Is the label generated based on shipping dimensions at listing? do I get to finalize them when sold?

[laser381]

Is the shipping weight/size at listing the only chance I have to give the correct weight for the ebay shipping label?

This is my first time selling. I’ve measured and weighed all items, and I plan to measure and weigh packing materials and expected boxes separately, then sum them up for final dimensions to get the listings out. I plan on printing my own labels.

I know there’s a risk I’ll underweigh, or need a different box, so I risk undercharging the buyer. But I don’t want to have the wrong postage. I’ve been rounding weights up, but from these boards, I should go back and round more generously!

Is there a shipping dimensions confirmation before buying the label from ebay? I would not charge the buyer more, of course, I just want to be sure I’m paying enough postage.

thanks!

[nobody*s_perfect · Accepted solution]

When you're getting ready to purchase the postage label, you can change the package weight and/or dimensions if you choose to.

Package dimensions will affect the cost of your eBay label only if the box has (1) length over 22 inches; and/or (2) volume over 1 cubic foot (i.e., 1728 cubic inches). Below those thresholds, the dimensions don't matter so don't worry about exact inches. In other words, the postage rate for a 4-inch cube is the same as for an 11-inch cube, if their weights are the same.

When setting up your listings, you should try harder to get the actual correct final package weight. Just set the item into a box that's about the size of the one you'll use.  If you can't do that, then  add a pound to the item weight. The eBay shipping calculator is very accurate, but it can't be more accurate than the information you provide.  If you estimate the weight, then the postage that your buyer is charged will also be just an estimate.

[deserdog]

Using Ebay labels, the dimensions do not matter as long as the weight is the same, and not over a cubic foot or over 22 " in length. But you can get lower rates if you use a service that has cubic priority or cubic GA. For example, I have shipped long cast iron corn bread pans, and normally they sip n a box that is something like 17X6x3, and weigh about 6 lbs. Ebay labels would charge  you to zone 1 $7.74 GA, $7.10 priority. Zone 8 would be $14.37 GA, $28.53.

A label service that offers cubic shipping will save you a lot. Same Example, Zone 1 GA.2 cubic $5.77, Priority .2 cubic $6.77.

Zone 8 GA .2 cubic $9.29, Priority .2 cubic $13.17. 

Ebay labels do not offer cubic pricing, but other label services do.

[laser381]

Thank you! I’m relieved to know I can buy correct postage even if my initial estimate was wrong.

I’ll compare some fully packed and some summed up. Thank you for the additional info, this is the last thing I have to do and it’s been stressful thinking I was committed to the original, especially since I’ll be printing my own labels.

[laser381]

Thanks, good to know! Mine are all significantly lighter than cast iron, so far.