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| | | Author: | dstiefel  | | Posted: | Aug 14, 2022 15:09 | | Subject: | Some questions for veteran buyers/sellers | | Viewed: | 367 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| As a BL newbie to selling I am always questioning my methods for packing, organizing,
etc. Here are some things I am curious about how long-time sellers handle things:
- Where do you capture cost to cover shipping/printing supplies? Handling fees
or just additional shipping charge? other?
- Is there an expected packing method? That is, do buyers care if parts are in
freezer bags, sandwich bags, etc.? Does it matter if parts are all tossed into
the same bag or should they be separated by color?
- How often do you check shipping prices? USPS seems to fluctuate occasionally.
- If there's any other advice you deem important I'm all ears. Just trying
to create a solid business sooner than later 
Thanks!
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| | | | | Author: | Emporiosa | | Posted: | Aug 14, 2022 15:49 | | Subject: | Re: Some questions for veteran buyers/sellers | | Viewed: | 62 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| (In order of your questions):
-Up to you! Either include it in your overall parts costs, add a separate handling
fee, or bundle it into your shipping price offered. Stores vary widely in how
they operate.
-In terms of bags used; anything goes really, including re-using LEGO bags from
sets (that's a popular one for some sellers to save on costs, and to help
reduce waste). A lot of folks will purchase different sized baggies though in
large quantity for lower prices. For starting out, your local dollarstore is
great.
---Part 2 of that question for separation; this is the tricky one. IMO, try
to keep lots with qty over 10-20 in their own bag where possible. Stores vary
here, and buyers also vary in wanting more or less bags. Some will give you
specific instructions that they prefer as well. My advice is if you want to bundle
more together (like you're saying almost all parts will be in a single bag),
I'd recommend including that in your terms so buyers are aware. This can
be a frustrating experience for a buyer expecting some separation.
-Usually you'll see something about price increases either here on the forums,
or if you're registered with whatever company you're using to ship with.
Sometimes you won't notice until the next time you print a label. It won't
be anything super shocking, so when you notice it, you can go back and adjust
as needed (if you missed any other communication warning about the increase).
In General, dstiefel writes:
| | As a BL newbie to selling I am always questioning my methods for packing, organizing,
etc. Here are some things I am curious about how long-time sellers handle things:
- Where do you capture cost to cover shipping/printing supplies? Handling fees
or just additional shipping charge? other?
- Is there an expected packing method? That is, do buyers care if parts are in
freezer bags, sandwich bags, etc.? Does it matter if parts are all tossed into
the same bag or should they be separated by color?
- How often do you check shipping prices? USPS seems to fluctuate occasionally.
- If there's any other advice you deem important I'm all ears. Just trying
to create a solid business sooner than later
Thanks!
|
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| | | | | | | Author: | dstiefel | | Posted: | Aug 14, 2022 16:07 | | Subject: | Re: Some questions for veteran buyers/sellers | | Viewed: | 28 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, Emporiosa writes:
| | (In order of your questions):
-Up to you! Either include it in your overall parts costs, add a separate handling
fee, or bundle it into your shipping price offered. Stores vary widely in how
they operate.
-In terms of bags used; anything goes really, including re-using LEGO bags from
sets (that's a popular one for some sellers to save on costs, and to help
reduce waste). A lot of folks will purchase different sized baggies though in
large quantity for lower prices. For starting out, your local dollarstore is
great.
---Part 2 of that question for separation; this is the tricky one. IMO, try
to keep lots with qty over 10-20 in their own bag where possible. Stores vary
here, and buyers also vary in wanting more or less bags. Some will give you
specific instructions that they prefer as well. My advice is if you want to bundle
more together (like you're saying almost all parts will be in a single bag),
I'd recommend including that in your terms so buyers are aware. This can
be a frustrating experience for a buyer expecting some separation.
-Usually you'll see something about price increases either here on the forums,
or if you're registered with whatever company you're using to ship with.
Sometimes you won't notice until the next time you print a label. It won't
be anything super shocking, so when you notice it, you can go back and adjust
as needed (if you missed any other communication warning about the increase).
In General, dstiefel writes:
| | As a BL newbie to selling I am always questioning my methods for packing, organizing,
etc. Here are some things I am curious about how long-time sellers handle things:
- Where do you capture cost to cover shipping/printing supplies? Handling fees
or just additional shipping charge? other?
- Is there an expected packing method? That is, do buyers care if parts are in
freezer bags, sandwich bags, etc.? Does it matter if parts are all tossed into
the same bag or should they be separated by color?
- How often do you check shipping prices? USPS seems to fluctuate occasionally.
- If there's any other advice you deem important I'm all ears. Just trying
to create a solid business sooner than later
Thanks!
|
|
Thank you for the insight. Those are all very helpful answers!
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| | | | | Author: | BricksOfFaith | | Posted: | Aug 14, 2022 15:59 | | Subject: | Re: Some questions for veteran buyers/sellers | | Viewed: | 58 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| For shipping, I always keep my prices at USPS Rates. So, orders 13 ounces and
under I ship in a bubble envelope and the cart automatically charges the correct
shipping price. Anything more than 13 ounces, I have made it to where I gotta
invoice it. To calculate shipping I use this site from the USPS: https://postcalc.usps.com/
Good luck on your store!
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| | | | | | | Author: | dstiefel | | Posted: | Aug 14, 2022 16:08 | | Subject: | Re: Some questions for veteran buyers/sellers | | Viewed: | 25 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, BricksOfFaith writes:
| | For shipping, I always keep my prices at USPS Rates. So, orders 13 ounces and
under I ship in a bubble envelope and the cart automatically charges the correct
shipping price. Anything more than 13 ounces, I have made it to where I gotta
invoice it. To calculate shipping I use this site from the USPS: https://postcalc.usps.com/
Good luck on your store!
|
Thanks for your feedback. This is twice you've come to my rescue!
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| | | | | | | Author: | tknorr | | Posted: | Aug 14, 2022 16:09 | | Subject: | Re: Some questions for veteran buyers/sellers | | Viewed: | 34 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| I changed mine to be orders up to 12 ounces. Sometimes the BL weight and actual
weight don't always match and once its over 13 ounces you can't go with
First Class Mail.
In General, BricksOfFaith writes:
| | For shipping, I always keep my prices at USPS Rates. So, orders 13 ounces and
under I ship in a bubble envelope and the cart automatically charges the correct
shipping price. Anything more than 13 ounces, I have made it to where I gotta
invoice it. To calculate shipping I use this site from the USPS: https://postcalc.usps.com/
Good luck on your store!
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| | | | | | | | | Author: | dstiefel | | Posted: | Aug 14, 2022 16:12 | | Subject: | Re: Some questions for veteran buyers/sellers | | Viewed: | 29 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, tknorr writes:
| | I changed mine to be orders up to 12 ounces. Sometimes the BL weight and actual
weight don't always match and once its over 13 ounces you can't go with
First Class Mail.
In General, BricksOfFaith writes:
| | For shipping, I always keep my prices at USPS Rates. So, orders 13 ounces and
under I ship in a bubble envelope and the cart automatically charges the correct
shipping price. Anything more than 13 ounces, I have made it to where I gotta
invoice it. To calculate shipping I use this site from the USPS: https://postcalc.usps.com/
Good luck on your store!
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|
I noticed this pretty early on and was glad to have a reply like this. I changed
mine to max 12 as well. Shipping can get a bit dicey!
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| | | | | | | | | | | Author: | peregrinator | | Posted: | Aug 14, 2022 16:22 | | Subject: | Re: Some questions for veteran buyers/sellers | | Viewed: | 45 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, dstiefel writes:
| | In General, tknorr writes:
| | I changed mine to be orders up to 12 ounces. Sometimes the BL weight and actual
weight don't always match and once its over 13 ounces you can't go with
First Class Mail.
In General, BricksOfFaith writes:
| | For shipping, I always keep my prices at USPS Rates. So, orders 13 ounces and
under I ship in a bubble envelope and the cart automatically charges the correct
shipping price. Anything more than 13 ounces, I have made it to where I gotta
invoice it. To calculate shipping I use this site from the USPS: https://postcalc.usps.com/
Good luck on your store!
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I noticed this pretty early on and was glad to have a reply like this. I changed
mine to max 12 as well. Shipping can get a bit dicey!
|
Just FYI commercial First Class handles up to 16 oz. It's worth signing up
for a service that will get you commercial rates (e.g. Pirate Ship) - you can
save yourself, and your customers, a good bit of money.
I account for packing materials, etc. by adding 10% of total weight plus 1/2
ounce. So a 14 oz. order can still go out First Class (14 x 1.1 + 0.5 = 15.9
oz).
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | Author: | dstiefel | | Posted: | Aug 14, 2022 18:10 | | Subject: | Re: Some questions for veteran buyers/sellers | | Viewed: | 29 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, peregrinator writes:
| | In General, dstiefel writes:
| | In General, tknorr writes:
| | I changed mine to be orders up to 12 ounces. Sometimes the BL weight and actual
weight don't always match and once its over 13 ounces you can't go with
First Class Mail.
In General, BricksOfFaith writes:
| | For shipping, I always keep my prices at USPS Rates. So, orders 13 ounces and
under I ship in a bubble envelope and the cart automatically charges the correct
shipping price. Anything more than 13 ounces, I have made it to where I gotta
invoice it. To calculate shipping I use this site from the USPS: https://postcalc.usps.com/
Good luck on your store!
|
|
I noticed this pretty early on and was glad to have a reply like this. I changed
mine to max 12 as well. Shipping can get a bit dicey!
|
Just FYI commercial First Class handles up to 16 oz. It's worth signing up
for a service that will get you commercial rates (e.g. Pirate Ship) - you can
save yourself, and your customers, a good bit of money.
I account for packing materials, etc. by adding 10% of total weight plus 1/2
ounce. So a 14 oz. order can still go out First Class (14 x 1.1 + 0.5 = 15.9
oz).
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Thank you for this!
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| | | | | Author: | popsicle | | Posted: | Aug 14, 2022 16:46 | | Subject: | (Cancelled) | | Viewed: | 38 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| | (Cancelled) |
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| | | | | Author: | popsicle | | Posted: | Aug 14, 2022 16:51 | | Subject: | (Cancelled) | | Viewed: | 78 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| | (Cancelled) |
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| | | | | Author: | mwright5 | | Posted: | Aug 14, 2022 17:13 | | Subject: | Re: Some questions for veteran buyers/sellers | | Viewed: | 54 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, dstiefel writes:
| | As a BL newbie to selling I am always questioning my methods for packing, organizing,
etc. Here are some things I am curious about how long-time sellers handle things:
- Where do you capture cost to cover shipping/printing supplies? Handling fees
or just additional shipping charge? other?
- Is there an expected packing method? That is, do buyers care if parts are in
freezer bags, sandwich bags, etc.? Does it matter if parts are all tossed into
the same bag or should they be separated by color?
- How often do you check shipping prices? USPS seems to fluctuate occasionally.
- If there's any other advice you deem important I'm all ears. Just trying
to create a solid business sooner than later
Thanks!
|
In hopes that you haven't invested in an expensive endeavor prior to finding
the answers to your questions, I'm going to tell you what nobody else will.
These are things you should have figured out before starting your business,
not things to figure out on the fly. The fact that so many kind people on here
will give you sound advice for free is truly amazing, very generous, but I might
add foolish as well.
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| | | | | | | Author: | popsicle | | Posted: | Aug 14, 2022 17:36 | | Subject: | (Cancelled) | | Viewed: | 53 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| | (Cancelled) |
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| | | | | | | Author: | dstiefel | | Posted: | Aug 14, 2022 18:18 | | Subject: | Re: Some questions for veteran buyers/sellers | | Viewed: | 56 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, mwright5 writes:
| | In General, dstiefel writes:
| | As a BL newbie to selling I am always questioning my methods for packing, organizing,
etc. Here are some things I am curious about how long-time sellers handle things:
- Where do you capture cost to cover shipping/printing supplies? Handling fees
or just additional shipping charge? other?
- Is there an expected packing method? That is, do buyers care if parts are in
freezer bags, sandwich bags, etc.? Does it matter if parts are all tossed into
the same bag or should they be separated by color?
- How often do you check shipping prices? USPS seems to fluctuate occasionally.
- If there's any other advice you deem important I'm all ears. Just trying
to create a solid business sooner than later
Thanks!
|
In hopes that you haven't invested in an expensive endeavor prior to finding
the answers to your questions, I'm going to tell you what nobody else will.
These are things you should have figured out before starting your business,
not things to figure out on the fly. The fact that so many kind people on here
will give you sound advice for free is truly amazing, very generous, but I might
add foolish as well.
|
I very much appreciate the feedback. I have done a good bit of research before
starting but I think everyone learns a bit as they go so I would never suggest
anyone foolish for jumping into something they want to do. Failure leads to success
if you are willing to learn from mistakes. But veteran wisdom is always welcome
when given. And this community has shown they tend to share advice with anyone,
even if they are considered competitors. I think, even outside of wanting to
make $$, that sellers of Lego are part of a larger community of builders and
want to ensure quality experience as much as possible.
Thanks again!
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| | | | | | | | | Author: | popsicle | | Posted: | Aug 14, 2022 19:16 | | Subject: | (Cancelled) | | Viewed: | 50 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| | (Cancelled) |
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| | | | | | | Author: | rab1234 | | Posted: | Aug 14, 2022 21:18 | | Subject: | Re: Some questions for veteran buyers/sellers | | Viewed: | 35 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| I’ll give advice freely for the same reason I keep my prices low. I’m not running
a business here. Just having some fun buying and selling used stuff and finding
lots of hidden gems for myself and the kids. Besides, I don’t think anyone listens
to my advice. 😀
In General, mwright5 writes:
| | In General, dstiefel writes:
| | As a BL newbie to selling I am always questioning my methods for packing, organizing,
etc. Here are some things I am curious about how long-time sellers handle things:
- Where do you capture cost to cover shipping/printing supplies? Handling fees
or just additional shipping charge? other?
- Is there an expected packing method? That is, do buyers care if parts are in
freezer bags, sandwich bags, etc.? Does it matter if parts are all tossed into
the same bag or should they be separated by color?
- How often do you check shipping prices? USPS seems to fluctuate occasionally.
- If there's any other advice you deem important I'm all ears. Just trying
to create a solid business sooner than later
Thanks!
|
In hopes that you haven't invested in an expensive endeavor prior to finding
the answers to your questions, I'm going to tell you what nobody else will.
These are things you should have figured out before starting your business,
not things to figure out on the fly. The fact that so many kind people on here
will give you sound advice for free is truly amazing, very generous, but I might
add foolish as well.
|
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| | | | | Author: | Dinosaur | | Posted: | Aug 14, 2022 21:31 | | Subject: | Re: Some questions for veteran buyers/sellers | | Viewed: | 42 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, dstiefel writes:
| | As a BL newbie to selling I am always questioning my methods for packing, organizing,
etc. Here are some things I am curious about how long-time sellers handle things:
- Where do you capture cost to cover shipping/printing supplies? Handling fees
or just additional shipping charge? other?
- Is there an expected packing method? That is, do buyers care if parts are in
freezer bags, sandwich bags, etc.? Does it matter if parts are all tossed into
the same bag or should they be separated by color?
- How often do you check shipping prices? USPS seems to fluctuate occasionally.
- If there's any other advice you deem important I'm all ears. Just trying
to create a solid business sooner than later
Thanks!
|
10 years online selling experience teaches me that buyers usually fall at two
extreme sides, picky buyers are picky for everything and being selfish all the
time, ignorant of how the other feels. Good buyers are just good and considerate.
Luckily, not too many picky buyers. But unfortunately when you happen to meet
someone picky, you are going to be in trouble.
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| | | | | | | Author: | dstiefel | | Posted: | Aug 14, 2022 22:14 | | Subject: | Re: Some questions for veteran buyers/sellers | | Viewed: | 36 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, Dinosaur writes:
| | In General, dstiefel writes:
| | As a BL newbie to selling I am always questioning my methods for packing, organizing,
etc. Here are some things I am curious about how long-time sellers handle things:
- Where do you capture cost to cover shipping/printing supplies? Handling fees
or just additional shipping charge? other?
- Is there an expected packing method? That is, do buyers care if parts are in
freezer bags, sandwich bags, etc.? Does it matter if parts are all tossed into
the same bag or should they be separated by color?
- How often do you check shipping prices? USPS seems to fluctuate occasionally.
- If there's any other advice you deem important I'm all ears. Just trying
to create a solid business sooner than later
Thanks!
|
10 years online selling experience teaches me that buyers usually fall at two
extreme sides, picky buyers are picky for everything and being selfish all the
time, ignorant of how the other feels. Good buyers are just good and considerate.
Luckily, not too many picky buyers. But unfortunately when you happen to meet
someone picky, you are going to be in trouble.
|
I worked retail in my younger years and I totally feel you on that. Most customers
are just wanting their stuff, though some wanted it served on a golden platter.
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| | | | | | | Author: | yorbrick | | Posted: | Aug 15, 2022 01:04 | | Subject: | Re: Some questions for veteran buyers/sellers | | Viewed: | 44 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| | | 10 years online selling experience teaches me that buyers usually fall at two
extreme sides, picky buyers are picky for everything and being selfish all the
time, ignorant of how the other feels. Good buyers are just good and considerate.
Luckily, not too many picky buyers. But unfortunately when you happen to meet
someone picky, you are going to be in trouble.
|
That's not my experience on BL. Sure, there are extremes but they are rare
occurrences. I find most buyers here are nowhere near extreme cases and just
expect to receive what they order, in the condition they ordered, in a reasonable
time.
I can understand used parts sellers getting more problems but that could well
be down to expectations about what condition used LEGO should be in. LEGO parts
used once but otherwise not played with get lumped together with heavily used
50 year old parts. If sellers don't differentiate then that is likely to
cause issues.
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| | | | | | | | | Author: | LegoLovr | | Posted: | Aug 15, 2022 18:09 | | Subject: | (Cancelled) | | Viewed: | 32 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| | (Cancelled) |
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| | | | | | | | | | | Author: | legoman77 | | Posted: | Aug 15, 2022 18:38 | | Subject: | Re: Some questions for veteran buyers/sellers | | Viewed: | 37 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, LegoLovr writes:
| | I just reply nicely and give a full refund.... it's a small price to pay
in the bigger picture... however... I did have a guy that was from an area outside
north America that want to keep the part and a full refund. I offered to take
back Ironman... at my own expense... he said no... kept him.. and left me bad
feedback... you can't escape it.
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I had that happen on eBay. When I called them they removed it as blackmail. I
would think Bricklink would do the same.
John P
| |
n General, yorbrick writes:
| | | | 10 years online selling experience teaches me that buyers usually fall at two
extreme sides, picky buyers are picky for everything and being selfish all the
time, ignorant of how the other feels. Good buyers are just good and considerate.
Luckily, not too many picky buyers. But unfortunately when you happen to meet
someone picky, you are going to be in trouble.
|
That's not my experience on BL. Sure, there are extremes but they are rare
occurrences. I find most buyers here are nowhere near extreme cases and just
expect to receive what they order, in the condition they ordered, in a reasonable
time.
I can understand used parts sellers getting more problems but that could well
be down to expectations about what condition used LEGO should be in. LEGO parts
used once but otherwise not played with get lumped together with heavily used
50 year old parts. If sellers don't differentiate then that is likely to
cause issues.
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| | | | | | | | | | | Author: | yorbrick | | Posted: | Aug 16, 2022 03:15 | | Subject: | Re: Some questions for veteran buyers/sellers | | Viewed: | 42 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, LegoLovr writes:
| | I just reply nicely and give a full refund.... it's a small price to pay
in the bigger picture...
|
I think it is better not to sell junk that needs refunding. Of course, the issue
here is the definition of junk, and all used parts being sold under the same
condition listing.
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| | | | | Author: | calebfishn | | Posted: | Aug 14, 2022 23:07 | | Subject: | Re: Some questions for veteran buyers/sellers | | Viewed: | 34 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, dstiefel writes:
| | As a BL newbie to selling I am always questioning my methods for packing, organizing,
etc. Here are some things I am curious about how long-time sellers handle things:
- Where do you capture cost to cover shipping/printing supplies? Handling fees
or just additional shipping charge? other?
- Is there an expected packing method? That is, do buyers care if parts are in
freezer bags, sandwich bags, etc.? Does it matter if parts are all tossed into
the same bag or should they be separated by color?
- How often do you check shipping prices? USPS seems to fluctuate occasionally.
- If there's any other advice you deem important I'm all ears. Just trying
to create a solid business sooner than later
Thanks!
|
- I don't use handling fees or additional shipping charge to cover supplies.
I work to make sure that will be covered by the cost of the goods ordered. In
practice, this is why I eventually decided to implement a minimum order amount.
(You can't recover the cost of a 45 cent mailer from a 15 cent order, or
even a $1.00 order.)
- I don't think it matters much, so long as the packing materials are clean,
and appropriate for the items being shipped. I believe most buyers would not
expect a seller to separate by color unless they had specifically requested it.
On the other hand, many buyers would not be happy to have all parts tossed in
the same bag, especially, if there were many parts in different lots. Something
that you must avoid, is to never mix "used" condition parts with "new" condition
parts in the same bag.
Best of luck with your store.
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| | | | | Author: | wildchicken13 | | Posted: | Aug 15, 2022 00:06 | | Subject: | Re: Some questions for veteran buyers/sellers | | Viewed: | 40 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, dstiefel writes:
| | As a BL newbie to selling I am always questioning my methods for packing, organizing,
etc. Here are some things I am curious about how long-time sellers handle things:
- Where do you capture cost to cover shipping/printing supplies? Handling fees
or just additional shipping charge? other?
|
Raise your prices or charge more for shipping.
| | - Is there an expected packing method? That is, do buyers care if parts are in
freezer bags, sandwich bags, etc.? Does it matter if parts are all tossed into
the same bag or should they be separated by color?
|
Most sellers bag large lots individually and combine smaller lots into one bag.
If you throw everything in one bag, then the buyer has to sort everything, but
if you bag every lot individually, then that creates a lot of plastic waste.
| | - How often do you check shipping prices? USPS seems to fluctuate occasionally.
|
As popsicle said, not so much fluctuations as small, regular price increases
to keep pace with inflation. No need to "check" per se; you'll find out when
you go to print a shipping label.
| | - If there's any other advice you deem important I'm all ears. Just trying
to create a solid business sooner than later
Thanks!
|
Play well!
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USA, Georgia
Canada, Ontario
Germany, Berlin
United Kingdom, England
