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on ebay (Moderated by Deepika, Sharon1952)
Posted on: 2/28/05 9:59 AM ET
I thought I'd be smart yesterday and peruse the fabric section of Ebay. I found some great fabrics (or what seemed to be) for pretty good deals! However, then you go to calculate shipping, and some of these people are asking 10 or 15 dollars for 2 or 3 yards!!!! One auction on the East coast (I'm on the west) was for two yards of navy jersey. Auction was almost over, it was at $5.00 so I was going to bid. Thought to check shipping and I'm so glad I did! It was $18.54!!!!! And that was USPS....the looongggg way!
Is this normal for Ebay, and does everyone steer clear of them?
It just kind of blew my mind!
Is this normal for Ebay, and does everyone steer clear of them?
It just kind of blew my mind!
Posted on: 2/28/05 11:15 AM ET
It's common for shipping charges to be all over the place. I don't buy stuff on eBay, but do buy things like used books from internet sites, and always add the promoted price to the shipping to see what the total deal is.
UPS basic rate is somewhere like $10 now, so anything over that is simply pocketed, unless you're getting something over a lb. in weight. Companies or individuals who ship a lot get a lower rate, so have less excuse to tack on a high fee.
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UPS basic rate is somewhere like $10 now, so anything over that is simply pocketed, unless you're getting something over a lb. in weight. Companies or individuals who ship a lot get a lower rate, so have less excuse to tack on a high fee.
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Buy the best and you only cry once.
Posted on: 2/28/05 11:22 AM ET
Shipping is rising just as fast as any other commodity! You have to look at the cost of shipping as a necessary evil. When I sold on Ebay folks wanted stuff sent in the cheapest way for them which was not always the easiest or fastest way. Sometimes USPS is cheaper, sometimes the Brown Company is and I love FEd Ex Ground. But if you are off of the beaten path UPS charges an additional fee. If you send USPS then the charges chn vary as much as $ 10 for a "similar" size package. Thats why combining shipping for several items is always cheaper!
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JanieV
Posted on: 2/28/05 11:25 AM ET
In reply to keric
I have purchased some fabrics on Ebay in the past. What happens is a seller puts a piece of fabric up for a reasonable price. But greed takes over and then they add handling charges to the shipping charges to make more money.
You can still find some good deals from a sewer like us that just wants someone else to have a beautiful piece of fabric. I have purchased some silk materials from sewers for very reasonable prices.
Just beware - and always check shipping charges. I don't mind if they add a $1.00 or 2 for handling because you do have to package up the stuff - but - $10 is a bit much.
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You can still find some good deals from a sewer like us that just wants someone else to have a beautiful piece of fabric. I have purchased some silk materials from sewers for very reasonable prices.
Just beware - and always check shipping charges. I don't mind if they add a $1.00 or 2 for handling because you do have to package up the stuff - but - $10 is a bit much.
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What is Maxine saying??
"I don't iron. If I'm not wrinkle-free why should my clothes be."
"I don't iron. If I'm not wrinkle-free why should my clothes be."
Posted on: 2/28/05 11:31 AM ET
I think I'm just going to have to stick with places like Wazoodle, fabric.com, etc. since I know the shipping won't kill me, and also that they're reputable companies. I'm finding that Wazoodle prices are most often cheaper than ebay prices! Of course, I have yet to order from them but my wish list is over $300 long!!!!!
Now if I could just get my tax return back!
Now if I could just get my tax return back!
Posted on: 2/28/05 11:45 AM ET
Don't give up on Ebay entirely! I have actually found just what I was looking for there for a reasonable price, including shipping. Shipping varies widely according to seller, for various reasons. I needed quite a lot of grey fabric for curtains I made for our kitchen, and I found it on Ebay. I think it was 10 yards for 21 dollars, with shipping included. It was impossible to find that amount in any of the stores, and the web sites were outrageous for that kind of yardage. I just decided to be patient until what I deemed to be a good deal emerged, and it did with time.
I just did a search there a few minutes ago for black silk fabric. There was nothing there that I could use, but it seemed that many of the prices, includeing shipping, were very reasonable.
Moral of the story, you have to be careful, but Ebay truly can help you out if you are selective and search carefully.
-- Edited on 2/28/05 12:47 PM --
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I just did a search there a few minutes ago for black silk fabric. There was nothing there that I could use, but it seemed that many of the prices, includeing shipping, were very reasonable.
Moral of the story, you have to be careful, but Ebay truly can help you out if you are selective and search carefully.
-- Edited on 2/28/05 12:47 PM --
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Nancy Anne
Posted on: 2/28/05 12:52 PM ET
Ebay raised their fees considerably in the very recent past, so "handling" charges have escalated as a way to add to the sellers' profits. At least, that's how it was explained to me. You just have to check on the shipping charges plus the "handling charges" usually listed as "shipping and handling."
Posted on: 2/28/05 12:57 PM ET
I have bought many things from e-bay, (not fabric, only because I haven't looked) and I agree with the other's- I definately have to take a look at the seller's shipping costs before bidding and if it says Shipping and Handling and no rate, I e-mail and ask for specific shipping cost. You can tell then what they have padded for handling. If the "handling" is too high, I don't bid. (I don't mind too much if it's a small handling fee.) Many times a seller adds a high handling fee to help recover the money that is lost if an item doesn't receive a high enough bid.
Posted on: 2/28/05 12:58 PM ET
Oops! Sorry Susan, it looks like we posted at the same time.
Posted on: 2/28/05 1:35 PM ET
I've purchased fabrics on Ebay that I would never be able to afford if I had to pay retail. I love catching a knowledgable seamster who's downsizing their stash. As far as shipping I include it in the cost to figure the total yardage price, sometimes it's a steal and sometimes I just have to pass knowing that there will always be more fabric.
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