Warning of using fedex shipping label and invoice fees!

[ekiwamoto]

I recently sold a saxophone on ebay and used the fedex shipping label on ebay to ship the item.  As I just started selling, my funds weren't available instantly so I clicked the option to be charged when my funds were available for the shipping label.  When my funds became available, I never got charged on paypal for the shipping label, but just today I checked my invoice fees and it had jumped from around $90 to $134.  I thought there must of been something wrong so I checked my invoice fees and saw that I was being charged $44 for my fedex shipping label.  In the details of the fee, it said my label was 51lbs and had a bunch of other charges, but my label was only 18lbs and the shipping label cost only around $24, probably less.  I called ebay and they told me it was a mistake on their part and credited me back money so the charge of the shipping label was back to $24.  But as I said the label was probably less so I should of gotten back more money. Ebay would have charged me the extra money if I never saw the mistake, so I wanted to warn my fellow sellers out there.  They ebay specialist told me that fedex shipping labels sometimes have problems because they are still working on it.  So when you use Fedex, make sure you check how much you get charged.

[bio.naturals]

Ive never heard of anyone being refunded for fedex fees that theyve been over charged.  We really need to get together and make ebay do something about this since I know know its ebay, via ebays account !!

[computiquing]

I have never really checked the invoice but have just paid my ebay bill and listed something to see a new bill pending of $179 so I went to take a look and on a package that was quoted and shipped at $47.21 I was charged $147.78 OMG I am soooo disgusted and now wondering just how many other times they did me over I didn't catch!!!!!!

[racingsentra]

SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME!!!  Those quoted me $80 dollars to ship a heavy item.  My invoice came back for $125.  I'm trying to figure out why and getting answers is elusive.  The FedEx itemization through eBay says "other charge". 

[grammygonewild]

I'm starting to get very nervous.  I currently have 67 FedEx SmartPost fees dating as far back 6 months that have yet to be invoiced by eBay.   I keep track so I know how much to reserve in PayPal, but other than that, I don't keep a huge blance.  If these are only "guestimates" I could be in big trouble when they finally catch up.   I spoke to an eBay customer service person and was told that FedEx was way behind in invoicing their fees, but there are a random few that do reach my monthly invoice and the fees match what I show for shipping.  Strange behaviour for a company the size of FedEx, and shame on eBay for not warning everyone of the delay.  They are going to have some pretty unhappy sellers.    

[ainama102886]

If you're using Fedex, be extra caution when selecting Fedex Smart Post (Fedex handover the package to USPS for final delivery).

Fedex Ground usually charge $3-$5 extra compare to ebay estimated shipping calculator but I’m fine with that since I learned how the estimated shipping system works for Fedex.

I usually compare price (USPS Parcel vs Fedex Smart Post) for larger/heavier package but I went ahead to print out a $10 postage vis Fedex Smart Post because I never really had a problem using Fedex Smart Post. Once I receive the invoice this month, I notice an unusual high price charge on one of my invoice. After reviewing the invoice, I was charged $64.07 for the Fedex $10 Smart Posts due to oversize package (24x17x12 weigh 4 lbs).

I went ahead and compare USPS Parcel and it clearly show that the price for USPS Parcel was estimated around $65 but once again, Fedex Smart Post quote me $10.

So ebay sellers, who use Fedex Smart Post, always compare estimated shipping price with USPS when using Fedex Smart Post.

[bigdaddystoybox]

I have shipped some larger items lately and thought I would give fedex a try. I have shipped 12 via fed ex in the last few weeks. So far the estimates are right on or CHEAPER. I had 4 that had the residential fee removed even though they were to a house. ( I google mapped it)   I do have one very large and heavy item that I am a bit worried about extra fees but so far I have been pleased with fed ex.  

[socalraceparts]

If your box is oversized for the weight (for example, you ship a  light 4lb item in a box that's 14x14x14) you end up paying extra for the volume, so you can basically  make the box heavier and not pay extra. 

[schoenblum]

I did look at a bunch of my transactions (best way is to look up each item by item # in the Fees part of your invoice)

fedex estimator was very close and for large heavy items across the country the price was great compared to USPS.

I just reccomend getting a really good idea of what it will cost and not selling yourself short when you put in a shipping fee on your listing!

I noticed a lot of things I was subsidizing shipping which makes for an eventual lower sales price...however might look good to the customer!

However be careful of those large balloon dimensional items! A lot I use a box that is about 22x12x12 or 24x18x12 the difference is the larger box by 6" is automatically at a 20lb minimum!

I also found on huge items like bicycle box size! every inch may count and make sure you are definitely under the difference since fedex uses a laser measurement or some sort of thing- and so if the box gets fluffed out a little it might not read the same by the time they measure it...if you know what I mean give yourself a little padding if it's close a box that is the size of a bicycle can run over $120 to go across the country and just a few inches smaller is only about $70

by the way fedex has sped up their smartpost it seems like most things are getting across the country in about 10 days or 7 business days cross your fingers!

my 2 cents

[teacher713]

The eBay FedEx shipping calculator estimated $20 to ship a computer.  I didn't believe it, so I took it to FedEx and was told the charge would be $44.  The FedEx shpping calculator of eBay always underestimates the true cost.  Then I look at my invoice at the end of the month to see that I have been charged more than the estimated price.

[alwaysauthentic1]

Thank you for pointing out where to find the FedEx charges at Ebay I've been curious since I've been using Fedex a little more often lately do to selling heavier/bigger items. 

Aside from that I don't understand why FedEx is so cryptic with their costs when shipping from their site directly? If I create a shipment through my Fedex account, there's nothing anywhere that tells me the price (am i doing something wrong or is this their actual design?). Same thing for scheduling a pickup... it was like pulling teeth trying to figure out what the costs were and even then it felt uncertain because upon digging around I eventually came across some general statement that I can't tell if it applied or not. Why doesn't FedEx give you the price when you're about to process the transaction?... it's a dreadful business model. I initially didn't think scheduling pickups cost anything, since a price was never mentioned upon processing one, so if I had a couple smaller items going out I would just include them with the big item that was shipping out. Little did I know that apparently it's like $13 per shipment..I guess... I'm still not entirely certain what the cost is ($13 is ridiculous though)?

Lastly, smart post just isn't worth it. I initially dabbled with about 1 1/2 years ago, until I had a shipment that only needed to be delivered less than 100 miles away and it took 10 days. I theorize that Smart Post will end up costing most sellers more money in the long run as a result of the negative feedbacks it will almost certainly generate for you. It's too random and uncertain, even if it's 1 in a 100, I just don't see the long term benefits when taking every variable into account.  

[tradingkmm]

I sold a power tool on eBay for US$ 28 and US$ 19 for shipping and created a fedex label using Paypal as indicated by eBay after buyer used buy it now button. When my seller invoice arrived there was an undisclosed additional surcharge of US$ 21 from fedex. In the end the power tool sold for miserable 7 bucks. 
I don't think this is a honest business practice specially because the seller is left with the idea that after purchasing the label that this is the final shipping cost. 

[hidy-hoo]

@tradingkmm  All FedEx shipping label prices are "estimates" on the eBay site.  It pays to read the info provided by eBay before selling...or better yet, just ask here ~ OP, if you are going to continue to use FedEx, may I suggest that you open your own account with them.

When you create a FedEx label on eBay, you see an estimated cost, but FedEx will assess the actual cost to be invoiced to you.

http://pages.ebay.com/help/pay/fedex-services.html

[resellbymail]

Fedex has a bunch of people ripping us off for sure I just paid $12.92 to ship an item based on ebay system and was billed $23.33 for Fedex shipping on my invoice for for a total shipping cost was over $36, the item I sold was $40, I'm in the whole on it now thanks to these rip off rules fedex has.

[myforte]

I too have been burned by the estimated Ebay Fedex cost versus actual cost through Fedex... Heres my story:

I created a label for shipping via ebay shipping page. My package weight 7 lbs 15 oz I round itup to 8 lbs. package dimensions 18"x18"x13". = $14.62

I get ebay invoice for same package... 43 lbs package dimensions 35"x12"x12" = $58.96

Buyer decides they changed their mind on item after they received it. I ask for photos of items ( 4 plastic wheel covers ) buyer says they never opened box. I request photos of un-opened box , buyer sends me photos of exact un-opened box. I accept the return. when box is delivered at my house. I took several pics of box, including the USPS label that buyer used to send, also photo shows USPS weight of 8lbs.. I re weigh the box , and took photos proving again weight 7lbs.15 oz ( round up at 8 )

I call ebay, ebay says fedex is responsible. I physically go to fedex, they tell me to go home and call 1-800 number... I call fedex, they say ebay is responsible. I call ebay , they say fedex is responsible. Ive been batted back and forth more times then i want to think about. finally I spoke with someone higher up in fedex and they told me that ebay is responsible, that fedex does not know who i am because the label was created via ebay, and  that ebay has an account, ebay has to contact fedex for the correction. I call ebay, speaking with supervisor  and they finally admit it is them who has to initiate the adjustment on my behalf... at this point Im told i have to wait 6 weeks for any response and decision... I know about the dimensional weight, and i do expect to be charged for the shipping, but if ebay gives me a rough quote of $15 I dont expect to be charged $59 ...... I will not be using fedex for this reason.. I feel ripped off, and ran through the wringer with the mass amount of calls Ive had to make between both ebay and fedex... I dont have the extra funds to pay for their mistake, and if i dont pay my account gets suspended, so I paid..

[ascentauctions]

This is more than an estimated error. This is blatant fraud on a mass scale.  Here is an example.  This item is a race mountain bicycle.  Its total weight is 23lbs.  Add a box and bubble wrap.  Now lets talk seriously.  The bill I received was for a package with weight totaling 111lbs.  Here is the cut and paste.  Total shipping charge $245 and change.  You calculate the error for yourself.  

Bill Wt: 111.0 LB Sign Svc Amt: $4.25 Freight Amt: $59.23 Fuel Amt: $4.65 Misc 1 Amt: $67.50 Perf Price Disc: $-13.62 Resi Amt: $3.25

Bill Wt: 111.0 LB