Question about listing 1 item with multiple quantity?

[jeffrey000]

If I have 1 item but with quantity of 4. How is shipping determined? When I list an item I have to give weight/dimensions of the package so the customer knows how much they have to pay. If the customer buys 2 or 3 of the same product, the package may not change in dimension but the weight now goes up. How does Ebay/USPS estimator figure that out?

Thanks!

[lotzofuniquegoodies]

@jeffrey000 

With the calculator on dot ca if there are multiple units the explanation we have received is with multiple units once the customer updates quantity it combines the weight you've inputted(Including packaging) and chooses the appropriate service. If the weight goes over the limit it assumes it will be shipped as multiple packets. That is why when you list multiple "heavier" units it is a good idea to add additional shipping options so they right one can get applied.  There is no easy way to factor in dimensions. Those will always be changing. If you would like to add a handling charge for additional units you need to update your eBay master settings. A good guess it (the calculator) works the same with dot com and USPS.

A simple fix would be an additional box with the unit weight only.  I also add For combined shipping please message for a rate to my listings.

-Lotz

PS. This is the methodology I have been using for years. It's not perfect. Just making do to make sure I am as close to actual final rates and charging the customer accordingly.

[pjcdn2005]

The way that I understand it is that the calculator adds the weights together but the dimensions don't change. If you entered that the package size was  6x6x6" the calculator would use those dimensions whether the buyer purchased 1 item or 3 items.  It can be a problem if the extra size involves dimensional weight. I think that some sellers set up specific shipping rules to account for that but I'm not sure how they figure it out.

[jeffrey000]

I'm wondering if shipping charges the customer a lot more than I paid for the label (shipping isn't free), I might refund some of the shipping cost to the customer to be fair.