$25.98 shipping for 2 Peace dollars

I do not have THE answer - nor do I think anyone does. That is why the first thing I said to do was "Call eBay and see what they have to say". Their answer may be the worst one here, but it is the one that counts.

 

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The lesson learned here is to always check the shipping fees before you bid. You have to calculate shipping in to the total cost of any item on EBay, it's really part of the cost of a transaction. Many sellers provide free shipping. Those are the ones who often get my business.

First , I'd contact the seller. If he offers to combine shipping, I'd leave him positive feedback. If he gouges you for thirteen bucks shipping per coin, I'd let him know that you intend to leave negative feedback. And then do so.

Even if I left positive feedback, I'd rate him a one star in the shipping charges category. EBay now asks buyers to rate sellers on a scale of one thru five stars for four categories, I think they are; accuracy of item description, quickness of shipping, shipping charges and communication.

 

Gosh. It seems like the seller listed the fees and did not state combined shipping. Post bid is too late to decide you don't like the deal. Some sellers include a charge for their time and mileage when calculating shipping costs. I believe they have every right to do that. Sorry you're disappointed and better luck on future bids. Don't let this sour you on ebay, I think it's a fun place to buy coins.

 

eBay has stopped this practice for certain categories, but hasn't gotten around to coins - so, if they haven't stopped it, it's still fair game. ebay is a big company that gouges on fees, they have the ability to stop it, if they wish. Many do this for electronics/batteries ans other categories. However, it doesn’t work for coins in a big way, as it confuses many buyers, especially the ones that don't read the ads. I once listed a BIN for a Jackie $5 BU Comem for $500 with the remainder of the value assigned to S&H. I sold it 8 times within half an hour - each time canceling the sale at the sellers request when they saw the S&H brought the price up to FMV. Okay, fess up, who out there bought it without reading my ad?

 

Oh, yes they have stopped it for coins.

 

So, if you try to shift the price to S&H, does eBay automatically block posting the ad, as it does with other categories? Also, eBay policy once spelled out which categories were barred from shifting, does it now list coins?

 

The only policy I have ever seen was applicable to ALL categories. See http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/selling-practices.html. I see not one word regarding difference between categories.

 

Yes, I was aware of the shipping charge before I bid, but I thought Ebay wanted to stop this "bid .99, pay $20 shipping" stuff, because they get less fees. I bid with the shipping in mind. The seller , especially with coins, is only going to get FMV anyway, so why not be honest and sane about the shipping?

 

Doesn't look like they changed it yet. From your link, eBay tells you what you CAN do, but does not require it:

Some of the most basic things you can do are to provide accurate and consistent details about your item and to be clear and specific about the terms and conditions of the sale. You should also make every effort to provide excellent customer service from start to finish, including:

Charging reasonable shipping and handling costs


Further down the page, eBay requires this:

Categories with maximum shipping costs
eBay sets maximum shipping costs in some categories. You can only charge more than the maximum shipping cost if you use calculated shipping and enter an item's actual size and weight with the packing materials.

The categories are:

Books
DVDs & Movies
Music
Video Games

However, like I said, I found it doesn't work in a big way for coins, so I don't shift cost anymore.

 

It's a way to lower fees paid to eBay. eBay can stop it if they like, can't believe they haven't gotten around to it yet.

 

My guess is that if you ask eBay, they will adjust it - one way or another. The only way you will find out is to call/contact them - live help if you have to.

 

The reason they will not set a maximum for coins is that you are allowed to charge for insurance. When you sell a $10,000 coin, that is expensive. There are no $10,000 dvd's, video game, et al. However, charging $5 for a coin and $500 for shipping will not fly. Part of Captainkirk's problem is that he is in no man's land. If the seller were charging $10, I assure you, eBay would do noting. >$15 and he would lose his listing. $12.99, I do not know. However, I would strongly suspect they will not like $25.98.

Despite all of this, every category goes by the same guide lines.

 

If the item clearly stated $12.99 shipping, there are three comments I have...

1) I would have never considered his items, nor ever consider them in the future.

2) You knew up front, and at the very least, you should have asked if seller combined shipping.

3) I would have never considered his items, nor ever consider them in the future.

 

I don't see why you wouldn't buy from a seller based on his shipping prices? If it's clearly stated then there's no foul play.

I understand that it's against eBay's rules but it won't affect the buyer if the seller is violating rules.

 

Yeah, if it's a nice coin that I want and the total is close to FMV, I'd buy it. All the power to the guy if he can save some fees and eBay let's him get away with it. If I win multiples from this type of seller, I know full well I'm not going to get a full combined shipping deal, but I ask and sometimes the seller knocks a little off.

 

I am not disappointed in the price I paid, I think it was correct in total for the coins, that's my point, the seller is almost always going to get 16 to 20 bucks for a common Peace dollar. It's the breakdown of bid to shipping ratio that is perplexing. Here's a link to one of the coins - http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110569821260&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT
No combined shipping is plainly stated, This is simply ebay fee avoidance, and I just thought it was being enforced. I am sure the bid would have been much higher with lower shipping.
(it is 3:30 am here, I have a toothache and can't sleep, took pain meds, so I am slightly ethereal)

 

Excessive Fee Options

I believe you will find there are numerous options, up to, and including non-payment. These choices are yours to make, if the net cost of ~$18 is felt to be excessive. I suspect that if you asked the seller to cancel the auction because of your belated trepidation, you would be relieved of contract continuation, by mutual consent of cancellation. Most concerned buyers will request reduced fees, after auction closing. I believe that most informed bidders understand the seemingly excessive S/H fees. In the past, the body of my auctions included information explaining to bidders the general "handling" costs associated with eBay selling including mandated PayPal payment/requirements. EBay canceled my auctions, informing me that it was unacceptable to explain selling costs, or share these costs with the buyer. I received numerous positive responses from buyers for my candid explanation, including feedback where the buyers would not rate the shipping, while rating all other auction facets maximumly. Positive buyer feedback included facetious statements of "reasonable" S/H charges, and general understanding. Most sellers want contented customers, and would generally be pleased if you purchased one of the "competitive" greater net cost offerings with "free shipping", or went to eBid where the offered net prices are generally greater than eBay. You can share your concerns with eBay, who will probably chastise the seller, or cancel the sellers offerings. I know that many buyers believe it is a matter of principle to challenge the charges, but personally I would prefer to avoid this internal conflict by just not placing bids on offensive auctions. Just an opinion, with wishes for future satisfaction/peace, worth at least what was paid for same.

 

I think that it depends on the items worth, because

You rather pay an item $50 with free shipping or with the same item it costs $10 plus $30 shipping. You know that Ebay raised the fee all the time. The last time Ebay raised the fee from ? to 9% on auction item, they advertised that " No final fee if the item didn't sell".
They always will not charge the final fee if the item didn't sell before. I think they try to make you not to pay attention to 9% raised.

 

I agree especially with 1) and 3). TC

 

That SUCKS!