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im in the process of making a shopify site. and the shipping cost eludes me.
the absolute cheapest shipping i can get is around the $8 mark. no matter how small or light. (unless envelope.)
however some sellers on ebay are selling the same item as me for $8 including free shipping.
how do they do it?Howdy jfoldbar
This query eludes many sellers and in most instances when you review the ‘free shipping on $8 items’ you will identify that the sellers are NOT AU based. Or, they use sub standard offerings and flout the rules of AP – eg, they post in a padded mailer (even if over 2cm) and short change the system with only 2 stamps… or buy uncirc/rewashed stamps as well.
Most of the time though, especially on cheaper items with low margin, you are competing with the manufacturers themselves selling out of China (for example) and represented as being in AU – all the while taking advantage of a ‘developing country’ program with the Postage Union that heavily subsidises freight out their part of the world.
Its always hard to compare a stand alone websites offerings with those on eBay, as you are never quite sure where the sellers are based out of – what postage offerings they have access to. Even down to the fact that you are not sure what type of seller they are or their motivation? Maybe they have 1 million phone cases that they want to clear, and $0.10 profit is adequate for them – this would bring them $100k. Small numbers, but tidy profit 🙂
Not sure the rates are anything to do with eBay negotiating rates etc etc… they have tried to get 250 gram parcels back for smaller sellers of smaller items, but AP are not willing to do this from what we see… That is where sendle came into it a little and offered a 250 parcel/package of sorts for as low as $4.07 ex with minimums.
Its very difficult to answer your post without more in depth info… what you are comparing, where they are, etc etc…
One of the key things that is important, is your own mindset – if its a challenge to you, it will be hard to sell your customers on… You also really need to build a ‘brand’ to have people WANTING your product over and above other sellers. Is your product unique and does it have the I WANT HIS/HER item over ebays etc etc?
Happy selling, setting up and the rest…
Cheers
Jasonps. Hi @Paul-FS
Jason Ramage | Lucas Arthur Pty Ltd | E: [email protected] P: 61 3 8324 0344 M: 61 412 244 888Up3Hi Suze
In short, YES.. and wow, what a topic…. One i am consciously aware of although to articulate it is proving rather difficult in response to this post and your query about tips etc… but i will try…
For me, i am very aware that socialising and putting myself out there is a rather big thing… to be in front of people and to expel the energy i would traditionally use in my own space, is rather daunting.
As Negers suggests, being an introvert doesnt mean one cant get out from under the doona or be in front of people, just it can take a bit to do and be ‘present’ with all in attendance that ultimately may leave one a little less energised.. Will cover some of this in a moment with a current journey i am on.
Being aware of this myself, @paul-fs-concierge seems to have summed up a little bit and some ways that i have tackled… that is creating a business that suits our traits, removing one from the spotlight and placing you in the cocoon like environment that allows you to grow and develop on our strengths. Another big thing is to work in/with what you love, something i have done for a while as it allows you to be within your comfort zone and to talk about what we love and know a little about removes some of the introvert barriers.
For me, this was very quickly eCommerce.. i could easily source products, respond via marketplaces or email and pack and prepare items leaving the warehouse without physically seeing anyone outside of my extended (limited) network 🫣.
This brought on some additional issues, with staff and so forth although to offset this i have filled the business with people that are friends, family or extended family.
Couple of tips in simple format:
1. Work with what you love or know
2. Surround yourself with people that know your discomfort, not to accomodate, but to understand when you need that lil quiet time
3. Develop mechanisms and an awareness when you need some YOU time
4. Dont overthink those times you need to engage – and plan meetings effectively with adequate breaks
5. Be honest, admit this to people if timing permits. Its amazing how many people feel similar and are willing to work with you at your level – if neededAbove is by far not rocket science, its not an answer to all varying degrees of introversion and may not help many at all.. however, its helped me. One of the biggest things i try in order to work with my introvert status is to constantly see the value in engaging with certain people and events and ensuring the attendance of such pivotal events are on my radar and push myself to go… This leads me to the journey i am currently on that one would not think i am an introvert, and yet everyone that has been on the journey with me knows it intimately.
Before i outline this journey, and i wish to share only so those that feel its too far out of their comfort zone will know they can survive it – cos if i can, anyone can.. What i wanted to lead with is that even people knowing me in here @ FS is a big thing for me, sounds odd.. but at one time, and being a regular contributor i feel, we had calls coming from all sorts of places referencing seeing me in here and it was a little overwhelming… Moving on to the journey at hand…
So, quite a few years ago (too many to remember) i started selling on eBay as it was a simple marketplace and the go to at the time here in Au… Built up some knowledge and maybe 7 years or so ago, and in line with a typical intro standing, i joined a FB group about eBay Au Sellers etc and am currently a Mod in there… This has led me to be upfront and put me out of my comfort zone a fair bit, although this isnt the key intro push…
Maybe nearing on 24 months now i was asked to be on a seller panel with eBay, this would involve weekly Zooms, attending Retail Fest (big con in GC for retail/online sellers) and doing some discussions with many eBay Au staff, other panelists and attendees of the con. Very very much outside of my comfort zone.. So much so, i nearly declined as i felt i would not fit with the social aspect of what others were/are on the panel and the workforce.
After taking a few days, evaluating that i a) understood the task and loved this space already and b) aware that i was intro and would be required to engage decided to actually accept the invite/consideration due to the insights i may be able to share and learn from.
24 months in, with weekly zooms (aside from holiday periods and random conflicts) and being part of this panel as allowed me to push myself as an introvert to the very edge (but i am sure there are more tests to come) with the below being ticked off:
– Attend and publicly engage with large crowds at 2022 Retail Fest (easter) for several days
– Attend eBay Au head office to meet and plan future events with panel and meet AU staff
– Work on and attend a National Roadshow revolving around the panelists in Perth/Sydney/Melbourne and Brisbane – with between 80-100 attendees + many more staff
– Start a Youtube Channel around the panel insights (very small scale, done in line with pushing myself)Coming back to a comment about letting people know you are intro, let me share a story pulling the above together a little bit… So, we were all at the GC Retail Fest and just had a panel workshop with an open discussion that involved some eBay Au staff including Neil Mackay – Director Selling Australia and lead on the panel and seller community focus – when the workshop concluded, Neil walked out of the room and immediately said ‘i have an idea’ to which he quickly added ‘and Jason, you are going to hate this’ – the idea? Was the national roadshow, and 4 months later this introvert was standing in front of a 100 people at a time and completely out of ones comfort zone for the betterment of others 🙂
Ok, i have rambled.. so writing may explain my intro status, or my intro status may explain my writing 🤯.. All i want to say is that being an introvert doesnt cripple ones dreams and as you ask Suze, what can we do to overcome or adapt or be conscious about to work with our status per sae? For me, its knowing and understanding when i need to push and when i need to retreat and most of all i wish to leave you with a particular statement that comes about after attending the above type of events for me, and that is “i would never have known you are an introvert, or are uncomfortable as you speak so well, are friendly and so engaged’ to which i tend to reply ‘you sure you mean me, being friendly 🤪. Nah, seriously though, thanks although being an introvert or not liking people doesnt mean i cant talk or present or other – it just takes a lot out of me’
Was going to post a link to the eBay journey, but its a little outside of OP and rambles too… although just want to say that being an intro i am now appearing at roadshows, conferences, eBay youtube stuff, virtual eBay cons, at local events, local outings with the awesome team i am doing this with (ebay and panelists), appearing in eBays seller releases and in many more places that is really pushing my boundaries.. So, it can be done… Being an introvert really just means we need to tools and to know ourselves in order to push ourselves.
Paul, just love this concept of working with what works with us – my words, not yours, but tweaked and reworded how i read your response.
Take care weirdos…
Jason
Jason Ramage | Lucas Arthur Pty Ltd | E: [email protected] P: 61 3 8324 0344 M: 61 412 244 888Up1Hey Suze
Great question… i am a little with Paul, dont generally do mates rates per sae as it becomes a very blurred line as you outline with the job creep scenario you described.
However, there will be certain times and business models that can accomodate and still retain profitability whilst offering multi tier pricing models.. Such as businesses dealing in real goods. We have a retail type space and we have a multitiered model with each tier allocated to certain types of scenarios – eg: MSRP/1st level discount/friends of friends/friends/family and then there are those mates (not many) that basically walk out the shop that you have to chase or go around to their places and drink the proceeds.. but hey, that happens 🙂
Personally, it is important to have clearly defined parameters on what and when you will do this… And ultimately, if a ‘mate’ is giving you true grief for a discount, are they really a mate…. The offer should be respected IF you discount on the side and not a sense of entitlement.
Lets come back to job creep though, i feel your example is great although it isnt truly just related to mates rates. Job creep isnt managed well at the best of times by quite a large percentage of businesses and in these circumstances you can actually sit on the pier and watch the sharks circling for a bigger bite.
Have a great weekend
JasonJason Ramage | Lucas Arthur Pty Ltd | E: [email protected] P: 61 3 8324 0344 M: 61 412 244 888Up1Hey Paul 👋🏼 and OP
Paul, great advice.. Shopify has a great support team (CS) that will navigate these waters….
OP, having an app that would calculate the combined postage and then create a CBM for you on those combined items may be the same as the Shopify shipping offering as it all relies heavily on your inputted data.
Most eComm operators would potentially look at the combined value and price the largest item at a rate to cover the lesser items that may be added into the shipping – or, take some as a loss leader and average out the freight to cover costs and also have profit in said products – the more we sell the better in most situations…
Please, please dont forget to ensure you DO NOT have those pesky remote locals set up unless you are lifting rates to cover – just those sizes sound large…
Re the local 3PL provider, if you have a decent margin, this could also be an option as they may have the benefit of non cubed rates that could benefit a product like yours.
Wishing you all the best
JasonJason Ramage | Lucas Arthur Pty Ltd | E: [email protected] P: 61 3 8324 0344 M: 61 412 244 888Up0Howdy All
Hope we are all very well…
Just dropping in to take a peek and see some new developments…
Logging in i had some notifications, SPAMMY and from same person/user.. Noticed though, reason for posting, that there is no report function for abuse of the system or messaging inappropriately? Did i overlook the feature? Thought something like this could be a pretty good idea to weed out those that shouldnt really be here and encourage good members over ones that are here to scam or pollute all the good work generally carried out in the forum?
Look forward to insight, or road map as there seems to be a gap between what was suggested may be introduced to what has/has not been done since many repeat users…
Stay safe all.. not being negative, just eternally curious.
Jason Ramage | Lucas Arthur Pty Ltd | E: [email protected] P: 61 3 8324 0344 M: 61 412 244 888Up1Hi MrSean,
I like the way you are thinking. I provide couriers and pallet services, and residential pickups are not ideal.
If you are close to a courier depot, like TNT for instance, yes you can drop the parcels there. It’s easy.
If you are using Aramex or Couriers please, yes they have drop off points (servo…newsagent…etc.)Which courier you use, depends on your products and your receivers (commercial or residential)
If you are doing large volume, low value, and low weight items to residential clients, then AusPost is a good starting point.If you are doing parcels over 2 kg or high value items, contact me and I can talk you through the options
Great advice as always Rob… OP, would highly recommend using someone like Rob to ensure you are on the right path freight wise.. an absolute gentleman to deal with..
Alternatively, you can do warehousing with 3PL as an option if you needed..
ALl that being said, i strongly believe the slow and steady approach with the timelines you have advised shows your understanding of your market and willingness to grow into the path you need.. Its, well, very refreshing..
Wishing you the best, and hoping to see your growth documented here 🙂
Jason Ramage | Lucas Arthur Pty Ltd | E: [email protected] P: 61 3 8324 0344 M: 61 412 244 888Up0Howdy David,
How great it was seeing the notification this morning, although sad that this door is closing.. However, knowing and having bantered with you over the years, i am certain that the door you have just unlocked has a beautiful engaging journey ahead.
Wishing you all the best mate, you have made some turbulent times a pleasure and you will be missed by those that know you and have those that have been robbed of that privilege.
Hope to see you around… and thanks for all the kind words and steering us in the right direction when needed 😉
Jason
Jason Ramage | Lucas Arthur Pty Ltd | E: [email protected] P: 61 3 8324 0344 M: 61 412 244 888Up0@bb1 Mate love that you created this thread…
Admin, am so apologetic for adding to this thread, although the lack or reply nor refinements that are visible (note that something could be going on the background, but alas – we dont know) are what is potentially bringing all the hard work done in this forum for years, downwards.
In all honesty, the forum seems to have had a visual refresh to capture a visual based audience whilst omitting all the operational and important components such as reporting the constant spam, posts, engaging previous posters and other regular activity that used to occur. Maybe its a way to clean out some older posters and try to bring in a new audience, its just odd though.
This post alone has drawn on for some time with replies saying being looked at, engaged, fixed, etc etc – although there doesnt appear to be much of this visible? is it covid restraints? budgetary or other? Or is it a platform that is being considered for retirement or rolled into another platform elsewhere?
Would love to be involved in something in this forum, although there isnt much meat on the bones of the posts i encounter.. actually, by the time i wade through irrelevant posts (i love watching movies with wifi whilst on the road, does anyone else or am i the only weirdo) or spam.
Love some feedback on this, if we are privy to it of course
Jason Ramage | Lucas Arthur Pty Ltd | E: [email protected] P: 61 3 8324 0344 M: 61 412 244 888Up0Howdy,
Just coming back in for a quick minute, although sadly it still doesnt feel overtly welcoming.
That being said, and i know admins do a great job, although there still appears to be a no report function.. at present, there are links in the forum to cannabis sites that i cant raise awareness of… Or am i overlooking the report function.
Stay safe everyone…
Jason Ramage | Lucas Arthur Pty Ltd | E: [email protected] P: 61 3 8324 0344 M: 61 412 244 888Up0Interesting topic…
Can you say no, of course, you are the person seeking quotes… but how?
We, IMO, it depends on the reasons and motivations from yourself. Are you declining on price? or dont like the company? or other, each of these aspects need to be considered first and foremost.
Always be polite, and this is in general, as you never know if or when you may cross paths with this person in the future. For us, the response is based on our reasons.. if its price and willing to accept a modified quote, we suggest that they are on par with others both professionalism although price has excluded them from decision making..
If its as you feel its not a suitable business to work with for whatever reason, advise them, politely. Thanks for quote, unfortunately we have opted for another option that excluded your quote from consideration.
And, move on
Jason Ramage | Lucas Arthur Pty Ltd | E: [email protected] P: 61 3 8324 0344 M: 61 412 244 888Up0James pls let me know your thoughts 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Sounds like it may pay to put a decent accountant on your payroll that you trust with this sort of stuff.. only saying this as a: its a good chunk of coin and b: you are already second guessing or not getting enough advice from your existing guy/gal as you are on a forum asking…
Maybe @jamesmillar might be able to help you structure, and whatever it costs you might save you in tax + you can also claim it as an additional expense next year 🙂
Jason Ramage | Lucas Arthur Pty Ltd | E: [email protected] P: 61 3 8324 0344 M: 61 412 244 888Up0@dave-fs-concierge
@paul-fs-conciergeHowdy Mate,
Above is prime example – been sitting in the forum for a few days and propping up an old post… this is the type of activity we see more lately than actual genuine posts… 🙁
J
Jason Ramage | Lucas Arthur Pty Ltd | E: [email protected] P: 61 3 8324 0344 M: 61 412 244 888Up0@Dave_FS conceeirge
As requested issues I see with your downgraded forum, you may want to talk to your developers about what user testing was done, I have an idea.
There is no – New Posts option.
The @Dave option doesnt work
No quote previous post option.Must admit I gave up trying any further if they cant get basics right, well you know my approach from previous comments.
My login problems were that it wouldnt accept my normal password, I tried a couple of forgotten password attempts, finally got an email on the 3rd attempt.
Just reaching out and checking on progress…. Post started about 2 months ago, and to be honest if there has been any improvements they must all be back end..
Is it just me, or are the vast percentage of posts still spam and self promotional…. with no ability to report as spam either and sit on post for quite some time?
Would be great to get some more updates along with seeing if this forum is getting the love it deserves?
Cheers
Jason Ramage | Lucas Arthur Pty Ltd | E: [email protected] P: 61 3 8324 0344 M: 61 412 244 888Up0Hi there. The short answer is no. Every commercial shipment valued over $1000 requires a formal entry with Australian Border Force. Brokers Fees can range from $115 to $180.
A good broker can sometimes save you money, by finding Trade Concessions and duty exemptions for your goods.
Don’t fight it.
Best to get a good broker, and work with them.I can provide that service if you still need it.
MDREAM, having worked with Rob before.. i can highly recommend engaging his service.. a true gentleman, able to help with your needs…
Hope you dont mind the shout out Rob, always value your assistance..
Jason
Jason Ramage | Lucas Arthur Pty Ltd | E: [email protected] P: 61 3 8324 0344 M: 61 412 244 888Up0Trying to be interested and invested in the forum, although the lack of anything appears to have dissipated quite heavily with very few returning, contributing or even starting new conversations related to what the forum (IMO) was about..
Any updates? Or has the forum changed and/is changing so much that its wiping the slate clean?
Its quite sad really, was a good source of banter and collective knowledge… 🙁
@admin, is it worthwhile persevering? or is it beyond the forum of old and heading to a new role that is more monetised as opposed to helpful?Jason Ramage | Lucas Arthur Pty Ltd | E: [email protected] P: 61 3 8324 0344 M: 61 412 244 888
