Getting back into it after 8 years and I need some shipping help

[mirror-in-the-attic]

Hi.  Any advice is appreciated.

I have small items that easily fit into a USPS padded flat rate envelope.  I had many left over in the garage from years ago.

I went to use that as my shipping option and was shocked to see the price over $10.00.

I checked a listing for the same item I’m selling and their price was $5.99 to ship.

small leaded crystal chandelier prisms….2 in a lot.   Small jewelry lots I have in little boxes.

What  is the most economical way now to ship these items?  I realize I’m behind the times.  Any help would be appreciated.

[monica-sells]

First off....avoid flat rate unless that is the cheapest option.

Generally, Ground Advantage sounds like more what you need...

(around $6 and change coast to coast for under 15.999 ounces

maybe a bubble mailer...use calculated shipping with the weight of the item and the mailer....

put 12 X 9 X 1 in the dimensions for a bubble mailer that looks like the padded flat rate priority...

(which would be a little under $9.00 if you used it...not 10.00)

You can experiment with the ebay calculator too...

https://www.ebay.com/shp/Calculator

There are a couple shipping gurus who will probably stop in here and help you...

[mirror-in-the-attic]

I should add that no other envelopes were available other than priority.  Ie…large envelope etc. I have a ton of the silver foil type varied sized envelopes   Maybe I can use usps calculator on their site and pop in my own price in the listing?  If I do that, can I still print a label?  Does EBAY just give me the $$ buyer pays for shipping?

I guess the I added flat rates will be stored again.  I’m not going to get sakes charging $10 to mail jewelry

[mirror-in-the-attic]

Ok  I see what you’re saying.  So, I will be fine to use my foil envelopes (not usps padded) and choose ground advantage as long as the weight is under 16 oz   I think my items will qualify there  I’ll play around with them 

It all looks very different than it did sone 8 ish years ago!

thanks

[mirror-in-the-attic]

I’m selling these lead crystal chandelier prisms for a set of 2 for 5.00 

when I put in the weight and envelope size using ground advantage it’s 9?

Surely,  there has to be a cheaper way?

[monica-sells]

That would be retail

are you using the ebay calculator?

[mirror-in-the-attic]

I’m sorry to anyone suffering through this thread. Lol

I figured it out.  For whatever reason, when I’d input the dimensions, it was defaulting to the wrong measurements and weight,  Now it’s correct and it’s about 6.

whew  This is going to be an adventure 

[monica-sells]

not a problem...lots of folks here try to help....don't be afraid to ask...

[mtgraves7984]

What is the most economical way now to ship these items?

@mirror-in-the-attic 

I'm with Monica. Skip the Flat rate mailers as to not suffer Priority pricing if your items will travel Ground Advantage.

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@mirror-in-the-attic wrote: ... I will be fine to use my foil envelopes (not usps padded) and choose ground advantage as long as the weight is under 16 oz  ...

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You can ship via Ground Advantage for any weight up to 70 pounds.  USPS introduced the term "Ground Advantage"  last year when they merged the services formerly known as Parcel Select, Retail Ground, and First Class package.

For Ground Advantage packages with weights under 20 pounds and volumes under 1 cubic foot, eBay shipping label will charge you the "Cubic" rate, which is a substantial savings compared to the retail rate.  The Cubic rates are in increments of .1 cubic foot, so a small difference in dimensions can have a big impact on the postage cost.  There are also Cubic rates for Priority Mail, with a volume limit of .5 cubic foot.

Please don't tell us that you are mailing chandelier crystals in envelopes?