eBay

innmytr_33 · ‎03-06-2022

Hi! Hope you are all having a beautiful day filled with spontaneous joy and gratitude!

As far as I know USPS Retail Ground does not have an option to print out a prepaid label, you have to go to the post office to get one right?

Does this mean no tracking or an extra cost for tracking?

Also, are the ebay price range estimates accurate to what it would cost to mail my item?

For example I have an oversized package of 6 pounds 17”x11”x18”

It says USPS Retail is estimated between $11-$25

If I select that option, take it to the Post Office and use the address to ship it, asking to ship it through Retail Ground, is that an accurate cost estimate?

Then I know ebay is trying to phase out Parcel Select Ground, and I can’t print out a prepaid label in the options anymore for that either.

But if I selected that option which is estimated between $7-$14 and took it to the post office with the address, would I be able to ask for Parcel Select Ground shipping with an accurate cost estimate between the $7-$14?

Or do I have to use a prepaid label to print that?

If I have to use a prepaid label, how can I go about that and will it also cost me more to do so?

I’ve heard of pirate ship and paypal but have no idea how to use these services.

Right now I have the item listed under priority mail and it’s costing $11-$62 to send!!

Want to give best and cheapest options to my buyers.

Thanks so much for your wisdom!!

nobody*s_perfect · ‎03-06-2022

The shipping calculator in eBay listings is very accurate. Just be sure to enter accurate package dimensions.

All USPS package postage automatically includes tracking (formerly known as Delivery Confirmation) at no additional cost.

Retail Ground and Parcel Select Ground are basically the same service; formerly known as Parcel Post.

Retail Ground can only be purchased at the Post Office, and Parcel Select Ground is the online equivalent. It's available through all online postage sellers except eBay. If you have a PayPal account, you can purchase retail Ground postage at www.PayPal.com/shipnow .

USPS charges a "dimensional weight" for packages that are over 1 cubic foot (i.e., 1728 cubic inches). The dimensions that you gave for your package mean that it will ship at the 21-pound rate. It will cost less to ship if you can safely use a smaller box, even if it's just one inch smaller.

ekmadonna · ‎03-06-2022

You have to take your package to the post office and have them mail it. Include shipping addy and return addy on package. You do not want to try and print a label off of ebay for this if you want to send the package GROUND. Package will include tracking. Just upload the tracking number to the sale and mark as shipped. If you check ebay PRIORITY MAIL shipping Prices they will be very close to what you will pay at the post office for RETAIL GROUND, the actual price difference is usually well under a buck. You would be better off paying for Priority Mail and printing an EBAY Label and getting the discount.

lepke1979 · ‎03-06-2022

"As far as I know USPS Retail Ground does not have an option to print out a prepaid label, you have to go to the post office to get one right?"

I think you can print a label through USPS site, but for the most part it's at the counter/retail rate.

"Does this mean no tracking or an extra cost for tracking?"

Tracking is include. Insurance not included.

"Also, are the ebay price range estimates accurate to what it would cost to mail my item?

For example I have an oversized package of 6 pounds 17”x11”x18”

It says USPS Retail is estimated between $11-$25"

I don't use the estimator often, but USPS is usually the most accurate of the three carriers. No surprise charges after the fact like FedEx and UPS do on occasion. I've never had that issue the few times I've used them though. Assuming your dimensions and weight are correct at least. If you want to be sure, you can try entering the parameters on the USPS site and test with your zip code and one fairly far from you.

Having said that, that range estimate seems low.

"If I select that option, take it to the Post Office and use the address to ship it, asking to ship it through Retail Ground, is that an accurate cost estimate?"

Should be.

"Then I know ebay is trying to phase out Parcel Select Ground, and I can’t print out a prepaid label in the options anymore for that either.

But if I selected that option which is estimated between $7-$14 and took it to the post office with the address, would I be able to ask for Parcel Select Ground shipping with an accurate cost estimate between the $7-$14?"

No, Parcel Select is a commercial rate. Cannot get it at the Post Office. They'll just offer the retail rate. And unless you have a particular reason not to, Parcel Select would be the better option over Retail Ground since it's cheaper and pretty much the same thing.

"If I have to use a prepaid label, how can I go about that and will it also cost me more to do so?

I’ve heard of pirate ship and paypal but have no idea how to use these services."

Pirate Ship, XPS Ship, and maybe PayPal (never bought a label through them so not completely sure). Pirate and XPS both offer cubic shipping which is nice if your packages are small. But USPS flat rate will be cheaper on eBay if you're Top Rated.

"Right now I have the item listed under priority mail and it’s costing $11-$62 to send!!"

Sounds about right. UPS might be a slightly cheaper option than Parcel Select. Possibly less convenient though.

fab_finds4u · ‎03-06-2022

You need to compare the actual cost between Standard and Priority because for items weighing a few lbs the cost is not that much different. Or offer both and let the buyer choose. I know I would pay a dollar more to get it in 2-3 days instead of having to wait 8 days. If it's breakable PM is the better choice anyway because it goes by air and not long distance over bumpy roads and is handled by less people, thus less chance of it being mishandled.

nobody*s_perfect · ‎03-06-2022

I agree that Priority Mail is a far better choice for fragile items.

Since the latest USPS rate update in January, the prices for Parcel Select Ground are often significantly lower than the online rate for Priority Mail. For instance, shipping 5 pounds to Zone 8 costs $24.01 via Priority and only $13.98 via Parcel Select. Some potential buyers might prefer to get their item cheaper rather than faster.

frankienlola · ‎03-06-2022

I purchase parcel select all the time on ebay, just did yesterday (2/5/22). Cost was $12.25 from NY to Cali., no insurance though. I buy 3-6 a week.

frankienlola · ‎03-06-2022

BTW, package was 2-3 lbs., priorty was over $17

dhbookds · ‎03-06-2022

Here's the ebay calculator which can be a big help....

I can still mail Parcel Select ground ......

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

frankienlola · ‎03-06-2022

Ooops, meant 3/5/22

nobody*s_perfect · ‎03-06-2022

@dhbookds

@frankienlola

eBay still offers Parcel Select labels for Top Rated Sellers, but not for other sellers. I forgot to check on whether the OP was a TRS. He is, so he'd probably be able to purchase his Parcel Select labels through eBay, so never mind all that stuff about PayPal etc.

dhbookds · ‎03-06-2022

Ah.........finally got an answer!!!! Have wondered why so many can't use it, but we can.......

THANKS...... @nobody*s_perfect

As you said, this last PO change has really made a difference in price to W Coast from PA......and they are getting there fairly quickly...... but, also as said.....insurance is NOT included.....

tealt · ‎03-06-2022

@nobody*s_perfect wrote:

eBay still offers Parcel Select labels for Top Rated Sellers, but not for other sellers.

Are you sure about that?

I'm not a Top Rated Seller, but I can still print Parcel Select labels. I did such a label a couple days ago.

Since the USPS dropped the rates on Parcel Select in January, it is certainly a very good option for shipping heavier items cross country--even breakable stuff, if it is well packed.

nobody*s_perfect · ‎03-06-2022

Well, that's what one of the eBay staff said, and it seemed to be consistently true, until you came along. Maybe they haven't completed the phase-out for non-TRS sellers.