Flat rate vs calculated shipping for priority

[bodegasky]

I am using USPS priority shipping, mostly their polymailers.

However I chose the “calculated “ shipping option with my very first listing and now it’s always there.
So when I put in the measurements, do I need to measure the height/thickness of the package?

Like I put 15” x 12” plus normally 1” for non-thick packages.

Now I have a 2” thick envelope so do I need to put 2”?

Or, because it is priority mail do I simply leave it at 15x12x1? I’m thinking priority mail with usps mailers is like flat rate.

Since I sell mostly clothing, should I switch from calculated to flat rate?

Thank you.

[buyselljack2016]

poly mailer is not "flat rate" USPS shipping cost.

The cushioned "padded flat rate envelope" is "flat rate" USPS shipping cost.

[monica-sells]

"...However I chose the “calculated “ shipping option with my very first listing and now it’s always there..."

You can change that on every subsequent listing using the drop-down box to use Flat Rate Options

That being said, as long as your poly mailer does not exceed the limits you can just make sure the weight is correct....

----> From USPS site---->

What is the cubic max dimensions for priority mail?

You can ship packages that are up to half of a cubic foot in volume with this service (which is 12x12x6 inches, or other combinations that make the same volume) and your packages can weigh up to 20 lbs. Note that to qualify for Cubic rates, the maximum size for any dimension is 18".

You can also offer GA for some savings on some shipments

[mtgraves7984]

Shipping is one of the hardest tasks to master here. You ask if you should "switch from calculated to flat rate", for which there is no hard and fast answer. I sell here and use a combination of flat pricing and calculated.

It all depends on how large and heavy your package is and what sort of shipping supplies you use. I checked your listings and a few look too expensive... those that could be shipped (with your supplies) using Ground Advantage and those that could be shipped in USPS Flat Rate Priority packaging, for example.

Hang in there... it'll come to you. Good luck.

[nobody*s_perfect · Accepted solution]

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@bodegasky wrote: ...  when I put in the measurements, do I need to measure the height/thickness of the package?

Like I put 15” x 12” plus normally 1” for non-thick packages.

Now I have a 2” thick envelope so do I need to put 2”?...

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The free USPS Tyvek envelopes are not flat rate; the dimensions won't affect your postage cost, but the weight will.

If you use the shipping calculator, then you must enter package dimensions but accuracy doesn't matter. Package dimensions will affect the cost of USPS postage only if the package has (1) length over 22 inches; or (2) volume over 1 cubic foot (1728 cubic inches).  Your piece that's 15x12x2 inches has a volume of only 360 cubic inches so a change of an inch or two doesn't make any difference.

[bodegasky]

Thank you!

Part of my confusion, I think, is I’ve been thinking all usps priority is flat rate. So it seems usps priority can be both flat and calculated based on what the box or envelope states. Or all priority envelopes except for the padded ones are calculated.
It seems the best course is to keep calculated shipping and buy generic poly mailers so I can use Ground Advantage as an option to priority. They should be here tomorrow. I really can’t handle more than those two options right now. lol

Thank you so much for your help!

One last question, if I am shipping a tshirt and the height is less than 1”, do I just call it 1” rounding up? Like 12x15x1?

[nobody*s_perfect]

USPS Priority Mail has 4 flat-rate boxes and 3 types of flat rate envelopes (original, legal size, and padded).  The flat-rate packaging clearly states "Flat rate" right on it.

The larger soft Tyvek Priority Mail envelopes are not flat rate. If you ship in the free Priority envelopes and boxes which are not flat rate, or if you provide your own packaging, then the price is based on weight and distance (and also on package dimensions IF it has a length over 22 inches or a volume over 1 cubic foot).

Yes, you can enter 1 inch as the thickness for any envelope.