# ebay buyer wants to combine shipping, but i dkd not offer it, what is my response? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 6, 2009, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-buyer-wants-to-combine-shipping-but-i-dkd-not-offer-it-what-is-my-response/480028 "2009-01-06T02:56:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![IAmNotSpartacus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/cc9497/32.png) [@IAmNotSpartacus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IAmNotSpartacus)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-buyer-wants-to-combine-shipping-but-i-dkd-not-offer-it-what-is-my-response/480028/41 "2009-01-06T05:47:31Z")
> [@Stan\_Shmenge](#): > > So when I am bidding on multiple items from a seller myself, I should just ASSUME that they will combine shipping, even though it is a specific criteria for an auction? Good to know! :rolleyes: No, you should assume they will provide the service they’ve advertised. If you charge multiple shipping fees, and then ship a single box, you’re not providing the service you’ve advertised. And in that case, you **are** violating Ebay’s excessive shipping policy, as well as opening yourself up to a Paypal claim and a litany of negative feedbacks. Good luck with that. ---
**Author:** ![Stan\_Shmenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/94ad74/32.png) [@Stan\_Shmenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stan_Shmenge)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 6:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-buyer-wants-to-combine-shipping-but-i-dkd-not-offer-it-what-is-my-response/480028/42 "2009-01-06T06:31:32Z")
> [@IAmNotSpartacus](#): > > No, you should assume they will provide the service they’ve advertised. > > If you charge multiple shipping fees, and then ship a single box, you’re not providing the service you’ve advertised. And in that case, you **are** violating Ebay’s excessive shipping policy, as well as opening yourself up to a Paypal claim and a litany of negative feedbacks. > > Good luck with that. The bottom line is that even ebayers on the Dope can’t agree on what is right and what is wrong. As I said, I have no problem sending the items out individually, like that is going to help the bidder. So, answer me this- Why does ebay encourage you to offer combined shipping, if it is presumed that everyone does it? Factual answer please! ---
**Author:** ![Stan\_Shmenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/94ad74/32.png) [@Stan\_Shmenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stan_Shmenge)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 6:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-buyer-wants-to-combine-shipping-but-i-dkd-not-offer-it-what-is-my-response/480028/43 "2009-01-06T06:35:45Z")
> [@ivn1188](#): > > So many posts to argue your case? The lady doth protest too much, methinks. I am not arguing any case. I am soliciting advice. I have already stated that I am willing to meet the guy halfway, and if he doesn’t like it, he can take it or leave it. In light of that, if he accepts my offer, I see no scenario where he has a legit complaint. ---
**Author:** ![Stan\_Shmenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/94ad74/32.png) [@Stan\_Shmenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stan_Shmenge)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 6:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-buyer-wants-to-combine-shipping-but-i-dkd-not-offer-it-what-is-my-response/480028/44 "2009-01-06T06:37:50Z")
In fact, since he is a winning bidder, I am obligated to ebay for not just listing fees, but their commission on the sale, which I am, at this point, willing to eat. More and more, I just want to tell the dude to f-off. ---
**Author:** ![IAmNotSpartacus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/cc9497/32.png) [@IAmNotSpartacus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IAmNotSpartacus)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-buyer-wants-to-combine-shipping-but-i-dkd-not-offer-it-what-is-my-response/480028/45 "2009-01-06T06:39:26Z")
> [@Stan\_Shmenge](#): > > So, answer me this- Why does ebay encourage you to offer combined shipping, if it is presumed that everyone does it? Factual answer please! As a means to drive more sales, thus increasing their commissions. ---
**Author:** ![Stan\_Shmenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/94ad74/32.png) [@Stan\_Shmenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stan_Shmenge)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 6:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-buyer-wants-to-combine-shipping-but-i-dkd-not-offer-it-what-is-my-response/480028/46 "2009-01-06T06:52:47Z")
> [@IAmNotSpartacus](#): > > As a means to drive more sales, thus increasing their commissions. So, if it is assumed, how does it drive more sales? Why just not make it a rule and save everyone the trouble? ---
**Author:** ![IAmNotSpartacus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/cc9497/32.png) [@IAmNotSpartacus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IAmNotSpartacus)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 7:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-buyer-wants-to-combine-shipping-but-i-dkd-not-offer-it-what-is-my-response/480028/47 "2009-01-06T07:12:18Z")
> [@Stan\_Shmenge](#): > > So, if it is assumed, how does it drive more sales? It’s not always assumed. Many sellers have learned that is more effective for them to state their combined shipping policy in their auctions, so as to avoid being in uncomfortable situations such as the one you found yourself in. (Selling on Ebay is very much a learn-by-experience thing, as you’re also finding out) > [@](#): > > Why just not make it a rule and save everyone the trouble? Some sellers will not or can not combine shipping. Generally, I’ve found that those who refuse to combine shipping are using shipping/handling as a means of lining their pocket. As for why Ebay doesn’t make it an across-the-board rule, I can’t speculate. I will note that [not long ago](http://pages.ebay.com/sell/august2008update/maxshipping/), Ebay implemented “maximum shipping” rules for a number of categories. ---
**Author:** ![Stan\_Shmenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/94ad74/32.png) [@Stan\_Shmenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stan_Shmenge)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 7:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-buyer-wants-to-combine-shipping-but-i-dkd-not-offer-it-what-is-my-response/480028/48 "2009-01-06T07:22:19Z")
> [@IAmNotSpartacus](#): > > It’s not always assumed. Many sellers have learned that is more effective for them to state their combined shipping policy in their auctions, so as to avoid being in uncomfortable situations such as the one you found yourself in. > > (Selling on Ebay is very much a learn-by-experience thing, as you’re also finding out) > Some sellers will not or can not combine shipping. Generally, I’ve found that those who refuse to combine shipping are using shipping/handling as a means of lining their pocket. > > As for why Ebay doesn’t make it an across-the-board rule, I can’t speculate. I will note that [not long ago](http://pages.ebay.com/sell/august2008update/maxshipping/), Ebay implemented “maximum shipping” rules for a number of categories. I object to the phrase “lining their pocket”. It is a tired old phrase, usually used by leftist types. How about, “charging enough to make it worth the while”. After all, the shipping costs are spelled out in advance, and a few bucks for dealing with all the trouble isn’t exactly usery. The bidder can see the shipping/handling costs before making a bid. If they consider that unfair, that is their problem. Perhaps ebay should break down the charges. Make shipping equal to the actual cost, and handling a seperate charge. Tell me, did you vote for Obama? ---
**Author:** ![Tabby\_Cat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Tabby\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tabby_Cat)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 7:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-buyer-wants-to-combine-shipping-but-i-dkd-not-offer-it-what-is-my-response/480028/49 "2009-01-06T07:30:32Z")
> [@Stan\_Shmenge](#): > > Tell me, did you vote for Obama? :dubious: Ooooookaaaaay… ---
**Author:** ![Amp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Amp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amp)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 7:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-buyer-wants-to-combine-shipping-but-i-dkd-not-offer-it-what-is-my-response/480028/50 "2009-01-06T07:52:37Z")
You know, I was with you at the beginning of this thread. Now you’re just being a dick. It’s obvious what you wanted to do in the first place, charge the separate shipping charges, so just do it. Why did you even bother starting this thread? ---
**Author:** ![Stan\_Shmenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/94ad74/32.png) [@Stan\_Shmenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stan_Shmenge)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 8:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-buyer-wants-to-combine-shipping-but-i-dkd-not-offer-it-what-is-my-response/480028/51 "2009-01-06T08:09:44Z")
> [@Amp](#): > > You know, I was with you at the beginning of this thread. Now you’re just being a dick. It’s obvious what you wanted to do in the first place, charge the separate shipping charges, so just do it. Why did you even bother starting this thread? Yes, when I already stated that I would meet them halfway and more. You have not achieved the state of Kolinahr. Your answer lies elsewhere. Live long and prosper… ---
**Author:** ![Stan\_Shmenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/94ad74/32.png) [@Stan\_Shmenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stan_Shmenge)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 8:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-buyer-wants-to-combine-shipping-but-i-dkd-not-offer-it-what-is-my-response/480028/52 "2009-01-06T08:12:04Z")
And to make a finer point of it, we are talking ten or twenty bucks, more or less, which I could care. It is the principle. ---
**Author:** ![Stan\_Shmenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/94ad74/32.png) [@Stan\_Shmenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stan_Shmenge)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 8:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-buyer-wants-to-combine-shipping-but-i-dkd-not-offer-it-what-is-my-response/480028/53 "2009-01-06T08:22:42Z")
Beyond that, the items totaled about $15, with the shipping being $35 more. Almost $50 for some supermarket checkout books seems like a ripoff, even to me. If someone bought a “Wining at Bingo” book for .99 plus $3.00 s+h, I would ship it right out. This person bought a bunch of these for whatever reason. I guess I can forget about linking this thread to the person in an email, but by God, this person is a moron. They are spending good money for crap supermarket books. One or two? Fun. Buying out my inventory? Gives me a bad feeling. I am not out to take advantage of anyone. But they made a bid, with terms clearly explained. I guess you can sell any damn thing on ebay. Barnum was right. ---
**Author:** ![Cazzle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cazzle/32/75_2.png) [@Cazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cazzle)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 8:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-buyer-wants-to-combine-shipping-but-i-dkd-not-offer-it-what-is-my-response/480028/54 "2009-01-06T08:25:59Z")
> [@Stan\_Shmenge](#): > > To use an internet cliche, THIS. > > I honestly did not expect all these to go to one person, who BTW, pretty much sniped the auctions at the last hour… > > Post bid, the person’s moral ground is shaky at best. Perhaps I will offer (I really want to use a gender specific pronoun here, like “him”) this person half off the total shipping for his orders, and give him a link to this thread where we all agonized over it. :rolleyes: > > Crimeny, I have already wasted much more time here discussing it! But it is the principal of the thing. I am new to selling (not buying!) on ebay and want to do the right thing. 1. There is no rule against sniping. 2. There is no rule against _asking_ a seller if he would combine shipping, post auction, particularly if the auction did not expressly state that shipping could not be combined. 3. There IS a rule against charging extra on fees like shipping and handling. Sellers are supposed to list their items at the lowest price that will cover all their pre-sale costs, not factor those into “handling”. 4. One reason for the rule against padding shipping charges is because eBay doesn’t charge commission on shipping. By taking your profits there instead of from the sale price, you’re depriving eBay of their commission. So if I was to throw around accusations of standing on shaky moral ground, it wouldn’t be against the guy who, as far as I can tell, asked (not demanded) if you would combine shipping, as so many sellers do as a matter of course and as is entirely reasonable when it will cost you far less to send 10 items to 1 address than 10 items to 10 addresses. And I think if you posted him a link to this thread, you would be handing him evidence that you are attempting to circumnavigate eBay’s rules and he could conceivably use it against you. ---
**Author:** ![Stan\_Shmenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/94ad74/32.png) [@Stan\_Shmenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stan_Shmenge)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 8:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-buyer-wants-to-combine-shipping-but-i-dkd-not-offer-it-what-is-my-response/480028/55 "2009-01-06T08:30:46Z")
And some of the books have merit. The stuff that was prepared by the “Bottom Line Secrets” people has a lot of good advice. But “Winning at Bingo”?!? Anyway, my next offerings will be more upscale. I have a lot of stuff to sell, and I was using these trivial items to get the hang of it. Thanks for all the replies. ---
**Author:** ![Qwisp](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qwisp/32/397_2.png) [@Qwisp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qwisp)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 8:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-buyer-wants-to-combine-shipping-but-i-dkd-not-offer-it-what-is-my-response/480028/56 "2009-01-06T08:32:07Z")
There is no “principle” the buyer asked if you would combine shipping. You can answer yes or no. He did not make it a condition of the sale. Like others have said, if you want to ship them individually go ahead.But make sure they are packaged and sent individually, otherwise it seems as if you are scamming the buyer with shipping and handling costs. You can save money at the post office by shipping through media mail. My advice would be to offer to combine the shipment and only charge half the original shipping fee. This will probably save you time and money and probably get you good feedback. ---
**Author:** ![clairobscur](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/839c29/32.png) [@clairobscur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clairobscur)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 8:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-buyer-wants-to-combine-shipping-but-i-dkd-not-offer-it-what-is-my-response/480028/57 "2009-01-06T08:38:24Z")
> [@Amp](#): > > Why did you even bother starting this thread? Didn’t the OP envision to give a link to this thread to the buyer? ---
**Author:** ![Stan\_Shmenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/94ad74/32.png) [@Stan\_Shmenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stan_Shmenge)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 8:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-buyer-wants-to-combine-shipping-but-i-dkd-not-offer-it-what-is-my-response/480028/58 "2009-01-06T08:44:10Z")
> [@Cazzle](#): > > 1. There is no rule against sniping. No duh, I do it myself. > [@](#): > > 1. There IS a rule against charging extra on fees like shipping and handling. Sellers are supposed to list their items at the lowest price that will cover all their pre-sale costs, not factor those into “handling”. > . Sellers are free to list their items at any price. You are free to sell things at a loss, and given the nature of an auction, this may occur. Sellers are allowed to charge fees for shipping as well as reasonable handling charges, and I would challenge you to provide a cite that they are not. As far as cheating ebay out of commissions, the fact is that I have no idea what the final bid on an item will be. That is up to the bidder. At this point, I am concluding that a lot of ebayers are a bunch of beanie baby trading weeners with no life, and maybe I should be slanging my stuff on Craig’s List, or down by the docks. ---
**Author:** ![Stan\_Shmenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/94ad74/32.png) [@Stan\_Shmenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stan_Shmenge)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 8:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-buyer-wants-to-combine-shipping-but-i-dkd-not-offer-it-what-is-my-response/480028/59 "2009-01-06T08:45:10Z")
> [@clairobscur](#): > > Didn’t the OP envision to give a link to this thread to the buyer? Nope. Just asking what I should do. Futile effort, it seems. ---
**Author:** ![Cazzle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cazzle/32/75_2.png) [@Cazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cazzle)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 8:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-buyer-wants-to-combine-shipping-but-i-dkd-not-offer-it-what-is-my-response/480028/60 "2009-01-06T08:46:55Z")
> [@Stan\_Shmenge](#): > > Beyond that, the items totaled about $15, with the shipping being $35 more. Almost $50 for some supermarket checkout books seems like a ripoff, even to me. If someone bought a “Wining at Bingo” book for .99 plus $3.00 s+h, I would ship it right out. This person bought a bunch of these for whatever reason. I guess I can forget about linking this thread to the person in an email, but by God, this person is a moron. They are spending good money for crap supermarket books. One or two? Fun. Buying out my inventory? Gives me a bad feeling. I am not out to take advantage of anyone. > > But they made a bid, with terms clearly explained. > > I guess you can sell any damn thing on ebay. Barnum was right. People will often “buy out your inventory” with the expectation that they can combine shipping. 1 book @ 99c each + $3.00 shipping = $3.99/book vs. 5 books @ 99c each + $6.00 shipping = $2.19/book and therefore better value. I’ve done it myself when I’ve seen a book that I want but can’t justify the price when shipping is taken into account so I’ve checked to see if the seller has any others that I want to bring the average price per item down. And you may mock him now, but you’ll be laughing on the other side of your face when your buyer takes his bingo winnings and uses it to set himself up as Cat Adviser To The Stars. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-buyer-wants-to-combine-shipping-but-i-dkd-not-offer-it-what-is-my-response/480028.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-buyer-wants-to-combine-shipping-but-i-dkd-not-offer-it-what-is-my-response/480028.md?page=4)