eBay

daysgoby10 · ‎03-23-2021

I sell a lot of items that are mostly 1 oz. I send the items in a padded envelope and I'm charged between $3 - $3.50 sending it first class (using ebay shipping). Is there a cheaper way to send the items? If I take it to the post office 1 oz. is around $1-$1.50.

Thanks!

nobody*s_perfect · ‎03-23-2021

USPS has 3 types of First Class postage: letters, flats (AKA large envelopes) and packages. Each piece is assigned to one specific category based on factors like weight, dimensions (including thickness) and rigidity.

A 1-ounce piece could fall into any of those 3 categories. If it's over 1/4 inch thick it can't go as a letter. It can't go as a flat if it is over 3/4 inch thick or rigid, or lumpy. If your item is a package, then you won't find any rates better than eBay's.

daysgoby10 · ‎03-23-2021

Is it better just to take it into the post office and have them weigh it? That way I know exactly how much it is depending on my envelope (padded, small).

nobody*s_perfect · ‎03-23-2021

If it's a package then the postage cost is the same for any weight up to 4 ounces. But if your PO has been charging you $1 - $1.50 as noted in the OP then apparently you're mailing a letter or flat, not a package.

martin2001 · ‎03-23-2021

You don't have to take it to the post office. Just use USPS postage calculator affix stamps and drop it in the mailbox. I send smaller paper items in stiff envelopes. If the total is below 3.5 oz and smaller than appr 6 x 11 x 0.25" (check the exact dim and weight on USPS site) you pay the same as first class letter + a non-machinable surcharge ( I think it is 30c now). I buy stamps on ebay at 30% OFF their face value.

gryada_0 · ‎03-23-2021

@daysgoby10 wrote:
Is it better just to take it into the post office and have them weigh it? That way I know exactly how much it is depending on my envelope (padded, small).

Buy a digital scale

releasethekraken_1 · ‎03-23-2021

@daysgoby10 wrote:
Is it better just to take it into the post office and have them weigh it? That way I know exactly how much it is depending on my envelope (padded, small).

If you pay $1-$1.50, you're not getting tracking. If your buyer files a "not received" complaint, you automatically lose. And they can file that complaint even if they receive it, because you have no proof.