eBay

summerstock33 · ‎01-20-2021

I haven't sold an item in a very long time. I stated USPS Priority on my auction. UPS ground is basically about a buck more but easier and more convenient. The estimated dates show it can be a day quicker as well. Do I:

a) ask the buyer if its ok to upgrade (I think ups is an upgrade)

b) just send it who cares since the estimated arrival is the same or better

c) send it then send a message saying I upgraded him for free (make him feel good about it)

Thanks

shopping*schnarf · ‎01-20-2021

You'd probably be better off asking the buyer if UPS would be okay, and explain why it would be beneficial for them. I paid $8 for priority mail on a small (flat-rate envelope small) item which the seller shipped in a plain white envelope....not a happy camper!

no_zero369 · ‎01-20-2021

@summerstock33

Yes, I would tell the buyer you are willing to upgrade them to UPS as you think they will get better/faster service than with the USPS. But ASK them if that is OK with them, give them the option.

Point is that not everyone is able to get UPS deliveries (or it could be inconvenient if they have to go pick it up) and they may have purchased from you because you use USPS.

So you look good by making the offer of an upgrade, but you are allowing them to chose what is best for them!

kare-bearb · ‎01-20-2021

You can't downgrade the shipping service without the buyer's permission.

Priority Mail is an "expedited" service.

UPS Ground is a "standard" service & could be considered a downgrade.

Plus you are changing carriers.

nobody*s_perfect · ‎01-20-2021

d) Ship via Priority

summerstock33 · ‎01-20-2021

I see ok so I'll probably just end up messaging them and asking as again I haven't sold in a long time and would rather not complicate things. Also I noticed a post a little ways down the page where they purchased a UPS shipping label through ebay and got charged 27 dollars after the fact? That worries me a bit but again it's just so much more convenient to go UPS rather than USPS and get their flat rate box, package it up in car, go back in etc etc.

no_zero369 · ‎01-20-2021

@summerstock33 wrote:
I see ok so I'll probably just end up messaging them and asking as again I haven't sold in a long time and would rather not complicate things. Also I noticed a post a little ways down the page where they purchased a UPS shipping label through ebay and got charged 27 dollars after the fact? That worries me a bit but again it's just so much more convenient to go UPS rather than USPS and get their flat rate box, package it up in car, go back in etc etc.

@summerstock33

Yes! When buying labels on eBay's account for UPS and FedEx one needs to make sure they have accurate dimensions AND weight. Some items get over-sized surcharges and other things that are not reflected in the price when buying eBay labels.

As far a ease of getting boxes to ship in....you can go on line and order FREE Priority Mail boxes from the USPS and they will be delivered to you! You have to order in set quantities, so if you get too many you can always drop the extras off in the lobby of your local PO. They will get snapped up quickly.

There are many sizes and shapes of boxes you can get from the USPS and the convenience allows one to package in the comfort of their own home.

https://store.usps.com/store/results/free-shipping-supplies/boxes/shipping-supplies/_/N-alnx4jZyz4qd...

summerstock33 · ‎01-20-2021

Yes so I did order them which is great for next time. Thank you. Won’t be here in time for this. I mean in terms of buying the UPS label through eBay I have an accurate scale which I’m rounding up anyway. And the box dimensions are more or less exactly 5x5x6. I mean if it’s a millimeter or two bigger on all sides you’re saying they’ll hit me with charges? That’s insane of them.

no_zero369 · ‎01-21-2021

@summerstock33

This "over charge" thing is apparently quite common if one reads the threads, mostly for FedEx but UPS is not uncommon. Recently someone posted a list of 'surcharges' that FedEx has in place and it was quite extensive. Here are those 'rules"

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

So no, I do not think being off a millimeter or two is going to be an issue. BUT you need to understand how each shipper deals with fractional inches - round up to X or round down to Y (sometimes fractional inches). Also, I have to wonder if the eBay labels system is robust enough to have all of the surcharges factored in? Perhaps that is where problems occur, if the surcharges were figured up front with the label price then the seller would see is accurate?

One thing that seems apparent is a confusion over dimensional weight (dim wt). It is a "calculated" weight, but the shipping cost is based on the higher of the actual weight or the dim wt. So it is possible for 5-lb package to ship at a 10-ib weight.

Many ship with FedEx and UPS eBay labels with no problems. But work arounds for this are to get your own UPS and Fedex accounts. Might not be practical for occasional sellers and costs likely aren't as favorable. Some will take their packages to the UPS store or FedEx-Kinkos and ship from there. Usually those rates are accurate and few surcharges. But direct shipment or using your own account allows you to "argue" directly with the shipper. When you use an eBay label, eBay is the shipper of record and they wold have to advocate with the shipping company over error - which doesn't appear to happen.

So probably more info than you need....

nobody*s_perfect · ‎01-21-2021

@summerstock33 wrote:
I see ok so I'll probably just end up messaging them and asking as again I haven't sold in a long time and would rather not complicate things. Also I noticed a post a little ways down the page where they purchased a UPS shipping label through ebay and got charged 27 dollars after the fact? That worries me a bit but again it's just so much more convenient to go UPS rather than USPS and get their flat rate box, package it up in car, go back in etc etc.

Why would you offer Priority Mail shipping in a flat rate box if you didn't already have the flat rate box? You can't count on your local PO having a specific box on hand on the day that you want it.

Also, the FRB"s often aren't cheaper than the regular Priority Mail rates which are based on weight and distance. So: pack up your item in whatever box you were planning to use for UPS, then weigh it and check the label price for regular Priority Mail. It will probably be cheaper than the flat rate box that you were expecting to use.

In most locations, you can request carrier pickup when you purchase an online USPS label. You don't have to leave home!