Shipping cost different from Post Office cost

[samplace59]

Why is the shipping cost so different on Ebay when I am just listing my item?

I calculated on Post Office website with weight and dimensions.  Then when I list

my items the amount if always different than what Ebay shows.

This is for priority mail and not using their flat rate box.

Thanks!  New to selling!

[tdumonde2014 · Accepted solution]

It should be cheaper, we get a break if we ship through ebay. Is this what you found to be the case?

[coastaltechsolution]

You should see a price break from retail Post Office price (the price you pay at the post office counter) 

[duffy4444]

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@samplace59 wrote:

Why is the shipping cost so different on Ebay when I am just listing my item?

I calculated on Post Office website with weight and dimensions.  Then when I list

my items the amount if always different than what Ebay shows.

This is for priority mail and not using their flat rate box.

Thanks!  New to selling!

---

If I understand your question correctly:

   Ebay doesn't know if you will end up using their discounted rates, similar discounted rates from other sites like Stamps.com, or will be standing in line at the PO and paying the higher retail rates there at the counter. So my guess is that eBay takes the safer route and shows the buyer the higher PO rates when they see your item on searches.

   If the rates you as a seller are paying are lower when you sell and ship the item, consider that a little bonus... or don't be concerned about it at all by listing with free shipping after compensating your selling prices with the higher PO retail rates.

Cheers, Duffy

[dbfolks166mt]

     Never purchase postage directly from the post office. EBay like a number of other shipping services receives a discount from USPS on the shipping rates. If you are trying to calculate your shipping costs to put that into your listing it is best not to. The rates will vary depending on the region the buyer is located in. If you use calculated priority mail shipping the buyers will see the shipping cost to their area when they are looking at the item. 

     On occasion regardless of where the individual is located it is cheaper to send an item in a padded flat rate envelope, if that is possible, than it would be to use calculated priority mail, usually when the item exceeds the 2 pound mark. In those cases you can just use same price to everyone for shipping and list method as padded flat rate envelope. 

     As you gain more experience as a seller you will discover what a shell game shipping can be due to all the various options available. Regional boxes are often a good value as are flat rate envelopes (I have shipped some strange items in flat rate envelopes). First class packages are usually a good value just remember they do not come with insurance like priority mail unless you purchase it when you are creating the label. 

[mybigsale]

eBay sellers get a discount if you print your postage from eBay. Also, you can adjust the postage cost by passing on your discount to the buyer or by adding in shipping and handling costs. Also, if you browse your products on eBay - the shipping cost will vary based on changes to the destination  zip code (for priority mail based on size and weight and not flat rate boxes). If you use the eBay labels, the difference in the buyers postage cost and your discount plus any handling costs are applied to your account.

Use the eBay shipping calculator instead of the USPS Website to get exact Postage Costs (if you will print your postage from eBay):

Shipping Calculator | eBay

[nobody*s_perfect]

We can probably help if you provide an example with specific details, including package weight and dimensions, service used (e.g., Priority Mail?), both ZIP Codes, and both exact prices.

When you purchase postage through eBay, you pay a discounted rate (except for Media Mail). The shipping calculator that appears in your listings can be set to show either the online (eBay) rate or the retail rate that you'd pay at the Post Office. IIRC the default is to show the retail price, which is also what the Post Office web site shows.

[caldreamer]

EBAY gives you discounted rates (cheaper than USPS website).   All you need to do it put correct weights & dimensions of package and EBAY will calculate shipping costs.

[jayjaspersgarage]

Be sure to buy labels through ebay and charge the retail rate on your listings.  It helps with misc. shipping expenses throughout the year.