Best shipping option when item weighs 1-2lbs? need advice ASAP

[d1am0ndk44]

hi all -- 

so i sold an item for 11. (shipping set at 4)  item weights approx 1.5 lbs. (about 21 oz) obviously it doenst fit first class criteria (16oz and under) and its not media mail. so what financially viable options do i have? 

USPS: first class -- out

USPS: parcel select -10.75 

USPS: priority: 10:48

FedEx: smartpost 9.07

FedEx: home: 12.56

any thoughts? i ve run into this issue before and bit the bullet but this time i dont want to lose so much.  ive already contacted the buyer and him know about the circumstances. 

thanks for any all help! 

[mutualfriendships2012]

How large is the item?

I sell clothing, so during the winter clothing obviously gets more bulky. I use the padded flat rate, "If it fits, it ships" for 7.20 for anything over a pound. But, size-wise, if it's bigger than the bag, you probably should have thought shipping costs out before listing. You aren't going to find stellar shipping deals for the over 1 pound range anywhere really. 

[d1am0ndk44]

thanks yes i ship alot and generally its mostly first class and or priority. once in awhile i run into this issue. its really a no win.

item is approx 8 x 6 x 4-- anyways thanks...

[richards*collection]

My best option on that question is I order 100 padded flat rate free envelopes from the usps website. you can really stuff them by creating a funnel from scrap cardboard leaving the cardboard inside provides extra reinforcement. I have shipped 20 lb. rocks with this and it cost 6.90 and goes to Alaska and Hawaii. Anything flat and small enough that is fragile can be taped to a wooden board. This provides free insurance and 3 day delivery in most scenarios, Good luck selling!

[mavjag923]

Go to the Post Office and get you some Regional Flat Rate A boxes. If they don't have them, then order them for free on USPS.com. There are two sizes but they make an A box that is 10 x 7 x 5. I've saved hundreds of dollars over the year using them. I live in Indiana so sometimes a Priority shipment to the west coast will cost me almost $20, but if I use an A box I can get it there for $8 or $9. Worth checking in to.

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@d1am0ndk44 wrote:

hi all -- 

so i sold an item for 11. (shipping set at 4)  item weights approx 1.5 lbs. (about 21 oz) obviously it doenst fit first class criteria (16oz and under) and its not media mail. so what financially viable options do i have? 

USPS: first class -- out

USPS: parcel select -10.75 

USPS: priority: 10:48

Where are you getting those prices?  The postage costs to ship to Zone 8 are:

Parcel Select $10.79

Priroity Mail $10.80

So between those two, paying an extra penny for Priority Mail is a no-brainer, even if you don't use a free box. Many buyers complain about the slowness of SmartPost; I wouldn't consider it.

http://pe.usps.com/cpim/ftp/manuals/dmm300/notice123.pdf

[johnrj1226]

This probably won't help  you  now but USPS has a regional rate boxes than  can often save you $$ depending on the distance you need to ship.  We have used a lot of these  over the years.  For example, the USPS Regional Rate  A1  box (top opening) measures 10 x 7 x 4-3/4 - there are end opening boxes too and regional B  style for heavier items.  You local PO probably does not have them you need to order via USPS.com - no charge.

Think you will need to bit the bullet one more time as time is not on your side.

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@mavjag923 wrote:

Go to the Post Office and get you some Regional Flat Rate A boxes. If they don't have them, then order them for free on USPS.com. ...

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Postage cost for the Regional A boxes happens to be the same as the Commercial Base price to ship 2 pounds.  They can save a lot of money for packages that are over 2 pounds, but they won't save this OP any money since he's shipping at the 2-pound rate anyway.

[plumbingspecials]

Uh-oh. You should not have contacted the buyer to let them know about your miscalculation. Why were these numbers not figured in before setting a price?

[thatsallfolks]

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@d1am0ndk44 wrote:

ive already contacted the buyer and him know about the circumstances. 

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It isn't necessary to tell the buyer about your circumstances, which are entirely your responsibility and will be paid for by you.

[thatsallfolks]

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@richards*collection wrote:

My best option on that question is I order 100 padded flat rate free envelopes from the usps website. you can really stuff them by creating a funnel from scrap cardboard leaving the cardboard inside provides extra reinforcement. I have shipped 20 lb. rocks with this and it cost 6.90 and goes to Alaska and Hawaii. Anything flat and small enough that is fragile can be taped to a wooden board. This provides free insurance and 3 day delivery in most scenarios, Good luck selling!

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I'm not seeing an 8x6x4 package fitting in a PFRE. And if the OP only runs into this occasionally, don't you think ordering 100 of them is overkill?

[d1am0ndk44]

so i really appreciate all the messages. i would like to attend to a few responses. fwiw i do only run into this issue a few times. also to do those who say i should have calculatred  pricing prior ---- you are 100% right. that was my mistake.  

facts: 

item $13 on 10%markdown: 11.70  best offer price accepted 9.70. 

weight is 1.5lbs and box size is 10 x 7 x 5 

shipping charge 4.00

extra shipping because of weight miscalculation $5

attached is shipping info. 

i feel in all sitautions communication is best. most buyers (TRADING PARTNERS) are understanding and realize that sometime things like this happen. i totally disagree with the idea of not commuicating. it doesnt hurt to try and as long as you are still honoring the transaction i dont see the problem. there is the outside chance of annoying a buyer i get that. 

i have contacted the buyer and i have not heard back as of yet. one solution for me in this particular case is; since the item is already in its own box (faily strong) to just wrap it and send it instead of putting it in a second shipping box. however my description states: that it will ship in second box. this would at least get me under 16oz. 

also look i need to be transparent i am an expert shipper with all things first class and all things priority and media but when it comes to these off weight items i run into issues. i have used smartpost before and its always worked out for me.  

in the end lesson learned. i messed up. its unfortunate and i can only hope that the buyer who asked for my condideration on a best offer price (which i accepted) would understand my consideration as well. in the end it the buyer is my trading partner. 

i truly appreciate all the feedback. 

[d1am0ndk44]

why is a great question. i run 2 stores and my sales are sporadic. its more of a side venture then anything else. i actually did weigh the random item and though with box, label and tape weight it would fly under 16. i was off 5ox. i dont sell enough of 1 particular item or so many items that i need to be scientific about my weights although i can tell you that through the years i have lost money with over-paying by an ounce. for me my stores are about getting items out my house which u am happy to do even if i dont turn a profit.

[pingpong517]

got to look at the flat rate envelopes and boxes..depending on what it is and size...might help...

then look into REGIONAL rate boxes...they may save you too....again depending on what-where etc.....

[Anonymous]

As long as you were just communicating with the buyer about the situation, that's ok. However if you were asking for more money for shipping after the sale of the items, that's against eBay policy.