Using Retail Ground to avoid dimensional weight

[nobody*s_perfect]

eBay recently issued a memo explaining that on June 23, USPS will make some changes in the way that they apply "dimensional weight" for packages that are over 1 cubic foot (1728 cubic inches).

There are 3 changes:

1. Dimensional weight will apply to all zones, not just 5 - 9.

2. Dimensional weight will apply to both Parcel Select and Priority Mail.

3.  The divisor will decrease, from 194 to 166.

The link below for the new rates that will go into effect on June 23 shows that the expansion of dimensional rates will NOT apply to Retail Ground rates.  So sellers who are willing to trek to the Post Office can still ship at the regular weight-based rate for packages with a length-plus-girth of 84 inches; and at the 20-pound rate for packages with a length-plus-girth up to 108 inches.

https://pe.usps.com/resources/PriceChange/June%202019%20-%20Notice123.pdf

Some Post offices won't sell Retail Ground postage for Zones 1 - 4 unless ground shipping is required by USPS regulations (e.g., hazmat). Stock up on perfume samples so you can include one in your package.

[tide_redux]

I am clueless when it comes to the difference between Parcel Select and Retail Ground.  Is the only difference for large packages that you have to drop it off at the PO yourself or do you have to buy the postage at the counter as opposed to eBay labels?

[nobody*s_perfect]

They are basically the same service; both used to be known as Parcel Post.  

Retail Ground, as the name implies, is the retail equivalent of Parcel Select; so you'd have to purchase postage at the PO counter.

[fern*wood]

What would be the best way to offer this in our listings so the pricing will be close?  I realize it is a retail only service and not a choice when we list.

[tide_redux]

Thanks.  I don't have many large items but where I will see the biggest impact for me is on combined shipping of multiple items that won't fit in a 12x12x12 box.  Although the individual items can ship priority guaranteed delivery date combining them will negate that (unless they're willing to pay the much higher shipping)...how will that impact seller metrics and am I held to guaranteed delivery date based on the individual items?   I am beginning to think the whole top rated thing isn't worth the problems I foresee from the more restrictive shipping rules.

[tide_redux]

@fern*wood 

I see the Retail option in my shipping options....

[fern*wood]

Okay, thanks.  Shows how observant I am.

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@fern*wood wrote:

What would be the best way to offer this in our listings so the pricing will be close?  I realize it is a retail only service and not a choice when we list.

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Retail Ground is available in the shipping calculator on both versions of the listing form (Quick and Advanced AKA Business tool).  I just checked this a few minutes ago. Screen shots available.

[froglipskari]

Can you please explain "Retail Ground" for me?  What is the difference between that and Parcel Select?  Why is it used now as it is more expensive than Parcel Select

You stated that  you have to go down to the post office to purchase Retail Ground. But the labels can be sold on ebay?  So why go down to purchase? 

I spoke to my Post Master yesterday and he said that Parcel Select, Ground shipping, Retail ground shipping will all be doing the same thing with the pricing.  

[nobody*s_perfect]

Your Postmaster is wrong.

[tide_redux]

You can put Retail Ground as a shipping option in your listings, but you cannot print a Retail Ground label from eBay Shipping.  For that you have to go to the Post Office.

[myjunqueyourtreasure]

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@nobody*s_perfect wrote:

They are basically the same service; both used to be known as Parcel Post.  

Retail Ground, as the name implies, is the retail equivalent of Parcel Select; so you'd have to purchase postage at the PO counter.

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Can you purchase Retail Ground through Click n Ship?

[myjunqueyourtreasure]

Never mind - apparently not according to usps site.

[pilgrimelectronics]

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@froglipskari wrote:

Can you please explain "Retail Ground" for me?  What is the difference between that and Parcel Select?  Why is it used now as it is more expensive than Parcel Select

You stated that  you have to go down to the post office to purchase Retail Ground. But the labels can be sold on ebay?  So why go down to purchase? 

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USPS Retail Ground is identical to Parcel Select in terms of service speed.

Retail Ground is only available for purchase at the PO at retail prices.

Parcel Select is only available for purchase online at discounted commercial prices.

Retail Ground is less expensive than Priority Mail (retail) for Zones 5-9. It it almost exactly the same price for Zones 1-4 (retail).

Retail Ground is not subject to dimensional weight pricing.

Retail Ground has balloon pricing instead. Items weighing less than 20 lbs. and >80 inches and <=108 inches length + girth are charged the 20 lb. price.

Retail Ground is required to ship mailable hazardous material, live animals and certain other items. It is only available for Zones 1-4 when shipping hazardous material, etc.

Retail Ground is the only method for shipping oversize items (>108 inches and <=130 inches length + girth) at a price that's 20% to 50% more than the 70 lb. rate.

[cottagewoman]

So frustrated with this new policy for Parcel Select - basically has taken a market segment out for us to sell of voluminous but light items which are quite often decorative in nature. 

Buyers can't stomach a 22.95 bill to get a lamp shade shipped to them in New Jersey from upstate New York.  And to top it all off, if you go to the PO and buy the label it's at the affordable prices it used to be when purchasing online!