eBay

4seasonhockey · ‎03-07-2014

Hi,

I have an item I am selling with one bid on the item. I made a mistake when putting Shipment package dimensions. I went to revise the item to reduce the dimensions but there is a message stating that I cannot modify due to "revision restrictions". It makes total sense to block a revision if a seller wants to increase S&H cost but I am trying to reduce the cost of S&H. Is there another way I can proceed to reduce the dimensions and thus reducing S&H costs ?

Thanks,

38e_avenue · ‎03-07-2014

If someone already placed a bid, you can't change anything anymore. You can only add something to the item's description.

rose-dee · ‎03-07-2014

You won't be able to change the S&H costs (or item dimensions) if there is already a bid on the item, but what you can do is send an invoice to the winning bidder with a revised shipping amount.

I would try to do this as soon as the auction ends, otherwise if you have a very eager buyer they may pay the whole cost immediately, and then you'll have to refund -- which is fine, but not as efficient as handling the reduction via an invoice.

4seasonhockey · ‎03-07-2014

Ok thanks,

Guess I will have less bids that will compensate for high S&H, I'll remember next time.

rose-dee · ‎03-07-2014

@4seasonhockey wrote:
Ok thanks,

Guess I will have less bids that will compensate for high S&H, I'll remember next time.

Well, if you're able to make revisions to the Description section, the other thing you could consider doing is putting a large note at the top of the description along the lines of: "Shipping and Handling will be reduced at time of sale -- please wait for our adjusted invoice before paying". And make sure you're absolutely willing to make that adjustment (discount) no matter where the buyer is located. Otherwise don't use that statement in your description or you'll have a very upset and angry buyer on your hands.

I presume you're using calculated shipping, which means each buyer will get a different result depending on their location?

4seasonhockey · ‎03-07-2014

Can I ask the current bidder if I can Cancel the auction so I can lower the S&H costs. Is there a way that can be done on eBay ?

I don't mind having to repay the insertion fee, it's my mistake.

I really want to put the real S&H costs and not seem like I am the type of guy who inflates S&H costs for profit

4seasonhockey · ‎03-07-2014

Yes I am using calculated shipping and my dimensions are off by 4 inches on all sides (height, widht, depth) !

brandeentertainment · ‎03-07-2014

Compare what it charging to what it would cost you .. Depending on size the 4 inches may make no difference in price

4seasonhockey · ‎03-07-2014

It's like 35% more cost, I don't want people to think I make money off of S&H I'm not like that. Can I just contact the current highest bidder, cancel and redo my auction ?

rose-dee · ‎03-08-2014

@4seasonhockey wrote:
It's like 35% more cost, I don't want people to think I make money off of S&H I'm not like that. Can I just contact the current highest bidder, cancel and redo my auction ?

Yes, you could, as long as there is still enough time left before the auction closes.

If you want to go this route, you might want to first message the buyer (through eBay Messages), let him know you will be cancelling his bid and ending the auction early due to an error in the shipping. Tell him that the actual shipping cost is lower, and that you'll be relisting (tell him when) with the corrected shipping amount. Your bidder may come back, or he may decide to go elsewhere -- that's the risk. You're entitled to cancel bids/end auctions within certain restrictions, although you don't want to make a habit of it.

Personally, if I found myself in your current situation, with a bidder in place, I would post the message in the description that I mentioned earlier (about shipping being reduced upon purchase), and probably also contact the current high bidder to let them know.

It would be even better if you could state the amount or percentage reduction in the shipping -- you mentioned 35%, so state that in the description and in your message to the highest bidder. Someone who has placed a bid has seen your item, most likely checked the shipping amount, and is already prepared to pay it, so he'll be delighted to get an unanticipated shipping discount if he wins the item.