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Well, to answer your question, I personally don't mind paying extra for priority, it's when the seller charges about $100 extra for shipping that only cost like $1, you know what I mean. But I personally LOVe shopping online and when I have to wait a long time, I tend to lose interest in an item. For example, I bought something, was excited, well, many items have came since then and this particular item hasn't when it should have, but I guess they are slow or the other sellers just used "faster" shipping methods. So yes, i would pay extra for the priority shipping...Sandra (tjrims)

Not too experienced in selling, just mainly buying...(but will start posting personalized labels pretty soon!!! Any kind of typing projects...I can tackle, very experienced in the admin. field. Just in case you want these service.... Wink
No buyer likes the seller who "loads up" by charging more for shipping *and handling* than is reasonable. EBay takes a dim view of that, too. Certainly, the buyer has a right to object when he or she thinks S&H charges are a ripoff, and if the seller doesn't specify in the item description either the S&H charges or the basis on which they will be computed then by all means e-mail him and ask...well before the auction closes.

If you're selling, why not offer buyers a choice of shipping: regular snail or Priority Mail? When I sell I usually specify Priority in my item description but I'll send something by First Class or Parcel Post if the buyer requests it. It's just a service I offer that keeps my customers coming back.
I've had a seller charge me for Priority USPS for a $2.50 POSTCARD. Well, I knew they would because they posted that in the description, and I really wanted the particular card, so I bought it anyway, and then sent a gentle suggestion to seller that I'd be glad to settle for regular mail, pointing out that her shipping cost was considerably higher than typical of sellers in that item category. The response was, "Oh gee whiz I just don't feel safe mailing my precious things by regular mail." Uh-huh. So I paid, but will not buy from that seller again.

Just be reasonable. Shipping should be shipping, at a rational percentage cost in relation to the value, size and weight of the item. When S/H starts to get up to 40-50% of the final price of the item, it's time to rethink. Cause I will certainly be thinking of it, as a bidder.

I guess in summary, I'd say that for items I know should be boxed and well-packed, and cost $25+, Priority makes sense. For small items of lesser value that can be mailed in an envelope with a little cardboard or plastic for protection, Priority at $3.50 feels like a rip-off.

Obviously any item of high value should be insured regardless, but that's another issue.

Steve's suggestion of offering a choice is excellent. As a bidder, I DO keep track of which sellers give me the best options and service, and avoid those who don't.
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If the item is relatively inexpensive, I really hate to pay so much for shipping. It takes the fun out of getting the item that I wanted. Also I will NOT pay for insurance for anything inexpensive as (believe it or not) all major shippers have an excellent safe delivery record. (FYI, I ship and receive things daily, and I cannot recall the last time something was damaged. One LARGE $90,000(!!) shipment got lost for a day and a half, but still arrived safely.)

If the item is expensive/valuable I am willing to pay for insurance but still have never lost an item (coming or going).

I don't mind the item taking the slow boat around the African Cape...usually. If I bid on something it's because I will want it for a long time to come, not just for a week.

I DO want some things quickly (like my wife's birthday present, which I always buy the day or two before(!!)) and do like the option to ship quickly.

I've seen some good auctions where the seller lists different shipping options and prices. For example: FedEx Overnight: $12.50, UPS Ground (2-4 days): $8.00, USPS Parcel Post (8-10 days) $4.50. I like this as I make the decision as to how much to pay for shipping.

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