Offering 1st Class and Priority Shipping through USPS, a tip

[anasazirose]

I have just started listing some things after a long break.  I'd like to point out something that I noticed while offering shipping methods.  I chose to offer both 1st class and priority because my item was less than 16 ounces.  In the section to offer shipping, there is a drop down menu which I used and selected "less than 16 ounces".  When I listed, then checked the item, both shipping methods were available, yet both were $8.70.  I used the 'revise listing' link, went back to the shipping section.  I deselected the 'less than 16 ounces' selection and chose 'use custom'.  I entered 11 in the ounces, then updated the listing.  While the priority shipping is still $8.70, 1st class is now accurate at $5.80. 

While this may be a no brainer for many pros, my post is to help those who may have questions about this.

[nobody*s_perfect]

Here's why that happened:  The shipping calculator in eBay listings defaults to show the retail prices.  The weight limit for online First Class package postage is 15.999 ounces, BUT the weight limit for retail postage is 13 ounces.  So when you set up the shipping calculator with a weight greater than 13 ounces, the shipping calculator does what the clerk at the PO counter would do: Upgrade to Priority.  

In your case, the solution was to enter the correct accurate weight, since that weight was below 13 ounces.  Other options include (1) resetting your site preferences, to charge the online rate; or (2) enter 13 ounces as the package weight even if it's more than that, but not over 15.999 ounces.  For a few years now, the prices for First Class packages have been the same for a 13-ounce package and a 15.999-ounce package.

Regardless of whether you're using online or retail prices in your listing, you should enter an accurate weight in ounces, since postage for a 13-ounce package costs more than an 11-ounce package. For the past few years, the prices for First Class postage have been the same for 4-ounce increments: The cost is the same for any weight up to 4 ounces; for 4+ to 8 ounces, for 8+ to 12 ounces, and for 12+ to 15.999 ounces (or up to 13 ounces retail).