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[RobertC]

http://www.ebay.com/sch/rob-c/m.html

More hardware to follow on eBay -
- Two (2) A2000 systems w/kb & mouse
- An A3000 system w/KB & mouse
- Amiga monitors:
--- Two (2) 1084's
--- One (1) 1084S-P
--- One (1) 1084S-D2
- A2000 keyboards
- More games, apps, CD-ROM titles
- Full-year sets - Amiga magazines

Shipping from Seattle, WA
The usual will combine shipping where possible.

Thanks all!

- Robert

[ck007]

Hey Rob,

What's with $50 postage charge to Australia and the $10 interantional handling fee?


ck

[RobertC]

For what item do refer to?

Handling fees are anywhere from $2-$10 USD.
Time, petrol, supplies, etc.
Living ain't cheap.
Neither is getting around.

[mark_k]

I think he means the "Without exception, all international orders will incur a $10 handling fee" text in all your listings. Presumably that's in addition to the $2-$10 you mention which is included in the stated shipping for US buyers.

As I mentioned in a previous thread, the effect of that is to put off almost all non-US bidders. Of course you're entitled to do that if you want, and for some items it doesn't matter; e.g. it's unlikely any non-US bidders would be interested in a monitor or A2000 anyway, due to the large shipping cost. But for lighter items (and particularly rare/collectable items) I think it can be counter-productive in terms of the final price you achieve.

For example: Suppose you list an item starting at $4.99. A US bidder really wants it, and places a bid of $100. Maybe another US bidder places a bid of $20. With no other bids the auction would end at $21.

It might be that a non-US bidder quite wants the item, and given a reasonable shipping cost would have bid $50. In that case, the auction would end at $51 to the US bidder. So you could have made an extra $30 because the non-US bidder pushed up the final price, even though they wouldn't have won it.

Apart from that, generally getting more interest/bids tends to encourage other bidders to increase their maximum bids.

For what it's worth, I recently bid unsuccessfully on a couple of a US seller's auctions. While I didn't win them, checking the bid history revealed that my bids pushed up the final prices by about $100.

[ck007]

@mark_k

That was exactly what I was referring with the $10 international handling fee. Given the response from the seller, I didn't bother replying.

I didn't realise sending a parcel internationally from the US made a big difference someone's petrol, supplies and time costs.

I buy a ton of stuff from eBayers all over the world, you get a feel for what postage costs should be.

$50 to send a boxed Amiga game when postage should normally cost around $10.

I recently purchased a complete Sega Master System, with additional controllers, 3D glasses, light guns, etc from a seller in the US and the postage to Australia was around $60 - for a big box.

I do agree with your comments though about putting other bidders off. If I really don't want an item, I won't bid - but when I do bid, I usually bid high. Usually the outcome is fairly good for the seller.

I'm surprised the terms and conditions didn't include a surcharge for using PayPal...

[RobertC]

This is going back to 04-08-2012.
It's been a while. And I've been meaning to get back here to follow-up.

@all
OK, first off, apologies for the short, terse and crappy reply.
It was a not-so-great(TM) week that week.

@mark_k
"I think he means the "Without exception, all international orders will incur a $10 handling fee" text in all your listings."
There once was a time, not all that long ago really, that I had very annoying problems with eBay International bidders. I decided to keep offering internationally and thought that a $10 handling fee would stave off the flakes. And it worked mostly, but it also immediately put folks off. For those that communicated with me (which, I do occasionally enjoy some fun banter in the eBay realm) I would reduce handling to $2. But you have to SAY something, not just "Wassup up wit dat stuff Jackie Boy?".
Also, while trying to be fair with shipping, I was getting burnt with under-calculating shipping costs. A +$10 buffer would make up for any errors on my part. I mean really, who likes losing money on something your selling. If the extra monies was up there, meaning paid over by quite a bit, I would feel compelled to send some monies back to the buyer, and I have.

@mark_k
"Presumably that's in addition to the $2-$10 you mention which is included in the stated shipping for US buyers."
No, no and no. That would just be seriously wrong.
The max handling usually is $2. Unless it's a complex item to package. then I request more. I presume some of you have asked for quotes for packaging items such as computers and monitors. The safest method for shipping is to double box, and it ain't cheap to have the store do it.

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@ck007
"Hey Rob, What's with $50 postage charge to Australia"
Probably an oversight when entering shipping values. I'm pretty sure it was listed as Priority Mail International when it should have been listed using USPS First Class Mail International. It's less expensive for sure, but there's also size and weight restrictions. Unless you calculate postage every day or close to it, getting it right with multiple items can make your head hurt. I have gotten better at it though.

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@ck007
"and the $10 interantional handling fee?"
Already explained that one.

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@ck007
"That was exactly what I was referring with the $10 international handling fee. Given the response from the seller, I didn't bother replying."
I understand completely. It was a crappy response.

----------------------------

@ck007
"I didn't realise sending a parcel internationally from the US made a big difference someone's petrol, supplies and time costs."
Sometimes it does. Or rather did. Used to be that you'd have to fill out the customs for by hand. I know. Big deal, right? Not necessarily time consuming, but when doing many, it adds up. Someone has to pay. :^)

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@ck007
"I'm surprised the terms and conditions didn't include a surcharge for using PayPal..."
Funny you should mention that ck007. That's really not such a bad idea. ha!
PayPal and eBay fees can get annoying high.
I'm not a business where I can factor in expenses like fees into a business model. All of my items are/were either from my personal collection or from an Amigoid buddy. Again, seriously, who wants to cover someone's expenses? Not I. Nor will I. I do expect to get some form of value such as a fair market price for my items. Otherwise, why bother.
---------------------
Serious question here: Who do you think should cover eBay and PayPal fees?
The buyer, or the seller. And why?
---------------------
I don't factor fees in. It would be difficult to do so. How would it be done? Sounds like too much work if you ask me.

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@all
Final thoughts on shipping costs -
/I/ use USPS primarily because it's close to my residence. It allows me to get items out the door rather quickly.
Using one provider rather than offering three different options cuts down on the mental cycles and different drop-off points.
There of course are exceptions, mostly for large items like computers. Then I'm limited to UPS.

Thankfully, I am almost completed with selling ALL my Amiga stuff. Whew.
It's been a long and very time consuming process and mostly not all that much fun.
Would/might be different if I had a business where I could have a good supplier, offer really cool things, decent inventory and sell at reasonable prices.
All my stuff is one-of-a-kind mostly. Hey, it was my stuff. :^) But I'm done collecting Amiga.
If I were to get into the Amiga space again, I'd probably consider an AmigaOne.

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Hardware:
I have -
one stock A3000,
an A2000 with a GVP G-Force 030 board (Flicker Free Video and DBK MegAChip 2000/500),
and another almost bare A2000 with Flicker Free Video and a DBK MegAChip 2000/500.
I'd consider keeping them, especially the A2000 with the GVP G-Force 030 and SCSI, but I really don't have a good use for them or have the time and extra space.
Tha A2000/GVP goes up in the next day or two as does the second A2000.

Software: Games and apps. Either they're unwanted and not desirable or listed for too much. I dunno. Most game/app items I list start out around $9.99. Recently listing at 5.00 though.
I dunno. It kinda bugs me to think that if I give them to the local PC recycle store (RE-PC here in Seattle), that most titles probably would never get out to Amiga users.

I'll have a list of what's remaining soon and post on up here.
I really like it here, amiga.org. Seem like there's that camaraderie thing going on mostly, great info and not just Amiga related discussions either.

So with that, thanks for reading.

eBay ID, rob-c

Best, Robert

[save2600]

Man, I wish you had the boxes to your games. Pirates! especially.

Rob's a great seller though, so buy with confidence!

[ck007]

Originally Posted by RobertC

@ck007
"Hey Rob, What's with $50 postage charge to Australia"
Probably an oversight when entering shipping values. I'm pretty sure it was listed as Priority Mail International when it should have been listed using USPS First Class Mail International. It's less expensive for sure, but there's also size and weight restrictions. Unless you calculate postage every day or close to it, getting it right with multiple items can make your head hurt. I have gotten better at it though.

Fair call

Originally Posted by RobertC

@ck007
"That was exactly what I was referring with the $10 international handling fee. Given the response from the seller, I didn't bother replying."
I understand completely. It was a crappy response.

hmmmmm

Originally Posted by RobertC

@ck007
"I didn't realise sending a parcel internationally from the US made a big difference someone's petrol, supplies and time costs."
Sometimes it does. Or rather did. Used to be that you'd have to fill out the customs for by hand. I know. Big deal, right? Not necessarily time consuming, but when doing many, it adds up. Someone has to pay. :^)

Hmmm so the hourly rate for filling out customs forms (which probably only takes 2 to 3 minutes) would be $200/hour. I need to change jobs...

Driving to the post office is driving to the post office regardless of what and where you're posting to. I normally post stuff I've sold in the morning on the way to work. I guess not everyone is able to do that - fair call.

Adding $10 for international handling is greed. Filling out a customs form is hardly justification, unless you were illiterate and/or mentally challenged.

I rarely complain about postage costs, even if the postage stamp is less than what I was charged. I understand people need to buy boxes, bubble wrap, etc. To be fair to sellers, adding a few dollars will cover this expense - with the exception of posting something huge and that's entirely a different case. Adding a few dollars also covers the cost of fuel when posting multiple items.

A bit of psychology - factor in a reasonable cost into the postage fee and don't mention it. Most buyers won't notice and there's also the bonus of not alienating a buyer.

Originally Posted by RobertC

@ck007
"I'm surprised the terms and conditions didn't include a surcharge for using PayPal..."
Funny you should mention that ck007. That's really not such a bad idea. ha!
PayPal and eBay fees can get annoying high.
I'm not a business where I can factor in expenses like fees into a business model. All of my items are/were either from my personal collection or from an Amigoid buddy. Again, seriously, who wants to cover someone's expenses? Not I. Nor will I. I do expect to get some form of value such as a fair market price for my items. Otherwise, why bother.
---------------------
Serious question here: Who do you think should cover eBay and PayPal fees?
The buyer, or the seller. And why?
---------------------
I don't factor fees in. It would be difficult to do so. How would it be done? Sounds like too much work if you ask me.
----------------------------

If you're selling through eBay, then the fees cover the cost of using their selling system (extortion prices or not, it's your choice to use them). Otherwise you would have to market your own auctions and host them somewhere.

If you're selling retro computer gear, you'd be better off selling on a forum like AmiBay. You're less likely to be stuffed around as you'd be dealing with an enthusiast. Most people are more likely to value their reputation.

When buying through a forum, I'm always happy to pay the fees. It's only a few dollars. If we're talking big ticket items, you can try negotiate and pay 50%. I can't speak for the US, but an international money transfer from my bank (lodged electronically through internet banking) costs around $30AUD. When looking at the alternative, PayPal is way cheaper! Again, unless you're talking about large transfers (> $10,000).

To me it sounds like you have the "entitlement" mentality. Everyone should pay for everything and you should reap the benefits. WHen you sell your car through your local newspaper and/or online car sales website, do you charge people for your time to view/test drive the vehicle? Do you add disclaimers such as the buyer pays the listing fee?

You are not a store. You do not have overheads or staff to pay and this is not how you earn your living.

Have a think about it... You want to offload gear, and that comes at a price. Don't penalise the buyer.


Cheers,
Chris

[hese7]

Well put, ck007.

[motrucker]

I sell on ebay, and I always ad a surcharge for overseas mail. It usually is about $2.50 - because I usually have to buy the boxes. If I can re-use a box, then I will drop the charge.
I would rather do this way and use good solid boxes so the items get through in good shape. I have yet to get any complaints.

[curtis]

I'm going to have to chime in here partly in defense of Robert.

I do a fair amount if ebaying on both sides of the deal and since ebay is now counting shipping costs into their cut, I've been considering adding a $2-5 handling fee just to offset that.

$10 may a bit high, but after receiving packages from Turkey, UK, Australia and some of those turning into kits, a little extra protective packing may be beneficial to both parties. And last time I looked, when you go to buy more bubble wrap, they don't just let you walk out of the store with it without paying!

Just my nickel.

[RobertC]

@ck007
I have thought about your post.
You are certainly "entitled" to say and think what you want.
The problem is that many folks believe what they think.
Adding $10 for handling is greed? Really? Really? Seriously?
I don't want this to turn into some ugly rant and rave about what's right and what's not. If you don't want to pay what I ask for something you may want, then it's simple, don't. I do have appreciation for the time taken in your post, but, I'm not so certain that continued interaction with you would be ultimately beneficial for either of us. I have tried to offer decent explanation for the methods I choose, and perhaps it wasn't enough.

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@ck007
"To me it sounds like you have the "entitlement" mentality. Everyone should pay for everything and you should reap the benefits."
I am almost speechless at your statement, ""entitlement" mentality".
I'd take offense, but I'm gonna have to look that phrase up (blink blink) as I have no idea what it means. Maybe tomorrow or the next. Or never.
"and you should reap the benefits"
With 'stuff' I have for sale, yes. And the buyer benefits from purchasing something they want.

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The bottom line here is that I would like to sell (or even give away certain items, and I have) the remaining Amiga items in my possession. At fair and reasonable prices for all involved.

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@curtis
"Since ebay is now counting shipping costs into their cut"
PayPal too. ugh

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No, we don't have to use eBay or PayPal, but it is the best option for me.
How much extra time is there to find other methods to accept payments and have ease of shipping. Over the years it has gotten much easier to sell and ship through eBay, and for this I am thankful. It is pricey, but the cost is, mostly, worth it for me in the time savings and ease of transaction.

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I'm calling timeout. And calling it good. My time in the penalty box is up and we're now into sudden death overtime! woo

Best, Robert

[hese7]

Originally Posted by curtis

$10 may a bit high, but after receiving packages from Turkey, UK, Australia and some of those turning into kits, a little extra protective packing may be beneficial to both parties. And last time I looked, when you go to buy more bubble wrap, they don't just let you walk out of the store with it without paying!

I don't believe international shipments in general are packaged more secure than national ones.
Same cardboard box and the same amount of bubble wrap...

[J-Golden]

Originally Posted by hese7

I don't believe international shipments in general are packaged more secure than national ones.
Same cardboard box and the same amount of bubble wrap...

I disagree. When I get stuff from Elbox or Amigakit, it is usually double boxed and double padded. I can say that this has been a big help since sometimes the exterior box gets "roughed up" traveling those extra miles and passing through tons more hands.