eBay shipping scams? $999.00 shipping for three razors?

**cfriend** · 06-04-2009, 06:53 PM

Just found a lot of three razors up for auction on eBay with $999.00 shipping charges. At first I thought I had misread it, and maybe I'm misunderstanding it, but it seems pretty unusual to charge that much for something like this. One could find this auction by searching for "LOT OF 3 VINTAGE GILLETTE SAFETY Double Edge RAZORS" on eBay US. Just thought I'd post it here so some unwitting B&B member didn't accidentally catch a tough break.

**redgrandam** · 06-04-2009, 06:55 PM

Usually those ones are pulled automatically by Ebay, perhaps they haven't caught it yet. They don't allow excessive shipping charges, as that clearly is.

Edit: it looks like an error though, as he has two options listed for shipping, one is 12.99... And his other auctions aren't listed like that.

**nikkuchan** · 06-04-2009, 07:14 PM

I'd bid on it and then only pay how much the shipping should cost.

**fidjit** · 06-04-2009, 07:49 PM

Woohoo only $12.99 shipping to Australia

Obviously doesn't like Americans

**scottydoint** · 06-04-2009, 07:51 PM

Probably supposed to be $9.99...

**mretzloff** · 06-04-2009, 07:53 PM

It's not a scam, it's a legitimate thing to do. It might not be honest, but it is certainly allowed. You just need to be vigilant about the shipping costs.

**DunEdinRanger** · 06-04-2009, 08:05 PM

One of them looks like a nice shiny gold Aristocrat...

**TimmyBoston** · 06-04-2009, 08:44 PM

Someone knows the total cost before they pay, if they are stupid enough to actually fork over the money, they deserve to be cheated.

But I think Scotty is right, it was most likely supposed to be 9.99

rainman · 06-04-2009, 08:57 PM

If you agree to the total price and then complain after the fact...

No. Never buy something with super high shipping. When it comes to return time your shipping costs may not be refunded.

Example: Buy a razor for $1 with $25 shipping. Seller is only obligated to refund the $1.

Some sellers pad fees to an extend to cover the insane ebay fees. For instance. $2 to ship a razor and they charge you $5. The $3 does not even cover listing and final value fees.

**Stubblefield** · 06-04-2009, 10:05 PM

Hey man, cardboard boxes are expensive. And don't get me started on tape.

**krissy** · 06-04-2009, 10:17 PM

Originally Posted by Stubblefield

Hey man, cardboard boxes are expensive. And don't get me started on tape.

Don't forget those sticky 1/2 page labels so you can print your own postage through paypal. And a scale to figure out how much your box weighs so you can print your own postage through paypal. But of course you must tack on a few extra bucks to cover the cost of the printer ink that will go on those sticky labels so you can print your labels out on paypal. But then my time is also valued and the gas that it takes me to drive to the post office of course needs to be added as well.

Don't get me started on those that violate policy. I strive to comply with all of the stupid rules on ebay..... And their stupid star chart is so juvenile.

**Stubblefield** · 06-04-2009, 10:34 PM

Originally Posted by krissy

..... And their stupid star chart is so juvenile.

Oooh, I'm a star . . . . yay.

**heirkb** · 06-04-2009, 10:41 PM

If they charge 5 bucks for 2 dollar shipping, I could understand that. I've had to pay ridiculous amounts of money for boxes, and bubble wrap where I live, because we don't have any wholesale shipping type stores nearby.

VR6ofpain · 06-04-2009, 11:50 PM

Originally Posted by item 130309992799

US $999.00
To: United States Via: Canada Post Small Packets - USA - Air
US $12.99
To: United States Via: Small Packets - International - Air

I guess just go with the "Small Packets International" method and save money?

**DunEdinRanger** · 06-05-2009, 05:40 AM

Originally Posted by heirkb

If they charge 5 bucks for 2 dollar shipping, I could understand that. I've had to pay ridiculous amounts of money for boxes, and bubble wrap where I live, because we don't have any wholesale shipping type stores nearby.

As another member pointed out, one can order online for FREE, from the US Postal Service, their Priority Mail boxes and envelopes. I have those now, to ship out those poor lonely scuttles that never sold.

**The Nid Hog** · 06-05-2009, 06:27 AM

My guess is that the seller plans to personally deliver the razors and this charge will help defray his travel expenses. It's entirely possible that he plans to buy a second ticket so that the nicely packaged razors can sit next to him on the trip.

**blantyre** · 06-05-2009, 08:38 AM

This is what happens when the post office can raise charges every single year without any review, it's disgusting! Does the vendor at least offer to consolidate multiple shipments.

**mmack66** · 06-05-2009, 08:48 AM

Since I am paying that much for shipping, there had better be a bottom adjust 195 razor thrown in as well.

**gollum83** · 06-05-2009, 08:54 AM

Originally Posted by VR6ofpain

I guess just go with the "Small Packets International" method and save money?

You don't think the Canada Post Small Packets is a better deal? But why?

**TimMechEngr** · 06-05-2009, 10:07 AM

I've never understood or agreed with the exaggerated shipping prices of many sellers on ebay. Shipping & handling charges should be fair, honest, and reasonable. I'm not buying your gas, your printer, your printer ink, your printer paper, your computer, your internet connection, nor your time, I'm buying your product. And since this thread started on this note, I would say that an overwhelming majority of online shoppers' concerns involve shipping charges. Look at many of the threads here on B&B, and you will see that concern time and again. Buyers are just plain fed up with exorbitant shipping prices. When sellers treat their customers right, the word spreads.

And, I do agree that ebay's policies are extremely flawed from both the buyers and the sellers perspective. The seller should have the right to rate their buyers the same as they are rated. It was a travesty when ebay took away this right.

Of course, all of this was just my .02, my opinion, and YMMV