Shipping a 1 ounce package

[lacey294]

I probably know the answer to this, but here goes.  It's costing me $4.13 to send a 1 ounce package with tracking....When it only costs .63 to mail a letter.  That's a huge price to pay just to implement a tracking number.  This is not a coin or sports card, etc...so it doesn't qualify for low cost shipping.  Is there any less expensive alternative?  

[myfrugalboutique]

1-4 Oz is the same price..it will only vary by zone.  You will have to ship it the same as you would  one that weighed more.  Shipping a lightweight item is not cheap, but that is just the way it is. Adjust your shipping charges or raise the price.

[wastingtime101]

If it's that listing for a blister sheet of 3 tablets: no. That should ship as a package because pills can be crushed if put through the letter sorting equipment. I guess you can risk it, but you might end up getting a bunch of not as described claims filed if the pills arrive cracked or crushed.

If it's not about the pills then let us know what the item is. For items that can ship as letters/flats you can send untracked / with a postage stamp, but you will have to pay out any claims of non-receipt and your tracking rating will take a hit (but tracking rating won't really matter since you're not TRS).

[lacey294]

You're partially correct.  It is the sealed pack....But not a tablet/pill, it's a very thick cream in very sturdy plastic.

[wastingtime101]

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@lacey294 wrote:

it's a very thick cream in very sturdy plastic.

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I wouldn't send that letter. It'll go through those high-speed sorting machines with thin slots and ... SPLOOOT the cream is forced out of the sample pack as the pressure and force pushes it open. Ruin not just your envelope, but all the ones around it.

Send it package. If shipping is too high for a single, sell in lots of 3-4.

[12345jamesstamps]

Cannot send liquids through the USPS. Cream is still considered a liquid. And I am sure it's not under 1/4 inch total with it and envelope and  not bendable("sturdy plastic"). 

[wastingtime101]

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@12345jamesstamps wrote:

Cannot send liquids through the USPS.

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Yes you can. Not as letter mail, but as a package you can.

[myfrugalboutique]

Cream is not a liquid. You can send liquids, it just has to go ground.

[12345jamesstamps]

"According to TSA guidelines, any substance is free-flowing or viscous is considered a liquid, including liquids, aerosols, pastes, creams and gels." Seller can use UPS or Fed Ex but not USPS because a cream is considered a liquid. He cannot use ground USPS.

[wastingtime101]

I agree on your assessment of the term liquid, however you're incorrect about not being able to ship with USPS.

https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_017.htm

[ms.rodriguez*]

No choice but to add the shipping to the cost of the item.  MOst buyers know that shipping is pricey. If one complains, direct them to www.usps.com.  Also let them know that ebay takes at least 13.25% of the total shipping fee.  I have yet to get a buyer back out from a sale after I explain it to them.   I sell many Micro Machines vehicles and Wiking ho scale cars and they are super tiny and lightweight.   I have no choice but to ship with tracking.

[myfrugalboutique]

This is the post office, not TSA. Ship liquids, (cream is not a liquid) ground USPS.

[myfrugalboutique]

I have to say I find all these restrictions crazy.  

[wastingtime101]

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@myfrugalboutique wrote:

cream is not a liquid

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When it comes to shipping, USPS and all carriers classify cream as a liquid. You can check that link I posted above, it's defined at the top of the page.

It can go first class or priority if it's not hazardous. If it's hazardous it has to go ground.

Here's a decent overview:

https://shippingeasy.com/blog/shipping-liquids-usps-ups-fedex

[myfrugalboutique]

Well, I will bet that 5% of ebay sellers follow that silly rule. For example perfume. You can buy perfume, creams etc on an international flight,  but you have to ship them ground. I don’t see the logic. 

have a nice day.