First Class Mail - what am I missing?

[gooseberrygoods]

Help please, I'm back with another shipping question. And I am completely confused.

I'm mailing something 3ozs in a manila envelope (12 x 9 x .5). The USPS website clearly shows I could send it First Class Mail Large Envelope for $1.83 but the eBay shipping option doesn't have it. It only offers USPS Ground Advantage for $3.75. As it is literally a large letter why are they only offering a service that is a bit of overkill? Very confused. 

[mr_lincoln · Accepted solution]

Hi @gooseberrygoods 

First class at the counter for $ 1.83 does not have tracking ... USPS Ground Advantage does.  Without tracking you have no proof of delivery and would lose if the Buyer files a claim that they did not receive the item.

[gooseberrygoods]

Thanks, I missed that point completely! 😞

[evry1nositswindy]

First Class package has been replaced by Ground Advantage.  It includes tracking. 

[mr_lincoln]

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@gooseberrygoods wrote:

Thanks, I missed that point completely! 😞

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@gooseberrygoods  You are more than welcome and I am sure you would have gotten there too.

[stainlessenginecovers]

Before Ground Advantage taking over 1st Class Packages; there were 2 types of 1st Class (and ebay may still list it this way for you to choose in calculated shipping)- 1st Class 'Package' and 1st Class Envelope. 

Envelope is just like piece of mail you get in the mail box- all 'stamps' are for '1st Class' Mail

1st Class Package is a package, typically over 1 oz and more importantly, gives you seller protection with the tracking number (as well as info for both you and the buyer). 

[candd205]

It's too big for letter rate. Here are the parameters from the USPS website:

To be eligible for mailing at the price for letters, a piece must be:

• Rectangular
• At least 3-1/2 inches high x 5 inches long x 0.007 inch thick.
• No more than 6-1/8 inches high x 11-1/2 inches long x 1/4 inch thick.

[wastingtime101]

Adding to what was said above @gooseberrygoods :

If you want to ship that large envelope (aka flat/letter) as a package, you will need to either make it rigid or over 3/4" thick. If you don't, and you use a Ground Advantage label, you may get bumped up to the Priority rate with an after-the-fact APV charge.

If it's not already rigid, add in a couple pieces of thick cardboard and that will take care of it.

[gooseberrygoods]

Could they make it any more confusing? Thanks for this info, I had no idea. 

[henderson409]

I have seen light weight items where the buyer sells, let's say a hankie for $2.99 and states shipping is $1.00.  How can this seller charge one dollar for shipping and make a profit with Ground advantage shipping?  If the seller sends it first class mail in an envelope, then there is no tracking and eBay marks down your seller dashboard.  Only certain items ever qualify for the first-class mail category, like postcards, sportcards.  But there is a lot more things that could be sent this way instead of Ground Advantage.  

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@henderson409 wrote: ...  If the seller sends it first class mail in an envelope, then there is no tracking and eBay marks down your seller dashboard.  ...

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Shipping an item as a First Class letter or flat, without tracking, means that (1) the seller has no defense against fake "Item not received" claims, and (2) they cannot meet the on-time shipping requirement for becoming a Top Rated Seller.  But lack of tracking can not penalize the seller, such as putting them in "Below standard" status.

[kh-stanley1]

Hi everyone,

Due to the age of this thread, it has been closed to further replies. Please feel free to start a new thread HERE if you wish to continue to discuss this topic.

Thank you for understanding.