As far as the one customer goes: Ick. I had someone try pulling that on me on eBay, with regard to Priority Shipping. "But it only costs X on the USPS website, and they give you a free box!" To which I replied "Yes, but they don't provide packing materials to pad your item _in_ the box." - The skies opened, a shaft of sunlight shone from the heavens upon on her, angels sang, and suddenly, she understood... 8)
One of the things I have done to alleviate this sort of situation is to include "Why does it cost X for shipping and handling?" in my FAQs on eBay (I should do this for my Etsy shop too). Giving the customer a breakdown of average shipping fees and incidentals lays it out for them in advance, and lets them know there is no negotiating room on this matter. They have the fee schedule in front of them, and it gives them a sense of security that these are your standards - you're being an honest seller.
This reminds me - I may post something in my merchant filter about one of my competitors raising her prices....
Ask and ye shall receive...
Hey, look - new stuff! :) Nice holiday plaque.
As far as the one customer goes: Ick.
I had someone try pulling that on me on eBay, with regard to Priority Shipping. "But it only costs X on the USPS website, and they give you a free box!" To which I replied "Yes, but they don't provide packing materials to pad your item _in_ the box." - The skies opened, a shaft of sunlight shone from the heavens upon on her, angels sang, and suddenly, she understood... 8)
One of the things I have done to alleviate this sort of situation is to include "Why does it cost X for shipping and handling?" in my FAQs on eBay (I should do this for my Etsy shop too). Giving the customer a breakdown of average shipping fees and incidentals lays it out for them in advance, and lets them know there is no negotiating room on this matter. They have the fee schedule in front of them, and it gives them a sense of security that these are your standards - you're being an honest seller.
This reminds me - I may post something in my merchant filter about one of my competitors raising her prices....