posted on July 3, 2002 04:20:56 AM new
Hi, please read my post on shipping dimensions and AWs answer. What do you all make of this? I would appreciate input from the three of you, because you write intelligent posts and responses and I respect your opinions! Thanks, Steve
posted on July 5, 2002 10:03:32 AM new
I haven't used the new system yet, but the AW description sounds very much like what I was asking for. A shipping calculator was essential with the new 2-5 pound zoned priority rates, and it appears AW has tied into the Postal Service calculator to meet this need.
The USPS calculator requires package dimensions before it will give you a rate. As someone else noted, this is unimportant unless your package exceeds the maximum measurement because the rate is the same regardless of the dimensions up to the maximum. So just enter any old size (for some reason I always use 12x9x3 - the size of a medium priority box), and you'll be fine. As long as you're under the maximum measurement, the only thing that matters is the two zip codes.
posted on July 5, 2002 06:42:49 PM new
abqsales
thanks for your response. But your last sentence only proves my point which has come up in other posts. Why is all that neccessary if you still have to get the buyers zip code. It still requires another email. And once I have that zip code I can just use my zone and rate chart which I picked up at the PO. I don't see the need for all the extra work that the calculated shipping entails. Steve
posted on July 9, 2002 09:24:12 PM new
Steve:
As I understand it, when you use priority calculated, when the buyer comes to checkout, once they enter their zip code in the shipping info, their shipping is then calculated, meaning you don't have to get their zip code in advance. All you have to do is get them to the checkout.
I still haven't had occasion to try it because I've all but dropped USPS priority in favor of Airborne Express Ground, which is cheaper in the 48 contiguous states than the OLD priority rates, and the rates include the first $100 worth of insurance. Plus, they pick up at our business and they furnish free boxes. Alaska, Hawaii and international are incredibly expensive, though, so I revert to USPS for those.
I would just like to clarify that with USPS calculated, all you need to do is enter in the weight and the shipping dimensions and your zip code. When winners checkout and enter in their address, the shipping is automatically calculated between the two zip codes, thus eliminating the previous need for another email to obtain the winner's location.
