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Top Rated Seller performance threat
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Top Rated Seller performance threat

Original Question
carbootyman (2193 ) View Listings
carbootyman
(1 of 11)
Top Rated Seller performance threat
Oct 26, 2012 08:32 PM

eBay have sent me messages saying that my Top Rated Seller performance isn't up to scratch.

The reason - I've had 3 low scores against my postal charges apparently - out of 400 ratings this year.

I post everything by First Class mail.

Usually that works out at £2.70 - which I take the liberty of rounding up to £3.00 to charge my customers.

In exchange, I always post the next day - sometimes even the same day.....bearing in mind that my sales usually close in the evenings.

But there's always someone who'll complain about everything.....hence my low scores.

So how can I protect my Top Seller Rating?

Am I supposed to cut corners; take my time and send items by the cheapest and slowest method?

If so - how is that a top quality service?

PS I've voiced my feelings to eBay - not that they'll listen, no doubt.

PPS And how do those large sellers who have piles of negatives keep their status?


It is not the strongest of the species that survive, not the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change. Charles Darwin
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carbootyman (2193 ) View Listings
carbootyman
(1 of 11)
Top Rated Seller performance threat
Oct 26, 2012 08:32 PM

eBay have sent me messages saying that my Top Rated Seller performance isn't up to scratch.

The reason - I've had 3 low scores against my postal charges apparently - out of 400 ratings this year.

I post everything by First Class mail.

Usually that works out at £2.70 - which I take the liberty of rounding up to £3.00 to charge my customers.

In exchange, I always post the next day - sometimes even the same day.....bearing in mind that my sales usually close in the evenings.

But there's always someone who'll complain about everything.....hence my low scores.

So how can I protect my Top Seller Rating?

Am I supposed to cut corners; take my time and send items by the cheapest and slowest method?

If so - how is that a top quality service?

PS I've voiced my feelings to eBay - not that they'll listen, no doubt.

PPS And how do those large sellers who have piles of negatives keep their status?


It is not the strongest of the species that survive, not the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change. Charles Darwin

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plum993 (423 ) View Listings
plum993
 
(2 of 11)
Re: Top Rated Seller performance threat
Oct 26, 2012 08:41 PM

"Others" have higher turnover regards listings.

 

As you have had a warning,try offering free P&P and building the postage into your start price for a while, then you automatically gain a 5* rating from ebay


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norseway53 (Private) View Listings
norseway53
 
(3 of 11)
Re: Top Rated Seller performance threat
Oct 26, 2012 08:55 PM

Alternatively, add 50p to your start price to cover packaging etc and list with slightly less than the exact postage cost.


________________ I bid, I win, I pay - you deliver

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nortyfortyjanet (1084 ) View Listings
nortyfortyjanet
 
(4 of 11)
Re: Top Rated Seller performance threat
Oct 26, 2012 09:22 PM

i totally agree with you ive got 2 low scores for postage prices and yet i always charge LESS not more. one buyer gave me a low mark for postage (i know who it was because it was the only item i posted out that particular month) it was a coat for which i charged £3.99 and it cost me £5.85 to post,i sent 1st class instead of second as it was too heavy to go that way and yet still got marked down on postage!!!:O theres nowt so funny as folk!

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carbootyman (2193 ) View Listings
carbootyman
(5 of 11)
Re: Top Rated Seller performance threat
Oct 26, 2012 09:23 PM

Thanks for your comments folks - much appreciated.

 

I hate adding to the start price though - especially as I usually start my auctions at less than £5 and so have a listing fee of 15p, so offering free postage would likely as not cost me an additional 10p per listing.

 

So adding just 50p and reducing my perceived postage makes the best sense.

Unless anyone else can offer a better suggestion!

 

Well done. :)

 

 

 


It is not the strongest of the species that survive, not the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change. Charles Darwin

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plum993 (423 ) View Listings
plum993
 
(6 of 11)
Re: Top Rated Seller performance threat
Oct 26, 2012 09:44 PM

You randomely use recorded post,which adds to the cost of postage,and your already covered upto £46 by sending first class,so maybe look to knock that on the head,and only charge what it costs to post,as many will scrutinise the actual postage cost on the package upon receipt ;)

 

 


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carbootyman (2193 ) View Listings
carbootyman
(7 of 11)
Re: Top Rated Seller performance threat
Oct 26, 2012 10:31 PM

Hi Plum,

Actually, my 'random' use of Recorded mail relates to the anticipated value of the item. Items that (I anticipate will) sell for in excess of perhaps £12 to £15 I usually send by recorded mail - but I accept your comment.

 

And I'm glad you made it - because it gave me reason to check the Royal Mail terms, etc and I found out the facts, which I wasn't entirely sure about.

 

They say.....and I repeat this for the benefit of others too....."where a customer cannot provide evidence of posting, there will be compensation for loss, damage and delay of a minimum of 6 x 1st class stamps at the first weight step."

 

Then they say......."with evidence of posting with Royal Mail (such as a certificate of posting) and evidence of value (such as an invoice or receipt) customers will be entitled to a postage refund plus compensation for actual loss up to the value of the item, or £46, whichever is the lowest."

 

So your comment has been very useful - many thanks!

(Mind you - I always get a Proof of Posting receipt anyway....)


It is not the strongest of the species that survive, not the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change. Charles Darwin

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red_magpie (2) View Listings
red_magpie
 
(8 of 11)
Re: Top Rated Seller performance threat
Oct 26, 2012 10:46 PM

So adding just 50p and reducing my perceived postage makes the best sense.

 

It also makes eBay more fees, which is what all this is about.

 

EBay cynically exploits buyer misuse of the rating system to put sellers under pressure to absorb part or all of p&p charges into the selling price. Their ultimate goal is to get sellers to offer "free" or inclusive postage as the only way to guarantee five stars.

 

For sellers in your price range this can easily increase their fees by 50 - 100%.

 

The buyer doesn't gain as they're still paying the same postage. In fact they're pro baby paying more, as sellers will have to recoup eBay's higher fees. But eBay gains, which is all eBay cares about.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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cackle_frodo (1166 ) View Listings
cackle_frodo
 
(9 of 11)
Re: Top Rated Seller performance threat
Oct 27, 2012 12:25 AM

OP

 

With regards to compensation, Private sellers can attach a copy of the listing and the PayPal transaction + the proof of postage/receipt to the claim form.

 

I believe  that different 'rules' apply to Business sellers in that they have to provide original/supplier's invoice?

 

Also not sure if you would be compensated for loss/damage to Perfumes as they are on the restricted list:

 

http://www.royalmail.com/despatch-inward-mail-services/hints-and-tips/restricted-goods


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carbootyman (2193 ) View Listings
carbootyman
(10 of 11)
Re: Top Rated Seller performance threat
Oct 27, 2012 01:35 PM

Under Restricted Goods, Royal Mail say....."Any perfumes or aftershaves that are non-flammable are permitted."

I've a feeling that the restriction only therefore applies to pressurised spray cans - they obviously contain a flammable gas propellant.....

Basic eau de toilette and body lotion and such, although they do contain alcohol, contain a percentage that is too low to be truly flammable.

I may be wrong though - you may know better - and any information is useful and appreciated.

Cheers

 

 


It is not the strongest of the species that survive, not the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change. Charles Darwin

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cackle_frodo (1166 ) View Listings
cackle_frodo
 
(11 of 11)
Re: Top Rated Seller performance threat
Oct 27, 2012 08:23 PM

Hi,

 

No, I don't have any other info on perfumes etc.  I'm sure you are right though!

 

I've glanced over posts on the discussion boards in the past and seem to recall there was something about not being compensated for perfumes - but that may have been when sent overseas - perhaps ha prohibited item in that country.  ?:|


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