Confused about shipping….

If you took something to the post office, and they told you that the label was wrong, I expect that the weight was incorrect. Did you ask them what was wrong?

You should get a scale. I started with a mechanical one that went to 5 pounds, then bought an electronic kitchen one that went up to 11 pounds, and now I have one that goes to 50.

I haven’t had issues with the shipping charged being less than what eBay charges me, except for when I mis-estimated the weight or box size (it happens). If you are a new seller, I suggest that you prepack the item in the box with the packaging before filling it out in the listing. Since I have been doing this for a while, I can estimate without having to prepackage anything.

In general: For something up to about 12 ounces, I’ll add 4 ounces. For 1-2 pounds, I’ll add a pound. For something heavier up to maybe 6 pounds, I’ll add 2. For something really heavy, I might actually weigh the box and then add a few more pounds for packaging. I add more for breakable items or art.

Sometimes a larger box size might be more expensive for the same weight. So, If you type in a relatively large box size, but it ends up being much longer, you might be charged more. It’s called dimensional weight, and you will can google that to get the equation.

I assume you are getting the eBay discount for shipping. Keep in mind that eBay doesn’t give a discount for Parcel, but does for Priority. So, if you list priority as your first shipping option, then the buyer will most likely choose it. Then, if you have to go up in weight, your discount may cover the difference. One thing is Priority is more expensive, and some might say that it could cost you a sale. If I have a heavy but cheap item, I will have parcel first (or FedEx for really heavy or large items), but priority for everything else.

I hope this helps. You could provide specific details on what the buyer was charged, what you had in weight and size, what you paid, etc., and I (or someone on the forum) can try to see what might be going on.

I just noticed that you said you pick retail ground. I always select Parcel Select Ground. I don’t know about retail ground. Perhaps switching to parcel select will fix the issue.

What are you selling why you are always choosing Parcel ground?

You can use USPS First Class for things under one pound (and not super large), and Priority for things over a pound. I use Parcel Select only for very large items, when Priority is way too expensive. Do you check the shipping calculator when you are listing to see the costs of various options?

You should look into ordering free shipping supplies from the USPS. These supplies are good for Priority ONLY. For Parcel, you need to supply your own:
https://store.usps.com/store/results/free-shipping-supplies/shipping-supplies/_/N-alnx4jZ7d0v8v?_requestid=811639

eBay also provides free USPS shipping supplies with their branding:
http://uspssupplies.ebay.com/uspsweb/catalog

Use the shipping calculator that Sonia mentioned to figure out which service is cheapest:
https://www.ebay.com/shp/Calculator

yeah, choose Parcel Select if you’re buying shipping online. not sure why Retail Ground would be more money than what the buyer paid, that’s weird. but i’ve been doing ok with Parcel and Priority and First class seeming pretty accurate these days.

Don’t forget about Media Mail for shipping books.. You’re not supposed to use it for magazines, but it’s great for books.

For Priority Mail and First Class, we generally get discounts. We pay less to ship the package than the buyer pays us. When you consider that we have to pay for shipping supplies and Ebay charges fees on shipping, I have no problem keeping the difference.

Good Luck

This is about two years old, but generally still applies.

” Shipping is a major part of selling on Ebay. If you can ship efficiently, you can keep more of the money an item sells for. Also, I believe, if an item is packed well and shipped quickly, customers are much more likely to give positive feedback. These are a few brief rules I go by.

1. Ship on time.
2. Pack it well.
3. Consider alternate carriers based on the item shipped and destination.
4. Print your own shipping labels. The online discounts are too big to ignore.
5. Get an accurate digital scale. Guessing on the weight is risky and not cost effective. The last thing I do, before printing the shipping label is weigh the package.
…………………….
Less than 1 Lb.ships USPS First Class.
Over 1 lb ships Fedex Smart Post, USPS Priority Mail or Parcel Select.
Books ship USPS Media Mail.
Oversize or Heavy ship Fedex Ground (Home)
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Regarding weights there are a few questions I ask myself, due to the rates.

Is it 8 oz or less?

Is it 1 pound or less?

After that the postage due increases with each pound.

Using poly mailers, light boxes and light packing materials all help to keep the weight down.
……………………..
Regarding size:

Is it oversize for USPS?

Length X Width X Height must be 1728 cubic inches or less.

12x12x12=1728 or 16X12X9=1728
………………………
It’s that simple.

And I love the flat rate padded envelopes.

Those are the shipping basics for my business and are just suggestions.

Good Luck.

• This reply was modified 7 years, 2 months ago by So Cal Joe.

Definitely non-flat rate.

The flat-rate boxes are only good for heavier items going a significant distance. I use them only occasionally. I use the regional rate boxes a bit more than the flat rate, so you should look into those as well.

Ditto what Sharyn said, but while you’re at it, and if your type of inventory warrants it, do order the Padded Flat Rate Envelope because the local post offices usually don’t have them or if they do, they’ll grudgingly only give you one or two at a time (I have found).

And depending on what you sell, poly mailers are a lifesaver: https://www.amazon.com/Mailers-Envelopes-Shipping-Sealing-White/dp/B01GHEF1KG/