Shipping Tips

Shipping Tips!

Once you have review the tips below, see How and Where to Add Shipping and Tax

There are several ways each organization can plan for shipping for their auction – every organization handles it differently depending on bandwidth.  Below are some common ways organizations have planned and charged bidders for shipping as well as tips for a smooth process while passing on the cost to the bidder:

Does sales tax apply to items purchased via my online auction?

Sales Tax policy varies state to state. BiddingForGood advises clients to check with their legal counsel or the appropriate state agency, such as the local Chamber of Commerce for further guidance.

If you plan on adding tax to the items, we recommend that you add a note to the items to explain that the winners will be subject to x% tax in addition to their winning bid amount.

Sales tax can be added before you award your items under Close Out > Award Items.

Including Shipping information on the item pages – Though not required, it is a best practice to include a line about shipping on each item, even if it something all-encompassing like “A shipping charge will be added to the winning bidder’s charge.”  If it is a larger item that may cost a lot to ship (like furniture or large gift baskets) it is best to include a shipping amount range (like “This item’s shipping cost runs $30-$50 and will be added to the winning bidder’s charge”).

Delivery Confirmation/Insurance – We highly recommend getting Delivery Confirmation for every item shipped.  Even the most consistent shipping companies lose items.  If an item is not received by the bidder, they will contact you and may call their credit card company for a chargeback to their card.

Gift Certificates – Most organizations will not charge additional shipping for items that can be mailed via envelope.
Flat Rate boxes – Using flat rate boxes is an easy way to know how much to add to a charge for shipping without taking the box to the post office or needing to calculate based on the bidder’s location.

Flat shipping fees -   Some organizations will charge one amount to all those who win items.  For example, the shipping fee added to all bidders who won a physical item (not a certificate) is $5.

Calculate the exact shipping cost - For exact shipping charges, there are shipping calculators available online and on different carriers' websites.  For example, if you're using USPS, you can calculate estimates for shipping on your items here: http://postcalc.usps.com/.  To see the shipping addresses for the winning bidders, you can look up their name under Close Out > Manage Bidders or under Reports > Registered Users.