OT: Partwerks handling fees on Ebay... Up we go!

[farleyd]

They ask 25US$ handling/shipping for a 4.95US$ item, a clutch alignment tool!!!!!!!

Is it a disguised wya to get more from their item? That brings the price to the actual price of a new one.

Well, what would you do?

[nostatic]

They have to disclose that in the terms of the auction. The solution is simple...don't bid.

[farleyd]

Should have mentionned that i wont the aunction, and that NOWHERE on the listing they mention handling fees.

Shipping yes, but what should be the acceptable fees for shipping an item the size of a clutch alignment tool????

Seems to me its a way to get more money from a low price item.

[Woody]

Can you post the link?

[dtw]

UPS usually charges commercial accounts outrageous paperwork fees to get stuff to CA.

[motion]

Hidden shipping/handling charges are the biggest scam going on eBay right now... well, besides duping people and not shipping product.

[LeeH]

There's a button to calculate the shipping on their auction. It came up $4.45 to my zip. How much of it was import duty to Canada?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2405207172&category=6754

[nostatic]

First send an email asking for clarification on what part goes to shipping, and what part goes to handling. Inquire about shipping options. Ask why this information wasn't included in the auction terms. cc ebay customer service. If they give you a hard time, send them email saying that they didn't disclose their userous fees, and that you won't pay it. cc ebay's customer service. Be sure to quote any email they sent you with the handling charges. If they get cranky threaten them with bad feedback. Not much else you can do unless you just pay it.

[andrew15]

Here is my experience in shipping to Canada via UPS:

- UPS will ship to Canada for a slightly higher fee.
- They also charge an exorbitant brokerage fee that can be quite a bit more expensive than the part shipped.
- I've never had a shipper pre-charge the brokerage fee - it's always been UPS when they delivered the part.

I'm not sure how Partwerks can justify a shipping / handling fee so high, unless somehow they are pre-paying the duties/brokerage charges.
Odd....

Regards,
Andrew M

[Reg]

FWIW

At work, we ship to the USA on a regular basis and we pay the brokerage for our customer. Most items we ship are exempt from any duty under NAFTA, and the Americans are exempt from our notorious taxes. They like it because they only have to pay one person for their item.

Now us on the other hand,when bringing something up from the states we get nailed every which way and again thereafter.

I just had a $20 USD item shipped from UPS and I paid $22 CDN extra in taxes, duty ,brokerage when I signed off for it.

From what I know, other than filling out a ddifferent BL form, its no different for an American shipping UPS to Canada than any other state. You just have to disclose what you are shipping.

[RickM]

When I run an auction I charge actual shipping fees. When I bid on an item I wont participate unless the shipping is actual or, at least, reasonable. Other pricing schemes don't get my business.

[Chuck Moreland]

Farley, What happens when you key in your zip code into their handling/shipping calculator? Did you request any specific delivery options, like UPS 2 day?

It seems reasonable to charge a premium handling fee for international since the shipper has to hassle with customs forms. Provided the total fees are disclosed up front (or the method for calculating fees), it seems fine to me. Your choice to bid or not.

BTW has anyone else noticed that UPS just jacked their rates at the first of the year big time. I'm getting slammed with 25%-50% higher rates!

I called them and they confirmed that indeed the rates did increase Jan 1, but the percentage increase varies based on lots of variables.

[RickM]

For the record, I've found that Fedex Ground (formerly RPS?) is much cheaper than UPS.

[Colby]

I am going to play devil's advocate here. There is a reason why sellers (especially high volume) overcharge shipping; Ebay takes a cut of what the auction sells for not including shipping. So if you have a part ppl are willing to pay $200 for that costs $10 to ship. Let's say Ebay takes 10% (they dont but it keeps the math simple), then Ebay takes $20, shipping costs $10, seller gets $170. If you DISCLOSE shipping is $50, then bidders should only pay up to $150. Ebay takes only $15, shipping is still $10, seller pockets $175. Buyer pays the same amount irregardless, so the only one getting screwed is Ebay. If they don't disclose shipping costs, fight them all the way. But if it's disclosed before you bid, I don't see how ppl can complain.

Colby

[maxnine11]

from what I remember, UPS charges you a flat fee for brokerage service at the border. This means your package doesn't sit at the border until you pay revenue canada tax and duties, like several years ago. I think the flat fee is $20, can't remember if that is US or CDN. They charge this fee whether its on a $900 package, or a $9 item. I found this out the hard way when I ordered a gasket for my trans. The gasket was about $7 US, by the time I was done, I had shelled out over $40 CDN (a little extra added for 2/3 day delivery. While waiting for the gasket, I became impatient, and just used some loctite gasket replacer/sealant. So, I still have the gasket around for a reminder. Not sure of the exact rates/fees/rules with UPS currently.... See if they will ship it USPS (post office) if you are not in a big hurry. max

[Wayne 962]

It would be cheaper if you ordered it from us...

-Wayne

[Wavey]

Originally posted by RickM
For the record, I've found that Fedex Ground (formerly RPS?) is much cheaper than UPS.

Me too - I've got a FedEx Express account for my business, and I've been using their Ground Service for bigger, heavier stuff. Excellent service! Their rates are very good, much better than UPS, and their service is faster. I recently shipped a Porsche exhaust system from St. Louis to Connecticut for $19, and a BMW motorcycle engine to Minnesota for $29.

[si2t3m]

Farleyd,

Just tell them that they know what they can align with there tool...

I have a clutch alignement tool at home you know... Like always i'll be more that happy to bring it with me on my next trip to Montreal and stop by your place to do a little tire kicking, beer drinking, BS about are cars and lend you the alignement tool.

Marc-Andre

[sammyg2]

Ask if they are willing to ship USPS. That's way cheaper than UPS.

[tobluforu]

You go wayne.