First Class Mail calculated much lower than final shipping purchase

[mlpauctions]

When I use the eBay calculator and include First Class Mail as an option, it provides a low price, such as $1.60 for a 2 ounce package (I use a 6x9 padded envelope). 

However, when the item sells, and the buyer selects First Class free shipping, my cost is something like $3.09 or more.  Am I missing something?   Perhaps, I should just purchase First Class postage outside of eBay.  - Mike

[loveyourimagination49]

2.66-3.09 is for up to 4 ounces when shipped as a package. I believe you are choosing flat instead.

[buyselljack2016]

You are not choosing "package" when you list.

Only labels with tracking can be purchased "online".

Your items may, or may not qualify for lower, un-tracked shipping purchase at the Post Office.

[nobody*s_perfect]

$1.60 is the postage cost for a 2-ounce flat (AKA Large envelope).  That's what the shipping calculator will show if you choose 'Large envelope" from the drop-down menu for 'Package type" when you set up the shipping calculator.

$3.09 is the online postage cost to ship a 2-ounce package to Zone 8.  eBay only sells labels for packages, not for flats or letters, probably because they believe so strongly that buyers want tracking, and only packages include tracking.

USPS has very specific criteria for what is a flat vs what is a package; your piece is one or the other, it can't be both. In order to be mailed as a flat, it must be flexible, literally flat (thickness variation not more than 1/4 inch), and less than 3/4 inch thick.

If you purchase your postage outside of eBay, you'll find the same prices for all online sellers, and that package will cost $4.06 if you mail it at the Post office counter.

[mlpauctions]

I just revised a tiny item using the calculator, where I am selecting large envelope (not package) and I'm quoted $1.30 (see photo on item).  However, I know from experience that they will charge me $3.09 if I click the free shipping box for First Class and the item then sells.

[thevintagesilvershop]

Do NOT choose large envelope, choose package.  If you continue to choose large envelope, you'll keep paying more than your customer is charged. 

[loveyourimagination49]

Are you using business policies ?
Are you using shipping rate table?

[etrusca]

You may not be aware but  first class envelopes have thickness restriction

of 3/4 in  - so it doesn't look like your ring would qualify for an envelope

and would not be machinable -so you are forced to use package for shipping plus its safer despite the price.

There's no way around it unless you have something thin and flat- good luck! 

[mlpauctions]

I just tried the suggestion to select package instead of envelope, and the calculator immediately show $3.09 for the same size and weight.  See photos.

[loveyourimagination49]

That’s what it should be.

[myangelandmyprincess · Accepted solution]

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@mlpauctions wrote:

I just tried the suggestion to select package instead of envelope, and the calculator immediately show $3.09 for the same size and weight.  See photos.

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That’s what the price should be. The lower prices you were getting for first class were for first class flat   You cannot purchase that online you have to gin to tve post office and it doesn’t include tracking plus it has restrictions on thickness and rigid ness so items you’re selling might not even qualify for it   

[nobody*s_perfect]

That ring definitely could not be mailed as a flat. If you are going to purchase postage through eBay, you must set up calculated shipping for a package not for a large envelope.

[mlpauctions]

Thanks, everyone. I still think it's confusing to be quoted one price for shipping First Class in the calculator, then be surprised with a higher price (and lower profit) when the item sells. In the future, I'll select First Class "Package" as suggested to see the real price that I'll be charged.

[nobody*s_perfect]

If you are still confused, then the posts above haven't explained it completely to you. You should not be surprised when you choose one service to set up the calculator and then purchase another different service for your label. 

There are 3 types of First Class service: letters, flats (AKA Large envelopes), and packages. Each has its own separate pricing structure.  If you are going to purchase a label for a package, then you must set up the shipping calculator to charge for a package.

[muttlymob]

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@buyselljack2016 wrote:

Only labels with tracking can be purchased "online".

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Incorrect.

Labels for letters and flats can be purchased online - and even with an online discount - just not through eBay.