How do I set up a shipping policy for first class large envelopes?

[retrobiz]

I am trying to set up a shipping policy that allows me to ship at the lower postage rate for a large envelope that is less than 3/4".  When I try to enter the size on an item, ebay won't let me enter less than one inch.  When I try to add a new policy, it says my first class shipping policy already applies.  My first class shipping policy is for packages over one inch and the cheapest postage to a customer under that policy is around $4.50.

[nobody*s_perfect]

eBay's shipping calculators can't handle fractions or decimals.  Just set up a flat price, then dimensions won't matter.

Remember that USPS regulations for using the "large envelope" rate (formally known as "flats") require that in addition to being "Not more than 15 inches long, or more than 12 inches high, or more than 3/4 inch thick", the piece must be flexible and of even thickness, which USPS defines as a variation of not over 1/4 inch.

[retrobiz]

Heck, my flat mailer isn't flexible.  I mail a lot of items that are under $10 and weigh less than 2 oz. and end up charging the customer to ship it in a small padded envelope.  The envelope is more than 3/4", so I have been using 'first class package'.  That is too much to pay for postage, in my opinion.  I hate to not be able to clear out the small collectibles I have, a lot of people want them. I just can't figure out how to make them affordable.   If I go to the post office and try to get advice on how to ship something, I get a lot of attitude instead of advice.  I'd hate to have their job, but I really want to know the best way to use their service and make things cost efficient for me and the customers.  Setting up a flat price might be the way to go, and take a hit on half the cost myself.  I hate jacking up prices to cover shipping.  However, I would still like to know if there is a way to set up a 'large envelope' shipping policy.  Thanks for your suggestion.

[wastingtime101]

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@retrobiz wrote:

Heck, my flat mailer isn't flexible.  I mail a lot of items that are under $10 and weigh less than 2 oz. and end up charging the customer to ship it in a small padded envelope.  The envelope is more than 3/4", so I have been using 'first class package'. 

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Yeah, nothing in your active or sold listings is remotely close to qualifying for letter/flat service.

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However, I would still like to know if there is a way to set up a 'large envelope' shipping policy.

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Flat rate shipping, you set the rates. It's the only way since eBay removed package type from the new listing form.

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That is too much to pay for postage, in my opinion.  I hate to not be able to clear out the small collectibles I have, a lot of people want them. I just can't figure out how to make them affordable.   If I go to the post office and try to get advice on how to ship something, I get a lot of attitude instead of advice.  I'd hate to have their job, but I really want to know the best way to use their service and make things cost efficient for me and the customers.

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For the items you're selling you won't find a more affordable service than First Class Package.

What if you sell some items in pairs or lots so shipping is lower per item?

Or set up combined shipping rules and discounts to encourage multi-item sales?

[retrobiz]

This hasn't been a problem until I started going through buttons, lol.  Most of the jewelry requires good packing.   Up to this point, even if something was a few ounces, I put it in a gift box and bubble mailer, but most things were over $20 and I tried to factor in the cost of shipping.  The buttons used to be worth a lot, not so much anymore.  Glass buttons I will still have to box and bubble wrap.  Plastic could go in flats with a little tissue wrapping.  I already combine shipping and many of my customers take advantage of it, some to the point of getting an item free.  I think combining the buttons is going to be the only way to make them a good deal for collectors.  I'm doing this to get rid of stuff before it has to be turned over to an estate sale dealer when I have to down size.  I'd rather give the savings to a dealer or collector than 40% to an estate sale dealer.  Most are honest and work hard, but I've had some bad experiences.  Thanks for your input.  It helps me think things through.