How to set shipping price for large set of books shipping USPS media mail in multiple boxes

[iarumme0]

I want to list a 105 pound set of books that I will ship USPS media mail in multiple boxes. The shipping cost will be about $60. The system won't let me calculate shipping for more than 1 box with a 70 pound weight limit and won't let me set a flat rate of more than $20. How do I list the 105 lb set with the correct ($60) shipping cost?

[martin2001]

I think it won't let you set this as one 105 lbs box because USPS has a limit of 70 lbs per mail piece. You will have to use other shippers or split into two boxes if you want to use USPS.

[myescape]

add  ship cost to zone furthest from you to starting price or buy it now price and offer free(which really means shipping included)shipping

[iarumme0]

As I said in my original post, I intend to ship in multiple boxes. My question is: how do I make this work with the listing, which does not seem to understand the concept of shipping in multiple boxes?

[iarumme0]

USPS media mail does not use zones; the price is the same regardless of distance. I would like to have an actual auction, rather than a "but it now" listing. 

[divwido]

Could you maybe break up the set into two units?  Does someone want to buy 105 lbs of books?

[iarumme0]

Yes, the complete (very heavy) set is quite valuable. Partial sets, much less valuable. 

[nobody*s_perfect]

Here are some strategoies:

1. Set up calculated shipping for one box, then add a "handling fee" equal to the postage for the other boxes.  

I recommend a maximum weight of 20-25 pounds per box. You can purchase up to 5 labels for one transaction through eBay and if you need more you can go to www.PayPal.com/shipnow

2. You can set up an auction-format listing in which you have added the shipping cost ($60 or whatever) to the opening bid price. Most buyers shop by total price, and eBay claims that buyers are attracted by "Free" shipping.

3. Charge the flat rate limit ($20) and add the rest (~$40) to your opening bid price.

4. Set up calculated postage for 70 pounds via MM, which  is $40.  Add the other $20 as a handling fee.

[clarkmiracle]

I did this once a long long time ago and it was on the classic printing page, which has changed now.  You could check with eBay if the new printing format allows for this, but this is how it worked.

In advanced listing form, you should be able to click Media Mail for Services type. Then click Flat same cost to all buyers.  Then enter $60 or whatever the cost you want to charge in the box that opens up.  Check to make sure it still shows Media mail.  For the box size just put 12 x 12 x 12. 

When the item sells, notify your buyer it will be sent in multiple shipments, let them know how many boxes to expect.  I only had to do two so hopefully it will work with more, Not sure how many boxes you are using. 

 Buy and print the first label for the first package.  After you print the label for the first box, the next screen has a link for Print another label for this order which brings up a new label preparation page where you can adjust the package weight, dimensions, etc. as needed before purchasing the second label, and so on.

[clarkmiracle]

P.S. By the way, I have never heard of a limit on the flat rate that may be entered, media mail or otherwise.  I have seen a lot of listings with shipping amounts

flat rate that are over $20.

[iarumme0]

Unfortunately, as I said in my original post, ebay will not let me set a flat-rate shipping price of more than $20. I see no option to add a handling charge; if it is there, I would be curious about exactly where to find the option, because I don't see it. 

[iarumme0]

The flat rate limit depends on the item. Ebay seems to have the opinion that for books, the limit should be very low. 

[iarumme0]

I see no option to add a handling fee. Am I missing something?

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@clarkmiracle wrote:

P.S. By the way, I have never heard of a limit on the flat rate that may be entered, media mail or otherwise.  I have seen a lot of listings with shipping amounts

flat rate that are over $20.

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Here's the Help page with a chart that shows the limits on what sellers can charge as a flat price for shipping in various media categories, many of which aren't eligible for Media Mail shipping (e.g., video games, address books): 

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/shipping-items/maximum-shipping-costs?id=4655

[nobody*s_perfect]

The option to add a handling cost should show up just below the options for handling time,  if you (1) choose calculated rather than flat rate shipping; and (2) use the Advanced version of the listing form, sometimes called the "business tool."