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Improve performance with reasonable shipping fees
In this article


To meet buyer expectations, it’s important to be upfront about shipping costs and minimize the amount you charge for shipping and handling. If you use shipping and handling as a way to make money from buyers, you may receive:

  • Negative or neutral Feedback

Set expectations for shipping costs

By providing shipping details in your listing, you can manage buyer expectations from the start. This helps avoid confusion with unexpected shipping costs, and shipping and handling time.

Common problems

Solutions

Not including accurate details on shipping services and costs can cause confusion.

  • Specify the shipping services you offer in the shipping details section of your listing.

  • State shipping costs clearly by using calculated shipping, or entering a flat shipping rate for each service you offer.

  • Offer more than one shipping service. List each one and include the cost of each service. Some buyers may want to pay more for a faster service, while others may prefer a longer shipping time to save money.

Not providing details on handling costs.

  • Include details on handling costs in your listing. Don't wait until the invoice to tell buyers there's an extra fee.

  • If you do charge extra for handling, make sure you show value by packaging these items with care.

Unexpected customs fees or duties.

  • Make sure all your international listings include a clear message to buyers stating they are responsible for customs fees.

  • If you include this message, eBay will remove negative or neutral Feedback given on those listings due to customs delays or fees. Be sure to read and follow the requirements for this message.

Exceed expectations for shipping costs

There are a few things you can do to make your listing more visible, and give your detailed seller ratings a boost.

Recommendation

Free shipping

  • Try offering free shipping. Fixed price listings may receive more visibility in search, and it's a great way to make customers happy.

Discounts

  • Offer discounts for shipping multiple items in one order. This can increase customer satisfaction and order sizes.

  • Let buyers know you offer combined shipping on multiple orders in your listing.

Save time and money on shipping

Here are a few tips that can help you save time and money on shipping.

Recommendation

Shipping labels

Supplies

  • Get free shipping supplies through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) delivered to you within days. Shipping boxes come in a variety of sizes and work with any Priority Mail® or Priority Mail Flat Rate Service.

USPS or UPS package pick-up

  • Save a trip to the Post Office: You can pay for shipping, print labels on your home printer, and schedule a free carrier pick-up—all online and at no additional charge.

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