First Class postage not calculated correctly

[wfhound]

I use calculated shipping rates. I do not use the discounted rates for buyers because I have fees to cover. I listed an item that weighs 4 oz. Buyer should pay $3 something and I pay around $2.67. Well, eBay calculated postage at $1.45. What the heck? First class packages are NEVER under $2.60. Did I do something wrong? I don't want this to happen again because I'm losing money. Ended listing #113626634148 shows Standard Shipping (USPS First Class Package.)

[nobody*s_perfect · Accepted solution]

Good news: Yes, you did something wrong and it's easily corrected.

If the shipping calculator menu for "Package type" is set to "Letter or "Large envelope" then that's what the calculator price will show, even if you have chosen First Class Package as the service type and that's what shows as the service in the listing.  For instance, $1.45 is the postage cost for a 4-ounce flat (AKA Large envelope).  

So correcting the postage cost charged to your buyer is as simple as  fixing that menu selection for package type.

FYI, the new rates for First Class packages that went into effect on January 27 have prices that are zoned, so you will see a variation in the postage cost for First Class packages of the same weight.

[wfhound]

You're a genius. Thank you. And I had no idea First Class is now zoned. Good to know. 

[wfhound]

So if I use a First Class Letter FLAT, can I get tracking for it? Is there extra charge for tracking? Or is letter flat not available for online labels? Thanks.

[nobody*s_perfect]

There is a category called "letter" and a separate category called "flat". Tracking cannot be purchased for either one.  eBay will only print labels for packages, not for letters or flats.

[gokuno]

I'm in the same boat as you are and thank you for your question posting as I have ended up here.  It should be an ebay UI design issue.  If I selected USPS First class package or anything on that drop down list and ebay does not print label, then that Large envelope option should not even be selected-able under that calculate shipping link.  That's basically fooling us sellers a few bucks here and there until we found out.  

[kh-stanley1]

Hello Everyone,

Due to the age of the thread, it has been closed to further replies.  Please feel free to start a new thread HERE if you wish to continue to discuss this topic.

Thanks for understanding!