Here's the scenario... I have multiples of 1 item for sale and don't feel like making multiple listings so I use the quantity field. I setup shipping to be actual cost based on dimensions and services. When a user buys more than 1, they are getting a "shipping discount" even though I have discounts turned OFF.

 

It was a Mars Rover... to ship one was approx $11. Shipping two came out to $13.50 and eBay had the nerve to print "You gave an $8.50 shipping discount" on the order... and I'm thinking, hell no I didn't. I don't use flat rate because it never handles that scenario properly either.

 

How do you guys set that up? I think I'll be OK for this one, but if someone ever bought larger sets in multiples (which can get heavy) or something like the MP-Grimlocks which are just large boxes, this could really cut into the profits.

 

And no, upping the price and doing free shipping isn't a good option... It'll put me out of reach of Canadian buyers if I want to offer it for sale in the US (that $11 translates to at least $16 to the US in this case).

 

I'm thinking I'll just have to up the package size & weight just in case... I don't try to make money on shipping (I've been known to refund large differences in payment vs cost). It would be nice to be close though since feeBay takes a cut of the shipping cost.

 

This is automatic if you do calculated shipping. The "discount" is just the difference in shipping cost for shipping 2 items in one box versus 2 separate shipments with separate postage.

What exactly are you concerned about? Did it under calculate the cost?

This is automatic if you do calculated shipping. The "discount" is just the difference in shipping cost for shipping 2 items in one box versus 2 separate shipments with separate postage.

What exactly are you concerned about? Did it under calculate the cost?

 

I think in this case it might be close, but yes I think it's low...

 

I tried it on my listing for a larger item (where I have 5) and it showed shipping 1 as $17, 2 as $19, etc, Five come in at $28 which is totally under the total cost - cost would be at least $45 if not more. Seems to me their "discount" shipping rate is based on rather shoddy calculations.  Since the listing is placed in the 1-2kg weight category, shipping 5 could be anywhere from 5kg to 10kg (11lbs to 22lbs) and in a box almost twice as big as an SSD. There is no way a 20lbs box that big is only $28.

 

So I'm just curious what other people do for listings where someone buys more than 1.... It matters not if you give free shipping, but it sure takes a bite if you don't.