Can Anyone Help With A Shipping Question?

[suzie-qpink]

Hello,

I was wondering what other sellers do in this situation.  I have some threads (cross stitch) that weigh practically nothing but the value of them is $25.00.  I have them listed for $6.99 with shipping as first class parcel post.  I did that because otherwise if I ship them first class letter I run the risk of them getting lost in the mail with no tracking as first class letter does not have tracking.  I have a potential customer asking if I would consider shipping them in an envelop - so in other words for the cheaper shipping.  I would love to do that for him/her but then I run the risk of loosing the $25.00 and would not know if he/she received them or not.  And of course then I could loose my $25.00 items.  What would you do?  I appreciate your time.

[inhawaii]

Don't do the envelope thing.  No tracking so it leaves you open for a "item not received" case.  I looked at some of your listings. $5 shipping is reasonable.  It will cover the actual postage, supplies and fees.  I wouldn't change a thing.

[mvls1]

Wrap themin bubble wrap and ship them in a 5 X 7 padded envelope. You should be OK.

[fashunu4eeuh]

Hi, you will lose your seller protection for An Item Not Received case if you ship without tracking. However, most people are not out to defraud their sellers.

There are eBayers who regularly forego their seller protection in favor of cheaper shipping, like collectible stamp sellers, who can put a number of their items in just a stamped envelope. Keeping in mind thread is a low fraud item, one must always consider the value of your goods as well.

Sadly, fraud happens sometimes. There is no avoiding the risk. Ultimately the decision to accommodate your buyer’s request is up to your risk tolerance. Good luck to you whatever you decide.

[csbbct]

@suzie-qpink  You also have an opportunity in this case to check out the buyer's feedback before making your decision, in particular "feedback left for others".  If I see a buyer has left an inordinate number of negative or neutral feedbacks for sellers or comments that are rude or seem unjust, that would affect my decision since it could signal trouble down the road.

[debsfantasticfinds]

I have bought first class through my post office, though didn't use a stamp. Your receipt will have a tracking number. Then you can add it to your sold listing. Maybe the PO will help you with it in an envelope that way?

[suzie-qpink]

Thanks for all your help!  Much Appreciated!

[getitright1234]

First class shipping has tracking when you use eBay shipping labels;  however, first class provides no insurance.

I would check out the cost of using a priority flat rate envelope and purchasing your label through eBay, it's cheaper and you get  $100 worth free insurance.  It might only cost $1 dollar more than first class.  PS: the envelope is free.

[coffeebean832]

Priority will cost a lot more than a 4 oz first class package- that would be a waste 99.9% of the time.

There's also no need for bubble wrap or bubble mailers. Wrap the thread snug in tissue paper so it doesn't get tangled then put it in a plastic bag to keep it clean and dry. After that stick it in a poly mailer- or a bubble mailer if that's what you happen to have- with a first class package label.

The retail price would range from $3.80 to $4.20 so charging $4.75 is reasonable.

The online rates range from $2.74 to $3.18 and the difference the OP charges would help to account for cost of shipping supplies and eBay/PayPal fees on the shipping cost.

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@debsfantasticfinds wrote:

I have bought first class through my post office, though didn't use a stamp. Your receipt will have a tracking number. Then you can add it to your sold listing. Maybe the PO will help you with it in an envelope that way?

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If your PO receipt included a tracking number, then you must have mailed the item as a package.  USPS letters and flats do not include tracking regardless of how you purchase the postage.

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@getitright1234 wrote: ... I would check out the cost of using a priority flat rate envelope and purchasing your label through eBay, it's cheaper and you get  $100 worth free insurance.  It might only cost $1 dollar more than first class.  PS: the envelope is free.

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 Online postage for a flat rate envelope would cost $7.15 (or about $6.94 after the TRS discount), whereas a 4-ounce First Class package would cost $2.74 - $3.18 depending on the buyer's location. Adding insurance to the First Class package would cost $2.25, for a maximum total cost of $5.43.  Thus, even if you want insurance it's cheaper to ship a 4-ounce package via First Class.

Anyway, the whole point of this question was how cheaply the seller could ship. Not whether they should insure an item that sold for $6.99.

[nobody*s_perfect]

If you are selling the item for $6.99, then it is a $6.99 item not a $25 item.

Are you sure that it's even possible to mail this item as the buyer requested?  The maximum allowable thickness for a First Class letter is 1/4 inch.

[chapeau-noir]

I was wondering that.  If it's the thread I see just those knots will carry it up over 1/4" unless one ships it in chip board that can be all squashed down flat and just squeak under 1/4", and that's not only an extra supply but a big 'if'. 

[getitright1234]

If you look at the OP's listings a lot of the needpoints/crewels are sold in lots.  Bet they more likely weigh 10-15oz as a lot.  

I would mail the lots using Priority shipping using a flat rate envelope, non-padded which is cheaper, and buy my labels via eBay for further savings.  

OP, also take into consideration the costs of your envelopes, USPS offers the priority  envelopes ones for free.  

OP, PS: I would do Free shipping on these products unless you see high returns.

[flashlight_nut]

I have always had people ship lightweight items  to me in a bubble envelope with the first class package label, with tracking.