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@yesterdaysduds wrote:
Thank you , so basically it would be fine as long as I am not downgrading or changing companies and selecting the shipping method is just so the buyer knows what to expect and does not lock me into anything ? I’ve never had to select the method beforehand when offering free shipping and have always just figured it out later ( with light clothing only ) out of laziness
Exactly. Don't change shipping carriers, that can really upset some buyers.
For the quick answer you are looking for especially when it comes to relatively lightweight clothing items, it is perfectly fine to advertise USPS FC and then ship USPS PM. I do it all the time when I am too lazy to weigh things and what I believe are my laser sharp weight instincts have betrayed me. 
That would depend.
Listings an item with free shipping via 1st Class and then shipping Priority Mail for free is an upgrade for speed. It also make sense as you get free insurance. Paying insurance on the 1st Class package on top of the 1st Class rate may actually cost you more than Priority Mail. But why can't you list the item with free Priority Mail instead?
Listing an item with some type of free USPS shipping and then switching to FedEx or UPS even if you are using a service with the same speed would not be o.k. as some customers do not like individual shippers. Maybe the local FedEx leaves packages on a customer's porch and they get stolen for instance.
Do you own a Macintosh?
If not, consider buying one to use GarageSale to manage your listings.
You can create an endless number of templates with different weight and size scenarios one time and then duplicate these to use for eBay listings. Here is one for a 5 pound package offering Priority Mail, Parcel Select and the Priority Mail Med Flat Rate. There is no size entered as its assumed its below a cubic foot.
Offering free shipping raises the price of items for customers as you must include the maximum potential shipping costs in the price of your item. Calculated shipping offers the lowest cost for customers.
Glad to see you are using Pirateship. That makes sense until you are Top Rated as Pirateship gives you $100 insurance, commercial rates and cubic pricing. eBay only gives you $50 insurance and commercial rates (but no cubic pricing) if you are not Top Rated.
Here is a portion of template for books. It uses a custom html table & CSS with the data headings already entered. All one needs to do is type the details about the book. The code at the bottom is placeholder where my TOS will appear once uploaded to eBay.
@yesterdaysduds wrote:
Thank you , so basically it would be fine as long as I am not downgrading or changing companies and selecting the shipping method is just so the buyer knows what to expect and does not lock me into anything ? I’ve never had to select the method beforehand when offering free shipping and have always just figured it out later ( with light clothing only ) out of laziness
Exactly. Don't change shipping carriers, that can really upset some buyers.
For the quick answer you are looking for especially when it comes to relatively lightweight clothing items, it is perfectly fine to advertise USPS FC and then ship USPS PM. I do it all the time when I am too lazy to weigh things and what I believe are my laser sharp weight instincts have betrayed me.
