Should I step up to Expedited

[bytownjeff]

Another newbie query.  I realize this topic has been discussed elsewhere.  But, the threads I have read seem to get long winded and at times somewhat hostile.  So I will try to be succinct and go for simple yes or no answers 🙂

This specific item applies primarily to shipping to the U.S. as I can send an oversized Other Lettermail registered and extra insured in Canada for the same item I am forced to send as a parcel to the U.S. in order to increase the insurance above $60 (near as I can figure)

I want to sell an item for around $250, less than the cutoff for PayPal Seller Insurance without a signature of $325

1.Since both shipping methods provide me with proof of delivery to the correct address (whether it was or not) is the extra expense of moving up to Expedited from Tracked Packet in order to add Canada Post insurance wasting money by double insuring the item with both Canada Post and PayPal?

3. Or, is it a case of insuring with Canada Post in the event they do not confirm delivery and with PayPal in the event they do confirm but the buyer claims they did not? (which can certainly happen|)

2. Can all PayPal users access Expedited shipping when printing the label. (Or do I need a Venture card?)

thanks in advance,

Jeff

[inuk_the_polar_bear]

You have a whole lot of what-if in there. What is "Paypal seller insurance"? Ya got em on that one. Never heard of it.

Insurance, on its own, is a waste of money. Odds of a scam or non-receipt are ridiculously small. Why do you think the insurance is so cheap?

No, you do not need a Venture One card for Paypal shipping.

[pierrelebel]

"and go for simple yes or no answers"

No.

[inuk_the_polar_bear]

Simple answers to complex questions leads to creative errors.

[rose-dee]

"bytownjeff" -- No question about shipping is simple on eBay.  I think most experienced sellers would agree it's a complex issue, largely because of DRS risks.  And issues and answers can be different for each seller.  However, I'll try to answer your questions from my own experience:

1)  I'm faced with this scenario a lot, and I choose Expedited, and pay for the excess insurance.  Once online discounts become available for Tracked Packet ("TP"), I'll switch, and rely on Paypal insurance for items over $250 in value, if, but only if, the item has qualified for Paypal coverage -- not all do.  As you probably know, TP includes $100 in insurance.

2) You don't need a Venture One card to use Paypal online labelling for any of the available services (i.e. all but lettermail).  There may be restrictions for new sellers though -- check the "Selling" tab on eBay for new seller requirements.  Using Paypal online labelling will get you the eBay/Paypal shipping discounts for applicable services.

3)  My understanding is that Cda Post insurance covers the seller for loss, damage or non-receipt, whereas Paypal covers the buyer (again, if an item doesn't qualify for Paypal coverage, it's prudent to buy Cda Post insurance, or other private insurance for higher value items, to protect yourself).  

I'm sure other sellers will have their own views of insurance/shipping issues.  Incidentally, I thought $250.00 was still the cutoff value requiring a signature for Paypal coverage -- has there been a recent change?  I'll need to check on this. 

I hope this is of some help -- sorry it couldn't be simple "yes" or "no"! :8}

[bytownjeff]

Thank you rose-dee. I think you've confirmed what I was thinking.  Since I haven't sold a parcel yet, I just want to be certain of my costs so that I might pass any savings on to the buyers and also not out myself in a bad spot should something go wrong..  Until I can sort that out, it keeps me from listing more items.

I guess no one told PayPal that the U.S. and Cannuck $1 have been at par, or virtually at par, for a few years now. 😮

From PayPal Canada about 3/4 down the page:

Signature Confirmation as described below if the full amount of the payment, including shipping and taxes, is $325 CAD, or its  foreign currency equivalent provided below:

250 United States Dollar (USD)

cheers,

Jeff

[rose-dee]

I guess no one told PayPal that the U.S. and Cannuck $1 have been at par, or virtually at par, for a few years now. 😮

Signature Confirmation as described below if the full amount of the payment, including shipping and taxes, is $325 CAD, or its  foreign currency equivalent provided below:

250 United States Dollar (USD)

Yes, this is a real spread!  I believe the reason may be, that because the Cdn. dollar fluctuates so much, Paypal just placed an arbitrary cap that would cover most foreseeable values - this is about 76% Cdn to US value, which makes sense. 

So as a Cdn. seller, if you sell in Cdn$, you'll have more leeway as the currency exchange stands right now.  I sell exclusively in US$, so I'm stuck with $250.

As sellers we all run into issues and problems from time to time.  Keep a calm, businesslike perspective always, and good luck to you! 

[ggsale27]

For items of that value, I always use Expedited. I wouldn't dream of shipping anywhere , even in Canada , without insurance. If something should go wrong, that's a lot of money to be out.

[pjcdn2005]

1.Since both shipping methods provide me with proof of delivery to the correct address (whether it was or not) is the extra expense of moving up to Expedited from Tracked Packet in order to add Canada Post insurance wasting money by double insuring the item with both Canada Post and PayPal?

You do get a discount of about 20-25% on expedited when you use Paypal shipping so until Tracked Packet is available on Paypal, the price of the two services is probably very close. As far as buying the extra $100 or so of insurance, that depends on your comfort level.

Few packages do get lost although it can happen.

I'm not sure what you mean by double insuring. If the buyer puts in a claim for an item not received and delivery confirmation shows that they have received it, then paypal will rule against the buyer. But if delivery confirmation did not show that the package was delivered you would have to refund the buyer in which case you would be out the shipping cost and the original cost of the item if you did not have insurance.

Just in case you don't know...your most expensive item does not have a shipping price for the U.S. so it's possible that it won't be seen on .com.

[i*m-still-here]

The question of how far to go .......... or how much to spend ............... to insure items is a very personal one.

The decision is almost always based on fear and not logic: 

"What if the item seller files a claim,?"  "What if the item gets damaged en route?" What if what if what if......... etc. etc. etc.

That's the emotional side to it.   The same dynamics drive people to buy lottery tickets.

The logical side, on the hand:

The one thing I do know for sure is that I'd be several thousands of dollars ahead right now had I never paid extra for insurance and always opted for the least expensive method of shipping available for that item.

Based on my experience, then...........The simple "yes"/"no" answer to the question of whether or not to upgrade a method of shipping beyond what's necessary......... therefore is a resounding .......... NO.

Do I follow my own advice?  Hardly ever!.......... but I guess that's obvious because I just told you I've spend thousands of $s for nothing to insure my items over the years......... (I've collected a couple hundred $s in return.......:)).

[bytownjeff]

@PJ  

Thanks

I gather the PayPal discount is about to fall to "around" 18% before my next listings end. Plus, they always phrase the discounts as being "up to". Which, frankly, doesn't tell me much.

I'm not sure what you mean by double insuring. If the buyer................

Brain fart.  🙂 

Just in case you don't know...your most expensive item does not have a shipping price for the U.S. so it's possible that it won't be seen on .com.

Yes. I knew about that.  Same issue. I was/am trying to sort out the U.S. shipping costs on this. Because it has to do with British royalty in Canada, I figured my best audience was likely here in Canada. So I listed it only here for now.   I'll change it once I'm comfortable with  the shipping costs to other destinations

@ still here

 It's sort of comforting to know that even the old hands around here struggle a bit with this as well.  Sort of. 🙂

thanks,

Jeff