eBay switched shipping types at label print out (for the better). This Normal?

[tronix]

After weighing a 3 lb box and adding the correct dimensions, USPS Retail Ground looked like the least expensive option, so I chose that, having the buyer pay by their zone. Just sold the product, but at label creation, USPS Ground Retail is not even listed as an option. I only show Priority Mail, Express & Media Mail. The thing is, Priority Mail is a few bucks cheaper than what was originally shown (and cheaper than Ground Retail). So of course, I selected that since it's a faster service and less expensive. 

I just got back into selling after a year. Is this a new thing? Does eBay automatically give you the best options based on your parcel (omitting something you originally chose) for the purpose of the price? Thanks!

[holidayshopper201 · Accepted solution]

Retail Ground can only be purchased at the USPS counter.  

[tronix]

Thank you! Wow - better change my other sale, the Post Office lines are from hell in my area. Still wondering how Priority Mail came out cheaper. 

[eunster1313]

You might want to give this a read.

Showing Buyers the Best Shipping Options.

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Announcements/Showing-Buyers-the-Best-Shipping-Options/ba-p/29886668

And for those of you who use FedEx I don't think
you would enjoy being blindsided by this.

FedEx Dangerous Goods or Hazardous Materials Noncompliant Package Fee

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Announcements/FedEx-Dangerous-Goods-or-Hazardous-Materials-Noncomplian...

[tronix]

Very helpful info, thank you. Oh, that USPS sample chart shown in the eBay update-- is that seen during creation of your listing? If so, I definitely missed it because I usually click on the sample rates link that's been there for years. 

[eunster1313]

No that is what the buyer (might) see when they click the shipping

tab on your listing when it is live.

[berserkerplanet]

>>Still wondering how Priority Mail came out cheaper.

Based on that statement I must assume the package was not large (under 12"x12"x12"), thus dimensional weight did not come into play. Since dim weight was not a consideration, the pkg shipped at actual 3 lb weight.

So the difference was because Retail Ground is charged at higher retail prices while the Priority Mail label price was a discounted online rate.

----------------
Retail Ground ignores dim weight and can be SIGNIFICANTLY less than Priority Mail which observes dim weight when pkg is larger than 1728 in³.

For example, if the pkg were 3 lbs and 13x12x12, it has a volume=13x12x12= 1872 in³ which exceeds 1728 in³ and therefore ships at the dimensional weight for Priority Mail. PM Dim Weight = 1872/166 = 11.28 = 12 pounds.

So while it would still ship at the actual 3 lb weight via USPS Retail Ground, it would ship at a 12 lb rate if going by Priority Mail. Even though retail rates are higher than online rates, it would still be cheaper going via Retail Ground because the online discount doesn't even come close to making up for the 3lb to 12 lb jump in billable weight.