susan1232
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posted on June 12, 2001 06:48:11 AM new
There are a lot of threads about over charging on shiping or padding. I'm having the reverse problem.
How do you calculate your shipping? I have a scale and weigh my items, but what about the buyer all the way across the country-which I seem to keep getting? It adds two or three dollars to the shipping. Now, if you allow for that in the auction-won't that scare everyone away?
How do you know what you will charge before you know the zip you are shipping to? And are bubble envelopes considered a package or a large envelope? One more question-does shipping have one "p" or two? LOL
Thanks for any help-I'm going in the red on this.
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circuitmatter
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posted on June 12, 2001 07:04:55 AM new
Are you shipping via the U.S. Postal Service or some other method? When you ship thru the USPS it's the same amount whether you're shipping to the next state or the farthest from you, as long as it's in the US 48 States.
You can find the shipping rates for Priority Mail (and the other shipping methods) on the USPS website --> www.usps.com
If you use a scale you can find the exact cost it will cost you, then you can add Delivery Confirmation or insurance as you see fit.
Oh, and "shipping" has 2 "p"'s.
Jonathan
www.elitegrafx.com - Website design
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smw
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posted on June 12, 2001 07:23:16 AM new
For Priority Mail USPS rates are the same for all zones up to 5 pounds. Zones are determined by zip code. You don't need to know the zip code to determine the Priority rate unless the parcel is 5 pounds or heavier.
First Class mail rates are the same for all zones up to 13 ounces.
Standard Mail, (Parcel Post) rates vary by zone.
I don't use Media Mail much but I think the rates are standard and not by zone.
What method of shipping are you using?
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susan1232
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posted on June 12, 2001 08:14:23 AM new
I'm totally confused.
I try to use whatever will be the cheapest for the buyer. But in all the lists I have printed out from the USPS page-shipping to Zone 8 is a lot higher than I ever list as shipping costs. I can't find any list where it's the same cost no matter what state. I'm looking at "Package Services Rate Schedule"-and I also used the calculator-but this was after I knew the zip. Am I looking in the wrong place??
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petertdavis
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posted on June 12, 2001 08:18:32 AM new
You could state that the shipping will be from $x.xx to $y.yy with the lower amount being what it would cost to ship within your zone, and the high amount being what it would cost to ship to the furthest zone. You can add a statement to the effect that 'shipping cost depends upon your location, to calculate your exact rate use the USPS calculator at their website for a X pound package from zip code XXXXX'.
Should answer most questions.
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msmaron
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posted on June 12, 2001 08:29:27 AM new
Flat 11.00 to ship, any size period. Do you forget, labor charges, time, overhead. Does someone buying think that is all FREE!!
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bh010296
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posted on June 12, 2001 11:36:55 AM new
Maybe this web page will help you. (Sorry I don't know how to create a link. Maybe somebody can help with that?)
http://new.usps.com/cgi-bin/uspsbv/scripts/content.jsp?D=9743&B=Mail_or_Ship&A=B&U=X&U1=B&U2=H
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MouseSlayer
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posted on June 12, 2001 11:39:29 AM new
http://new.usps.com/cgi-bin/uspsbv/scripts/content.jsp?D=9743&B=Mail_or_Ship&A=B&U=X&U1=B&U2=H
There ya go 
~^~  Hippy wannabe  ~^~
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bh010296
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posted on June 12, 2001 11:49:31 AM new
Thanks Mouse! I know that this page is only good until the rate increases, but hopefully, they'll update it quickly!
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vargas
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posted on June 12, 2001 11:55:24 AM new
What's the average weight of your items, susan1232?
If it's under 5 pounds, priority mail postage is flat rate by weight --- whether you're shipping across town or to Hawaii.
When I sell heavier items, I put the weight of the package, my zip code and a link to the USPS postage calculator in my listing. That way bidders can calculate the postage themselves if they choose.
In my experience, very, very few do. Buyers in the category in which you sell may be different.
Then in my EOA, I list Priority and parcel post shipping (if there's a significant difference in cost) and let the buyer choose.
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mtnmama
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posted on June 12, 2001 12:15:32 PM new
Just a PS on vargas' note.
Priority and Parcel Post are usually only 5 cents different in price, or at least that's the way it used to be. I haven't priced the difference in a year.
I don't know what a Package Services Rate Schedule is, but the calculator works fine if you use your scale. If you want to quote to the furthest point, pick the state that's the farthest and use a ZIP code from there. I use 90210 - it works! Otherwise do as Vargas says. It makes the most sense and works just as well as anything else I've used.
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furkidmom
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posted on June 12, 2001 12:52:15 PM new
Actually Parcel Post and Priority are not that big of a difference. I just list my auctions and state.... S/H IS ZIP CODE ZONED Whe the auction is over I sen a note tothe winner of Congratulations on winning and please send your complete mailing addy so that I can figure out the s/h charges for them. I then weigh it on my trusty postal scale, go to the www.usps site, plug in the weight and zip codes and TADA! Add my handling charge and DC charge and notify the winners with the official EOA. If I notice a big difference with priority and parcel post, I tell them about it, but usually it is not more then $.50, but I let them know anyway.
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vargas
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posted on June 12, 2001 03:01:39 PM new
When you hit certain rates/zones, the difference between Priority and Parcel Post can hit a few dollars, rather than a few cents.
16 pound package from Atlanta to Beverly Hills (I use 90210 too mtnmama. It's so easy to remember!)
Priority $23.35
Parcel Post $19.97
At this price point, I'd quote UPS Ground too in my EOA. It would be less expensive than either USPS option.
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mikeboy
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posted on June 12, 2001 03:54:10 PM new
I discussed this very issue with a Postal Clerk today - she was great, btw. She gave me copies of all the charts (and one of the 7/1 increases). Ask your PO for these - sometimes a notebook by your computer is quicker than getting their web site up! You'll want charts of First Class, Parcel Post, Media (book) Rate, Priority, and a Zone Chart. What smw says sounds right on it. (No variance on media rate/ book rate)
You can either send Priority (quicker, free supplies) or Regular (cheaper) or mention both and let the buyer choose. Priority fees are standard amounts based on weight. It's a breeze but I've been selling some things that are very light weight and may not be worth the cost of Priority. So I asked today ...
If your packaged item weighs 13oz. or less just send it First Class which is a standard amount by weight. If it's over 13oz. you'll need to go to the Parcel Post charts which is based on the weight and the zone it's going to. (One thing I'm confused on - do I use single piece? what is machinable, non-machinable?)
Something you could put in your auction mught be - Widget weighs 1lb.6oz. and will be coming from zip code XXXXX. Then the customer can look it up and get an idea of the shipping. Or just leave it at "Actual Parcel Post Shipping"
Long day - hope I got all that right. mrs. mikeboy
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GreetingsfromUK
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posted on June 12, 2001 04:01:43 PM new
This is complicated! I ship World Wide by Air Mail for $3.00. Buy one lot or all my lots and shipping is $3.00
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kengraham
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posted on June 12, 2001 04:16:08 PM new
We ship surface from Canada to the States and charge a flat $5.00 to ship surface, no matter the size. Usually what we ship is under 2 lbs. and shipping is rarely more than $5.00 US.
edited to remove signature
[ edited by kengraham on Jun 12, 2001 04:16 PM ]
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shrty411
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posted on June 12, 2001 04:55:37 PM new
when I figure shipping costs to put in my auctions ( fixed price) I put a California zip to figure whatever I'm in MI , so that's generally as far as it's going to get. Only problem I've had is when I get lazy and don't weigh my item and try to guestimate. Every once in a while I'm way off
Maria
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susan1232
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posted on June 12, 2001 05:59:11 PM new
Thanks for all the advice. I like the idea about using 90210 and think I'll start doing that.
What really confused me was that someone said they charged $2.00. I talked to clerk in PO today and the cheapest I can send a package-even to my own town is $2.72. So how do you charge $2.00?
And what about the post that said USPS rates are the same in all 48 states? That's not what the chart I have says.
So-if you use the 90210 and someone nearby buys your item-do you charge less?
Thanks again-you've been a big help and I needed it!
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daleeric
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posted on June 12, 2001 09:40:08 PM new
How about charging each section of the country for shipping. For example West Coast pays XX, Midwest pays XX, and East Coast pays XX. It seems like it would be fair to everyone quote a major city in each area.
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snakebait
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posted on June 13, 2001 12:53:20 AM new
I for anything over 2 lbs I simply put 'Buyer to pay USPS shipping from 11212 on 3.2 lbs' as an example. I know damn well its $5.15 for Priority, but it kinda looks horrible stating it that way, and allows the customer to look it up himself if he wishes. Also lease open the option of Parcel Post if real close where it can make alot of difference.
The fun part of course is the billing on the EOA. Then I either give them straight Priority rates for items under 5 lbs with the link to the USPS calculator results if they with another option. Over 5 lbs I yank their contact info and get their zip code for my shipping charges. Not simple, but effective.
Books, unless heavy are a flat rate so I dont have to weigh them!
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susan1232
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posted on June 13, 2001 05:28:41 AM new
Do most of you edit your WBN before it is sent out instead of having it automatically sent?
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mtnmama
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posted on June 13, 2001 06:02:52 AM new
Double post with a typo! UGH!
[ edited by mtnmama on Jun 13, 2001 06:04 AM ]
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mtnmama
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posted on June 13, 2001 06:03:03 AM new
"What really confused me was that someone said they charged $2.00. I talked to clerk in PO today and the cheapest I can send a package -even to my own town is $2.72. So how do you charge $2.00?"
Flat rate - the seller eats the rest of the shipping. I've done it before. Quoted $2 and decided to ship priority, insured. I've eaten the rest.
I can send a package for less than $2.00. It all depends on weight. If I'm selling a lightweight piece of jewelry for example, it would cost me less than $1 to mail. I would list shipping at $1.
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immykidsmom
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posted on June 13, 2001 06:23:39 AM new
golllllleeeee!
this ain't confusing enough! I gotta add my 2 cents!
I sell almost all books.
paperback $2.00 Media Mail, $3.75 Priority(anywhere in USA)
hardbound $2.75 Media Mail, $4.25 Priority (" )
Every now and again I list an extra large or thick book or a set of volumes and enter the s&h as the nearest to actual cost, say "$3.55 s&h for 6 lbs packaged weight within USA, international shipped at exact cost." See, don't forget to weigh the box with the item, and even tape can push it over to the next line. International customers can look up charges or email me.
When I sell multiple books to the same shipping address I figure exact cost for them, usually they say thanks!
Mom, just don't ask ME to get on the scale!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! edited to rid post of scourage of grinning yellow smilie! AAAKKK!
Why would a ( " ) make a smilie? without the spaces; bracketquotemarksbracket
[ edited by immykidsmom on Jun 13, 2001 06:27 AM ]
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