posted on May 14, 2007 05:15:13 AM new
Ok D-day is here. I offer fixed shipping rate on my postcards. I don't plan (at this point) to increase my shipping charges. I am about to move a bunch of unsold items to my store. Do I have to do anything?
I notice the announcement says:
"What do I need to do to accommodate these changes? If your First Class mail items do not have a package type specified already,you will need to edit your items to add the package type."
Where do I do this?
I use templates stored as Inventory Profile Items to create my ebay listings. Will those become outdated with the change?
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I also wanted to point out that we will set a default value of "Package/Thick Envelope/Parcel" if the package type is left blank. If this is the package type you would normally use, your items should go through with this setting even if you don't change anything.
posted on May 14, 2007 12:27:58 PM new
Diana - why is this necessary with fixed shipping? The package type choice does not appear anywhere except under calculated shipping. I do not use Vendio to print postage or even to checkout...can't I have a global shipping preference? I have SO MANY templates that have to be changed - are you sure it is necessary?
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posted on May 14, 2007 04:28:14 PM new
First Class mail items now require a package type (as specified by USPS, not Vendio.) If you leave the package type blank the items will still list (with Package/Thick Envelope/Parcel as a default), and we will send through to eBay the shipping amount you selected.
A great option for you would be to switch to SMIE as you will be able to add the package type to your listings in bulk, which will save you a significant amount of time. Let us know if you need more information on this.
posted on May 14, 2007 05:54:14 PM new
Diana - I can't use SMIE as I sell one of a kind items. I still do not understand what I need to do.
I launched some items today and they went through ok . I just tried to list directly on ebay and I couldn't see a place to put the size of the package when I indicate flat rate shipping - in fact, they have an option "standard flat rate shipping" that Vendio doesn't even offer. That option seems like it's the best for me.
I just ship less than 1 oz postcards in a letter envelope.
Also I am unclear about whether the template I use will map with ebay or if I need to change it. I launch using the applicable template from drop down Inventory Profile through "create listing". Don't those profiles update when you make site changes? (I think they used to)
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posted on May 15, 2007 11:07:12 AM new
Hello neglus,
If you don't specify that you're using letter envelopes, all I know is that the listing will go through with the default set to "Package/Thick Envelope/Parcel". I am assuming that this is what will be mapped to eBay. But since you're using fixed shipping rates, it shouldn't matter what type of packaging is specified as it won't affect the cost you've selected.
I see you have a few inventory profiles, and it might take a little time to go through these and set the package type, but you might want to just set aside the hour or so it will take to make the update - then you won't have to worry about it. You can also change the package type as you list your items.
Unfortunately, we don't have a bulk edit tool in SMME that will allow you to make this change in bulk.
Thanks,
Diana
[ edited by DianaCS on May 15, 2007 12:18 PM ]
posted on May 16, 2007 09:25:43 AM new
Posting here in the hopes that I can get SOME kind of a response or answer to a HUGE problem with the Vendio shipping rate calculator.
We use calculated shipping on nearly all items we sell. Since the new rate changeover, there are BIG problems with international calculations. Vendio says they are aware of this and have "escalated" it, but I can't get any answers on what, if anything, is happening or being done. There is NOTHING posted about this in "announcements" or anywhere else on the site, and it has been going on since early Monday!
On items listed as available for international shipment with calculated rates, the problems are:
1. Priority Mail International defaults to the Flat Rate Box rate, regardless or weight or measurements entered. This makes a one pound item to the UK cost $37.00 to ship, instead of the actual $20.00. (Source: http://ircalc.usps.gov/default.aspx?Mode=Intl_Single&CID=10150) Items over 20 pounds DO calculate correctly, but we have very few of these items. Due to this overstatement of rates, international buyers have disappeared overnight! More than 30% of our business is international sales.
2. Global Express Mail defaults to a rate of $25.00, again regardless of weight or measurements entered. I have a sale to buyer in Norway right now on a 36 pound item, that has paid the $25.00 rate, but the actual rate should be $163.75! Once my buyer sees this actual rate you can bet he will back out of the sale, and frankly would be within his full rights to do so under Ebay rules. That was the published rate in the calculator at the time of the sale.
NOW does anyone there get why this is so big of a problem? Hopefully someone at Vendio that monitors this post will be able to tell me SOMETHING. Much longer before this gets fixed and we will be in a very deep hole, business wise.
