Shipping $2 items with USPS First Class?

[aliseexpress]

I bought something for $2.29 and was surpirsed that seller shipped it with USPS First Class shipping.

How does he do it to stay profitable? When I buy USPS First Class shipping it cost me at least $2.61

[partial*eclipse]

Are you sure that it was sent as a package rather than as a letter or flat?  Even so, some sellers might be willing to sell at a net loss if they are trying to boost their transaction numbers, or they might run loss leaders hoping for multiple sales to tone buyer.

[aliseexpress]

It was one of those small yellow padded envelopes with "F" on the label.

I thought it was first class plus it had tracking number.

[kathieskorner]

If the envelope is flat enough it does not go at package rate.  However, there is no tracking unless it goes at package rate. 

[pingpong517]

they don't always ... with fees, postage...they lose...

but sometimes just moveing older inventory out.... at a lose is the best way, but it sells and add to transaction/feedback/ so... lots of reasons, maybe

[penguins_dont_fly]

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@aliseexpress wrote:

It was one of those small yellow padded envelopes with "F" on the label.

I thought it was first class plus it had tracking number.

Yep, that's an FCP.

It may be that the seller did what I did ...

I had a good oops moment ...

I have been adjusting my listings to reflect "free" shipping, little by little.

An item sold over the weekend ... I had changed it to free, but hadn't changed the price 😞

I posted a 0.17 loss after COGS and Fees 😞 I'm just glad it wasn't something heavier 😞

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[audioarchive]

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@aliseexpress wrote:

I bought something for $2.29 and was surpirsed that seller shipped it with USPS First Class shipping.

How does he do it to stay profitable? When I buy USPS First Class shipping it cost me at least $2.61

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Not all sellers are smart or can figure out how to make a profit. They are probably thinking they made money. On this account, I ship without tracking so can afford to sell for chump change. On my other account, I have a minimum amount that I'll charge to ensure I make the profit that I want to make on each item.

[wolf*song]

If you insure your First Class packages, then it'll cost you around 2.61, but if you mail something lightweight and don't include insurance (tracking is included free), then that cuts the price in half.

In your seller's case, maybe they sell a bunch of these low-priced items, and in the long run make money.

Either way, you got what you wanted for what sounds like a bargain, and if both you and the seller are happy, it's all Zen, man.  😉

[kattinsanity]

"If you insure your first class packages, then it'll cost you around $2.61, but if you mail something lightweight and don't include insurance (tracking is included free) then that cuts the price in half"?? 

If you want tracking on a 1st class package it will cost you a TOTAL of  at least $2.61 to ship it.  For the price to be cut in half you have to send it as a "flat" and that doesn't even include tracking.

These 1st class packages sent for $2.61 do NOT include insurance.  If I ever have something shipping 1st class that is valuable enough to need insurance I'll just send it priority and that includes up to $50.00 insurance at no additional cost.  You do not get insurance on 1st class packages.

[wolf*song]

Tracking is free, and depending on how you mail an item, it'll cost much less than 2.61.

[kattinsanity]

You can ship a flat cheaper than $2.61 BUT you don't get tracking for your own protection.  Your buyer can claim INR and you have to refund them in full.  To get tracking you need to toss a few packing peanuts in the envelope to make it thicker and ship it for the minimum $2.61.  THEN you have tracking as proof your buyer received it if they file a INR.

So~~actually tracking isn't free.  You are paying extra to receive tracking for the same item you could have sent as a flat a lot cheaper.

[penguins_dont_fly]

@wolf*song

The minimum postage for a First Class tracked package is $2.61.

https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/Notice123.htm#_c104

[wolf*song]

Package, yes.  Envelope, no.

[penguins_dont_fly]

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@wolf*song wrote:

Package, yes.  Envelope, no.

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Envelope = no tracking

Please, pray tell ... enlighten the rest of us on how to ship a tracked package for less than 2.61 ... you keep insisting that it can be done ... share the secret.

<<If you insure your First Class packages, then it'll cost you around 2.61, but if you mail something lightweight and don't include insurance (tracking is included free), then that cuts the price in half>>

<<Tracking is free, and depending on how you mail an item, it'll cost much less than 2.61.>>

[partial*eclipse]

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@kattinsanity wrote:

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 ... actually tracking isn't free.  You are paying extra to receive tracking for the same item you could have sent as a flat a lot cheaper.

You pay extra because you are shipping a package rather than a letter or flat.  Tracking is free wth all packages.