What does Flat Rate Shipping Means

[tinataem]

Hi! Does anyone know what’s flat Rate Shipping means? 

[stephenmorgan]

It means the amount of shipping advertised will be the shipping charge.  No more or no less, just exactly what the listings states. 

In other words it is not a variable rate base on weight, size and distance item is going.

Are you looking to sell using Flat Rate or are you looking to purchase item with Flat Rate?

[714ricki]

Basically, you can ship upto the allowable maximum weight for the box at the same price. For example, if the post office quotes you $15.99 for a flat rate box from California to New York zip code 10111 at a weight of 2 lbs......they will quote you the same for the same exact box going to the same zip code at 18 lbs.....just check the box for the maximum allowable weight for that particular style of flat rate box.

Good luck

[southern*sweet*tea]

Flat rate shipping means the cost to the buyer to ship will be the same no matter where they live, and no matter what the actual postage cost to the seller is.

I have a flat $3.95 to ship for most of my items (paper stuff).  The actual cost to me is anywhere from $3.50 or so to $4.50 depending on where the item is going.

Calculated shipping means you enter the weight and dimensions and the calculator will charge the buyer the correct postage to their zip code.  This varies depending on where the buyer lives. 

[1tuna]

my flat rate for shipping 1st class is $5.

I have been using it for a number of years

@tinataem 

[tinataem]

I am looking for a Hoodie to purchase with Flat Rate.

[tinataem]

I’m not sure if the Flat Rate shipping comes with A Tracking Number to Track your Shipment or Package.

[tinataem]

I’m not sure if flat rate comes with a tracking number to track your package?

[mtgraves7984]

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@tinataem wrote:

I’m not sure if flat rate comes with a tracking number to track your package?

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@tinataem 

All USPS Flat Rate boxes come with a tracking number.

[tinataem]

Ok 

[stephenmorgan]

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@tinataem wrote:

I am looking for a Hoodie to purchase with Flat Rate.

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I see a lot of Hoodie's with Free Shipping.

Good luck in your search.

[lja440]

There are two meanings of flat rate shipping.

Per eBay flat rate shipping is a set cost for shipping the listed item. AKA the shipping is already factored into the starting or BIN price. This also encompasses Free Shipping.

Per USPS, USPS has several Flat Rate shipping mailers that ship for a set rate no matter the weight (max 70#), to any DOMESTIC address no matter the postal zone.

Though to have flat rate shipping on eBay you do not have to use USPS flat rate mailers, this does make it easier to factor it into your listing. Also, note that USPS flat rate mailers ship Priority or Express which isn't a good choice for items that can ship First Class Parcel or Media Mail, and of course when shipping Priority always compare the cost to ship the item zoned Priority. If it is only a couple of pounds and not going far zoned may be quite a bit cheaper.