Listing question

[pepper1202]

I had a possible buyer (I think) message me today about my shipping charges listed on an item. I was confused but thought it was someone who wants me to send an item for way below its actual weight. When I checked the item listing, the weight was fine but the post office estimate ran from $9-$50! There’s no international shipping so I can’t imagine why it says $50. Any thoughts? ( I know there’s a shipping thread but honestly it doesn’t get the attention this one does.)

[fern*wood]

If you offer some details, I'm sure someone can offer you help.  What zip codes are involved, what are the dimensions of your shipping package in addition to the weight?  What shipping method are you using?

[nobody*s_perfect]

The postage cost is over $50 because of the size of the package.

When you ship a Priority Mail package that is over 1 cubic foot (1728 cubic inches) to Zones 5 - 9, there is a "dimensional weight" based on the package volume.

This rate is not applied to Retail Ground or Parcel Select, so you might consider adding one of those services as  a second choice, so buyers who are farther away can choose whether they want it fast or cheap.

[pepper1202]

The size listed is 15x12x12. I’ve never had an estimate run that high with similar dimensions. Since I have bids on the item I can’t change anything anyway. ( not that I would because that’s the package size)

[pink.fish.rule]

As nobody's said, 15x12x12 puts it over 1 cubic foot so it will get dimensional pricing which can be expensive.

[nobody*s_perfect]

The dimensional weight of your package is 12 pounds.  USPS has used the dimensional weight in this way since roughly 2008; if you haven't noticed before, it's because none of your potential buyers pointed it out to you.  When you look at your own listing, you see the postage cost to ship to your own ZIP Code, which wouldn't be affected.

IIRC, if an auction has more than 12 hours left, you can ADD shipping options even if it has bids.  You just can't change any of the info that was in place when the first bid was submitted (shipping, description, images, etc.).

[pepper1202 · Accepted solution]

Yes, I realize the first shipping charge is to my own zip code but it gives a range to the highest end that I can see. In this case in the listing it says $14. It won’t let me add parcel select to the listing as a shipping choice.

[minibangbus]

USPS told me before that smaller packages can cost more than bigger ones. Don’t understand it but figured I’d let you know that 

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@minibangbus wrote: ... smaller packages can cost more than bigger ones. Don’t understand it ... 

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Because postage cost is affected by the package weight and the distance it travels, as well as by dimensions.