FedEx shipping charges are ESTIMATES when labels purchased with Ebay

[loft_km]

I've been using USPS primarily for shipping and decided to try some test cases with FedEx since their rates looked slightly better than USPS on packages over 1 lb and Ebay notices indicated great negotiated rates for the Holiday rush.  What I didn't realize before using the service, is that the amount you pay, when printing the label on ebay, is just an estimate and all packages will have a finalized shipping amount billed to your account after the package is delivered.  The other realization was that the FedEx shipping charged aren't subtracted from your pending funds, they are charged on your monthly e-bay bill (at whatever amount FedEx ultimately determines the charge to me) and taken from your bank account at end of month billing. So, of the 5 test packages I sent, two were delivered on time and the price was the same as the "estimate" I received when I "purchased" the labels.  A third package sent from AZ and going to MA - left AZ, went to NM, TN, OH and then began back tracking across the US making about 10 stops including back to AZ and then went to CA, before again going back across the US to MA.  Somewhere in there I contacted FedEx and got no help in getting the package turned around as it was heading back to the West Coast.  In the end it took 12 days and I was still charged full price for that whirlwind tour of the States.  The 4th package, I was up-charged from $8.12 to $11.45 for no discernable reason and the final and 5th package, I was up-charged from $9.45 to $16.95, again with no change to size, weight, type of package, destination, etc., from what I'd entered into the system when I purchased the label.  Talking to FedEx, they couldn't say why the cost was different, on any of the packages, from what I was originally quoted.  Sharing my experience.  I haven't used FedEx since and won't use them again until the price quoted on ebay is the final price, not just an estimate.

[rebell45]

That is true. Always go to the FedEx website and get a price there before buying label on eBay. If you see a big difference, don't buy it on eBay.  Remember to round up bot weight and measurements to the next inch or pound.  Whenever I send anything FedEx I also have everything checked when I drop it off at their store.

[simba6]

Got to check with all shippers. It's also a problem with UPS.  Some sellers have received some big bills from that.

[Anonymous]

The last two Fedex shipments of mine: actual billed shipping was $0.29 less than estimate and the other one was to the penny so it appears it can go both ways. Still, not entirely comforting.

As @rebell45 said, best to round up with your measurements. I always err on the side of caution.

[pcobra93]

I have had 3 UPS packages all going to 3 different places and all different weights have a final bill of exactly $16 over the estimated cost on the last 4 weeks. Now tell me how that is possible. I have been watching them for about 3 months like a hawk after a friend of mine brought this issue up. I triple check my weight and dimensions. I even now get a drop off receipt with a weight now when I drop it off. I have had issues with other packages too. FedEx is not the $16 but every now and then will be about 20% off. I have called Ebay to file disputes and the last 3 they have issued me a credit instantly along with filing the dispute with UPS. This is only after I offer to email them the drop off receipt. Before that they just want to file a dispute before refunding.....which even one lady told me FedEx denies 98% of all disputes. They know something is going on. The shipper needs to PROVE their charges. We cannot see the breakdown on UPS like we can for FedEx. On the FedEx ones that were off they exactly doubled the weight from what I have and what the retail drop off store had.... several of those in 3 months. There is a racket going on and Ebay needs to get it figured out or I am calling them out as being in on it.

[loft_km]

I always round up on any service I use and drop the package off/get a receipt from the carrier, so just know that this happens in spite of taking those precautions.  If there's a need to double check the price of each package against the FedEx website for the cost to be close to accurate on ebay, I wouldn't use the service, as that's business time waisted and there's still no guarantee the charges won't be added later. As a side note - there were no changes from the package dimensions and weight from when I purchased the label to when it was sent and that was verified by FedEx.  So again, these are arbitrary increases with labels purchased on the ebay site.

[lesegouts]

Stick with USPS. I only consider UPS and FedEx on items over 20 lbs. Take pictures of the box with a ruler showing to document the dimensions. I've never had a problem.