Estimated Shipping With New Shipping Tool

[liz-treasures]

I was permanently switched to the new eBay listing tool tonight. I called eBay and they said, "use calculated shipping" until they fix it. This is complete nonsense since it was like this 7 months ago.  I don't mind all the "details" that you have to put in. What I do mind is how to estimate shipping. Their shipping estimation is very general and does not reflect the real cost of shipping. Any tips or revelations about how to get the real cost of what an item may cost to ship to buyers other than calculated shipping? 

[wastingtime101]

Hey @liz-treasures. Not sure I understand. Are you saying you want to offer flat rate or free shipping? You can always use the eBay shipping calculator here to get shipping quotes so you know what shipping range you're looking at.

If that's not what you're asking then I'm confused. How else would you determine shipping rates without first calculating them based on package size, weight and shipping distance?

[buyselljack2016]

The only previous "estimated shipping" that I know of was a "fools errand" where many a seller was misled into using the "estimate" provided by eBay, only to get burned as it was often in error, because eBay was "guessing" what the cost would be without all the needed info inputted.

Guessing does not always work out well. A seller should have a scale. They are cheap, and can pay for themselves in a short amount of time as they provide accurate needed info.

[buyselljack2016]

USPS notice 123 shows the cost of shipping, as wastingtime posted,based upon size/weight/distance.

If not using calculated you will need to look to see the minimum, the maximum, and choose the amount the you feel would be enough if not going for the max.

I do mostly 1st class, and charge a "flat rate" based at the middle, or a bit above.

[wastingtime101]

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@buyselljack2016 wrote:

The only previous "estimated shipping" that I know of was a "fools errand" where many a seller was misled into using the "estimate" provided by eBay, only to get burned as it was often in error, because eBay was "guessing" what the cost would be without all the needed info inputted.

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That was my first thought, too, but the OP said, "Their shipping estimation is very general and does not reflect the real cost of shipping."

Since that has always been the case with eBay's estimated shipping on the quick form for newbies, I thought OP must mean something different? Guess we'll have to wait and see if they provide more info on what they're looking for.

[liz-treasures]

Hi and thanks for responding. Tonight I was switched to the new listing format tool. I was referring to shipping flat rate. I can no longer access the shipping rate table that you sent me. Where did you find it? 

[liz-treasures]

Hi, 

I always put in the weight and dimensions. Now, I can't. Not sure I am explaining it properly. With the new tool/listing tool, when you put in the dimensions, it just gives you a generalized cost.  There are no minimum/ maximum costs. The old rate sheet that someone sent to me was the one I am looking for. 

[liz-treasures]

I played around with the "new" listing tool. Relative to shipping - if I add a service then I get a range. But the range is ridiculous.   ??

Economy services

USPS Parcel Select Ground

2 - 8 business days2 to 8 business days

$7.44 - $13.17

USPS Media Mail

2 - 8 business days2 to 8 business days

$5.50

FedEx Ground Economy

2 - 8 business days2 to 8 business days

$14.46 - $54.33

[wastingtime101]

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@liz-treasures wrote:

 I can no longer access the shipping rate table that you sent me. Where did you find it? 

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I suggest bookmarking the link for quick access. You can find it linked on eBay help pages if you need to find it again.

[yuzuha]

The range you're seeing is because the estimate is reflecting the prices to the different zones. For example, with Parcel Select, it will cost $7.44 to ship to zone 1 but $13.17 to ship to zone 8.

The buyer will be charged the correct amount based on their zip code when they make their purchase.

[liz-treasures]

I do understand what the range means but I didn't want to do calculated shipping.  Does anyone have a suggestion other than calculated shipping? 

[nobody*s_perfect]

If you don't want to do calculated shipping, then the alternative is to charge a flat price for shipping.

As you noted, the actual price range can be enormous, so it's difficult to determine a fair price to either charge as a flat rate or add to your asking price. Charging a flat rate will inevitably undercharge farther buyers and/or overcharge closer buyers.

[wastingtime101 · Accepted solution]

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@liz-treasures wrote:

I do understand what the range means but I didn't want to do calculated shipping.  Does anyone have a suggestion other than calculated shipping? 

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Your options:

1. Use calculated shipping for accurate rates that will automatically update when price changes go into effect.
2. Use flat rate shipping which has to be manually updated. Some sellers charge cost to furthest zone, others charge a price in the middle of the range, and other sellers average out a cost based on the range + the volume they ship to each zone.
3. Use free shipping and see point 2 for determining how much to increase your item price.
4. Use rate tables. This allows you to charge flat rate shipping based on zones so you could set something up like (random numbers used as example) $10 nearby, $15 middle of country, $20 opposite coast.

The option that will work best for you depends on the type of item you sell, the average weight of your packages, where in the country you reside, the variety of your product.

I glanced down your active listings and your product is varied. Calculated shipping would be easiest and most accurate if you want to charge a separate shipping rate. If you prefer to use a flat rate, you'll have to work the numbers.

[liz-treasures]

Thanks!