There are eBayers that look for deals like that. The fact that they turn into raging *******s is just par for the course. Always use the weight of the item with a pound for two added for just in case and calculated shipping. If you use flat rate shipping, figure out the f.a.r.thest and most costly place to ship and use that. It's always easier to give back then try and justify your own mistakes. Also know that PayPal won't protect an item for Int'l unless is shipped Priority Mail or better.

gary u have to say exact shipping based on guess size and weight and zip been there done that it sad sometimes u find people that understand and pay the extra but very rare gary

Gary,

That is completely honorable of you to refund overcharged shipping fees and I applaud that, however, it is not dishonorable to keep the additional when that happens and this example is exactly why. I find it interesting to see how touchy people get about shipping charges on eBay. When you see people write things such as "I only charge actual shipping rates" (meaning they don't inflate those rates) that is very nice, but you devalue yourself when you do that. Case in point, billnvick, extraordinarily nice guy that he is, helped me out on a project by selling three orphan shells to me for next to nothing. I know that he has to drive a pretty good distance to ship items. I would assume between the time it took to package the items, and the time it took to deliver them for postage and return home, he was easily into an hour and a half to two hours of his time. As far as I am aware he only charged me for the actual shipping charges. The reality is that his time (and everyone else's) is worth something. That's why businesses use the term "shipping and handling." It just always rubs me the wrong way when people get upset at the thought that someone might try to "profit" off of shipping. Unless you calculated the amount of time and materials required to ship an item into your selling cost, there is absolutely nothing wrong with marking up shipping to cover your actual costs INCLUDING time. Now, if shipping a tom mount costs $10.00 and you charge $75, that is probably something else altogether.

In this case, you did the right thing. You included the shipping cost in your post which makes that a binding contract. You asked a question to see if the guy on the other end would buck up as it never hurts to ask. When that failed, you moved on and that is the nature of business. In the future, I would suggest including language that states that shipping will be billed based on actual costs unless you can use a flat rate box. Some people will shy away from bidding on items like that, but for crying out loud, things (including shipping costs) are worth money! People do not need to make $$ off of shipping but they also don't need to work for free. That seems to be a fundamental economic idea that escapes so many people.

I'll get off my soapbox now before I start getting political. That would just be bad all the way around.

been on ebay for over 10 years and have bought a lot . generally speaking ,most of my problems come down to shipping and the sellers incompetence at being able to give me a shipping quote up front, even after I asked. ebay is a business. you are selling stuff.you wouldn't expect any other business to be guessing on shipping.

1) if you want to sell on ebay. buy a scale. completely accurate ones that will weigh in excess of 10 lbs. can be had for less than 15.00.

2) completely forget about ebays shipping estimates and use the postal website. it's even easier for international because it is country to country. i don't know how many people have asked me for my zipcode, to give me a shipping estimate , even after knowing that i live in a another country.

3) state what the shipping will be up front. it's not hard to calculate.

4) there will be no surprises

Calfskin makes a good point.

Shoulda stuck a freekin' stamp on the part and sent it on. giggle giggle giggle

If it fits, it ships. http://postcalc.usps.com/

Small parts always USPS

INT rates and US Rates always stay the same. (Canada is slightly cheaper)

US

small box around $5.15-5.35

medium box $11-12

large $15 ish

INT

Small $16.95

medium $47 (not worth it anymore)

Drums hardware etc...

Fedex Home Delivery

I think eBay offers an incentive to sign up with them.

get an account and you get a discount on shipping.

$15 to ship a snare drum most anywhere in the states.

:2Cents:

For overseas..

On small parts,1st Class International is the way to go..

I can ship a badge,for example,to Canada for $3.50...

Just wanted to point out.Say a flat rate small box 5.25 tracking number 85 cents total 6.10 i change 7.00 on ebay for a box that size thats because Ebay takes a 3% of the shipping cost now.So i make about 50 cents on the handling....Mikey