Filed under: Collectable Toys, EBay | Tags: auctions, EBay, mego, shipping, star trek
Alright, I gotta take one more crack at stupid EBay sellers. Shipping charges are really pissing me off. There are three types of sellers on EBay when it comes to shipping policies:
Type #1: Lists their shipping charges and the charges are fair. They cover the cost of shipping and a moderate handling fee of a buck or two.
Type #2: Lists their shipping charges and the charges are incredibly expensive. What they are often doing is getting the buyers attention by keeping the starting price of their auction low, say $0.99. So the auction starting price is $0.99 but the shipping charge is $20-$35! This also helps the seller avoid paying as much to EBay for listing fees and closing fees. I was looking at an item the other day. It was a phaser and tricorder for the old 1970’s Mego Star Trek figures. They were priced fairly, but the shipping fee was $8! What they hell? Throw it in an envelope and you can mail it for less than a buck! Here are two tips for you if you are a seller on EBay. If the shipping charge is not reasonable I will not buy your item. If the shipping charge is higher than the price I am willing to pay for the item, I will not buy from you.
Type #3: Does not even bother to list shipping charges. Some may have a note asking you to contact them for a shipping quote. Is it just me, or is this plain laziness? I will not even bother to bid on auctions like this.
Unfortunately, Type 2 sellers are by far the majority these days. It is getting to the point where I don’t understand why anyone in their right mind would want to shop online. You can get the things you want cheaper by going to a store, and you get some exercise as well. Maybe it’s just me though.
