USPS Default to Flat Rate boxes/envelopes

[gp1981]

Hello. I am relatively new seller and have a shipping question. When I list an item I mark an item as "buyer pays calculated shipping" and look for the lowest cost option, typically USPS (either parcel select, or retail ground).

When the item sells I go to print a label and the only available options for USPS are all flat rate boxes or envelopes. Most times this won't work because my items are an odd size and won't fit in a flat rate box/env. How do I get around this? There are 2 radial buttons at the top of the shipping page for either "Carrier packaging" or "custom dimensions" (or something like that), either way my only choices after inputting my size and weight are still ONLY flat rate options.  What am I missing?  Any help is greatly appreciated!!

[nobody*s_perfect]

The solution will surprise you: Stop offering Parcel Select Ground as a shipping option.  eBay has decided to phase out access to Parcel Select Ground labels, even though USPS has made no changes in their services or policies, and it's offered by all other online postage sellers including PayPal, endicia, stamps.com, etc. When it's not offered, the shipping label page usually defaults to the first option on the list which is flat rate envelope. You can purchase Parcel Select Ground postage through PayPal at

www.PayPal.com/shipnow

But do compare prices before you do that. For Zones 1 - 4, the USPS online price for Priority Mail is  less than a dollar more than Parcel Select Ground. If you're a TRS you get a 3% discount when purchasing Priority labels through eBay, which often makes it cheaper than Parcel Select

IMHO Parcel Select ground should only be offered when necessary such as for hazmat or Oversize packages (i.e., length-plus-girth above the Priority limit of 108 inches).