Modify Shipping Weight

[mikef77z]

1.   I'm new to some of this and I listed a number of items that are somewhat heavy (electronics).  I weighed each item and found that when I package it, that it will typically weigh about 1 pound more.  I tried to modify my listing, but it's greyed out and won't let me change the weight. 

2.  I had another package that I shipped out today and it was about 1 pound off, Post Office charged me $11.35 for the extra pound to send it.  If I run into this again, is there a way that I can go back to Ebay, modify the weight and pay with the discount, rather than the retail price???

Mike

[caldreamer · Accepted solution]

It is very important to get exact weight/dimension of item when it is "boxed up".    If you "have an offer on your item" EBAY does not allow any changes (that's why its is greyed out).   You need to wait 2-3 days until offer expires...then you can make changes.

If you print shipping from EBAY you get discounted commercial rate (much cheaper than going to USPS).  

[dhbookds]

You can't alter the cost (weight, etc) after it's sold, if that's what you mean......

You can change the shipping parameters (weight/dimensions) before it's sold by revising the listing.

I presume you are buying the label on ebay (which is cheaper than retail at the PO).......but check to be sure you have the "Standard rates without discount" checked.    That way the buyer will be charged retail, but you will pay the discounted rate.  That way you get a bit of $$ play....in case there is a mistake or to cover bubble wrap, etc. 

on this page

https://www.ebay.com/ship/prf/carrier

(ignore my choice of 15% discount)........that's my choice

Most important thing as a beginner is get the right weight/dimensions in the listing.  At first, you need to actually package stuff up to get it right.  After a while, you develop enough of a sense of what to add to the base weight/size of the item without the actual  packaging.  Rest assured we have ALL screwed up shipping at one time or another and paid thru the nose for the mistake.......

[mustang707]

Something you might want to consider for heavy items is to sell those locally (FB of CL) to avoid the hassle of shipping heavy items (don't have any fees or have to worry about exact weight). If you really think it is better to sell on ebay, here is what I do with heavy items. You need to package it up almost completely and weigh it before you list it. I don't have a large scale so I will go to the post office for these large and/or heavy packages and weigh it there beforehand. It's not good to guess or weigh it without the packaging. 

[mikef77z]

I finally figured it out.  I couldn't modify the listing because there was an offer for the item.

   Thanks guys for the help. 

Mike