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Additional shipping charge after I pre-paid for a shipping label
Here is what happened:
1. A product I was selling on ebay was purchased.
2. I purchased a prepaid shipping label for $67.
3. I shipped the product and delivery was confirmed.
4. After the sale was completed my account was charge an additional $118 for shipping.
Please explain how or why I was charged the $118. Thank you.
2 comments
disneyshopper
Mentor3 months agoWhat is the weight of the package, as well as the dimensions of the package? What are the FROM and TO zip codes? Did you change any of the information in the listing when you went to actually print the shipping label?
thetruevinecollective
OP3 months agoGood questions. Thank you. As you pointed out it came down to weight and dimensions.
Here is what I learned:
This is a very common eBay shipping surprise. Here’s what most likely happened:
Weight or Dimensional Weight Adjustment
When you purchased the prepaid label for $67, that price was based on the weight and dimensions you entered at the time of purchase. After the carrier (usually UPS or FedEx) scanned and processed your package, they re-weighed and re-measured it at their facility. If their measurements differed from what you entered — even slightly — eBay gets billed the difference and passes it on to you.
The two most common reasons this happens:
1. Actual weight was higher than declared. If you estimated the weight and were off by a few pounds, the carrier charges for the actual weight. A difference that produces a $118 adjustment suggests you may have been significantly under on weight.
2. Dimensional (DIM) weight exceeded actual weight. Carriers calculate a “dimensional weight” based on the box’s length × width × height divided by a divisor (usually 139 for UPS/FedEx). If your box was large but light, the DIM weight can be much higher than the scale weight — and you get billed for whichever is greater. This is a very frequent cause of surprise charges on large, lightweight items.
3. Incorrect package type selected. If you selected “letter” or “flat rate” but the package didn’t qualify, the carrier re-rates it as a parcel at full price.
What to do now:
• Log into eBay and look for a notice or message explaining the adjustment — eBay usually provides the carrier’s stated reason.
• Compare the weight/dimensions you entered vs. what the carrier recorded.
• If you believe the carrier’s measurement was wrong, you can dispute it through eBay’s shipping resolution process or directly with the carrier.
• Going forward, always weigh the fully packed box (not just the item), measure all three dimensions, and use a DIM weight calculator before buying the label.
The $118 overage on top of a $67 label is steep but not unusual for a large or heavier item where DIM weight kicked in unexpectedly.