How to understand scaling for shipping?

[stal.bran]

Currently dropped off Two playstation 4 video games. On my scale I they weighed 0:03.7lb.oz.

I used ebay printing label method and choose 3oz. Got to post office and worker told me item weighed more than 3oz and next time I should choose 4oz if Item is at 0:03.7lb.oz. 

She still took both of my packages but said I would be charged by paypal for it. How does this work with being charged later?

Also, I attached pictures of my scale so to be correct 0:03.7lb.oz does mean 4 ounces correct? Thanks for the help!

[rock.star]

Yes with postage you need to round up. The post office uses the term Up To 3oz up to 4oz etc .
There is no charge later with PayPal don't know what he was talking about.

[the*dog*ate*my*tablecloth]

Postage is rounded up so yes, the 4 ounces is correct. The new system for recovering underpaid shipping is very new, I'm not sure if many have experience with it. I always round up and would prefer to overpay than underpay.

[stal.bran]

The worker explained they would charge me later? This is first class package. If they did charge me for an once how much do you think they would charge?

[partial*eclipse · Accepted solution]

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heavymedde wrote: ... There is no charge later with PayPal don't know what he was talking about.

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He was talking about the new "Automated Package Verification" (APV) program that went into effect lat month.  When packages with online postage labels are discovered to have Postage Due, the sender's online account will be charged, rather than tying up USPS staff with collecting the money in person from the sender or recipient.

https://www.usps.com/business/verify-postage.htm

http://www.ecommercebytes.com/2017/08/19/buy-shipping-labels-online-us-postal-service-targets-incorr...

The clerk apparently didn't know that the online postage cost for a 3-ounce package is the same as for a 4-ounce, so in this case there was no actual postage underpayment.

[lex-talon]

If I weigh an item and it says 3.7 ozs, you need to round up to the next whole number (4). 

[stal.bran]

So I have no charges coming my way then?

[partial*eclipse]

I don't think so. The price is the same for 3 ounces as for 4 ounces.  Also, the APV program is rather new and might not be fully implemented yet for all locations and all types of packages.

[retrose1]

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@stal.bran wrote:

The worker explained they would charge me later? This is first class package. If they did charge me for an once how much do you think they would charge?

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In an effort to crack down on under paying postage scamming shippers, the PO will now have their computerized system weigh each package when they auto scan in the sort centers and if the package weight and postage paid is off, the PO will notify and bill the company that you paid for postage and they will , in turn, bill your account.  I am sure that if it happens too many times, you might not be able to pay for postage online, or get fined for being a repeat offender.

Learn the rules or pay for your postage at the counter.

[siayan]

On my shipping 3 oz and 4 oz is $2.61 so there really was no up charge except if they tried to get the counter price.  

The price should always round up. I always weight before putting the label on so I always go up an ounce.

[stal.bran]

Thanks everyone you have all been great help. I just didn't know to round up. Will be more cautious in the future.

[berserkerplanet]

Just a final recap to drive the point home:

USPS First Class Mail services (under 16oz online)

3.7 oz  ships as 4oz

8.1 oz  ships as 9 oz

round up to next oz

16oz is the max limit for USPS FCM services, so any pkg over 16oz must ship via other USPS services (Parcel Select, Priority Mail, etc).

For any weight for non-FCM USPS Services, and for FedEx and UPS (with one or 2 mostly useless exceptions), weights round up to the next pound.

3.7 oz  ships as 1 lb  USPS Priority Mail, FedEx Ground, etc

8.1 oz  ships as  1 lb

1 lb 2oz ships as 2 lb

[duchess-at-speakeasy]

Yes, your package weighs more than 3 oz. so the correct weight is 4 oz.  USPS charges by whole numbers, whether ounces or pounds.  Don't think in terms of "rounding up or down" -- think in terms of the weight as "up to" the next whole number.

However, in this case, First Class Package Service - Commercial (the online rate) costs the same amount $2.61 for 1 oz. to 4 oz.  The next increment is for 5 oz. to 8 oz.  After that, the cost increase per ounce up to 15.999 oz. maximum.

As of September 3, USPS re-named First Class Mail - Parcel (the retail rate) as First Class Package Service - Retail.  The $2.67 rate increased to $3.00 for 1 oz. to 4 oz.  After that, the cost increases per ounce up to a maximum of 13 oz.  

The retail clerks deal in retail rates, not online rates.  I am surprised the clerk even mentioned the new program for billing the sender of short-paid online postage.  The program does not apply to retail postage -- the recipient still gets a postage-due notice because there is no "account" to bill when the sender affixes stamps.  Of course, postage bought at the PO counter will be fine unless the clerk fails to weigh the package correctly or punches the wrong buttons.

Bottom line:  You paid for 4 oz. at the online rate.  No problem!

~~C~~