USPS Cubic Rate Using Softpacks/Poly Mailers

[reclaimed_denim]

Okay, I realize it has been almost a year since eBay added cubic pricing to USPS Priority and Ground Advantage, but the height (thickness) dimension when using a poly mailer is so confusing!  I've looked over some old threads, but it doesn't seem like this was ever resolved. Ugh, I'm pretty sure I've been overpaying all year!

If using a poly mailer or padded envelope, what dimension should I use for the height?  Technically, it has no height, because the packaging is flat and not a box.  EBay (unlike PirateShip) requires a third dimension.  Should I enter a minimum 1 inch (although once I put the product in the mailer it's more like 4 inches)?

Anyone know how this actually works? Let's say I have a 15x12 poly mailer and place a thick sweater in it which adds 4 inches of volume. Package dimensions are: 15in x 12in x ?

[kensgiftshop]

You measure just like a box.

If the sweater makes it 4 inches high, it would be 15x12x4.

[buyselljack2016]

You aren't shipping it empty. It's 4".

[robbie31415]

Putting 4 inches means you are overpaying and putting 1 inch might get you an adjustment.

Example, if you put 15x12x4 that = 0.42 cubic volume, which means it will be put in cubic tier 5.

However, a 15x12 poly bag based on PS's calculation is cubic tier 2.

That's a significant difference.

If you are new, I would just buy your poly bag order labels on PS.

[dbfolks166mt]

     Although eBay incorporated cubic shipping eBay does not differentiate between standard and cubic which Pirate Ship has always done. There are multiple reasons I do not purchase my labels through eBay and have not in a LONG time. Pirate Ship has the same, sometimes better, discounted rates and it is easier for me to sort through the options when I actually get ready to ship the item. 

[reclaimed_denim]

Thank you for your responses.  I've used PirateShip in the past, but lately the savings seem to be better on eBay.

For the record, I've been filling in the dimensions including the volume/ height of the item with eBay shipping.  However with PS the cubic rate for poly mailers is based on the size of the mailer alone (L x W), NO height calculation.  The length and width dimensions of a flat mailer will decrease as the volume is filled and height increases.  On the shipping page, eBay actually states to enter the package dimensions --so I think it's a bit unclear. 

Here's an example for something I just shipped in an 11.5 x 9 mailer.  After adding a pair of pants, the height is between 1-2" and the footprint size decreases to 10.5 x 8.  11.5x9x1 and 10.5x8x2 are the same cubic price for 1 lb 3 oz, however the price jumps when I enter 11.5x9x2.

Also, my apologies --meant to post this in the shipping forum.

[dbfolks166mt]

Thank you for your responses.  I've used PirateShip in the past, but lately the savings seem to be better on eBay.

     I have generally found them to be exactly the same. The added benefit I get on Pirate Ship is I pay for those labels with a cash back credit card which is not much of a return but every dollar counts. 

For the record, I've been filling in the dimensions including the volume/ height of the item with eBay shipping.  However with PS the cubic rate for poly mailers is based on the size of the mailer alone (L x W), NO height calculation.  In reality you don't need one the L x W of the mailer is based on a flat mailer in PS, regardless of what you add and what the height grows to it does not change the cubic volume capacity/size of the mailer. The length and width dimensions of a flat mailer will decrease as the volume is filled and height increases.  Exactly but the cubic volume does not. On the shipping page, eBay actually states to enter the package dimensions --so I think it's a bit unclear. 

Here's an example for something I just shipped in an 11.5 x 9 mailer.  After adding a pair of pants, the height is between 1-2" and the footprint size decreases to 10.5 x 8.  11.5x9x1 and 10.5x8x2 are the same cubic price for 1 lb 3 oz, Of course however the price jumps when I enter 11.5x9x2. Of course it does the cubic size changed and 11.5 x 9 x 2 is NOT the same as 10.5 x 8 x 2.

11.5 x 9 x 1 = 103.5 cubic inches or .05 cubic feet

10.5 x 8 x 2 = 168 cubic inches or .09 cubic feet

11.5 x 9 x 2 = 207 cubic inches or .11 cubic feet. Pushes the package into Tier 2.

Also, my apologies --meant to post this in the shipping forum.