Why are eBay charging fees on postage and packaging?

[mi546018]

So I've sold a few low value items lately( £1 to £125) and I've noticed that eBay are changing final value fees on the postage and packaging cost. For example, the higher value item I sold had a total cost of £130.32 inclusive of postage & packaging. I was charged a final value fee of 10.67% on the £130.32 NOT the £125 that was actually bid. I think this is theft! That postage and packaging cost doesn't go to us, especially if the service used is eBay's own. As sellers we're essentially paying them the actual cost of the p&p paid AS WELL AS extra from the cost of the item. Absolutely disgusted. I don't think I'll be selling things on here again. I will be looking to sell elsewhere. Anybody have any recommendations? Feel free to message me with replies privately. 

[spyabargain]

I worked at a debt management company in 2009 and they put in the very long T&C documents that they kept all of the payments for the first 2 months of payments made by the client, usually people struggling with money. When they signed them up to the plan and set up the direct debit to set up monthly payments to pay their creditors. They would mention that they charge a monthly fee of so much, (that they were genuinely honest about) but they would never mention that they keep the full first 2 months payments. Every client would ring up asking why nothing had been paid for 2 months. As the customer service side I'd have to explain that its in the T&C which they signed. It didn't go down well. And it didn't feel any less like theft then.

No one reads T&C all the way through as they are written to not be read by anyone and they make them so ridiculously long. They're there to catch you out.

Stop being so condescending with your comments. If you have nothing good to add you do not have to comment. 

[philgra_9731]

I have boycotted them; hope others do too!

[spyabargain]

It's free to list clothes now, so as far as I could tell there is no charge on the postage cost. 

[paspe_2762]

Ebay is becoming less popular anyway buyers generally just want to pay far
less than the item is worth and with fees and tax and postage its rarely
worth it

[itsonlyme20]

Disgusting reply. No, ebay haven't included fees for included postage for 10 years at all. Get your facts right Mr Attitude. The guy only asked a question. 

[papso22]

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@itsonlyme20 wrote:

Disgusting reply. No, ebay haven't included fees for included postage for 10 years at all. Get your facts right Mr Attitude. The guy only asked a question. 

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Actually they have, and you are the one with the (unpleasant) attitude.

You have also only been a member for 4 years.

[spyabargain]

Ebay do charge their fee on the total cost including the amount for postage whether stated or not. 

[jme_cook]

Jesus Christ guys, can you all just stop arguing and be nice to one another! We're all here for the same reason, cause eBay are a bunch of robbing *bleep*s with extortionate fees! Regardless of how long they've been doing it, or whether it's in the *bleep*ing T&Cs or not, it doesn't make it right! There are plenty of platforms now where sellers aren't charged any fees, and yet here's *bleep*bay *bleep* us left right and centre!

[dch2112011]

For private sellers opting for 'simple delivery'  ebay do not make any charge on the delivery costs - follow the ebay link.

SIMPLE DELIVERY 

[spyabargain]

Ever used this? Do you know who the carrier is or where you drop them off? 

[sml192]

What carriers are available on Simple Delivery?

All delivery labels will be from EVRi.

Where can I find my nearest drop off location?

Once you generate the label, a link will be provided for the relevant carrier website where a map of locations can be found.

[dch2112011]

This is fairly new and unfortunately as a business seller  have been unable to use it -  it is designed with the private seller in mind - I believe it is multiple choice probably from ebay's integrated carriers and offers different levels of service which the buyer chooses and pays for on your behalf.

Hopefully one of the private sellers who use the system can elaborate  - I can see real benifits for the seller - especially with small volumes but have no experiance of it - sorry

[dch2112011]

well that's a shocker - thanks found the link which says :

'All delivery labels will be from EVRi.'

How does that work with letters and large letters and premium services not offered by Evri - I understood that if you entered the dimensions and weights  the most appropriate packlink service was chosen

'We’ll take into account the buyer’s location, the item location, distance to your local drop-off location, the appropriate delivery service for the item you're posting, and whether the buyer has selected a standard or express delivery service at checkout, amongst a number of other factors.'

This is interesting though - seems ebay prefer to work out the weight and size 

'If your parcel exceeds the maximum size and weight of the label, and you listed following our recommended size and weight for your item, you won't have to pay additional costs. If you provided the item's size and weight yourself, and these are not accurate, you'll need to take care of any additional costs.'

[sml192]

I think the intention is to eventually add more carrier options. 

Also, it currently only applies to 'Fashion' items but I'm sure it will be expanded to other categories eventually. 

[dch2112011]

Thanks for the info - it could turn into a good thing if  they can achieve what you say -  looks like the start of competing with Amazon maybe ?

[spyabargain]

Thanks, it's an option at least.

[spyabargain]

New as of today 

To improve the selling experience on eBay, from today (1 October 2024) it is now free to sell for our private sellers in the UK. We are also introducing a number of updates to make selling on eBay easier and safer than ever.

Free selling

Earlier in the year, we removed transaction fees for pre-loved clothing. As of 1 October 2024, we are extending this across categories, with the exception of motors. Here’s what this means for you:

• Transaction fees were paid when your item sells. We are removing these fees, meaning selling is now free. This applies for both new and existing listings. • Listing fees are paid when you list an item. You will receive 300 free listings a month. • Optional add-on features, such as international selling and promoting your listing, will be available for an additional cost.

Learn more about free selling

Introducing eBay Balance

From 16 October 2024, we’re introducing eBay balance, a new way to use your funds after you sell. You’ll be able to use your funds to shop directly on eBay or pay for things such as delivery labels, promote your listings, or to cover any selling needs. Alternatively, you can withdraw available funds from your balance to your bank account - payment holds may apply. As your funds will be stored in your eBay balance, daily, weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly payout schedules will no longer be offered.

Learn more about eBay Balance

Simple Delivery

We’ve introduced a new way to list and send your items called Simple Delivery. Use Simple Delivery during listing, and eBay will choose the right delivery option for your item. When your item sells, use the prepaid label and feel confident knowing your order is tracked and fully protected from loss or damage during transit. Once you’ve dropped off your item, eBay will handle any delivery related issues raised by your buyer with the chosen carrier on your behalf. We’re gradually introducing this delivery option over the next few months so keep an eye out as you list.

Learn more about Simple Delivery

Local selling

We’re making selling locally easier and safer with our improved collection option. When you list an item, you can choose to offer local collection, delivery, or both. If you sell your item locally, use the chat feature to discuss with your buyer and arrange the collection. When your buyer comes to pick up the item, quickly confirm the collection using a unique QR or six-digit code. With no physical cash payments, your money will be kept safe and you’ll be sure to get paid quickly.

Learn more about local selling

[top-n-top-ltd]

I agree your thoughts. I just sold a pair of trainers for about £68 and eBay charged me £11.10 transaction fee and £10.20 postage label fee. Wao, I think eBay doesn't want to grow, they are acting like a child 🚸. I will try to speak to them but will have to waist all day before I speak to someone on the other end. Now wonder China is growing.... 

[papso22]

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@top-n-top-ltd wrote:

I agree your thoughts. I just sold a pair of trainers for about £68 and eBay charged me £11.10 transaction fee and £10.20 postage label fee. Wao, I think eBay doesn't want to grow, they are acting like a child 🚸. I will try to speak to them but will have to waist all day before I speak to someone on the other end. Now wonder China is growing.... 

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Your postage charged was £4.99, the fee element cannot have been £10.20.

What fees were you expecting on the sale?

[hotrodasaurus]

I realise this is an older post, but why is it a "Good Reason" to provide free shipping/postage on an item?
If I sell something for £10 or $10 €10 and the postage is £3.50 etc, I would have to add the £3.50 to the cost of the item to get my originally required price surely, then the dreaded fees would still kick in but at £13.50!