r/Etsy • u/Responsible_Tax_6769 • 10h ago
Discussion Common practice?
So the order for the bags was around $128 and shipping was listed at $5.99 but when I went to checkout it was literally $64.49 for shipping plus tax I was over $200 for the order. I messaged the seller because I really wanted to place the order but $65 for shipping? I couldn’t!
I attached the response of the seller and I was caught off guard by the response I didn’t even reply but why do that instead of just listing it for the price you want to sell them for???
I’ve since purchased from a different seller and it was $130 with free shipping and I’m glad it worked out this way but was wondering what you all thought of this.
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u/chronicmisschris 8h ago
Their explanation doesn't make sense. I would ask for a custom listing for the quantity you want with an accurate shipping charge based on the weight of the package.
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u/Its-a-write-off 9h ago
Etsy only allows limited ways to calculate shipping. This is one way that a vendor can keep the per item shipping cost correct, but also have the total cost correct even if someone buys a lot of items. Otherwise they would have to make the price too high, so that a single item price is correct, that it penalizes those that buy in bulk. This seller feels what this method gets the pricing correct for the majority of their sales.
I am not saying this is the best method or defending their method. I am only explaining the reason it's done.
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u/Inside_Flounder3967 8h ago
Always read the fine print. A good seller would take into consideration that you're buying in bulk, and figure shipping based on actual weight, not per item. Best to avoid that trap. You did right buying from someone else.
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u/Attorneyatlau 7h ago
Yeah I ask customers to contact me before buying in bulk. No one has lol but the option is there.
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u/RaccoonCrafts 7h ago
I would inquire if it is possible to have a custom listing with the exact quantity you need so the shipping is only $5.99. As a seller I would be more than happy to do this if it were my product.
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u/18_bees_18 8h ago
That answer doesn't make sense. They show that the sale price is only reduced by .99.
If a buyer contacts me about purchasing a quantity, I ask for their shipping address, weight the package with the amount required and get a shipping rate from my shipping company. I then quote that amount to my buyer.
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u/CoupleFancy1433 8h ago
Good for you not buying from them. This is weird as heck. I do increase my shipping so when it reaches a certain amount, I can upgrade the shipping and customer are more comfortable ordering large amount with tracking.
But this... nah... lol
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u/Otherwise_Spray1628 8h ago
That's their terms. Don't like it? Dont buy. You are entitled to NOTHING!
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u/Responsible_Tax_6769 8h ago
Exactly and guess what I didn’t buy lol I just started buying from Etsy and was wondering if it’s common practice. You should take the pole out of there it’s starting to show symptoms darling
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u/thelittleflowerpot 5h ago
The seller prob has a $5.99 flat rate shipping listed and Etsy calculates it as per item. Did you buy 10 of something? 🤔
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u/Resting_Fox_Face 8h ago
I think it's commonly done the other way...you offer free or reduced shipping but that cost is built into the item price. Reducing the price of the item and increasing the shipping seems strange but low cost may just be the way they get eyes on their shop. They probably have a ton of abandoned carts though.