Shipping cost.

[shar1gre]

I always weigh and take measurements before listing an item. I also do not use a flat rate or free shipping but use calculated shipping. In this situation, the buyer paid less than the actual shipping cost even though my weight and dimensions were slightly less than in the listing. 

Here are the weights and dimension in the listing: 8LB 4 OZ     21" x 16" x 5". Buyer paid $15.67

Actual weight and dimensions of item packed:     7LBS  0 OZ     20" x 16" x 7"   Actual cost $18.64.

The only figure here greater is the 7" dimension and even if I inserted 5" the cost would only change by a few cents. I even rounded up the weight to 7 LBS as the actual weight, 6LBS 14 OZ made no difference in cost. 

This is the first time I have encountered this situation. Usually, my items are slightly more in the listing, and I do not have items prepacked since I like to do a final test on electronic items before shipping. I can always refund the buyer any substantial difference in shipping cost, but I always try to cover myself. I am only interested in what my items sell for. I do not try to make money from shipping. In this situation I can absorb the additional $3.00 but what if it was a lot more. The only thing that I can think of that may have happened was that the shipping rates went up between the transaction and the time I went to purchase the label which is unlikely and I always try to ship as soon as possible. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

[stainlessenginecovers]

Who is the carrier used in calc?

What type of shipping is being used?

What is zip from and zip to? 

[meme6253]

The zip code destination can make a big difference sometimes, Also just one inch larger box can do the same,but that's not the case here, But the Zip might have done it.

[mamacassidy]

21x15x5= 1680    This is a standard size package

20x16x7= 2240  This is an oversize package

12x12x12= 1728    Anything less than 1728 is standard, and anything over is Oversize

You were charged extra for an oversize package

[knownobob]

Two inches on the smallest dimension is the biggest difference since the other two large dimensions now increase the total volume quite a bit. You can look up the math if you want, I won't bore you with it. The thing you learn about selling on ebay is always know your shipping first. Get that right or things like this happen. Figure out what box you will use and overestimate if you're not sure. Again, increasing the smallest of the 3 dimensions will have the largest impact on price. Weight above 2 pounds doesn't matter much. 

[mr_lincoln · Accepted solution]

Hi @shar1gre 

You were charged for Volume weight on the actual package you shipped opposed to the listing dimensions.

USPS used to call it "Dimensional weight".  

Here is the math on your post above, anything over 1,728 cubic inches gets kicked up to Volume weight:

21" x 16" x 5" = 1,680 cubic inches

20" x 16" x 7" = 2,240 cubic inches (this exceeds 1,728 cubic inches which is the equivalent of a 12 x 1 2 x 12 package)

The weight in the Volume weight category can have less affect because you are basically paying for the increased cubic volume of space your package takes up on their trucks, airplanes, rail cars, etc.

[shar1gre]

I really appreciate that you took the time to reply. It made sense of my situation.  Thanks.

[shar1gre]

FedEx home delivery was selected by the buyer.  Sometimes FedEx works out to be cheaper than USPS and I have more faith in FedEx than USPS.  Although I use both.  I have not used UPS in a while cause for some reason; I get additional charges sometime after.  I have not experienced that with FedEx as yet. I have a good quality scale that is accurate and I always round up weights and dimensions when necessary. I purchase my labels on Ebay  so that when I go to the courier or post office it is just to drop off.

From zip codes 11234 to 01523

[shar1gre]

Thanks, I appreciate your reply and valuable input. 

[mr_lincoln]

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@shar1gre wrote:

I really appreciate that you took the time to reply. It made sense of my situation.  Thanks.

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@shar1gre 

You are more than welcome ... it was easy to spot with the dimensions you provided which is appreciated.

[stainlessenginecovers]

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@shar1gre wrote:

FedEx home delivery was selected by the buyer.  Sometimes FedEx works out to be cheaper than USPS and I have more faith in FedEx than USPS.  Although I use both.  I have not used UPS in a while cause for some reason; I get additional charges sometime after.  I have not experienced that with FedEx as yet. I have a good quality scale that is accurate and I always round up weights and dimensions when necessary. I purchase my labels on Ebay  so that when I go to the courier or post office it is just to drop off.

From zip codes 11234 to 01523

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@shar1gre I would rethink that.

Fedex (and UPS) have both been known to come back and charge a seller MUCH more (original price $100, 'new' price $1900) and because these accounts belong to ebay, you can't fight it easily and both those carriers have MANY 'upcharges' that are NOT shown on the initial label. Their labels are an 'about' and once delivered, the REAL price comes up. You can get charged $100's more and ebay will charge you, hold your payouts, whatever they have to do to get thier money.

USPS this Seldom happens and most times, it is nothing compared to the $$ that Fedex/UPS have been known to 'upcharge'