Do I need to measure every box for shipping?

[dianne1923]

When I list an item, I weigh it without a box but estimate my cost for shipping.  My listed items are all shelved without a box.  Sometimes I'm not positive at the listing time what box I will use.  I do not use calculated shipping but use same cost for all buyers.  With the new rules, do I need to box every item ahead of listing so I can enter all the dimensions for accurate shipping costs?  Even my small little lightweight items?   Do I need to go back and box up all my shelved items and enter in the dimensions?  

[sam9876]

Why would you pay for a box?

[dianne1923]

I ship only USPS.  I have numerous sized boxes for all the shipping that I do so I can ship in the smallest needed box, especially for first class.  I buy them 25 to 50 in a package.  The priority mail boxes are not always the size that I need or the way I want to ship.

Another question..... for example on a Large USPS Priority Mail box, the inside dimensions are 12 x 12 x 8, but the out side dimensions are 12 1/4 x 12 /14 x 8 1/2.  So do we then need to list the size as 13 x 13 x 9?

[dianne1923]

I ship only USPS.  I have numerous sized boxes for all the shipping that I do so I can ship in the smallest needed box, especially for first class.  I buy them 25 to 50 in a package.  The priority mail boxes are not always the size that I need or the way I want to ship.     Another question..... for example on a Large USPS Priority Mail box, the inside dimensions are 12 x 12 x 8, but the out side dimensions are 12 1/4 x 12 /14 x 8 1/2.  So do we then need to list the size as 13 x 13 x 9?

[a_c_green]

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@dianne1923 wrote:

Another question..... for example on a Large USPS Priority Mail box, the inside dimensions are 12 x 12 x 8, but the out side dimensions are 12 1/4 x 12 /14 x 8 1/2.  So do we then need to list the size as 13 x 13 x 9?

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I wouldn't, for the simple reason that the USPS recognizes their own PM Large box and what its nominal dimensions are. (I do mean that literally; it has a bar code on the bottom flaps to identify the box to the automatic scanners. Their other packages are similarly coded.)

For any other (non-USPS) box that I'm using for shipping, I take the outside measurements for Height, Width and Depth (or Length), and round each value up to the nearest whole inch.

[lintbrush*]

For determining Dimensional Weight, you actually round off to the nearest whole - thus the 12.25" is considered 12.   In almost any other thing USPS, you round up.

That being said, it's about the cubic measurement (1 cu. ft = 1,728 cu. in).    If all measurements of the box are under 12", there is no way it can be over 1 cu. foot.  If one measurement is over 12", it doesn't mean it will be over 1 cu ft, but it could be.

12x12x12 = 1,728

20x16x5 = 1,600 - which is not a cubic foot and wouldn't incur dimensional weight charges.

If it's more than 1 cu foot, USPS currently uses the divisor of 194 to determine dimensional weight.  [This will change in June] 

A 14x14x10 box is 1,960 cu in.  1,960 div by 194 = 10.10 - which would means the dimensional weight charge would be 11 lbs even if it weighs less.

Dim Weight is currently applied to Priority for Zones 5 and up.  So that large box will still ship at actual weight if your buyer is close.  

Dim Weight will go across all Zones come June and the divisor will change to 166.

[dianne1923]

Thanks.  I went out and bought me a calculator.  Changing my shipping info tonight won't do any good, will it?  I would have to re-do them after the shipping changes go into effect.  Correct?  

Another quick question..... we'd be going by the dimensional weight only?  And not adding the actually scale weight to it?

[tori_729]

I never buy boxes - I just collect the ones I get and get the USPS Priority free ones shipped to me. That leaves me with plenty. I also get my packing materials from a friend's business for free. I do occasionally buy poly mailers and bubble wrap and of course tape but that's just my overhead cost.
Also, when you do calculated shipping, the buyer pays the actual shipping cost and you get a discount if you're a TRS so in my view, that takes care of my packing materials cost.

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@dianne1923 wrote:

Thanks.  I went out and bought me a calculator.  Changing my shipping info tonight won't do any good, will it?  I would have to re-do them after the shipping changes go into effect.  Correct?  

Another quick question..... we'd be going by the dimensional weight only?  And not adding the actually scale weight to it?

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When you set up calculated shipping in your listing, you must enter both a package weight and also the package dimensions.

It doesn't matter when you change your information. If you enter a flat rate, it will stay at that price.  If you set up calculated shipping, then your listing will immediately show the calculated postage cost, which will automatically update when the rates change on Sunday.

Rules about dimensional weights are changing in June, not this month.

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@dianne1923 wrote: ... a Large USPS Priority Mail box, the inside dimensions are 12 x 12 x 8, but the out side dimensions are 12 1/4 x 12 /14 x 8 1/2.  So do we then need to list the size as 13 x 13 x 9?

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It doesn't mater, since the package is under 1 cubic foot even if you round up.   

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@a_c_green wrote:

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@dianne1923 wrote:

Another question..... for example on a Large USPS Priority Mail box, the inside dimensions are 12 x 12 x 8, but the out side dimensions are 12 1/4 x 12 /14 x 8 1/2.  So do we then need to list the size as 13 x 13 x 9?

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I wouldn't, for the simple reason that the USPS recognizes their own PM Large box and what its nominal dimensions are.....

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That's not the Large flat rate box, which is only 5.5 inches high.  That's our friend the Box07.

[tsme35]

Biggest mistake a seller can make is guessing shipping cost.

[a_c_green]

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@nobody*s_perfect wrote:

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@a_c_green wrote:

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@dianne1923 wrote:

Another question..... for example on a Large USPS Priority Mail box, the inside dimensions are 12 x 12 x 8, but the out side dimensions are 12 1/4 x 12 /14 x 8 1/2.  So do we then need to list the size as 13 x 13 x 9?

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I wouldn't, for the simple reason that the USPS recognizes their own PM Large box and what its nominal dimensions are.....

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That's not the Large flat rate box, which is only 5.5 inches high.  That's our friend the Box07.

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Well, my point was just that the various PM boxes are bar-coded for automatic identification (and thus to verify that the correct label was applied). Both the PM Large and PM Flat Rate Large have their own unique ID barcodes.

[electrola_man]

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@dianne1923 wrote:

If I weigh an item and know it is light enough for first class, I have a good idea of the cost.  If I weigh an item alone and it weighs 15 oz, then I know when boxed it'll be a priority mail.  It is weighs 1 lb. 13 oz, then I know it'll go over the 2 pound mark when boxed, etc. so I determine my shipping from that.   If I have to enter dimensions on even my little die-cast cars along with my glassware that is heavier, I don't have the room to even store all those boxed items till they sell.  I have about 150 items listed right now and dread that I need to quickly box up all those items and re-evaluate the shipping charges. 

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It seems you have this down pretty good.  Why not just continue this practice?  Generally set the estimates to your favor.  If something weighs 7 ounces, enter 13 into the calculator.  If it ends up coming in just under 12, you didn't get hurt.  Just watch the new increments at which prices jump.  Then just make sure you cover packing materials cost and fees on shipping and receiving the payment for shipping somewhere; either in a handling charge added to the shipping charge to the buyer or built into the unit cost, and you'll be fine.  I ship mostly small items.  Most First Class items go into 6X4X4 boxes, and a few larger ones.  I know what those cost.  I typically use two sheets of large bubble wrap in a 6X4X4 box, plus about 30 inches of packing tape.  I generally know what all of this weighs, and what it costs.  I'm not expecting a lot of problems.  I used to do more "free shipping" on First Class items, and flat charges, but will likely go to calculated with the new changes.  

[dtexley3]

Similar to the previous post.  Most items under 1lb ship in either a 6x4x4 box or a padded envelope, both weigh about 1 oz, so I can weigh the item and know the approx ship weight.  I also know how much the 6x6x6 and 8x8x8 weigh just in case.  I charge a $1 handling fee to cover the cost of the box, packing materials, fees, etc.

For the larger I measure the item to determine the box size and weigh the item.  I have a file with the weights of my most common box sizes so it's easy to estimate weight and size to come very close to what it will be when shipping.  I charge a $2 handling fee for 1-2 lb items, $3 for items up to 8lb (actual or dim weight) and $4 up to 14lb.  Above that I figure it out based on all the variables.

I now use calculated shipping on everything

[dianne1923]

Thanks, Everyone!  You've all been a great help and I feel so much better AND more confident.   Tomorrow I will pull my priority mail and larger items to box up and enter calculated postage.  Tonight I am re-organizing my eBay room to give myself more storage and organizing space.