Manipulating shipping

[juliezjemz]

Im pretty new at this so TIA! Buyer wants cheaper shipping for heavy item. I have usps ground and priority listed . Where do I go to see different shipping costs from UPS or Fed Ex? Not techie so very basic instructions if possible . FYI its a 12 pound magna lite roaster 

[rfmtm]

USPS ground will probably be more than UPS and Priority will be very expensive.  I'd avoid FedEx.

Has buyer purchased yet?  If not revise the listing and make sure you are using Calculated Shipping and add a UPS Ground option.  Also make sure you input the correct weight and dimensions.

If you have not changed whether to charge buyer retail rates it will default to the discount rates and that's about the cheapest it is going to get for the buyer's Zip Code.

[wastingtime101]

The biggest obstacle here is the size of that pot. The size is what's triggering dimensional rates. Unless you can (safely) ship the item in a smaller box, you're going to face challenges finding affordable shipping rates, particularly to buyers that live far away.

You can check the eBay shipping calculator @juliezjemz to see if other options are better. You may find that Ground Advantage (the service you're already offering) is the best option.

https://www.ebay.com/shp/Calculator

Also keep in mind there are many surcharges with UPS and FedEx that are charged after the fact as cost adjustments - things like size surcharges that are not factored in to the original shipping estimate through eBay. So until/unless you spend the time to learn all those surcharges, it's best to stick with USPS.

Read more in the FedEx Guide - start on page 126:

https://www.fedex.com/content/dam/fedex/us-united-states/services/Service_Guide_2024.pdf

Read more in the UPS Guide - start on page 126:

https://www.ups.com/assets/resources/webcontent/en_US/retail_rates.pdf

You can find guides for all carriers on eBay Seller Center under "preventing shipping label price adjustments."

https://www.ebay.com/sellercenter/shipping/preparing-your-shipment/packaging-and-measuring

[wastingtime101]

What are the box dimensions?

[fm2000]

Use eBay's shipping calculator here https://www.ebay.com/shp/Calculator

The weight of the pot isn't going to as big an issue as the dimensions, it will easily crack a cubic foot and you will run into "dimensional weight". Be sure you use a box that is PLENTY big for the pot, and plenty of cushioning.  Don't cut corners on it, make sure you have a few inches of padding around the pot. Heavy aluminum pots can crack if dropped, and the carriers would not cover the damage (they will claim you didn't pack it well enough, and you would be out the item, your money AND the significant shipping cost.)

As said, UPS and FedEx can add all kinds of "gotcha" after the fact surcharges, and some have had problems with errors on size and weight on the carriers' end that result in SIGNIFICANT cost adjustments. Since you are a new seller, I'd hold my ground and stick with USPS, even if it is a bit more. You don't want to deal with after-the-fact adjustments with UPS and FedEx, they are a nightmare to have to deal with.

[tigerbskt]

If the buyer has not purchased it yet, then you can use the ebay shipping calculator to see how much each option will be. Here is link https://www.ebay.com/shp/Calculator

You can put in box size and weight and your zip, and it gives you estimates by 3 US zones. If you have the buyer's zip, you can get exact rates to that customer.

If the buyer has already purchased the item and paid a shipping amount, you can go in to ship the item with exact package details and you can view all shipping options. If another option is cheaper, you can ship that option, and issue buyer a partial refund if less. 

I like to use the shipping calculator to pick the proper shipping method before I list item. If a package is bigger, FedEx tends to be less than USPS. Priority is always more than Ground Advantage but 1-2 days faster. FedEx tends to be more for smaller packages. USPS tends to use box size more than weight to calculate amount. Sometimes it is beneficial to list 2 or more shipping methods to allow the buyer to pick the cheapest. I am on East Coast, and shipments to West Coast are usually cheaper if sent FedEx Home Delivery than Ground Advantage.

Hope this helps.  

[ewsupply]

As a general rule of thumb, for regular sellers (not sure about large vol shipping which are likely contracted rates), I'd have to say UPS is less exp than FedEx for medium sized boxes and up. For thi, let's say a med size box is 12x20x12 or more.

Going forward, there is a way to put 'generic' shipping options on your listing (economy, standard, etc), whereby you choose the specific carrier at the time of shipping so you can decide what's best in line with the amount charged to the buyer (if applicable). See my original post for specific instructions on the steps.

[cottagehillvanilla]

If possible allow your client to use the Calculated Table.  USPS Ground Advantage  may be a good fit for your item, Priority may be very costly. Pack it tight for the journey. All carriers typically base their charges on size of box or weight, whichever is greater.  For your Roaster, most likely going to be in the size of Box.  All the best to you.