Thursday, May 28, 2009

SHIPPING!!! AURGH!!!

Okay, I know I sound like a broken record, but WHAT MORE CAN A PERSON DO about shipping costs???
Again, some few customers are cutting my ebay feedback regarding shipping charges. I have been taking a cut for quite a while. The week the postal rates went up I kept my shipping the same. I was at a huge loss. I have also had a couple of customers that had emailed me regarding their packages had been damaged during the delivery. Postal workers stuffing packages in the mailbox any way they can to get it in. This has never happened in the 5 years that I have been selling cards on ebay. I am definetly not complaining about that. I love customer feedback. I would rather know and try my best to fix a situation than to loose a good customer. Way to go Customers!!!!
The problem is, almost all of my cards are heavy. There is a lot of dimension and embellishments.Some of them will add a couple ounces instead of one when combined shipping is done. I am also trying to add cardboard to the packages which makes the packages weigh more. This is added protection to the cards. I still feel I have the most reasonable shipping charges one can have to ship such quality items .
I would really love to have direct feedback from customers. I have put in my listings that I strive for a 5 star rating. If you can't leave a 5 star rating to please contact me. This is not being done by a small few. If you can tell me how I can do better please let me know. I can't fix it, if I don't know about it.
Some of you may not know, as a Power Seller we get some benefits. We can get a percentage off our fees refunded to us if we keep high feedback.
For the quality of cards that I make my starting bid is very low as compared to others that sell around the same quality. No my cards do not go for high dollars, because I try my best to make multiples so every one can have a chance to get one of my designs. Not every one can afford 20. or more for 1 card. As a matter of fact, I have been at a loss every year at tax time. It costs a lot to make the cards I make.
Some would ask why do you still make and sell them if you are not making any money. Well, I am just addicted. My mother says I am obsessed with making cards. I get so excited to see someone have a better day when they receive a card in the mail. The world sometimes can seem so unfair, and there is so many people that does need a lift. That's why I do it. I am always receiving e-mails, phone calls, and visits from people that just had to tell me what happened when they gave one of my cards to someone. That is what it is all about.
Please don't take this wrong. I am just so puzzled and can't figure out what else I can do. I appreciate every customer that I have. It is you that have made me a power seller to begin with by bidding on my cards and taking the second chance offers that I give. All I ask for is some Communication..


Thanks!
Have A Wonderful Day!!
Linda :o)

1 comment:

Shannon said...

Linda
You definitely go the extra mile making your customers happy. Me for one, cause I am one with the stuffed packages. I don't understand why you wouldn't get a five star rating. You are cheaper than most on your shipping. You can't control shipping cost. My suggestion is to go up on shipping or go up on your cards. Gas prices are going up, food is going up, etc... I want to say "Thank You" for caring about your customers and this is one customer who understands and appreciates your effort at keeping cost down. You are a five star seller in my book and I will continue to purchase your cards no matter what you decide to do. I know you will be very generous and fair in what you decide.
God Bless
Shannon

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