Is using UPS/FedEx for shipping as easy as USPS?

[rodo8]

Hi,

I used to sell on ebay and only shipped USPS because it was easy. I'm back selling some stuff and USPS works just as easy. I select the options and print a label. I found a shipping calculator that shows UPS and FedEx as well as USPS (https://www.ebay.com/shp/Calculator). In the past (10+ years ago) I used UPS once and the calculator gave me the wrong rate. It was more than what it showed so I didn't care to use UPS or FedEx after that. Is the calculator in the link accurate and do I need an account with UPS or FedEx to ship with those carriers?

Thanks

[nobody*s_perfect]

On these boards, we see posts every day from sellers who ended up paying more to FedEx or UPS than the amount shown in the shipping calculator. Having never used them, I don't know whether this was user error or something more subtle like unadvertised surcharges, but there sure are a lot of those complaints.

[joseh1445]

For heavy items and large items, I use UPS.  I found that Fedex charges you an extra fee, after they give you a quote.  Because of this, I stop using Fedex.  Usps, its not the cheaper version any more.  It used to be.  Not any more.

[seymourssi]

USPS is almost always cheaper for items that are less than 1 lb and can go First Class Mail.  For heavier items, UPS is cheaper, esp.  for items over 22" long ($4surcharge at USPS) or 30" long ($15 surcharge at USPS).  But remember the cost of the box - USPS shipping supplies are free for Priority Mail.  And USPS will pick up your packages for free at your place.  My shipping software (shipworks) will compare the prices for you.   USPS is often cheaper if the item is traveling far, like Alaska or Hawaii.

I would never ship FedEx - too many bad experiences, asking for trouble.

[dolcetreasures]

Be careful with FedEx, they charge you fees based on things completely out of your control. 

[12345jamesstamps]

I like Fed Ex because they don't leave my package without ringing my door bell and handing it to me.

USPS and UPS do not ring my door bell. Package will sit in the lobby of my place. USPS sometimes ring my door bell.

I prefer to use USPS for mailing since I can walk there and actually get the best rate for mailing a package and the clerks are really helpful. I learned a lot of things I would not have from them if I didn't mail packages in person. With rates always increasing during the holiday season it can be scary mailing something out when the rates have changed overnight. I believe holiday rates will be early this year.

[bashort]

We are using UPS for everything over 1 lb that does not go in a regional A or Padded flat rate, calculator works very well for us., just watch out for "special handling" which is over weight, extra large or not in a box like a bare tire.

[lakefor94]

Don't get stuck using USPS only or you will be flushing money. Compare costs with USPS and UPS Ground on the heavier and bulky items. As a rule, anything over 2lbs. needs to be compared unless it can go in a USPS Regional A box.  Make sure to enter accurate measurements and weights. 

I would stay away from FedEx. 

@rodo8 

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@bashort wrote:

We are using UPS for everything over 1 lb that does not go in a regional A or Padded flat rate ...

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What about packages that are over 1 pound but not over 2 pounds? The  Priority Mali 2-pound rate is cheaper than the Regional A rate.

[rodo8]

The link in my original message seems broken so here it is again: 

https://www.ebay.com/shp/Calculator

A lot of people are commenting on this but only one seems to give a reply to my question (nobody*s_perfect, thanks). Could you guys address the questions in my post please:

1.- Is the calculator accurate?

2.- Do I need an account with UPS/FedEx to ship and get the calculator price?

Thanks.

[tsme35]

I use USPS for packages 2 lbs and under but use UPS for larger or longer packages like my fishing rods since PO got greedy back in April. One draw back is I have to drop off packages at UPS because they charge to pick up, but I write off the mileage AND UPS covers shipping on insurance claims, PO doesn't. 

[tsme35]

I never had a problem with the calculator for UPS,  I did set up an account on UPS but only if I have file a claim, not necessary but makes it easier. I called UPS when I set up my account, he said actually ebay labels are way cheaper then if you use your UPS account to print labels.

[wastingtime101]

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@rodo8 wrote:

Is the calculator in the link accurate and do I need an account with UPS or FedEx to ship with those carriers?

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You don't need a UPS or FedEx acct to purchase labels with those carriers through eBay, however you need to create one if you file a claim for a lost/damaged package (at least with UPS).

The calculator being accurate is a more loaded question. It depends what you're shipping in terms of size and weight.

The calculator is very clear with messaging that rates shown are only estimates. You'll see similar messaging about estimates when you purchase UPS/FedEx labels through eBay. You're not billed until the labels are used and the packages are scanned in by the carriers. They will made adjustments for anything and everything from dimensional weight (that really catches a lot of sellers), residential surcharges, address correction, fuel surcharges, holiday surcharges, nonstandard packaging and more.

I've heard some sellers don't have an issue with it, but feel they must be shipping packages small in size.

I use a third party for my UPS labels and they provide inclusive rates on most services so I don't have to worry about being billed extra (unless I messed up entering package info). I personally do not trust eBay to calculate accurate UPS or FedEx rates. Their calculator is excellent for USPS though.

You might find this page useful. Within that page there's a link to a dimensional weight guide. Take a look at that, too.