Hello!
I am new to charging for shipping and still relatively new to eBay selling as a whole. I have sold every item previously as free shipping. However I am hoping to offer a few new items that will make this less feasible, specifically lower cost items that are typically bought as multiples. These are typically smaller/lighter hobby items that would be cheap, and ideally ship as a few items together in one package to a customer.
As I change over my current listings and prep for these new items, I am encountering a question that I have not seen a full clear answer to. If I use the Combined Shipping Policy, using eBay's calculated shipping offering USPS First Class, what happens when enough items are combined to exceed first class weight (16oz)? Will eBay automatically swap to Priority and begin calculating from there? I should note that all of my listings that are in this category also have the option for the buyer to pay for Priority instead, in case that is required for eBay to recognize it is the next option after exceeding the First Class weight limit.
Examples below in case it is easier to explain this way (using Ounce range examples instead of cost examples as this would vary by Zip):
Say 4 items purchased, ~1oz each (4oz total)- eBay will combine weights, shipping would remain the same shipping cost as purchasing a single item (1-4oz range for First Class either way).
Say 3 items purchased, ~2 oz each (6oz total)- eBay will combine weights, shipping will be more than purchasing one item by itself, but only slightly as it bumps from the 1-4oz range to the 5-8oz First Class.
The same would remain true for any combined amounts up to 16 oz; moderately increasing in the 9-12oz bracket and 13-16oz bracket, but would still be economical for the buyer.
Now the example I am curious about: Say 2 items purchased, 10oz each, now the combined weight is 20oz. Will eBay automatically calculate for a 20oz Priority package instead, despite both items individually being eligible for first class?
Lastly, what if a first class item and priority item are purchased together? Say a first class eligible 10oz item and a priority rate 1lb 8oz item? These would now push above the 2lb range for priority shipping, will that be automatically calculated up to the next tiered rate of Priority?
I am afraid to drop all my new items in and figure out that either the buyer or I get hit with a weird set of unforeseen variable costs. I am familiar that a buyer can pay and hope for a refund, or purchase and wait to pay for an invoice, however both seem like deterrents to buyers if there is indeed a way to make it work in the calculated shipping within the eBay cart.
Thank you in advance to any replies!
