Cost of shipping
Has there been any indication the the cost for shipping ($3.99) would be increased? I haven't sold anything that falls into that category in quite some time. I try to sell my books within the "best price match" but with the cost of postage continually going up my profits are much lower.
Is anyone aware of a forum for us to share concerns/questions with Amazon? This is just one question that I have had lately. I have sold on Amazon for almost 10 years now but have noticed several issues within the last 2 years that have concerned me.
Cost of shipping
Has there been any indication the the cost for shipping ($3.99) would be increased? I haven't sold anything that falls into that category in quite some time. I try to sell my books within the "best price match" but with the cost of postage continually going up my profits are much lower.
Is anyone aware of a forum for us to share concerns/questions with Amazon? This is just one question that I have had lately. I have sold on Amazon for almost 10 years now but have noticed several issues within the last 2 years that have concerned me.
15 replies
Seller_EXuhrAKFLHPpw
I don't think that Amazon has any plans on increasing the $3.99 shipping. The days of selling a book for $5.00 and being able to make a little off of shipping are long gone. Personally, I've stopped listing any books for under $10 and have been culling my older, low value inventory as time allows.
As far as a forum for concerns goes, just keep posting issues on here. The one silver lining to this new forum format is that the Mods seem to be a lot more active, and it appears that they are actually resolving some issues.
Seller_Hi7wbO2Kbo6bl
I've been selling on Amazon since 2003. During that period that shipping charge in Media has been adjusted once (it was $3.49)
However, at that time, Media sellers could not set their own shipping rates. Now, any sellers on the professional plan can set their own rates.
So, in the eyes of Amazon they have provided the means for you to adjust your shipping.
I sincerely doubt that the $3.99 rate will be raised.
Seller_DBzTQPDCouH9d
You can pay $39.99 a month for the professional seller plan and set your own shipping prices, if you feel that will be worth it to you.
Seller_qTJiCxRI8PpIZ
I haven't seen anything about the cost of shipping being raised, but next time I head over to the post office I will ask. We have been selling online since 1999, I do believe. We stopped listing anything under $18.85 unless it is something we think is going to sell very quickly. It is quite frustrating that our profit margins on Amazon are so low unless you sell high end, expensive products.
Seller_CW0P5hgbsiqWX
You are looking at shipping the wrong way.
1. The buyer should always be paying the shipping cost, not the seller.
2. It makes no difference to the total cost of the product sale how the shipping is calculated. you can either:
- dd the shipping cost into the product cost and offer free shipping,
- Display the shipping cost as a separate amount.
- Split the shipping cost between the product cost and shipping amount showed.
3. Some sellers believe displaying a low shipping cost can give an edge over other sheers of the same product.
4. Remember to include the cost of the shipping materials into the shipping cost. If this is not done, you will be losing money.
5. If you are on the individual selling plan and Amazon displays the $3.99, put any extra cost into the product price.
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As a side note, it is strange that with RFS, Amazon will charge $4.09 or more for the return label. It is time for a change.
Seller_EGAYxdv2MmpO0
Just absorbed $40 of shipping cost on a CD player to California. Amazon allows 10.99, it cost 50. The 50 cents per pound after 3.99 does not compensate.
I've stopped trying to figure it out and just eat it. Still made a profit.
Seller_s7F7fMBDtix0d
In the long run, many buyers will buy the lowest overall price (price + shipping) so whatever shipping is, is irrelevant.
Blake_Amazon
Hi @Seller_IMDaIvJiZtaRN, while I'm not privy into whether this shipping cost could change in the future, to address your other question about whether there's a forum to share concerns and questions, feel free to post any you may have in the appropriate category of these Seller Forums!
-Blake
