How to Calculate Shipping Rates on eBay

When buying on eBay, it is important to know the shipping rates and shipping services offered on an auction before placing your bid. Factor in the cost of shipping when determining your high bid price, based on the highest total amount that you wish to pay for the item.

Instructions

1. Read the auction description and terms of the auction thoroughly before bidding. Many sellers address shipping in their auction description. Look for things such as a flat shipping rate quoted, a reference to using the shipping calculator to know costs, types of shipping service offered, and days of the week or number of days it typically takes for a package to ship.

2. Scroll down to the bottom of the auction page and locate the eBay shipping calculator if the item description told you to use a calculator, or if the seller did not address shipping costs in the description.

3. Enter the zip code that you want the package shipped to, or the name of your country if you live in a country other than the one that the seller lives in. After entering the correct information, click on the "update" button. Wait for the page to load with the correct shipping costs. The calculator also tells you if insurance is optional, required, or not offered. The price of insurance is determined based on the final bid price.

4. Contact the seller by clicking on the "Ask seller a question" link at the top of the page under the seller's user name. From the scroll down list on the next page that loads, choose "Question about shipping for this item."

5. Type in your question asking the seller how much it costs to ship the item to you, if the seller did not put shipping prices in the description, or add a shipping calculator to the auction. Be sure to give the seller your zip code or name of your country, so they can check rates to your location.

Tips & Warnings

• Some eBay sellers combine purchases to save the buyer on shipping. If you are interested in bidding on more than one item from the same seller, and the auction description does not address combined shipping, contact the seller to ask if they offer that service.

• Many eBay sellers offer multiple shipping services for you to choose from. If the auction that you are interested in does not offer more than one shipping choice, and you would like your item shipped by another means, contact the seller to make your request prior to bidding.