eBay

calntom · ‎01-19-2018

I had a sale that was listed as shipping UPS Ground. Before shipping the item, I realized that it would probably ship for less money if I used a USPS Regional A box.

The ebay shipping was defaulting to UPS, thus not providing an ebay shipping option for USPS.

I could not find the Regional A option in paypal or through my online USPS account.

I realize that I should have known the item would fit in a Regional A box before listing the item.

My question is: Where do I find the Regional A option to ship if the default for that listing was set to UPS Ground?

flowershops · ‎01-19-2018

In my experience, even if default set to USPS, Paypal totally blocks offering Regional Rate A/B!

Ebay shipping/bulk shipping does offer it but Ebay blocks me from using it unless i have at least $100 paypal BALANCE with a blanket message that i need to update my paypal payment method (even if i do add a credit/debit/bank acct, it still blocks being able to ship via ebay shipping and yes preauth is active for ebay on paypal).

At usps.com, you have to DE-select flat rate shipping for it to offer you Regional A/B, even though A/B are flat rate. (If you select flat rate at usps.com, it will hide Regional A/B).

It's like they're slowly phasing out Regional A/B. My 2 local post offices' clerks deny it exists, and their managers told me that option is only available online; they dont even stock the boxes for it.

View Best Answer in original post

partial*eclipse · ‎01-19-2018

The Regional boxes are avalable through USPS Click N Ship.

There are so many Priority package options, you have to use the little blue scroll bar on the right side to see them all. I'm sure this looks different depending on which device and browser you're using.

flowershops · ‎01-19-2018

In my experience, even if default set to USPS, Paypal totally blocks offering Regional Rate A/B!

Ebay shipping/bulk shipping does offer it but Ebay blocks me from using it unless i have at least $100 paypal BALANCE with a blanket message that i need to update my paypal payment method (even if i do add a credit/debit/bank acct, it still blocks being able to ship via ebay shipping and yes preauth is active for ebay on paypal).

At usps.com, you have to DE-select flat rate shipping for it to offer you Regional A/B, even though A/B are flat rate. (If you select flat rate at usps.com, it will hide Regional A/B).

It's like they're slowly phasing out Regional A/B. My 2 local post offices' clerks deny it exists, and their managers told me that option is only available online; they dont even stock the boxes for it.

penguins_dont_fly · ‎01-19-2018

@calntom wrote:
I had a sale that was listed as shipping UPS Ground. Before shipping the item, I realized that it would probably ship for less money if I used a USPS Regional A box.

The ebay shipping was defaulting to UPS, thus not providing an ebay shipping option for USPS.

I could not find the Regional A option in paypal or through my online USPS account.

I realize that I should have known the item would fit in a Regional A box before listing the item.
My question is: Where do I find the Regional A option to ship if the default for that listing was set to UPS Ground?

Regional A/B is available through eBay labels.

(Not when listing, only when printing)

It is also available through Stamps.com

penguins_dont_fly is a Volunteer Community Mentor
Buying and Selling since 2013

calntom · ‎01-19-2018

@partial*eclipse wrote:
The Regional boxes are avalable through USPS Click N Ship.

There are so many Priority package options, you have to use the little blue scroll bar on the right side to see them all. I'm sure this looks different depending on which device and browser you're using.

Ahhh, thanks for the tip. I went back in and still did not see the Regional A because I had selected "I am Shipping Flat Rate". I put in a weight and then the Regional A came up.

For some reason I had related Regional A to a flat rate shipment when it is not.

Thank you for your response, appreciate it.

calntom · ‎01-19-2018

@flowershops wrote:
In my experience, even if default set to USPS, Paypal totally blocks offering Regional Rate A/B!
Ebay shipping/bulk shipping does offer it but Ebay blocks me from using it unless i have at least $100 paypal BALANCE with a blanket message that i need to update my paypal payment method (even if i do add a credit/debit/bank acct, it still blocks being able to ship via ebay shipping and yes preauth is active for ebay on paypal).
At usps.com, you have to DE-select flat rate shipping for it to offer you Regional A/B, even though A/B are flat rate. (If you select flat rate at usps.com, it will hide Regional A/B).
It's like they're slowly phasing out Regional A/B. My 2 local post offices' clerks deny it exists, and their managers told me that option is only available online; they dont even stock the boxes for it.

Yes, that was the ticket. Thanks for the reply.

I was thinking the same that A/B were flat rate though not totally true. The weight is a flat rate but the rate changes for zones.

I was in too much of a hurry yesterday

calntom · ‎01-19-2018

@penguins_dont_fly wrote:
@calntom wrote:
I had a sale that was listed as shipping UPS Ground. Before shipping the item, I realized that it would probably ship for less money if I used a USPS Regional A box.

The ebay shipping was defaulting to UPS, thus not providing an ebay shipping option for USPS.

I could not find the Regional A option in paypal or through my online USPS account.

I realize that I should have known the item would fit in a Regional A box before listing the item.
My question is: Where do I find the Regional A option to ship if the default for that listing was set to UPS Ground?
Regional A/B is available through eBay labels.
(Not when listing, only when printing)
It is also available through Stamps.com

I wish ebay labels would allow changing the shipping service back to USPS even though UPS was the selected service. I do all free shipping so it would be a nice option to have.

Sometimes I have to change from USPS to UPS and sometimes UPS to USPS depending upon the number of items the buyer orders and the weight of the total shipment. I explain that to buyers in my listing. About 600 shipments this past year and no one has ever questioned which carrier I used. I reckon that it helps that I get them out the door quickly

sam9876 · ‎01-19-2018

If the listing says that you will use UPS Ground, you had better use UPS Ground.

calntom · ‎01-19-2018

@sam9876 wrote:
If the listing says that you will use UPS Ground, you had better use UPS Ground.

I can understand your point.

If USPS Priority gets the delivery there a day or two sooner what would the buyer prefer?

sam9876 · ‎01-19-2018

A lot of buyers buy a particular item based on the method of shipment.

Time is not the issue.

partial*eclipse · ‎01-19-2018

@calntom wrote:
@sam9876 wrote:
If the listing says that you will use UPS Ground, you had better use UPS Ground.
I can understand your point.
If USPS Priority gets the delivery there a day or two sooner what would the buyer prefer?

Before you change carriers, you should check with the buyer. Some have very strong preferences about carriers. And some must use a different address, such as those who must use a PO Box for USPS deliveries.

calntom · ‎01-19-2018

@sam9876 wrote:
A lot of buyers buy a particular item based on the method of shipment.

Time is not the issue.

I use this blurb below in my listing because I have quite a few multi-quantity listings. For instance, if they buy 1 or 2 items that are 3-4 lbs or less, then I ship priority. If the total weight gets in the 5-6 lb range or higher then I look at UPS Ground. This can mean the difference in paying $35 to ship versus $20. Anyone have any feedback on this blurb below?

"Most every item is shipped FREE.

We like to ship next business day or same day if possible. We will get your items to you QUICK! To keep shipping costs down, shipments over 3-4 lbs. will likely be shipped via UPS Ground."

calntom · ‎01-19-2018

@partial*eclipse wrote:
@calntom wrote:
@sam9876 wrote:
If the listing says that you will use UPS Ground, you had better use UPS Ground.
I can understand your point.
If USPS Priority gets the delivery there a day or two sooner what would the buyer prefer?
Before you change carriers, you should check with the buyer. Some have very strong preferences about carriers. And some must use a different address, such as those who must use a PO Box for USPS deliveries.

Those are very good points. I had not thought about the PO Box problem.

sam9876 · ‎01-19-2018

"Most every item is shipped FREE.

We like to ship next business day or same day if possible. We will get your items to you QUICK! To keep shipping costs down, shipments over 3-4 lbs. will likely be shipped via UPS Ground."

You should delete that.

the*dog*ate*my*tablecloth · ‎01-19-2018

I agree with others. You should not change the shipping method without consulting the buyer. Especially if you're planning to pocket the savings. It won't reflect well on you.