I am a new member hoping to sell many items collected over the years. Shipping seems to be a serious

[rwit6710]

serious issue. Since a buyer is paying the shipping either directly or indirectly by it's inclusion in the price, does it not make some sense to Not Include shipping in your asking price?  IMO, if I offer the buyer his/her choice of delivery method, he then is in control (somewhat) of shipping costs involved...... But  I'm admittedly a baby in this.

I'd greatly appreciate any and all input 

Thank you in advance

[pierrelebel]

"does it not make some sense to Not Include shipping in your asking price?"

Over the years when dealing with online commerce there has been a growing trend towards buyers wanting "free shipping" (shipping charge included in price).

About three years ago, 25% of all eBay listings offered "free shipping". Today more than 50% of all eBay listings offer "free shipping".

You can either go with the trend (that is what buyers want) or buck it.

Your choice.

"...offer the buyer his/her choice of delivery method"

NOT a good idea.  You decide how to ship.  Period.  Giving buyers a choice they will select the fastest way while wanting to pay the lowest cost!

Before you start, I strongly recommend you purchase several items on eBay, from both Canadian and American sellers.  This will help you understand how the system works and build your feedback rating in the process.  Few serious buyers are interested in purchasing from sellers with zero feedback.

[mg152]

Really, should it be S&H included in total price.
A lot of buyers and new sellers think free shipping is just that, 'free" and the newbies end up losing a lot of money.
I don't know who they think is going to ship free but we see them all the time in the US A/C asking this question;
"I posted an item with free shipping. How do I get the free shipping?"
Or, "who pays for free shipping?"
You gotta wonder about people. Lol!

[mg152]

I'm sorry I forgot to answer your question.
I've tried both and it really doesn't make a difference in the amount of sales I make.
Pierre is correct though. You don't wanna give a buyer too many choices. A lot of them will hit the back button if they actually have to choose. Then they come to the A/C complaining that the seller had too many choices and they didn't understand.
I've seen it happen.