How to offer multiple shipping options AND correctly invoice?

[fil-am-sellers]

I use a third party listing preparation service (SSB), and it allows me to build my auctions so that I can offer buyers the choice of different shipping offers: First Class Mail, First Class Package, Priority Mail, etc. However, I have not been doing so - I have set my listings so that items (classic postage stamps) sold for less than $75 go out vial plain old First Class Mail ($1.25 shipping fee), items over $75 go out via First Class Package (same fee), and items over $100 go First Class Package (free shipping).

I usually send each buyer an invoice very soon after close of auction. This works OK, but I've learned that some buyers of my stuff that sell for less than $75 would opt for the First Class Package, which comes with a tracking number.

How can I handle sending an invoice to my buyers if I'm unsure which shipping option they want?

[goodluckselling]

For auctions you really do not need to send an invoice.  eBay does this for you and when the buyer gets the eBay generated invoice they should see your shipping options and choose the one they desire before they pay.

I am not sure why you would give buyers shipping options in the listings and then send them a invoice with your pre selected shipping arrangement?

Good Luck Selling!

[fil-am-sellers]

I suppose I send them MY invoice because I was not sure what the one from eBay looks like. If the eBay-generated invoice gives them the choice of how they want their purchase shipped, then that ought to be OK.

Along those same lines, if I give a buyer the option of a $1.25 First Class Mail (with NO tracking number) or a $3 First Class Package (with tracking number) and THE BUYER opts for the cheaper one - am I correct in assuming that I'll still have to refund their money if USPS once again loses the letter?

I used to ship 100% First Class Package, charging the buyer about $2.45,  and never had a shipment go missing. Last February the PO raised their prices significantly and I started my "new" shipping pricing structure. I've  had five First Class Letters vaporize since then. I thought that the variable shipping options would be more agreeable to the buyers, but instead it appears I've shot myself in the foot and have had to eat about $100 worth of goods the the post office has lost.

[dtexley3]

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@fil-am-sellers wrote:

I suppose I send them MY invoice because I was not sure what the one from eBay looks like. If the eBay-generated invoice gives them the choice of how they want their purchase shipped, then that ought to be OK.

Along those same lines, if I give a buyer the option of a $1.25 First Class Mail (with NO tracking number) or a $3 First Class Package (with tracking number) and THE BUYER opts for the cheaper one - am I correct in assuming that I'll still have to refund their money if USPS once again loses the letter?

I used to ship 100% First Class Package, charging the buyer about $2.45,  and never had a shipment go missing. Last February the PO raised their prices significantly and I started my "new" shipping pricing structure. I've  had five First Class Letters vaporize since then. I thought that the variable shipping options would be more agreeable to the buyers, but instead it appears I've shot myself in the foot and have had to eat about $100 worth of goods the the post office has lost.

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If they were shipped without tracking how do you know they are lost?  Not all buyers are honest and WILL take advantage of you if you ship without tracking.