|
When shipping items great care must be taken during packing to insure safe transit. At first glance it might seem that the calculated shipping cost listed is inflated to allow us to make a few extra dollars, I assure you shipping costs are a breakeven or small loss for us. Please let me explain so you fully understand why we charge what we have to. When packing your item for shipping we use only new boxes, strong tape and plenty of bubble wrap for protection. Unfortunately, when it comes those three items the cost is not inexpensive. On some items over half the cost charged goes just for packing materials. Our main concern is getting the item to you without damage. We are not the type to jam an item in a just big enough used box, toss in some crumpled newspaper as filler, seal it with cheap tape and call it packed. We also purchase stuff off eBay and I can truthfully say most sellers do not know or care about packing items. Even with detailed instructions to help them pack it safely, they simply ignore your instructions. The best deal in the world is not a deal at all if it gets to you damaged. Lastly, shipping companies charge an extra fee to deliver to residential addresses and are now adding up to 9% fuel surcharge over their published rates. Shipping items correctly is expensive and I hope my explanation helps you better understand the costs involved.
Calculating shipping cost:
All of our auction listings have a built-in shipping calculator to inform the buyer what it will cost to ship that particular item. All you need to do is put in your zip code and click the calculate button to the right to find the cost. When you are signed in to eBay, the shipping cost information is automatically shown in the shipping cost section of the auction (top left of the page). We are upfront about the shipping cost and will never use price to be determined after the close of the auction type tactics.
Optional signature required:
Our shippers do not require or seek a signature when delivering packages to most residential and some business addresses. They will simply leave the package in a safe location determined by the deliveryman. If you want them to require a signature when delivering your package, please notify me via e-mail before payment is made and I will add the $2.00 fee to the eBay invoice and ship it with a signature required label.
Large Items & Dimensional Weight:
On large items you will notice a substantial difference in shipping cost over a small item of about the same weight. That s because it must be shipped using calculated dimensional weight and additional packing materials. Dimensional weight is used if a box exceeds the size limit determined by the shipping company and doesn t weigh at least a certain amount. So, if you have an item that weighs a couple pounds and it has to ship in a large box that exceeds their size limit, then the cost is calculated using the carton's dimensions instead of the actual weight. We are aware of the size limits and always try to get the package under the limit to save our customers some money, but we will not compromise safe shipping practices to do so.
Shipping Damage:
If the item is damaged during shipping, we must be notified within seven days of delivery of the damage. Shipping companies have rules in place that deny claims if not reported in a certain time frame. All items that are shipped via DHL/UPS are insured free of charge for up to $100 automatically. If an item sells for more then $100, additional insurance will be required (up to the actual selling price and not beyond). Please keep the box and packing material handy in case the shipper sends out someone to pick-up/inspect the damaged package. You will be reimbursed only after the shipping company settles the claim, that may take over 30 days to complete.
Combined Shipping:
If you purchase more then one item from us, we will try and combine the items into one box to save on you on shipping costs. Unfortunately, most times we just can t do it without compromising safe shipping practices or having the box exceed over-sized limits. When purchasing small accessories such as cables, extra needles, cleaning swabs, antennas, cords and the like from our eBay store they do not pose a problem adding to a carton nor do they increase the weight enough to change the shipping cost.
Shipping Companies:
Packages over one pound in weight are shipped via DHL/UPS ground service and it s our choice (no exceptions) as to which carrier your package will be sent. Those shipments must have a street address as DHL/UPS can not deliver to a PO Box. The shipping cost listed is for the contiguous US only, shipments to non-contiguous US areas are to be by DHL/UPS air service if available and please e-mail for cost before bidding. All items have to be shipped as we no longer allow local pick-ups. All DHL/UPS packages are sent with a tracking number and once shipped a tracking link will be forwarded to you via e-mail. |