhaps weigh the box when it comes, and take a picture showing the scale and the box as "proof" if the shipping charge is hidden.
Again, I've never doubted that the DG folks who sell are good people, it's the folks that will come here just to sell that I worry about. |
JuliaNY
Dundee, NY
July 07, 2008
09:16 AM Post #5216892
| I think it's excessive.
It is true that on Ebay "some" sellers do overcharge on shipping many times. What I've seen is they lower their price so you think your getting a deal and then the seller builds up the shipping charge to gain more profit. Ebay doesn't get a "cut" of the shipping/handling charges only the final value fee so the seller makes a bit more. Price comparison with total cost is the only way to shop online.
Hope you get some money back.
|
Badseed
Lynchburg, OH
(Zone 6a)
July 07, 2008
09:27 AM Post #5216936
| I don't know about others but I bring every order to my table and weigh it and look up actual shipping and that is what I charge. If it's cheaper, I use flat rate. Customer satisfaction is the first priority and that also means keeping prices lower. If you print your own labels through Paypal or USPS and pay online, you actually save a few cents on shipping which almost covers what you lose using Paypal.
I've seen some ridiculous shipping on other auction sites. My favorite is really cheap products and triple+ shipping. I had it out with a seed company too over crazy high shipping. They told me it included handling. I told them there was no way they "handled" a few packs of seeds more than I "handled" a plant order and I don't charge handling. They didn't care but I felt better. LOL I canceled the seed order too!
Honestly, if the boxes are free and you have the flat rate shipping option, I don't see how shipping would be so high for a 3" potted plant. Worst case scenario would be flat rate shipping at around $9. |
gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
July 07, 2008
09:51 AM Post #5217043
| Maybe I am just wearing my feelings on my sleeve, but I see no reason to post on Dave's that someone sells on ebay. To me, that is self promotion and many of us are working hard to see that DG Marketplace is a success.
Evidently what you are saying is that you sell on ebay because you can make more money which is fine, but DG is not the place to announce it. (just my 2 cents worth) |
dmj1218
west Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
July 07, 2008
09:57 AM Post #5217071
| Different product also ships differently as Gail stated--I ship a lot of things "in the green" and am not going to sacrifice quality to put everything on the scale prior to posting for a buyer or to create an ad. that's not good cultural practices if the person turns out to be a NPB--the next person down the line pays for that, and the bulb has been disrupted during growth for no good reason
my feelings are on ebay I never have sold there, hope to never have to, and don't shop or even look at what's over there |
Badseed
Lynchburg, OH
(Zone 6a)
July 07, 2008
10:07 AM Post #5217114
| If that is in response to my post, I meant I weigh the order before I quote shipping. I don't post shipping on ads/auctions because I don't know what it is until I get the order as there are too many variables. Most of my plants sell in multiples/mix and match/collections. |
Melissa_Ohio
Southwestern, OH
(Zone 6b)
July 07, 2008
10:10 AM Post #5217131
| Since I'm the only one who mentioned selling something on Ebay, I guess that remark is directed at me.
I didn't say WHAT I sold on ebay, for all you know I could have been selling Airbags for a car, Size 15 1/3 football cleats, or excess clothing. I certainly didn't give my ebay user ID, nor do I understand how you can surmise from my statement, without knowing me or anything about me, that I am mentioning that I sold something on ebay LAST MONTH for self promotion. Wearing feelings on a sleeve is one thing, assuming things about a person without knowing them or anything about them is something else entirely.
I can count on my fingers the number of times I've sold on Ebay... I'm not usually a seller, I'm a buyer, and I HAVE bought from the DG marketplace, (before you assume that I have not.)
I also have a lot of experience being taken advantage of by sellers... which is why I offered my advice/suggestions, certainly not to "self promote" anything.
Since I've given my advise to the original poster, I'll keep the rest of my opinions about the subject to myself... |
gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
July 07, 2008
10:17 AM Post #5217173
| I am sorry I even opened my mouth. Peace, please. |
CindyInAZ
Tempe, AZ
(Zone 9a)
July 07, 2008
12:01 PM Post #5217876
| Interesting update. I went to pay for my $13.00 ($2.50) plant and the seller had marked it paid instead of cancelling it or communicating with me any further. So, my problem went away and I'll be smarter about shopping in the future.
I have bought a lot of plants on Ebay but have always refused to buy anything with high shipping fees, especially "winter shipping charges." Since we don't have hard freezes during the winter, I even ask to forego the heat pack. When the Ebay sellers pad their shipping fees, they're not accessed the final value fee on the shipping portion so it's "free money."
I handle shipping fees conservatively. I'll add an average of $ .50 to the fee to allow for my costs which I feel is fair. My costs are Dave's fees, Paypal fees, postage, printer ink, and paper (for product information and labels), tape, and gas for my trips to the post office. I recycle all my shipping material from packages I get in the mail or even products that we purchase. So, overall, I feel I am just about even on my expenses. I use my printer, scale and on-line stamp program for personal home use so I can justify the expense of the rest.
I'll send a plant First Class if it's small enough when I'm shipping to someone within my home state and charge accordingly. This ends up being less than $2.00.
I invested in a good scale and an on-line stamp program which were costly but considering I have a small home-based business, it's just the cost of doing business in the luxury of my own home.
I've sold on Ebay but decided to boycott when at the last price increase. This isn't about self-promotion anyway. I think we are all just interested in hearing about other's experiences.
Hopefully, after all this discussion about shipping fees, it's out in the open and won't happen to anyone else. For the most part the DG Marketplace has been great and everyone has been sensitive about this issue. I appreciate having a platform to resolve issues. Many thanks to all in sharing their comments and support.
Cindy |
Lily_love
Central, AL
(Zone 7b)
July 07, 2008
12:18 PM Post #5217975
| Great idea to have posted this here. I've been watching this thread and learn from your experience. Thanks for sharing Cindy.
Kim |
gordo
Gulfport, FL
(Zone 9b)
July 07, 2008
12:20 PM Post #5217990
| I faced these same problems when I began shipping plants, and most of them are resolved as the seller becomes more experienced.
Over time, you know what individual things weigh and can generally guess what the packages will weigh, but in the beginning each package seems a challenge.
There are procedural adjustments you can make to streamline both materially and procedurally.
On the selling end...
1. Invest in a postal scale. Twenty bucks. Weigh your packages at home.
2. Use Priority Mail. The boxes are free.
3. Invest in a shredder. You'll never pay for packing material again.
4. Save newspaper and use it for packing.
5. Make a notebook detailing the shipping weights of your standardized products in their packaging. You'll soon know what weighs what.
6. If you innocently overcharge for shipping and realize it after the package is prepared, offer a rebate immediately.
7. Use on-line Click and Ship from The USPS...saves time, transportation, hand labeling.
8. The USPS will pick up your packaged for delivery. You can arrange for that on line when you create the Click and ship labels. You don't have to leave the house to insure your parcels get to their destination.
On the buying end...
1. Read the ad thoroughly. Kick the tires, turn on the radio, check the air conditioning, get under the chassis and look for the oil leak. This applies to cars and plant ads.
2. If you know the shipping cost is out of line, negotiate or suggest a more conservative way to ship. In other words, teach.
3. If you get no response, or a fight... well, there are other vendors. Keep looking.
Keep learning and have peace.
|
gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
July 07, 2008
12:48 PM Post #5218163
| Thanks for all that information, Gordo as this is relatively new to me!
|
emh48
Premont, TX
(Zone 9b)
July 07, 2008
03:51 PM Post #5219100
| Liz u are so right if I see a plant I want and the shipping charge is way out of line , I wont ever think about buying the plant.
selling is a bussiness and and some cost will be inculed as in all bussiness the buyer shouldnt be expected to pick up all the cost.. You can write off your loss on your income tax.
Being in bussiness isnt always 100% profit. My hubby has a bussiness and we dont expect the 100% profit..
I buy alot but if I see a plant locally I will but it here instead of paying postage. I only buy plants I can find locally!
This message was edited Jul 7, 2008 6:08 PM |
buggycrazy
Lebanon, OR
(Zone 7b)
July 08, 2008
01:15 AM Post #5221957
| Other shipping costs to consider, Ink (can go thru a cartridge per week), printer costs (1 printer per year), paper, shipping services-a monthly fee but much faster and better then the PO site, the negative impact on our nursery license fees (based on gross so free and low shipping costs us there), paypal fees, trip to PO, which is too far for me to go to so I must watch the mail until 1 or 2 PM, which means limits on what other work I can do all day. And the time to pack orders which is one reason why I have thrown out most of the herbaceous plants rather than lose more on shipping. The other reason is the huge losses on Feebay from slow and non paying bidders. |
gone2seed
Milton, FL
(Zone 8a)
July 08, 2008
11:05 AM Post #5223352
| Gordo has an excellent list.If you follow that list you can charge actual shipping on all your plant items.Put the cost of other packing supplies into the price of the plant where it belongs.
Postage printed online is also a bit cheaper than at the PO.
My one exception is book sales.I charge actual media mail plus 1.00 for the padded envelope plus .65 for delivery confirmation which I can't print online for media mail.
That total is always in the ad so no one is surprised. |
KatG
Port Charlotte, FL
(Zone 10a)
July 12, 2008
01:34 AM Post #5245207
| Being on the Seller side here...selling "heavy goods". I'm definitately having a problem. I'm new at this, but am learning. I price out my shipping charges with Fedex, USPS, and UPS in order to give the buyer the best rate. It's hefty because of the weight of my products and the one thing I don't find out until later is that Fedex slaps on a $12 a week flat charge for pick-up! Arrrrrrggghhh.
I'm grateful to say that I'm actually selling things and came across something today on Paypal. They seem to have a deal with the Post office and UPS to give sellers a savings on shipping. They are limiting this to Ebay sellers and I know that our site is just starting, but it would be great if Dave's Marketplace could negotiate some better rate, as I see things growing day by day!
Kat |
podster
Deep East Texas, TX
(Zone 8a)
July 12, 2008
06:57 AM Post #5245566
| Might be tough as ebay managed to acquire paypal ~ thus the "deal". Grrrrr... |
KatG
Port Charlotte, FL
(Zone 10a)
July 12, 2008
08:44 AM Post #5245833
| Yeah Podster...I know. But seeing they're in business to make money, I would think they would want to attract as much business they could from other sources. Especially in this economy. The thing that kills me is that there was a 31% discount on UPS ground rates...that's a huge saving for the type of merchandise I'm selling! Maybe Dave could try to work out a deal with UPS/Fedex/USPS directly? I'm sure he has nothing else to do these days? hahahahaha! (You know I'm only kidding!!!)
Kat |
GreenThumbsTN
Chattanooga, TN
(Zone 7b)
July 12, 2008
08:50 AM Post #5245854
| Kat, you can use the PayPal shipping tool whether you have an eBay account or not.
Click the 'multi order shipping' link and a new window will open. any items paid for through paypal will automatically be pre-filled with address etc. click the file >> create new order and you can manually add all other orders to your list. this tool, even though named 'multi-order', can be used to process a single order.
the only thing it won't do is the new large flat rate box, you have to print postage for it on the USPS website. |
KatG
Port Charlotte, FL
(Zone 10a)
July 12, 2008
09:27 AM Post #5246002
| Really Green Thumbs? Well that's nice information. And you can use your own packaging and still get discounted rates? |
Badseed
Lynchburg, OH
(Zone 6a)
July 12, 2008
10:08 AM Post #5246167
| I was really happy when I figured that out! USPS changed their website and I can not use my debit card to pay for shipping! What a pain. They told me to use a credit card. I told them I got rid of them and didn't have one. They were sorry for the inconvenience. Uh huh. |
glendalekid
Tuscaloosa, AL
(Zone 7b)
July 12, 2008
11:26 AM Post #5246510
| KatG,
Green Thumbs is correct. The on-line discounted shipping rates are on both PayPal and USPS web sites. Your PayPal account does need to be a Premier Account to use the shipping services. Premier Accounts are free but do require a bank account to be listed. I have a second bank account that is only used to process PayPal and eBay payments.
If you have your buyer's name, address, and e-mail address you can send an invoice from PayPal. You can use it to combine items and combine shipping as well. You can also save invoice templates if you often sell the same item or to the same person. If your buyer pays via PayPal, you can not only print your shipping label there, you can also print a packing slip for the package.
If you sent an invoice from PayPal the shipping label and packing slip info will be pre-filled when you go to print them. PayPal also sends the buyer an e-mail notification when you print the label. There is no charge from PayPal for the invoicing or shipping features -- only the initial PayPal fee when payment is made through them.
Your buyer can click on the invoice to use PayPal for payment or print it out and send it with a check or money order. If your buyer pays other than via PayPal, you can use the USPS site for the on-line discounted shipping rates. However, in this case you can go back into PayPal and print a copy of the invoice, mark it paid, and include it in the package as a packing slip.
[HYPERLINK@www.paypal.com]
[HYPERLINK@www.paypal.com]
You can use either USPS packaging or your own, doesn't matter. Also, with USPS shipping (from the USPS site or PayPal) you can have your postal carrier pick up the packages from you, no charge, assuming at least one of the packages is shipped Priority Mail or Overnight. The only type of postage you cannot print on Click-N-Ship at the USPS site is Media Mail. Media Mail can be printed at PayPal if payment is made through them.
Either PayPal or USPS will print postage for International shipment -- including printing out the customs forms.
PayPal may be owned by eBay, but it is a payment and shipping service used by thousands and thousands of small business web sites. Paying via PayPal does have extra protection for buyers as well that is not often mentioned. If the seller does not ship within a reasonable time frame you can complain to PayPal and file a claim under Non-performing Seller. I have done this twice now -- got the seller's attention PDQ. PayPal also now has a feature where if the web site does not take PayPal or you just don't want to fill in your real credit card info, you can get a temporary one-time credit card number at PayPal and use that for payment.
Badseed,
PayPal also has UPS services, but I've never used that so don't know much about it. I do know that if you are using a bank account instead of a credit card on PayPal you should put money from the bank account (say in $25.00 or $50.00 increments) as needed into PayPal rather than on a per transaction basis as an e-check takes about 5 days to clear.
Karen
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Badseed
Lynchburg, OH
(Zone 6a)
July 12, 2008
11:46 AM Post #5246622
| Hi Karen,
Thanks. I try not to accept Echecks because of that but I don't argue if someone sends one. Paypal does not like you to ship until the Echeck has cleared which is a dilemma. I usually ship as soon as I get the order. I don't put money in paypal. It just takes it from my bank account when needed.
Paypal will take my debit card, even though USPS won't take it directly. I also have a Paypal debit card. I just ship straight through Paypal when I can now as it's so much easier and that is how I receive most payments.
Michele |
glendalekid
Tuscaloosa, AL
(Zone 7b)
July 12, 2008
11:58 AM Post #5246674
| Badseed,
Okay, I didn't know they would do a direct withdrawal from your bank account. I thought it would do through as an e-check from you. For me, PayPal just takes it from the monies that have been paid for the merchandise. I usually leave about $50.00 in there when I do a withdrawal.
I, too, ship as soon as I get an order, exception being a pending e-check. I do wait for it to clear first. So far, I've only had one payment bounce at PayPal and that was an instant payment. With that I found if a person has both a CC and a bank account on PP and the payment is made through the bank account, it will go through as an instant payment instead of an e-check. In this case, the bank account was closed and the CC was no good. So, the payment bounced five days after I had shipped. I did get my money from the buyer after about two weeks. Pain in the neck, though.
Karen
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gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
July 12, 2008
12:18 PM Post #5246775
| I need to learn how to do this! How fantastic through Paypal... |
Badseed
Lynchburg, OH
(Zone 6a)
July 12, 2008
12:29 PM Post #5246848
| The nice thing about shipping through Paypal, is actually using the buyers shipping money to ship. That way you are not out of pocket. If all your payments are through Paypal, you can click "print a shipping label" right on the notice that they paid and everything is filled in for you. It's very easy and you are not hunting for addresses and real names versus email names, etc! This is great for me because of USPS not accepting my debit card. |
KatG
Port Charlotte, FL
(Zone 10a)
July 13, 2008
12:37 PM Post #5251859
| That's great informaton Karen and Badseed. Thanks-alot!
Kat |
2pugdogs
(Linda) Winfield, KS
(Zone 6a)
 July 13, 2008
04:46 PM Post #5253109
| I don't like the idea not knowing what shipping is before you commit to buy. |
gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
July 13, 2008
05:07 PM Post #5253224
| I always tell people an approximate cost and I am always within a dollar or two at the most off...and then, I don't charge them later if I undercharged a dollar or two either. |
Azalea
Jonesboro, GA
(Zone 7b)
July 13, 2008
06:19 PM Post #5253573
| Since I have been doing this for some time now, I can pretty well judge what the S/H will be. Most plants I sell are a pound or less, so I know that if I charge $5.00 it should cover most things for Priority, that basic fee is now $4.75 for a pound or under. Surely, nobody would begrudge me that .25 for my time and supplies to pack. Some larger ones are of course some extra. S/H=Shipping and Handling.
I always ship them bareroot, the soil would weigh more than the plant. If I ship more than one at a time, I charge $2.00 extra, this nearly always covers the extra weight in one box. I try to always put the S/H fee on the ad, but sometimes I forget.
On my formica desk, I have marked off 37 inches to cover the length of the larger triangle tubes to quickly measure the size of all the various boxes I use. I use a small digital scale to double check the weight if in doubt, then print the labels on line as Badseed said and drop them off - no waiting in line.
Some folk's use the Flat Rate boxes, but I think they are way tooo expensive, I can't remember when I paid $8.00 for one box.
This message was edited Jul 13, 2008 6:22 PM |
ardesia
Saint Helena Island, SC
(Zone 9a)
July 13, 2008
06:28 PM Post #5253638
| Before I list anything I weigh it along with the appropriate packaging materials. If it is not a live plant I can actually pack it up before I weigh it.
I then list the weight along with my zip code (i.e. the weight is 3lbs., 6 oz. from zip code 12345.) Buyers can figure the cost from my zip to theirs at the USPS website. Then I'll add contact me for costs of combining multiple items. For me it is easier to build in the cost of somethng like a padded envelope into the price rather than offend someone with excessive costs. |
gapeahen
Donna in Douglas, GA
(Zone 8b)
July 27, 2008
01:05 AM Post #5325773
| ardesia, my pack & ship is alot like yours! Best for the buyer to look up there shipping charges so theres no surprises!
Although I'm not a BIG seller yet!! I've pack & ship in plants with soil & containers. Using USPS box each time (12 x 12 x 8 ) along with wraping the plants in newspaper in cone shape. Each time my weigh is the same wither it's 3 - 2" or 2- 4" containers.
Now in the HEAT of summer, I'm using a different method without the containers. Less soil and alot more moisture that adds to the weight. Just ship to NM from Ga in 2 days with NO wilt. Buyer very happy and join Dave's the day he recieve his plants! Which put a good feelin in my heart!!
I did screw up on one of my first orders. I mail the wrong plant !! And the buyer did not contact me, I read about it in another thread. I did contact buyer & ship the correct plant. What a lesson I've learn!!! Double name tags for me!! And most of all a follow up d-mail to make sure plant/plants arrive safely and buyer is HAPPY!! Heck I'll lose a few bucks to keep my customer happy and hoping they'll shop again the me!
 Donna
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