Shipping Heavy/Large items without breaking the bank

[makingourdream]

I have some items that are bulky like a Cieling shade that needs a bigger box but is 4lbs. I also have some Antique Lamps and other items that are very heavy. What is the best shipping carrier? I don't understand how some sellers are able to offer free shipping or a flat fee on similar items when the shipping ends up costing more than the item being purchased. The ceiling shade I have is the typical square shade, about 4 lbs with packing and box, someone who was interested in it asked if I could do better on shipping. They live in Maryland I'm in AZ, USPS was going to cost $84.00 priority, Fed ex was $65 for ground and UPS was 86 for ground. Why so much and does anyone have any suggestions?  It seems that ebay is also taking out fee's for shipping too?  Thank you very much!!

[house*of*paws]

Hi @makingourdream 

I would first list the items for 'Local Pickup Only' ... since you'd be responsible for paying the exorbitant return shipping if the buyer claims it is NAD in some way when they receive it.  [Not every item is worth the risk of shipping it.]

And yes, fees are based on the total amount of buyer's payment ... including shipping and tax, as well as item price.

[gooseberrygoods]

I've discovered the joys of craigslist and fb marketplace for bulky things. No packaging issues, no fees. 

[wastingtime101]

Hey @makingourdream . You'll be hard-pressed to find good shipping rates on those items. Anything over a cubic foot in size is going to be charged whichever is greater between actual weight and dimensional weight. So a large, lightweight item is not going to be cost-effective to ship unless the item has a high enough value to warrant the ship cost.

https://ir.ebaystatic.com/pictures/aw/shipping/DIM_Weight_Guide.pdf

Why/how are sellers charging low ship costs on these types of items? Some sellers have access to lower rates they've negotiated directly with carriers based on huge volumes. Other sellers don't know what they're doing or put in the wrong dimensions on their listing, therefore they're not charging enough for shipping.

As others suggested, some items are better suited for local pickup only.

[12345jamesstamps]

Easy for it to break. Insurance is only for lost items...not breakage by USPS. FedEx, UPS.

You can look to see how other sellers are selling similar items like yours on eBay.

A lot of sellers add the shipping in the seller cost of an item. A lot of buyers love the words "free shipping" that shows up under your listing. I would also check similar items for sale and go a little under other sellers on these promoted listings and sponsor listings. Good luck.

[makingourdream]

Thank you, everyone, for the wonderful advice! I really appreciate all the help and comments. Local pickup would be hard for me now since I live in a very remote area and don't think many people on eBay would want to make the trek. For some items, I do use FB marketplace and Craigslist, but unlike Los Angeles where I moved from, the area I live in doesn't have the type of people buying some of the items I'm selling. But will keep trying to find other ways for some things. Again Thank you All! God Bless. 

[stuffygrotto]

Years ago I shipped very heavy, breakable vintage lamps and old chandeliers, almost exclusively. I found a local packing service that did expanded foam packing. It was pricey, but so were the vintage Murano lamps, and italian tole chandeliers can break easily. Then I would schlep them to UPS or FedEx. I shipped a lot to the UK (best high-end buyers at the time) and all over US, and never had any arrive broken. Look for local packing services that offer it. Customer pays everything. Some people just can't afford the cost and there's nothing you can do about that. Don't short yourself and don't skimp on good packing and sturdy boxes.

[simba6]

I suggest pickup only or selling them local.  Shipping will be very expensive and  without custom packing box being made the risk of damage is too great.    Some sellers have been known to just guess or go be weight alone and find out after the sale the REAL cost.  

That said, UPS is often the lowest cost for over size items.  Large but light does not save money, size matters and costs a dang lot.