How do I switch from First Class to Priority automatically if there are multiple items on an order?

[misterskullhead]

Basically, I prefer First Class because it's cheap.  I can ship a magazine that way for 4-5 bucks.  But if someone orders 2 magazines, that usually puts it over the First Class limit, which sucks because the price usually more than doubles.

What would be the best way to set up shipping in case there are multiple items?  Would I have to offer both First Class and Priority?  If I only offer Priority, it's just going to scare away people who only want one magazine.  But if I offer both options, what if they just pick First Class and the system charges them as such?

[richard1rst]

Do you offer free shipping or do you charge?

Are you asking about 2 of the same (yeah, I know not likely) or 2 magazines from 2 separate listings (yeah, I know more likely).

You could send both magazines as 2 separate first class mail packages. As you said 2 pounds Priority will cost more than 2 FCM packages. If your buyer asks why simply explain that there is weight limit to FCM and 2 magazines in the same package is over the limit.

If they buy several magazines so that Priority becomes more viable you can upgrade to PM on your own.

[ward_warehouse]

If it goes over one pound then just print a Priority label. Don't worry about it saying First Class to the customer, it's delivered the exact same way and considered an upgrade.

[evry1nositswindy]

Priority flat rate envelope or flat rate padded envelope.  These are usually cheaper than priority and free supplies from the USPS.  You can offer first class and then upgrade to priority if more than one is ordered.  Buyers love this!

[misterskullhead]

The problem is that I wouldn't be able to offer fair combined shipping.  There could literally be no discount for the first 2 items, since the lowest Priority is twice as much as the highest First Class.  But starting with the 3rd item, combined shipping would be easy because I can just do a flat or calculated shipping rule.

[misterskullhead]

The problem is that I wouldn't be able to offer fair combined shipping.  There could literally be no discount for the first 2 items, since the lowest Priority is twice as much as the highest First Class.  But starting with the 3rd item, combined shipping would be easy because I can just do a flat or calculated shipping rule.

[darnall2ia8]

I had this with 3 magazines. It's easy to switch to priority mail , either flat rate box or envelope.  The problem I had is the customer sent $18.75 postage and my cost was $8.15.  I don't mind keep a couple of $'s extra but I wanted to at least refund $9.00. ebay couldn't figure this out and shorted me on the transaction.