As a buyer, do you prefer first or second class postage?

[PatienceIsAVirtue1]

Hello,
I've been selling on eBay for a few years now. I always get good feedback that I post items very quickly, however, I was looking at the star ratings on my feedback page and I am 4.7 for postage. I think this is because I charge £3.45 for first class postage, it gets to buyers the next day, however, I am being rated down for this as it is expensive.
I also wrap the items in tissue paper in the parcel, and I don't include in my charges the cost of the parcels I use, the envelopes, the tissue paper etc.
Do buyers prefer the item to take a bit longer to get there with cheaper 2nd class postage...or is 1st class alright? I'm not overcharging for postage, so I'm interested into how I can get my rating up somehow.

[19lottie82]

4.7 isn’t low or below a “good average”, you will always get people marking you a 4 for some reason. I doubt you will get any sellers who sell regularly, with a 5.

And a 4.7 isn’t anything to worry about. It’s not going to put buyers off, so need to stress.

[Vitalogy]

I only offer 2nd class but post ASAP, the same day or next usually.

I personally prefer to have cheaper postage and wait a bit longer. Although sometimes I've posted second class and it's arrived next the day anyway. Same with delivered items too.

[shumway]

I prefer second class as cheaper.

[MikeUniformMike]

I put everything on 2nd class. Most things I list to end on Sunday evening, as I read on here that it was the bast time to sell. If they pay immediately, I'll usually post it the next day, but if I have several items sold, I'll try to make it one trip to the post office on the Tuesday.
I have accidentally posted something that hadn't been paid for but the payment came almost immediately after I marked it as despatched.
I get buyers who don't pay, which is a PITA.
If I 'win' something, I usually pay within an hour and would expect to receive it during the week or collect it from the parcel office on the Saturday.
I'm fairly crap at leaving feedback, and usually get great feedback or none. As a seller you can't leave bad feedback.
I usually get feedback that item was delivered quickly.

[yougogirl150]

Prefer 2nd as default, or a choice between both is ideal for those occasions I might need something urgently.

[Chickenbhunaandoice]

I charge £4.50 for 1st recorded. I package everything beautifully in new postal bags etc. I lose money on postage but all my items are buy it now and I factor it in. I have 4.8- so go figure that!

[ToadOfSadness]

I tend to avoid sellers that charge more than the actual postage cost. It is pointless anyway because you still pay a fee on it so may as well add it to the item cost or call it freepost and lump it in together.

My listings state 2nd class recorded to deter thieves and chancers, most of it is sent 2nd class standard, but it does go within 2 days otherwise I send it 1st. If someone looks dodgy it goes recorded even if I only make a small amount on it after fees, it saves on the worry.

So, I tend to mark down stars for postage that is higher than it needs to be. I don't care if the packaging is new or used as long as it is clean and doesn't stink of perfume, I would rather pay the correct price, ie: £2.95 for a 2nd class small parcel, than another £2.50 on top for a fancy box and tissue. If the item warrants it due to price I don't mind paying for recorded to give the seller peace of mind. I do feel that anything above the basic price for the service is a rip off and charging for petrol and the wait at the Post Office is a piss take and actually you aren't meant to do it.

Many buyers are not home when the post arrives so they don't get it until the weekend/when they get it re-delivered/collect it from the sorting office, and my 2nd class stuff often arrives next day with the ones that are there at delivery time.

To answer the question, I prefer to pay less and wait a few days, I might be in the minority but as a seller of many years I understand that private sellers have other things to deal with and it might take a week to get to me. What we are up against is the assumption that everyone posts before the damn things are sold and that it will be there before they have even thought about buying it.

[lljkk]

If you sell "postage free" = "included in price" real life meaning, then buyers can't mark you down for postage price. The times I've offered 1st class as alternative, nobody opts for it, even people who ask how quickly can the item be sent!

[ScreamingValenta]

I'm happy to wait for second class. I've never marked anyone down for their postage costs, though - if the postage seems too high, I simply don't buy the item.

Occasionally a seller has, unasked, refunded the difference between quoted and actual cost when they've found it cheaper - I give glowing feedback for this!

[ginghamstarfish]

As I'm rural I don't often get anything next day , so prefer second. Good to give the option of either of possible.