How would you handle postage if you have to ship in multiple packages ?

[lorelei-lei]

Hello,

I'm about to start selling here again after many years. But could someone please help me with this possible scenario;

If someone buys two or more articles of clothing from me and it's bulky, like a huge knitted poncho , plus a large full length dress and 2 pairs of jeans...something like that...and  it all won't fit in just one mailer. Not even in a really big mailer,

1.   

Is it possible to just print separate postage for each package ? 

2.   

Send separate invoices to the customer for each package ?  

3. 

Or is it best to use a big enough box and just put everything in it ?  Gets complicated when you think about how using a box could make Priority Mail more expensive, {?}.

*Or in your experience does it make that much difference to use boxes ?  Remember this is a larger shipment of several bulky items.

*Also, I'm aware of the flat rate Priority shipping and shipping Priority by weight options, and that I ought to compare them to see which is cheaper.  Then there are other shipping methods I could always just offer on the auctions as well in case those are better...

4.

Or - is it just a bad idea in general, {for whatever reasons}, to split up an order and send it in more than one package ?  Maybe just avoid sending stuff in more than one package, even if I have to stuff it all in one big box and mail it Priority or other method ?

P.S.

I'm aware that if it's delicate clothing, like sequins, it would need careful packaging and so on. 

Thanks very much. 

[thallidguy]

Even if the buyer pays for everything with one purchase, you can still manually upload more than one tracking number in reference to that purchase. One won't override the other.

I would say, do what you think is best to insure that the items are delivered safely (like, don't overstuff a box just to fit everything into one shipment) and to keep your postage cost reasonable.

[duchess-at-speakeasy]

Separate payments mean separate packages, just as if 2 different people bought the items.

A single payment can mean combining orders, but you are not required to do so. For example, I would not place a cast iron skillet in the same box as a crystal goblet. Even if they fit, that's not going to happen!

Now, if you list 2 or more items as a single unit (for one money), then you have to figure out the packaging requirements and costs before you offer the items for sale.

~~C~~

[lja440]

With the exception of my media ID I have pretty much gone to free shipping. My clothing is mainly in lots set to maximize value and space. Currently I have some brown boxes that are almost identical in size to the Priority MFRB which is slightly smaller than the Priority Regional Rate B box. I list with free Priority Shipping and use whatever cost less to the buyers address. 

This also keeps my volume to a level that two lots can be combined without exceeding 1 cubic foot.