Using Retail Ground Rates vs Parcel Select online and Shipping options not showing up in listings

[just4us2012]

Recently have been receiving a lot of messages from buyers about the cost of shipping. I usually offer USPS Parcel Select & Priority and FedEx SmartPost (when applicable) and FedEx Ground.  A buyer brought it to my attention on the USPS website where you can calculate the cost that is was cheaper. Sure enough retail Ground was cheaper. I don't understand why but wondering if that has affected selling some of my larger items. I am currently updating my bigger sized items to add retail ground but when I do it doesn't offer 2 of the 4 options I have selected for shipping. Very frustrating and I know this has effected my sales. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[orangehound]

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@just4us2012 wrote:

Sure enough retail Ground was cheaper. I don't understand why but wondering if that has affected selling some of my larger items. I am currently updating my bigger sized items to add retail ground but when I do it doesn't offer 2 of the 4 options I have selected for shipping. Very frustrating and I know this has effected my sales. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

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In January 2019, the USPS started applying dimensional weights on packages over 1 cubic foot for Parcel Select but not Retail Ground ... so, large packages can often ship cheaper at Retail Ground rates.

Really, there is no need to change your listings because on January 26, 2020 the USPS will begin applying dimensional weights to Retail Ground as well ... Parcel Select will again be cheaper.

For large packages, FedEx often provides better pricing than the USPS.

[nobody*s_perfect]

Retail Ground is, as the name implies, a retail service which is available only over-the-counter at the Post Office. It shows up in the shipping calculator at usps.com because that shipping calculator only shows retail prices.

Last June, USPS expanded their dimensional weight policy to include all Priority Mail and Parcel Select packages that are over 1 cubic foot. Somehow, Retail Ground was overlooked from the policy, but that loophole will close when the new rates go into effect on January 27.  Furthermore, Retail Ground can't be used for shipping to Zones 1 - 4 unless the package contents must travel by ground (such as hazmat and certain live animals).  So in sum, it doesn't make sense to add it to your listings now.

[nickelsanddimes2015]

I'm not sure if you have checked but Fedex when your shipping packages but it has dropped a very substantial amount. I sell larger items and since they dropped them the 6th I have saved a ton of money compared to the post office. For instance I had a order that would have cost $31 via USPS and Fedex was $16