Shipping Calculator

[scarlettmk]

When I used the shipping calculator it told me my 5x7 envelope weighing 4 oz (less actually) would be less than $2 USPS first class.  When I went to actually list it, it's not giving me any options less than $4.50?  Can anyone explain this discrepancy or what I need to do?  Am I doing something wrong to not get that option at the listing?

[apantiq]

first class envelope is not available on ebay. first class package which includes tracking is

[nobody*s_perfect]

USPS has 3 types of First Class mail: letters, flats (AKA Large envelope) and packages.  eBay only sells labels for packages; your price was for a flat (Large envelope).

Each of the 3 categories has a strict definition and they do not overlap. To be mailed as a flat, a piece must be literally flat (variation in thickness not more than 1/4 inch), flexible, and not more than 3/4 inch thick.

Also, $4.50 for a 4-ounce piece would be the Retail price to ship a package up to 4 ounces to Zones 1& 2; the online price (what you'd pay for an eBay label) would be $3.37.

[scarlettmk]

Okay.....  my package is a bubble wrap envelope with a cord inside ( a small one similar to a USB type).  Are  you saying I need to get a label outside of EBAY to get a lower price than the $4.50?  How do I do that?  I'm guessing that maybe it would not be considered "flat" as I think it's 1/4 inch (at most) but I wouldnt want to risk damage if saying it's flat would lead to that???

[scarlettmk]

Do I have to use what ebay offers to ship?  So a first class envelope would not have tracking- is that correct?

[nobody*s_perfect]

Sound like it's eligible to be mailed as a flat.  Pay for it at the Post Office, or just put some stamps on it. It would not have tracking. You do not have to use eBay's shipping labels.

[lamber9347]

Flat is flat period. Meaning a card or letter is flat. Once you insert an item, such as a USB cord, that is not flat anymore. That's how shipping works. 

You can try purchasing a label on Pirateship.com but the same rules apply. They tend to be a few cents lower than eBay, but if you send an item that sold online and it is not a simple card or letter, you will have to pay for a package as it is not flat (like a pancake). Plus, you are getting tracking by paying for a package, which you need to ship on eBay so that the buyer and eBay know that you both actually shipped and where the item is during the delivery process. Best of luck to you.... 

[scarlettmk]

Thank you.  So how much of a problem are things without tracking?  Is this a bad risk?

[lamber9347]

Without tracking you cannot prove you shipped within your estimated time. 

Without tracking the buyer will have no way to check on where the item is in the delivery process.

Without tracking, all the buyer has to say is they never received it and you will be forced to refund the entire amount- since you cannot actually prove you ever shipped it because you didn't pay for tracking.