media mail

[bashort]

I do not usually use media mail but I have a few items that it would work on.

In the past I just used priority but the shipping savings would be fairly large.

How bad are the shipping times? 

And I read some old posts where media mail was only available in certain categories, 

Any info appreciated.

[soh.maryl]

Please go back and do more reading about MM.  It can only be used in very limited categories like books.  Do not just randomly start using it til you are sure.  Your buyers aren't going to be happy when they have to pay additional postage to get their purchases.  

[m60driver]

Media mail is slower than first class, but I have had no issues with customers sending via media mail.  Ebay only  gives you the option of printing media mail labels when the listing is under books and perhaps a few other categories.  Sometimes a media mail item is better listed under a collectible category and then you have the option of paying for a media mail label at the post office or by using another site such as Paypal which allows you to print USPS shipping labels.  Paypal is the option I use.

[bashort]

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@soh.maryl wrote:

Please go back and do more reading about MM.  It can only be used in very limited categories like books.  Do not just randomly start using it til you are sure.  Your buyers aren't going to be happy when they have to pay additional postage to get their purchases.  

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What makes you think that I am just shipping random items media mail?

[metaltech1]

Media Mail can only be used for books or periodicals that have no advertisements in them.

Comics have ads, so can not be used.  Playboys have ads, so can not be used.

I have found ship times are a day or two longer than First Class mail......but that was before the pandemic.

Hope that helps.

[bashort]

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@m60driver wrote:

Media mail is slower than first class, but I have had no issues with customers sending via media mail.  Ebay only  gives you the option of printing media mail labels when the listing is under books and perhaps a few other categories.  Sometimes a media mail item is better listed under a collectible category and then you have the option of paying for a media mail label at the post office or by using another site such as Paypal which allows you to print USPS shipping labels.  Paypal is the option I use.

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What I have is some repair manuals, I was going to list them in the cat related to the item being repaired and media mail is available when setting up the listing, I wonder is that means it would be available when I buy shipping.

[aeparts1]

I ship 5 to 10 repair manuals per month via Media Mail.

Shipping time is usually between 4-10 days, most often at the lower end. USPS has never lost a Media Mail shipment I've sent. Probably 1000+ shipments. I pay & print thru the eBay shipping system.

If the manual is more expensive, I try to use a Priority flat rate envelope or box. Those rates are reasonable for the weight of the manuals, & are covered for $100 "insurance".  Sometimes the  "insurance" charge on  a Media Mail package gets you close to the Priority charge.

[kensgiftshop]

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@bashort wrote:

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What I have is some repair manuals, I was going to list them in the cat related to the item being repaired and media mail is available when setting up the listing, I wonder is that means it would be available when I buy shipping.

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No, just because you can offer it in the listing, doesn't mean you'll be able to buy it on Ebay.

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@bashort wrote: ... media mail is available when setting up the listing, I wonder is that means it would be available when I buy shipping.

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Nope.  eBay lets sellers set up MM as an option in their listings regardless of category.  Then when the time comes to actually purchase the postage label, eBay only offers MM in selected categories in which most or all items are eligible for MM.

But Media Mail postage labels can be purchased through other online label sources such as PayPal.  At the Post Office, it costs the same as you'd pay online.

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@aeparts1 wrote: ... I try to use a Priority flat rate envelope or box. Those rates are reasonable for the weight of the manuals, & are covered for $100 "insurance".  Sometimes the  "insurance" charge on  a Media Mail package gets you close to the Priority charge.

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eBay postage labels for Priority Mail include $100 of insurance only for sellers who are TRS.  Otherwise, the automatic included coverage is $50. For packages over 2 pounds, the Priority Mail Regional "A" box might be a good value.

[kabilab]

A;most everything I sell qualifies for, and I send by, MM. Before first class became so expensive, I frequently used that service, but MM has become a considerably better deal. Out of approx. 3000 shipments, I have only had a problem with two arriving late.

[bashort]

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@nobody*s_perfect wrote:

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@bashort wrote: ... media mail is available when setting up the listing, I wonder is that means it would be available when I buy shipping.

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Nope.  eBay lets sellers set up MM as an option in their listings regardless of category.  Then when the time comes to actually purchase the postage label, eBay only offers MM in selected categories in which most or all items are eligible for MM.

But Media Mail postage labels can be purchased through other online label sources such as PayPal.  At the Post Office, it costs the same as you'd pay online.

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That's what I thought, allow media mail on the listing then surprise media mail not allowed. 

I have pirate ship for just such a case.

[luckythewinner]

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@bashort wrote:

How bad are the shipping times? 

I use media mail for 50% of my sales. I have never had a buyer complain about shipping time.

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@bashort wrote:

And I read some old posts where media mail was only available in certain categories

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Yes, eBay has tried to discourage users from misusing media mail.

I see you have just added three books with media mail as an option, and they appear to conform to media mail rules. You should be fine.

[bashort]

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@nobody*s_perfect wrote:

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@aeparts1 wrote: ... I try to use a Priority flat rate envelope or box. Those rates are reasonable for the weight of the manuals, & are covered for $100 "insurance".  Sometimes the  "insurance" charge on  a Media Mail package gets you close to the Priority charge.

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eBay postage labels for Priority Mail include $100 of insurance only for sellers who are TRS.  Otherwise, the automatic included coverage is $50. For packages over 2 pounds, the Priority Mail Regional "A" box might be a good value.

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I have asked this lots of times but has anyone ever collected on the $100 "free" priority mail insurance, I have tried to collect but never been successful

[nobody*s_perfect]

Based on what I've read on these discussion boards, claims for damage are routinely declined, but they do seem to pay up for lost packages.