Need help understanding shipping costs

[rogfar71]

I've only sold a few things and I'm totally confused on how shipping is determined.

The first item I don't think I specified any package size other than weight in the listing. The next item I only put the weight and after it sold it wanted a box size.  Putting in the box dimensions ended up making it more expensive to ship for a less distance. The weight of the items were similar. How does all that work, exactly?   This is with USPS priority mail. Sorry if this is a dumb question lol

[nobody*s_perfect]

If  package is over 1 cubic foot (1728 cubic inches) then USPS charges a "dimensional weight" rather than charging postage based on the actual weight.  This can cause a huge increase in the postage cost.  So if there's any chance that your package is above that size, it's very important to enter accurate dimensions in the shipping calculator.

But if the package is below that threshold, then postage price is determined by weight and distance (Zone).  The price difference from a close zone to a far one can be significant; for instance a package weighing 3 pounds could cost anywhere from $7.61 to $15.28.

[rogfar71]

Thanks for explaining that