Looking for advice on economical shipping

[gooseberrygoods]

Looking for some guidance from experienced sellers on shipping.  It used to be that items could go into envelopes or mailer bags and it was cheaper than boxes. Now it seems to make no difference. What is the most economical way to ship things (not books) that are bulky but not so heavy? USPS seems to be really expensive now, and the other carriers aren't  so far behind. Or am I missing something? Who are you using to get your domestic stuff to buyers? Any and all suggestions welcome ~ thanks!

[mtgraves7984]

What is the most economical way to ship things (not books) that are bulky but not so heavy?

@gooseberrygoods 

I'd say Ground Advantage... that is, without knowing how  bulky and heavy. 

[wastingtime101]

Depends entirely on package weight and dimensions @gooseberrygoods .

Does "bulky" mean more than a cubic foot? Anything over a cubic foot in volume is subject to dimensional rates from all the carriers, meaning the rate is determined based on whichever is greater between dimensional weight (determined by size) or actual weight.

If you provide some examples of items and their weight/dim we can offer more guidance on shipping options.

[gooseberrygoods]

Thanks for replying!

Today I was trying to reduce the shipping costs on an item that weighs 4lb 6oz and would require a 18x16x8 box. Calculating it USPS from east to west coast the cost would be $43.90 which I think is prohibitive. When I looked it didn't seem that the other carriers would be much cheaper, and with these prices I am not sure people would want to spend money. If I really cram I can get it into a USPS large priority but the box bulges a bit and they have refused that in the past. So I am just a bit lost as to how to sell things without having people go broke. 

[wastingtime101 · Accepted solution]

The problem is the size. 18x16x8 equals a 14 lb dimensional weight so that's what's determining the rates you're seeing.

https://ir.ebaystatic.com/pictures/aw/shipping/DIM_Weight_Guide.pdf

You're over a cubic foot in size. Even taking off a few inches won't get you within the cubic foot threshold. Unless you can use a significantly smaller box, your options are going to be limited.

Unless the item is high priced, it may not be worth the ship cost. Some items don't work well with online sales.

Using local pickup exclusively on the item is an option.

[kensgiftshop]

With shipping charges as high as they are, I try not to list anything that doesn't fit in a Flat Rate box so I know exactly the most it's going to cost to ship.

Then if I have a smaller box and it'll be cheaper, I'll go that way.

[gooseberrygoods]

Yes that is generally how I have done it, but sometimes there are larger items, and yes I think shipping isn't the way to go. It's infuriating. 

[gooseberrygoods]

This is interesting.  A few years ago I could get around it with large mailers - usps pricing wasn't so steep, but now it's the same. And yes you are right....I was just hoping there was some magic method I wasn't aware of. Thank you for clarifying!

[wastingtime101]

You're talking about the difference using a mailer (polymailer?) and a box. Does that mean the item doesn't need much protection and can potentially be folded or rolled to reduce the size of the package? You never did say what the item is @gooseberrygoods 

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@gooseberrygoods wrote:

Thanks for replying!

Today I was trying to reduce the shipping costs on an item that weighs 4lb 6oz and would require a 18x16x8 box. .... If I really cram I can get it into a USPS large priority but the box bulges a bit.... 

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There's a big difference between the 18x16x8 box (2304 cubic inches) and the Large flat rate box, which measures 12x12x6 (864 cubic inches).  If you can cram the item into a Large FRB, then surely you can cram it into a box that's twice that size -- 12x12x12 (or 14x14x8, etc., anything that's not over 1728 cubic inches), which  would ship at the weight-based rate (5 pounds) rather than at the dimensional weight (14 pounds).

[wastingtime101]

Good spot. I missed the comment about cramming it into a LFRB.

In that case @gooseberrygoods I'd take that 18x16x8 box and cut it to size. Cut that 18" length down to 13" and with 16x13x8 you'll be under a cubic foot, paying shipping based on actual weight.

[gooseberrygoods]

This is so interesting ~ I never really got the specifics of cubic vs weight, and never thought to cut a box (which is the difference between someone who mails a lot vs occasionally). I have used poly mailers in the past, and had read that people did put boxes inside them and USPS did accept them - and so did that a couple of times with smaller, fragile items and it was fine. But now it seems not to work.

The item in question today is a mattress pad that has bulk but is light. But I have other things that don't really need the structure of a box and a mailer would work fine if the price was right.

Thanks for all this information, I've really learnt a lot and have a better idea now. Hopefully.