What am I missing? First Class Package Service not weighed?

[goldguy22k]

So I'm looking through listings and see one where the seller is selling a group of 6 items, each weighing 3.88 oz.  Now I'm no Math PhD, but that sure looks like the weight works out to be greater than 15.999 ounces, the weight limit for ebay (commercial) first class package service.

So how is it that the seller is listing the shipping as First Class Package?

Either they are going to get a shock when they have to upgrade or they are relying on the fact that USPS does not weigh First Class packages and back-charge the seller for over weight packages?

Is there a loophole being exploited?

[divwido]

Perhaps that is 3.88 ounces packaged and they weigh less when combined into one shipment.

The bigger issue-WHY ARE YOU COMPLAINING?  Are you buying them or did you just want to complain?

[goldguy22k]

Ah, kind person, I am a bit befuddle by the reply.  Not sure how my post could be considered a "complaint?"

I saw something, thought perhaps there was a loophole or something I didn't understand, so came to the community to ask a question and learn something.

I am sorry if you take that as a complaint and a problem.  I thought these boards were for asking questions and learning?

Why is it that so many posters feel the need to be aggressive?

Perhaps one coudl educate me on how to better ask a question like this such that negativity isn't a result in the replies and I get the answer I am looking for?

[missjen831]

I must have missed where Goldguy was complaining? All I see is him asking a legit question.

[missjen831]

USPS does weigh first class and back charge underpaid postage.

Some sellers intentionally specify a low shipping cost & pad the item price to compensate for it, rather than specify the actual shipping cost. I consider it a business strategy because buyers tend to be overy sensitive about shipping costs here as we all know. A higher shipping cost can result in the buyer hitting the back button. Shopping total cost is not common sense for most.

[goldguy22k]

Thanks for those thoughts.

What got me looking & thinking is that the price of the listing was pretty low and it was free shipping!

Having some idea of what shipping should cost, I went to see what method was being used and discovered they showed USPS First Class Package.  Then I went Hmmmmmm.

So wondered if they found a loophole I'd like to know about or might get a charge-back from USPS.

Is this another example of why eBay needs to do a better job of educating its sellers?

[myescape]

educate them about what?

[missjen831 · Accepted solution]

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@goldguy22k wrote:

Thanks for those thoughts.

What got me looking & thinking is that the price of the listing was pretty low and it was free shipping!

Having some idea of what shipping should cost, I went to see what method was being used and discovered they showed USPS First Class Package.  Then I went Hmmmmmm.

So wondered if they found a loophole I'd like to know about or might get a charge-back from USPS.

Is this another example of why eBay needs to do a better job of educating its sellers?

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Oh, ok I assumed it was calculated shipping. I can't speak for that seller and my theory above was just a possibility as to why he did that. One other theory is, the seller just wasn't paying attention when he created the listing, maybe he used a template and didn't change the shipping method. Its not something ebay needs to educate sellers on though, the listing may say first class package but when he goes to purchase the label, he has to enter the actual weight and dimensions of the package & he'll be charged accordingly, he wouldn't be able to choose first class package unless he fudges the weight. If he was expecting to pay first class package rates, he's in for a surprise. If he underpays, he'll probably be backcharged if he buys the label online.

[myjunqueyourtreasure]

They may be planning on sending the items in 2 parcels (each being under FCP max weight)