Shipping large items

[3dgt]

How do these companies do it?  List a large item that would cost me a fortune to send out...and offer free shipping???  I do not offer Free Shipping, but I try to send items as economically as possible to save my buyers $$.  I had a Watcher scold me because they felt shipping costs for a vintage glass light fixture is expensive.  I tried several different options (size of package and different services) and no gettin' around it, it's expensive as it's kind of large and heavy.  Any tips would be helpful: especially the safest and most economical way to ship large breakable items.

Separately, is it true that when you ship something in a flat envelope, there is no tracking # provided?

[disneyshopper]

Regardless of which carrier you decide to use, shipping anything larger than 1728 cubic inches (12x12x12) is going to be expensive.

is it true that when you ship something in a flat envelope, there is no tracking # provided?

First Class has 3 distinct classes: envelopes, flats (large envelopes) and parcels.  Only parcels have tracking.  You can ship small flat items using first class letter or flat (at the post office counter), but you will not have any tracking, so if the buyer claims they never received the item, you will refund the buyer's full payment if s/he files a case.

[3dgt]

Thanks for your quick reply.  So I guess part of the 'trick' is to get it less than 1728 ci regardless the size of the package - if at all possible while protecting the contents? 

[magicjohnsonsvariety]

Don't feel bad, I've been scolded too. 

I often get messages like "can you ship this for less"? When I tell them the lowest price is what is already posted, they can't understand why it costs so much.

I think some customers want me to ship media...but they just don't want to come right out and say it.

[3dgt]

I've shipped media when it qualifies...but I've had some heartbreak from it....lost two expensive sales when the items showed up damaged.  So now I have a disclaimer in my postings:  "ABOUT SHIPPING: MEDIA MAIL:  When an item qualifies for “Media Mail shipping”, I make an effort to minimize shipping costs for my buyers and opt for this shipping method.  However, arrival times can be lengthy (I’ve experienced up to 2-4 weeks arrival time!) and I understand there is a slightly increased risk of damage.  If you wish me to upgrade the shipping method for you in order to receive your purchase earlier or reduce the risk of possible damage, please do not hesitate to ask."

[lja440]

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@3dgt wrote:

Thanks for your quick reply.  So I guess part of the 'trick' is to get it less than 1728 ci regardless the size of the package - if at all possible while protecting the contents? 

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The trick is to push the postage or at least part of it into the starting price. 

Using the weight of the package check on the difference between a package just under 1 cubic foot and your larger package, kinda like a handling fee. Bury that in your starting price calculations. Then you list using the calculator with just the weight. Yes Yes this will not be totally accurate per each buyer but it will cover yur expenses without showing such a large S/H.

The other option is to figure out what the package will cost to zone 8 and add that to the starting price with free shipping.

Either way it is better than trying to skimp on packaging to get it under the 1 cubic foot mark and have it arrive in pieces. 

[lja440 · Accepted solution]

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@3dgt wrote:

I've shipped media when it qualifies...but I've had some heartbreak from it....lost two expensive sales when the items showed up damaged.  So now I have a disclaimer in my postings:  "ABOUT SHIPPING: MEDIA MAIL:  When an item qualifies for “Media Mail shipping”, I make an effort to minimize shipping costs for my buyers and opt for this shipping method.  However, arrival times can be lengthy (I’ve experienced up to 2-4 weeks arrival time!) and I understand there is a slightly increased risk of damage.  If you wish me to upgrade the shipping method for you in order to receive your purchase earlier or reduce the risk of possible damage, please do not hesitate to ask."

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I'd say about 75% of my sales and purchases are media. 

Yes they can take some abuse. Most are heavier. 

I had a couple years ago a large lot of Nora Roberts/J D Robb books sell. I shipped them and it happened that after delivery a huge storm hit in the buyers area. She was away from home and had to stay overnight . Though the carrier left the box on a covered porch the storm was so intense that the box was soaked. She said that by the time she got home it couldn't even be picked up. She thought the books would be ruined. They were fine. I wrap each book in cling wrap. It holds the pages tight and prevents the covers from rubbing. I also line my larger boxes with an inexpensive trash bag  before packing. 

I also have had people overpack items into boxes enough to split the sides by the time I receive them. And I have delivered many such packages with items falling out. If my box does split open the bag prevents the great escape.

[3dgt]

Wow!  Great advice from an obvious pro.  Thank you!  And Happy Holidays.

[Anonymous]

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@3dgt wrote:

How do these companies do it?  List a large item that would cost me a fortune to send out...and offer free shipping???  I do not offer Free Shipping, but I try to send items as economically as possible to save my buyers $$.  I had a Watcher scold me because they felt shipping costs for a vintage glass light fixture is expensive.  I tried several different options (size of package and different services) and no gettin' around it, it's expensive as it's kind of large and heavy.  Any tips would be helpful: especially the safest and most economical way to ship large breakable items.

Separately, is it true that when you ship something in a flat envelope, there is no tracking # provided?

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Hi @3dgt, providing free shipping while maintaining profits can definitely be a challenge. Some great advice has been shared here and I just wanted to add some resources from our Seller Center (here) that go into more detail on the topic of shipping. Using eBay labels, regional shipping, and utilizing the free shipping supply coupon that is provided to eBay store subscribers are all ways to save money when shipping and our Seller Center can provide more information for you to review!

[3dgt]

Really appreciate your taking the time to give me more detailed info!!!  90% of what I sell are OOAK; mostly vintage items I have collected over the years that I, unfortunately, no longer have space to display any more.  The rest are other household items I don't use that someone else might need.  Suffice it to say, I understand the logic of baking the shipping into the asking price; but I also encourage 'make an offer' so I feel in my particular situation that option isn't a panacea.  That said, I'll keep in mind all the excellent advice The eBay Community has taken the time to pass along.