Shipping with FedEx but printing label from home. Need Input for those who do this specifically

[pkjud]

I usually ship everything I sell by printing my label at home and shipping USPS.  With that said, most items are small.  Well, I just sold a larger item 40"x24"x8" and 9lbs.  In the past I have taken items to the FedEx center and let them type everything/print label and I pay in person.  However, if I print a label through ebay they offer a huge discount.  I'm talking from $135 down to $60.  I would love to save my buyer that kind of money but...I'm just concerned because I've never printed a FedEx label from home and shipped like that.  I've always just thought they needed to do all the measuring and weight in person to make sure it gets where it is going properly.  Does anyone on here print from home and ship specifically with FedEx?  I'm just wondering how well it works to ship with them that way.  Thanks

[redmodelt]

First thing to remember is for both FedEx and UPS, what you see is an estimate not actual cost. That $60 you are seeing could end up being the $135 or more down the line when you get billed. If the $135 is what the buyer saw and paid for, I would take the package to the FedEx store and buy the shipping from them. Better chance of the actual cost being paid now not a surprise later after you gave the buyer a refund. 

[pkjud]

Ok, thank you! That was a big concern of mine.  I'm shipping from TN to California so the price difference was huge.  My buyer did pay and I would have refunded them the difference...BUT, with that said, I'd rather be safe than sorry.  Thanks for your input!  I'll just take it to FedEx and let them print the label on their end.  

[rfmtm]

Why pay full retail.  While I would not recommend printing the label through ebay, just open your own FedEx account to get some online discounts.   Best deal without problems at the lowest cost is going UPS with a free PirateShip account. 

[pkjud]

I've not heard about PirateShip but I'll certainly look into it now that you've told me about it.  Thank you!

[*lawrence*]

Be aware the FedEx likes to add weight to your package after you ship it. They added 61 pounds to my 8-pound package and billed me through Ebay and of course Ebay charged my account. I used to use the drop point here in my little town. Now I have to drive to the FedEx terminal so I can have them weigh it and give me receipt for the weight. Ebay did refund me this time. Don't ever just drop off a package with them without a receipt showing the weight. I now have to drive 50 miles to drop off my packages.

[simba6]

That is a big discount.  Be sure it's correct.  The size of that package will cause it to be more than the  9 pound rate.   It can be very expensive.   You could be billed later if it's incorrect.