Do I have to use the soecified shipping service?

[patfr-4603]

New seller here. When making my listing i left the shipping service as the recommended USPS Priority Mail. Being a new seller I didn't really adjust or change anything beyond what Ebay recommended I do. Do I have to use USPS Priority Mail or could I use Fed Ex or another carrier service if I so chose? I just want to make sure I'm not breaking any rules by using a carrier service other than the one listed on the item.

[mopata · Accepted solution]

You can offer whatever services you want when you use the shipping calculator and leave it up to the Buyer to decide.  Most of the time, they will pick a cheaper service, like Parcel Select.  Even when they do, I usually end up shipping Priority because the cost difference is minimal when you take into account the discounted shipping using Ebay's labels.  It's nice to give them the the option because, sometimes, Priority can be VERY expensive to some locations and on larger boxes.

[inhawaii]

This is what I suggest you do. Figure out the shipping weight of each item before you.list it. That way when you list it you can set the shipping method and price to what works best. Fornexample something that weighs less than 1 lb. can ship usps first class mail for 3 or 4 bucks. Set your shipping charge accordingly, usually a little higher than that to help cover fees and shipping supplies. A Iitem I sell for $20 I'm making a profit on that $20. Then i charge $6 S&H when the actual cost is $4 so im making a little profit there.

Everyone does things differently. You'll learn as you go. Hopefully other people will be able to give you some good advice.

Good luck and stay safe!

[richard1rst]

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@patfr-4603 wrote:

Do I have to use USPS Priority Mail or could I use Fed Ex or another carrier service if I so chose?

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Can you - yes.

SHOULD you - absolutely NOT

There are some people that have had bad experiences with one carrier or another. If they buy from you SPECIFICALLY because you are using the post office and you then send it out by one of their dreaded services you are apt to get a negative feedback. Additionally if the buyer realizes you shaved a few bucks off of the shipping cost by not using the method you promised you may get a demand for a partial refund.

Interestingly there are some people who DO NOT want to use the U S Mail and, if that is all you offer, they won't buy from you. For example, in some larger but very sparsely populated very rural towns the post office does not deliver to the door. You have to go into town to collect your mail. In that case if FedEx or UPS either delivers directly their door or at least has a depot much closer that the post office then they would be the preferred method.

If you are willing to use FedEx and/or UPS as well as USPS then LIST ALL THREE and let your buyer choose.

BUT whichever one they choose you MUST use that one even if another is cheaper for the reason stated above. Remember it is your buyer who us paying for the shippng - not you. You are simply the conduit for THEIR money and choices.

[fashunu4eeuh]

You are required by policy to use the specified shipping method on the listing.  The exception is you can upgrade the service if you choose. It is important to factor the best method prior to listing the item. I box up and weigh all my goods and input that into the listing form. If you use Calculated shipping, there are no surprises, and you are not running around after the sale looking for packaging, either. Below is the policy:

https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/default/shipping-policy?id=5035

Sellers must not:

• Use a slower shipping service than the one selected by the buyer

[releasethekraken_1]

You can use FedEx or UPS, but you have to make that decision before the item is purchased. You should never change it after the buyer makes the purchase.

[patd3283]

First, get a postal scale (cheap on eBay.)  Weigh your item in the box you intend to use OR weigh your item and add 8 to 10oz for packing materials (unless small first class or oversize.)  Don't forget to add the eBay fees on item, tax AND shipping - usually almost 15%.  This should make your life easier.