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Posted by fordfillie56 on 04-Jul-2011 20:17 Report
Postage question
Hi All,
I am starting to list stuff here again after a 2 year hiatus. I have been nibbling, but now I am getting a bit more serious. With the new EL, is it better to put the calculate postage thing as that hopefully covers when Auspost put their fees up? or to list what you think it should be. HELP! PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEase!
Cheers Wendy
 
Replied by buzooki on 04-Jul-2011 20:54 (Ref 2302525) Report
Hi Wendy,

I use the postage calculator as much as I can, and it did put the postage prices up automatically today.  I just find it easier, it saves changing a whole lot of listings. I weigh the item and add what weight of the box and wrapping would be, and estimate the size of the box.  If it works out cheaper I refund any difference, if it is more I just wear it.  It is usually spot on though, it is rarely out, so no worries. 

Jen.
Replied by fordfillie56 on 04-Jul-2011 20:58 (Ref 2302527) Report
Thanks Jen
Replied by bitemycrankshaft on 05-Jul-2011 09:28 (Ref 2302557) Report
Hi Wendy... personally I don't use it as it doesn't suit my situation... but I have read two very obvious reasons against the use of the quicksales calculator;

1. The quicksales postage calulator does not allow for packaging and simply calculates postage at the exact AP rate. I think it is easy enough to cover the cost of your shipping overheads within the item price... but there are heaps of members here who find this concept far too difficult to wrap their head around.

2. (This is quite relevant to everybody) The potential buyer needs to be signed in to view postage charges. This can act as a very effective deterrent for any "non-member" who has just surfed in... let's face it, if you had never heard of this site and landed on a listing here via google... would you go to the trouble of registering just to see the postage cost... or would you take the more common approach of forming a negative opinion, hitting the back button and looking elsewhere?

I would also take into account any potential maintenance/glitches which users may encounter on the site before making your decision.  This can also factor in to the availability (or at times, lack thereof) of displaying your postage charges.

I'm not trying to influence you either way... obviously, the postage calculator works for some members... or nobody at all would be using it... I'm just giving you some things to consider before you make your decision. 


 
When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so
long at the closed door, we do not see the one which has opened for us.
Replied by cezm on 05-Jul-2011 12:28 (Ref 2302589) Report
I think it is easy enough to cover the cost of your shipping overheads within the item price... but there are heaps of members here who find this concept far too difficult to wrap their head around.

And then there are those who are quite able to grasp the concept but prefer to put their shipping overheads into the cost of postage so they can provide reduced combined postage for multiple purchases ... 

Personally, I don't use calculated postage. Two of my IDs have postage in the postage instructions section so it is very easy to change when prices rise. The very few that don't fit in satchels or don't go as small parcel or letter rate I change manually. I charge a flat rate for these and refund if there is any change.

On my third ID I have postage listed in the postage section (only because there are not many items). All bar a couple of items fit within the satchel, small parcel or letter rate. It is very easy in EL to do a bulk update of the postage rate if the price increases (just highlight the ones you want to change and edit in bulk). For the remainder I do them manually as above.
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