02-27-2020 11:29 AM - edited 02-27-2020 11:31 AM
For example, I have a bundle of two notepads that is a little over a pound. For most buyers the automatic economy shipping (parcel select ground) is selected and is the cheapest option. However, for buyers that are across country from me ( I am in NY) it should be cheaper for them to select the option of padded flat rate envelope. However, no one does. I tried looking at my listings on a different screen name and it seems it does not make it clear at all to the buyer that there is a 2nd option besides the economy. I have to click details and then enter the destination zip code and then it will show there is another option. Is this how it is? If you offer multiple shipping options do you put a note in your listing to explain the process? What do you say. Thanks for any clarification on this!
Here is an example of a listing I am talking about.
02-27-2020 11:53 AM
The flat rate envelope shows up if I check the postage cost to ship to Honolulu (96801). Apparently eBay's estimated delivery time for Parcel Select Ground is the same as for Priority Mail even to the west coast.
There is very little cost difference between Parcel Select Ground and the online rate for Priority Mail. I recommend that you discontinue Parcel Select, and instead offer the flat-rate envelope and regular Priority Mail rates.
02-27-2020 12:11 PM
Thank you for the helpful reply. I guess I didn't realize how close the rates were for this particular item. I will be taking your advise and changing that. I still do know if I have options for economy versus a flat rate box for other items if buyers are readily seeing they have a choice that might be a more meaningful price difference. I will continue to look into this. I suppose savvy buyers who are aware of better shipping rates either know where to look or will message..
02-27-2020 12:34 PM
The eBay shipping calculator defaults to showing the retail price for Priority Mail, so it will look way more expensive than Parcel Select Ground, which is the online discounted rate equivalent of Retail Ground (both services used to be known as Parcel Post). So, showing Parcel Select and retail Priority in a listing is an apples-and-oranges setup with one online rate and one retail rate.