Free Shipping Question

[uscolorprint]

Good morning,

I've been selling on Ebay many years and for me to sell a small sticker for $3 and send it USPS 1st Class Business mail cost $2.70. I'm trying to see how I can offer free shipping using the USPS but not using the 1st Class Business which provides the tracking number.

I looked at the charts and USPS retail is $8.95.

Stickers are sent in a #10 envelope and weigh 1-3 ounces.

Any help will be appreciated.

Thank you,

Fred

[nobody*s_perfect · Accepted solution]

USPS has 3 categories of First Class Mail: Letters, flats (AKA Large envelope) and packages.  Tracking is automatically included at no additional cost for packages, but is not available for letters and flats. Not sure where you're getting First Class "Business" nor the $8.95 cost.

USPS has new rates as of January 27.  Current postage cost for a First Class package any weight up to 4 ounces is $2.66 to $3.09, depending on distance, if you purchase your postage online (e.g., through eBay). At the Post Office, the cost would be $3.66 - $4.06.

Your  item(s) in an envelope can be mailed as First Class letters if the weight is not over 3.5 ounces and the thickness is not over 1/4 inch. 

[woohoojen]

So what are the disadvantages/dangers in shipping a small item like that as a letter? I do it occasionally, but worry that 1. Ebay will bam my seller rating somehow because I'm not uploading a tracking #, and 2. the Buyer will be concerned there's no tracking or will say they never received it. I'm really struggling with what to charge for shipping and/or what to charge if I offer free shipping for a small $2-$3 item. With tracking - First Class Package Ebay rates - shipping is going to cost me $2.66 - $3.09 depending on the Zone. I used to charge $2.75 shipping to cover postage and packaging. Now if I go up to $3 and ship to West Coast I'm losing $! Any thoughts?

[sam9876]

Ship them as a letter and assume the risk.  Simple.

[nobody*s_perfect]

If you increase your charge from $2.75 to $3.00 it will probably average out.

Many long-term sellers are successful selling items that are shipped as letters -- patches, stamps, cards, stickers, etc.  The rate of fake "Not received" claims varies from one category to another and might also be related to item value, so this choice is based on seller experience. 

Yes, you will lack the "tracking uploaded in time and validated" that is required for becoming a Top Rated Seller.

[castlemagicmemories]

Many sellers ship successfully sending items as a letter, with no tracking.

While some might take advantage of that, it doesn't necessarily mean everyone will.  

[uscolorprint]

Thank everyone for your comments. I think I'll try to use the 1st Class letter and see what happens with both 'Not Received' and not using a tracking number for Ebay.

Most appreciated.
Fred
Melbourne FL
USMC Retired