When and How to Use the eBay Shipping Calculator

Some sellers like using the eBay shipping calculator feature. If you ship via USPS or UPS, you can put the shipping calculator option into your listings to automatically show buyers exact shipping costs up front. They put in their zip code and viola – shipping fees for that item are presented based on the weight and options you pre-determine. You can even include handling fees that are transparent to the shopper.

One warning: Make sure you get your weights accurate. If you make a mistake you’ll have to either suck it up and eat the cost or ask the buyer to pay your (not a fun alternative). Most sellers who find themselves in this predicament just eat the cost and move on.

If most of your items are the same, you’re better off just posting flat rates for your shipping. You don’t need to have the calculator on every listing. Consider your product mix and then try it out.

P.S. Amazon.com knocked 32% off the cover price of "The 7 Essential Steps to Successful eBay Marketing" (McGraw-Hill, 2005). Walmart.com sells if for 36% off!
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