Shipping Calculation For Item Weight Using GSP

[mtzselling]

I use free shipping for all of my items listed, and I do not "pre-pack" items to put any weight or dimensions.  I pack, weigh, measure, after an item sells.  This just makes it easier to store inventory and faster to list when I don't "test" weigh/etc for each listing.  So I am wondering how the GSP calculates its rates if I do not put any weight or dimensions in?

Appreciate any inputs!

Thanks!

[bubbleman2010]

You have to enter some kind of weight to list a item. GSP runs off that weight in your listing.

[mtzselling]

I don't enter weight and never have. Also I have not had any issues reported to me from buyers that use the GSP.

[bubbleman2010]

It defaults to 1 pound or less as long as what your selling falls into that range no problemo...

[mtzselling]

So what's interesting is I set my location to an international destination and in one of my items that had no weight the GSP price was about $22.  I entered the weight of the item, 1 lbs 14 oz and then the GSP rate dropped to about $19.

Now I have no idea what in the world the GSP uses to determine cost!

Since I don't put weights for any of my listings I guess I need to start doing so for ones I know may sell through GSP.  Odd though.

[mtzselling]

I just checked and the last item I sold through GSP was 2 pounds... so idea what in the world happened. I guess I need to think about putting weights for items I intend to ship GSP.

And I believe you are incorrect about the 1 pound default. I can't find that anywhere in the policy and my listings show "0" for all weights and measurements.

[nightsky4me]

I have been an GSP seller for years, All my listing are an estimated shipping cost by searching similar sold items. Usually middle of the road price. Sometimes I make a little extra and sometimes I lose a little.

I always try and double box GSP items for international rough handling.  Even though we are not responsible after item leave Ebay Kentucky. Buyer will still contact you as not as described or damaged and paypal will hold funds. I've had to call ebay few times on GSP damaged item.

I print shipping labels from ebay. You get a discount printing USPS Priority. Many times items under 16" cost less to ship priority vs ground. Shipping Heavy items USPS cost me 2 or 3 times more than Fedex Ground or Fedex Smart Post.   I use many different size priority boxes which are FREE at USPSwebsite Many sizes that are not available at your local Post Office. I use many 12x12x8 and double up two for 12x12x16 and Shoebox Size and different size rectange boxes. USPS Ships box to you for free.

[nightsky4me]

Here's a trick to see what GSP really charged your buyer. When you click on leave feedback it shows what buyer really paid for Global Shipping. Many times I'm shocked how much ebay adds on to shipping cost.

[mtzselling]

@nightsky4me - Whoa, I'll have to check that. I leave feedback from my "Overview" or "Paid and Shipped" pages, so not sure exactly where to look, but I'll keep an eye on it. Thanks!

[mtzselling]

Okay, I suck BIG TIME. I just went through and weighed all of my active listings (only 31 right now) and each one brought the GSP down $2 - $5 once I put the actual weight in (I used same international destination for each to see). I can't believe I've been costing my buyers extra in shipping just due to my own stupidity (or I guess ignorance).

Oh, well, still learning (after 18 years now...). It's just shipping Flat Rate Free is so fast to list things when I don't have to take the time to put in weights. But lesson learned. I just can't believe it never occurred to me to check GSP prices with exact weights. Just crazy.

[lintbrush*]

I'm sure there is some default weight they must use, but I enter weights so I don't know.

The real issue I can see you having is for a heavier shipment.  If the buyer isn't charged enough for the international leg of the shipment because you failed to provide accurate weight/dimensions, PB can refuse to ship it on the international leg.  They can confiscate and liquidate the item.

http://pages.ebay.com/seller-center/faq/global-shipping.html#lost-damaged-undeliverable-items

[bubbleman2010]

You must be selling on a different ebay if you select custom weight and put pounds 0 ounces 0 this messages pops up...    

It looks like there's a problem with this listing.

• Weight - The package weight is not valid or is missing. Provide a valid number for the weight.

[mtzselling]

@bubbleman2010 - To begin with I apologize if my prior comment came across as rude. Reading it back it didn't exactly project the intended tone...

Anyway, it's the same eBay. But you have to choose "Flat Rate" (same cost to all buyers) and then click on the Free Shipping box in the pop-up. Once the Flat Rate and Free Shipping are both chosen, there is no need for a weight because the seller (in this case me) will be covering all shipping fees.

I have come across the error you quoted, but only when I'm not listing as I just previously mentioned. I really appreciate your input though! Thank you!

[mtzselling]

@lintbrush* - Yes, thank you for pointing this out. For domestic shipping weight is no issue as it's my responsibility as the seller to cover all shipping fees when offering free shipping.

But I never thought about international shipping weight-wise, as you mentioned in your post. I will for sure be changing my practices to better service my customers.

Thank you for your input!