Shipping option changed from Media mail (Customer selected) to Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope

[computorite]

I got an email from  eBay yesterday and the buyer had selected Media Mail as the shipping option. It was for some 3.5" floppies. When I went to print the shipper, it showed that Media Mail was the Buyers preferance, but it was greyed out, and Priority Mail was shown as the 'selected' option. I was not able to changed it BACk to what the listing was set for. I sent the buyer a message and askd how they wanted to handle this, but so far I haven't heard from them. Finally, in desparation, today I shipped it, as an off-size Priority Mail item. I hope this works. I have never seen this before. Has anyone else experienced this?  Trying to speak to a live person on Customer Support is basically impossible. I just hope the buyer doesn't get hit with additional charges, or that the USPS doesnt just reject it at some point. According to eBay, shipping is super easy! Except when THEY do something like this! 

[computorite]

It was a shipment of one full box and one nearly full box of 3.5" floppies, so I doubt they would have all fit into a FRE.  By 'non standard' I menat a something else besides an FRE, in this case a small box. 

[computorite]

I have shipped 2 or 3 item using Pirate ship. Most things I sell can go by Media mail, and the USPS doesn't offer a discount on that. Also, when I have to ship something by Ground Advantage, or Priority, there isn't enough discount to make it worth the trouble, maybe only pennies. They give a good discount, but then, so does eBay. I keep my account just in case eBay's system is down. 

The other day I was shipping two laptop memory modules. They are very small and weigh less than an ounce apiece, and, missing the 'old' days when I would ship it by First Class, I decided to try it. I printed the Packing list on heavy photo paper and taped the modules to it, using a trifold and a large business envelope. The weight for the mailing was 1.4 ounces, and I used 2 forever stamps. I gave the buyer a heads up message and a photo of the actual envelope. No tracking number, of course. He should be receiving it in another day or two. It's an experiment, and I don't intend to use it except on VERY rare occasions.

[fm2000]

I would not send memory modules in regular letter mail; if you used stamps and did not pay a nonmachineable charge it will be sent through letter sorting machines. Memory modules are not flexible and may be cracked, or possibly torn out of the envelope when it goes through the letter sorting equipment. Coins seem to make it through letter sorting equipment ok, but even a laptop memory module is bigger than a coin and can be easily cracked.

If it is cracked, it may not be obvious, leading to all kinds of drama with the buyer when you try and have the buyer troubleshoot the problem. A big potential headache that is definitely not worth the small amount of money you might make, I have been there and done that and learned the hard way.