how to select USPS first class shipping?

[dazco]

I'm just starting and using the basic form to sell right now.  I found how to show and selects from all the shipping services, but it doesn't show USPOS first class. Why is this and is there a way to select first class mail.

[partial*eclipse]

First, you have to enter a weight that is 16  ounces or less.

[dazco]

Oh, so you can't send first class unless it;s under a pound? Is that a USPS rule or ebay?

[partial*eclipse]

That's USPS's limit, and it only applies online. If you mail retail (at the Post Office counter), the limit is 13 ounces.

[dazco]

Wow, thats a drag. I could swear i've sent things at the post office first class that were more. I've probably sent 50 boxes first class over the years and never was I told any of them weighed too much. I suppose none did i guess, but i cant imagine not one of those was more than a Lb.Maybe this is a recent change USPS made. One more question....assuming it is over 16 oz and i want to send it the cheapest way possible, what would that be called?

[lex-talon]

You can mail an item if it weighs 15.9 ounces. Priority Mail Flat rate envelope, not the padded ones is a good choice.

[missjen831]

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@dazco wrote:

Wow, thats a drag. I could swear i've sent things at the post office first class that were more. I've probably sent 50 boxes first class over the years and never was I told any of them weighed too much. I suppose none did i guess, but i cant imagine not one of those was more than a Lb.Maybe this is a recent change USPS made. One more question....assuming it is over 16 oz and i want to send it the cheapest way possible, what would that be called?

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@dazco It's not a recent change. First class has always been for lightweight items. 13oz is the maximum if paying at the counter and it has been for quite a few years. The only recent change is that the maximum is now 15.99oz if you purchase postage online. 

[dazco]

I just would never have guessed that nothing i've ever mailed FC was over 13 oz (i always go to the post office) but i guess thats the case. No matter anyways on this one, as i weighed it with all the packing and it;s less than 13oz.

Anyways, whats the cheapest way if it IS over the max without using priority? I think when i started filling out the ad i saw something like "usps ground' or something like that. Or is anything over first class max weight going to end up costing as much or more than priority anyways? Thanks.

[partial*eclipse]

For packages up to 18 pounds, the online price for Priority Mail is the same as for Parcel Select (formerly known as Parcel Post), or just 5 cents more.  The only exception is if your package is over 1 cubic foot (1728 cubic inches) and shipping to Zones 5 - 9; then Priority Mail has a "dimensional weight" so it makes sense to offer both services so buyers can choose.

USPS First Class Mail has never been available for over 1 pound, and until January 2016 the online limit was 13 ounces, too.

Here's a link to the official USPS rates publication, Notice 123.
http://pe.usps.com/cpim/ftp/manuals/dmm300/notice123.pdf