Lowering shipping costs - is it a good idea to uncheck the package measurements

[madeline_a1222]

Hi there!

I have been seller on here for not too long and every time I am selling a "heavier" item the recommended shipping is always too high for what my item is, such as this jacket I am trying to sell. I am choosing to ship through USPS which gave me an estimated shipping price of $9.20-$23.00 which I thought was ridiculous, so I turned off the option saying I did not know the package details and all the recommended prices are gone. I choose either free shipping for my own price for shipping. I plan on the shipping price being $3.50 for this item and NOT using international shipping, however since I turned off the package details because I did not know them, when someone buys the item will it still give me a surprise shipping price other than what I typed in?

Thanks!

[klhmdg]

The buyer will pay $3.50 and after you package it.. you will pay the shipping price per the weight and dimensions of the box.

Even if it is $25...

Best to put in box dimensions and weight of item when you list.

Then decide if you want to charge the buyer less or up the price of the item and go free shipping.

Free shipping you will get 0 from the buyer but you will still have to pay for shipping.

[southern*sweet*tea]

All shipping is by dimensions, weight and distance, no matter if you use Fedex, UPS or USPS.

If you input the proper dimensions and weight, buyers close to you will see a lower cost than those farther away. That's how shipping works. It has absolutely zero to do with the item price.

If you want to ship "free" you need to take the cost from you to the farthest destination and add it into the item price, otherwise your buyer will be paying nothing for shipping and you will be paying it all out of your own pocket. I can't speak for anyone else, but buyers pay for my items' shipping costs.

If you set your jacket at $30 with "free" shipping, and your buyer is a long way from you, you would be paying $23 to ship. After fees and shipping you would be giving it away.

Set an item price. Set calculated shipping. Buyers will see the costs and they will either buy, or not.

Shipping is what it is and it costs what it costs. Don't give your stuff away because you're afraid of high shipping costs.

[nobody*s_perfect · Accepted solution]

The estimate of $9.20-$23 is the retail postage cost to hip a 4-pound box via Priority Mail.  eBay gave you that estimate based on the shipping cost for other items in that category. If your package weighs less than 4 pounds, then the postage cost will be less than eBay's estimate.  But it won't be $3.50 unless you're selling doll clothes.

When you go to purchase your shipping label, you will have to provide the weight for the package, and the postage cost will be based on that, unless the package is over 1 cubic foot in which case the dimensions will dictate the postage rate.

[lotzofuniquegoodies]

@madeline_a1222 

I'm not sure precisely how they measure/re-measure at USPS but at canadapost it is ALWAYS best to round up when including measurements. Size and weight. This way you are covered if there is some sort of discrepancy. Also if the box you end up using happens to be a bit thicker/larger that can affect the final rate also. A seller can refund for postage for an overcharge but very difficult to next to impossible to re-bill if postage works out to be more. So 10.5 cm is 11 cms. 495 grams is 510 grams. If you happen to include things like a packing slip or several labels for international packages those pieces of paper can bring you up to the next level. Rates are determined by final actual weight or dimensional weight. Whichever is greatest where applicable.

-Lotz

[lja440]

Measurements are not really an issue unless the package is over 1 cubic foot. How much does your jacket weigh? That is what is important. Your $3.50 would only cover some of the zones for a very light package shipped by First Class Parcel.

Your statement " which I thought was ridiculous," doesn't matter either. I personally need a new Right Hand Drive Jeep I think a price on a 2019  of $56,415 is rediculas too but it is what it is, I pay it or don't get it. (hint I'm just "window shopping" at this point).  Your $3.50  isn't going to cover it unless only weighs around 8 ounces including your mailer. Even then it would have to stay away from Zone 8.

[madeline_a1222]

Just so there's a heads up for everyone, I rarely do free shipping but I also don't want the shipping to be outrageous for the buyer either. I try to find some sort of middle ground in the calculated shipping costs, I wasn't sure how it can make it easier for me or the buyer. Thanks for all the answers though!