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. 

[dch2112011]

It is not about fees when you offer free postage, it is all about customer perception and giving the seller the ability to spread postal costs across a range of product sizes and weights.

If the postal cost is included -

customers know the total price instantly - what they see is what they pay.

Customers do not dispute delivery costs - they cannot feel ripped off because of inflated postal charges through packaging or profiteering

Customers will accept orders being combined without postal price reduction

Sellers can average postal costs across a range to make items more competitive in price  without any question from customers or competitors ie some items can stand a larger postal percentage and some need a lower postal percentage to compete with all sellers across the internet - 

[spyabargain]

I can't remember the subject now, and it's irrelevant as there's no charge
to sell. No point wasting time on it. Thread needs closing.

[61stephenuk]

There are no fees for private sellers on domestic sales unless optional extras such as reserves or promoted listings are added,excluding Motors 

[spyabargain]

Please stop commenting, this was an old post prior the selling being free.

[2000appletree]

So they can change rules a bit :

Packaging cost should be added to item price and postage should be chosen and paid by buyer

end of story

[papso22]

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@2000appletree wrote:

So they can change rules a bit :

Packaging cost should be added to item price and postage should be chosen and paid by buyer

end of story

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That's basically simple delivery which is coming soon to all private accounts.

[kenazfehuwunjo]

What if the government stopped them doing that, though? Ever thought of that? 😏

[dch2112011]

For private sellers - ebay have solved it no fees on postage when using Simple Delivery - perhaps they listened to everyone complaining ! 

Simple delivery stops postage prices being over inflated and the seller is charged No Fee !