Charging First Class and Delivering by Priority

[CarrieinCanada]

I appreciate all the posts around US Postal Services and options.

I have seen discussion about changing the method of shipping after the purchase. I recognize one can’t downgrade.

However, to simplify my life I just set the majority of my listings at First Class and then if it is over 16 oz go to Priority. In essence this covers me for items that are heavier than expected or more expensive and/ot I want to add insurance. I’ve been doing this and never commenting to my customers.

Is this a non-starter eg. who cares or should I be calling this out.

Eg Thank you for your order. We upgraded your shipping …..

Anyone else do this? Comments.

Thanks

Carrie

[Clarity]

I usually set my items 16 oz or less at first class postage and upgrade it to priority mail if the order is over $20.00, for that free insurahce. I don’t send the customer an email telling them of the upgrade, but I do have a lot of feedback commenting on my fast shipping.

[shortandstout]

I will offer parcel post on items over 1 lb and then upgrade to priority since the discount had often dropped the cost for me below what the customer paid for parcel post. I say it had been less because I’m not sure what the new rates and reduced discounts will be like. I never mention it to the customer. Most don’t notice, but I do receive a few positive feedback stating fast shipping. I figure it is a win-win in that the customer gets the item a few days sooner, I show lower shipping costs on my listing, and I then get the insurance on my items. This has also saved me a few times when I underestimated on weight and need to bump up to the next pound. The discount had offset the loss for the most part.

For me, I see this as a similar method when a seller offers a flat rate on shipping.

[Ryanne]

i looked at my last few bags of packages going out- all First Class and SmartPost. used to all be Priority. but with 1st class including 13-16oz, that’s a huge majority of my stuff. anything 1lb+ goes SmartPost now. cheaper for the customer, cheaper for me!

[Anonymous]

Why not just weight it and list it with the correct shipping type??

[Terri]

Unlike downgrading, it’s certainly not necessary to point out that you’re shipping Priority instead of FC, but if you send some kind of communication anyway, since it’s a positive, I’d certainly mention it.

If the difference is only a couple of bucks, I often upgrade from SmartPost to Priority. Not worth the drive to the UPS store for that amount. I always send buyers a thank you note after a sale and let them know when to expect their item, so I make sure to mention that I upgraded the shipping.

[CarrieinCanada]

I do send a note letting people know their item is on the way. I think now I will add a small line about upgrading their shipping, when that is the case.

I tend to sell similar things or at least a lot of a type of an item, which means I use a template. Some items are more valuable and the weight varies by ounces but sometimes insurance is more important than cost eg. when item is over 100.00 I like the security that priority offers.

However it had totally escaped me that perhaps I should call the upgrades out.

Truthfully I rarely weigh anything anymore in advance. I price to market of cost plus ship. So the total is the total and then I work backwards to see what other sellers charge for shipping etc. As long as I am not too far off on average I just go with what seems reasonable as far as shipping costs.

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