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USPS Ground Advantage Rates
I probably missed a communication of some kind, but what in the world happened to USPS Ground Saver Rates? I usually charged $4.95 for that service and postage still came out over $5. Today, I selected that service to ship for the same kind of order (2 ounces, 5x9x1 padded mailer) and rate came back at $8.07.
5 comments
comics-scifi-collectibles
Mentor1 month ago · Edited@jrjr24 Shipments under 1lb to rural zip codes including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico are now charged the 1lb rate. This means your 2 oz package was charged the 1lb rate. USPS has had a LOT of prices changes and as @rfmtm mentioned the holiday surcharge increase is coming soon on Oct 4th.
USPS raised rates on July 12th 2026
https://community.ebay.com/forum/announcements-57928/topic/usps-rate-and-service-update-466150/
This is why I only use Calculated Shipping> buyer pays>
I recommend subscribing to the announcements page. Click on Join on the right hand side of this page>
https://community.ebay.com/forum/announcements-57928/
jrjr24
OP1 month agoThanks for the reply. I did not know about the under 1lb / rural zip code rule. If I use calculated shipping, is it wise to offer only one service (USPS Ground Advantage) and refund buyers after the transaction, if I can ship via eBay Standard Envelope? It seems if I offer standard envelope as a second option, and the item doesn't qualify for envelope (i.e.: over $20), but buyer has a choice, they'll always choose the $1.36 option, and then leave me on the hook to cover the Ground Advantage cost.
Appreciate your help.
comics-scifi-collectibles
Mentor1 month ago@jrjr24 A buyer is ALWAYS going to pick the least expensive shipping method offered on a listing, even if you can't use it.
Since you are using ESE you might try flat rate of X for the first and X for each additional. You would pocket the additional and not refund as it would be used to defray your out of pocket expense when the combined order does go over $20.
This is how sellers handle flat rate shipping... you have to average it out over all sales so it's not a loss to you.
This is an old post I made on how to set up shipping rules and apply them to your listings>
https://community.ebay.com/forum/shipping-57923/topic/just-making-a-post-that-i-can-refer-sellers-to-for-combined-shipping-rules-with-screen-shots-95035/#M438020
Some of the listing tool names have changed but the process is the same.
Let me know if you have any questions.
jrjr24
OP1 month agoThanks again, I’ll definitely use your suggestions
rfmtm
Mentor1 month agoRates and method of calculation have both changed. Special higher holiday charges coming soon.