eBay

lorelei-lei · ‎10-09-2017

Hello,

Thank you in advance if you answer this -

When selling my clothing I'm going to try buyer calculated shipping, and will offer Priority,First Class and Parcel Post options.

When using boxes I'd place items in the boxes they'll be mailed in before weighing them.

The problem is the packaging for the various types of shipping will vary and thus so will the weight. There will be weight variations,what do I do when filing out the auction info ?

For instance, with Priority Mail their boxes will be a different weights than regular,non-Priority Mail boxes I'd use to ship First Class. {Sometimes I'll use mailers when possible and that will of course make it all easier}.

So how can I offer different shipping options when the weight of the item + it's container might weigh differently due to the weight variations due to the various types of boxes ? Wouldn't that be a problem when I go to fill out the auction info ?

Maybe just using a flat postage fee is the answer ? But the reason I wanted to offer buyer-calculated was so customers could choose the fastest option, or the least expensive, whatever it is they would prefer to have.

Thank you very much.

eaux-de-vie · ‎10-09-2017

The flat rate fees are usually way higher than calculated. Round up, if it is say 1 lb 5oz in the box that means the 2 lb rate. if it is say 1 lb 15 oz it will probably tip over. so you better use the 2-3 lb rate. I do not use parcel unless it is large and quite heavy, the prices are quite close and you do not have insurance. If you ONLY offer Parcel you can add in the insurance price. That is not easy to do if you are offering Priority too. I use Parcel about 3 times a uear and that is on LARGE items over 5 lbs. The padded flat rate envelopes are a good deal for most clothing other than bulky stuff, and you can check that before listing.

I always put in my listing that if I have overestimated I will refund any savings (over $1). You can easily refund, I do not worry about that little bit of lost ebay fee, but you CAN NOT ask for more shipping if you mess up.

Also, 1st class over 13 oz is virtually the same as Priority, so it is not any savings to the customer and once again, no insurance.

Try to flat rate padded, you need to order them online from USPS. I think 90% of my vintage clothing ships that way (scarves, and smaller tops can go 1st class if they are inexpensive and I am not afraid I might have to refund too much out of pocket with no insurance).

tunicaslot · ‎10-09-2017

I sell clothing and find most items fit in regular poly mailers or the free flat rate priority bubble envelopes. Occasionally I have to use a box for a larger item like a coat, dress, or shoes. I never calculate shipping but use a flat rate depending on the items. That way - I can also offer combined shipping. Many times for the larger items - I price a little higher and list it as free shipping.

Because the weight of the larger item will weigh more - I order both regular priority boxes and the Regional A priority boxes and then just take the lowest cost for shipping. You'll find out that usually first class is just as fast as priority.

partial*eclipse · ‎10-09-2017

@lorelei-lei wrote:
... will offer Priority,First Class and Parcel Post options... the reason I wanted to offer buyer-calculated was so customers could choose the fastest option, or the least expensive ... .

There's no point in offering Parcel Post (which is now called Retail Ground or Parcel Select Ground) because for packages up to 18 pounds it costs the same as Priority Mail.

Are your boxes for First Class and Priority actually so different in weight? If your Priority Mail box is so heavy that it takes the package weight over 1 pound, then it will be so pricey that nobody is going to choose it over First Class.

Just enter the actual package weight and offer both First Class and Priority. Frankly, there's usually no difference in delivery time for Priority Mail, so very few buyers will choose to pay extra for Priority.