Hellobee Boards

I think its just best to be clear in the post. Like you have described above. Most sites I've seen say if they are US only or willing to ship internationally (and allow to charge the extra fee).

I think the seller should have the right to either do a flat rate shipping or actual shipping costs. But I think the issue with people charging way more than shipping is because they aren't familiar with the best ways to ship. For example, other BST groups the sellers know how to pack stuff up and ship for $2-$3. Here, when I have bought stuff, I feel bad when I see people have paid like $7-8 for shipping.

@mrbee: I'd prefer prices to include shipping. It's easy to estimate PayPal and shipping costs

@mrbee: I think so!

Also in the past I have told people its XX for 1st class or XX for priority and let them decide.

I don't like to include shipping on classified posts where I list a lot of items because the shipping can vary depending on how many items are bought. A few items can ship first class which is a set price anywhere in the country. But once over 13 ounces, price will depend on how far away the buyer is from me.

I like to charge actual shipping cost + taking into account PP fees. But I think whether shipping set price or actual shipping should be left up to the seller.

Maybe if you can give some idea of shipping. I feel like some people on the boards overcharge for shipping and it's hard because you already commit to buying.

@mrbee: that's fair. Otherwise you are blind to how much money you are commiting to spend.

Are there gonna be penalties/consequences now for the Classifieds? I admittedly haven't been following at all, but why couldn't the Classifieds be left as a buyer/seller beware-buy and sell at your own risk kind of thing? It seems like a lot of work...

I always used the classifieds as a quick and easy option to avoid going through eBay or some of the sites with way stricter rules.

@Turd Ferguson: I agree.

@BandDmommy: I'm with you. This is the only place I've seen shipping not included and after getting burned a few times. If a listing does not include shipping I just ignore it.

@mrbee: I've noticed that sometimes people want better prices for batched shipping, but people don't realize you actually pay more, not less when you have to ship more! Unless you're filling up a larger sized priority sized box, obviously. Bee has been on fire with her sales!

It might be something we have to add to suggestions for a future addition to the Classifieds, but maybe some of the items you mentioned in your first post can actually just be boxes sellers click to it's automatically added to ads?

Hmmm interesting people seem to prefer shipping included. I will have to try that next time. I guess I thought someone who bought more than one item might feel like they are being over charged for items with the shipping built into it.

I don't want to make people feel burned with the shipping charge. I'm usually upfront about the cost before I send an invoice and they are welcome to back out or work with me for a cheaper shipping option (like remove item to get it under 13 ounces).

@mrsjyw: I'm the same. This isn't about making money for me so I don't care if my shipping price isn't exact.

@mrbee: I'm in the camp that I do actually like to make money off selling my kids stuff. It helps offset buying them new stuff. That's why I charge exact shipping cost and I feel like I price my items cheaper since I don't include the shipping.

I sell and buy often on FB and vastly prefer shipping to be included in the price, both as a buyer and a seller. I like knowing the price up front. Estimating shipping is easy within the continental US.

The other thing that I think the seller clearly needs to mention is whether they plan to invoice or request you gift. On most pages I am on for FB BST you either invoice or gift as goods and services. If you gift as friends and family the seller has no PayPal protection. I think if someone wants you to gift as friends and family that needs to be clearly stated so you can understand your risk as a buyer.

@mrbee: Ok great. I backed out of a transaction when someone wanted me to gift as F&F and then said I could "trust them." Personally I'm more of a CYA person.