Why Can't eBay Calculate Shipping for Multiple Packages?

I'm selling a set of 4 wheels but there seems to be no option to calculate the shipping cost for more than one package. I tried "selling as lot" and set the quantity to 4, but it made no difference, eBay still only charges the buyer the shipping cost for one package. Does anyone know how to do this?

sjhdu91134

114 View listings

Posted 2 years ago·Last reply 2 years ago

3 comments

wastingtime101

·2 years ago

0 View listings

Unfortunately the system does not allow an option for setting up calculated shipping on multi-box shipments. Buyers need to be shown ship cost upfront; you can't invoice for higher shipping after the fact. Rate tables should work well for your wheel situation @sjhdu91134 . Some general workarounds we sellers use:

Use calculated shipping, entering the weight/dimensions of the larger/heavier box. Add a flat handling fee to cover the cost of the second box. If you base that fee on the rate to the furthest zone you can refund any overage to a buyer in a closer zone if you want (or keep it and put it towards packing materials and fees).

Set up rate tables. With rate tables you'd use a flat ship cost, but can enter different amounts based on zone. Basically, you'd calculate shipping on both boxes, add the rates together and you've got your flat rate - do that for each zone so close buyers aren't overcharged and far away buyers aren't undercharged. https://www.ebay.com/ship/rt/

lisa5768

·2 years ago

1858 View listings

@sjhdu91134

As you have found out if you need 2 or more boxes the eBay Calculated Shipping will not work for multiple boxes. Figure the cost of each box to the farthest zone, you can add the numbers together and list it as Flat Rate shipping for the total amount or add it to the item price and do free shipping.

You can use eBay Shipping Calculator for estimating USPS https://www.ebay.com/shp/Calculator

For quotes on UPS and FedEx you can go to the shippers websites and do the estimate there. UPS and FedEx have lots of surcharges for large and heavy packages that the eBay shipping calculator does not always include.

This will help minimize the chance that you will be invoiced for the additional charges later and you have not gotten enough from the buyer.

You can then buy separate labels for each the boxes once your ready to ship. Make sure you add to your description that you will be shipping in multiple boxes.

If when you get the buyer's actual location and purchase the labels the buyer has payed too much you can always send them a refund for the excess shipping if you want.

stephenmorgan

·2 years ago

1217 View listings

Can you package all 4 wheels together?

If you can, weigh and measure the package and enter the details into you shipping, select the shipping you wish to offer, add a handling charge if you chose to and you shipping should caculate correctly.