posted on June 22, 2007 01:39:32 PM new
I want to see what other are doing about there shipping.
I sell a variety of items large and small. And I have been using USPS Priority mainly because I get free boxes, a free confirmation number, and they come and pick the stuff up. I go actual cost based on weight and size. Plus I add $1.50 to handling for packaging sometimes more depending if I have to buy a big box.
And I will use UPS for large items as well.
Although ever so often someone bitches about no options or shipping is high. With eBay's new 5 star thing it has got me thinking about opening up some with the choices.
posted on June 22, 2007 02:38:42 PM new
I have been shipping almost 100% Priority. When the rates changed, I started offering Parcel Post also. Since most of my sales are fairly light (2-3lbs) I've only had 2 people opt for Parcel Post.
I charge a dollar over actual cost on Priority and a dollar-fifty on Parcel Post to cover delivery confirmation. Yes, I know dc is $.65 now.
[ edited by max40 on Jun 22, 2007 03:10 PM ]
posted on June 22, 2007 03:10:50 PM new
Are you using Stamps.com?
I am not but thinking about it. But I am not sure if it's worth paying that if I am getting it already for free at the USPS website.
But then it might be worth it if I am losing bids because of shipping.
posted on June 22, 2007 05:50:44 PM new
I have been using STAMPS...with them you get the FREE DC on priority, but also DISCOUNT DC on media and 1st class (which I ship a lot of). Plus..if you ever had to fill out an insurance claim with the post office, you know how long that takes. With STAMPS, an e-mail from the buyer about the damaged item, YOU have a check within a week or so. I don't know how the label printing is with USPS, but with STAMPS, your delivery confirmation tracking seems MORE accurate then USPS.
posted on June 22, 2007 07:29:34 PM new
I have blanket coverage with DSI insurance for a monthly fee, so I don't use the post office for insurance.
I would think that USPS Delivery confirmation is the same, no matter where it's printed.
posted on June 23, 2007 02:52:55 AM new
I love Stamps.com. To me, it's worth every penny. The only time I have to go to the post office is when I have an international package that needs to be insured. As long as you have at least one Priority Package in your bundle of packages, the post office will pick them up for free. You can also print first class postage (netstamps) for smaller envelopes and first class international with them. If I recall correctly, Paypal only lets you print labels for packages - not letters or flats/large envelopes (which I ship quite a few of). Filing a claim is a breeze - and quick. I offer my customers all USPS available options (depending on the weight and type of item) in the shipping selections. But only offer FedEx Ground if the item is obnoxiously large or heavy. I'm able to find a lot of packing supplies at garage sales but do have to order bubble envelopes, packing peanuts, bubble wrap, boxes and tape from a supplier. The stress of trying to find a box at the grocery or Sam's Club to fit what I have to ship - and the quantity of them I would need, make it worth paying someone for the supplies and always having them on hand. It makes for faster order processing. And I do add a handling fee.
posted on June 23, 2007 03:25:29 AM new
I use PayPal shipping. Used to use Stamps.com but once PayPal improved on their shipping program, I found the cost of Stamps.com just was not worth it. With PayPal Multiorder shipping you can now print labels if the shipment was paid for with PayPal or not.
I mostly ship Priority and rarely ship letter so it is not a problem for me.
Since the postal increase I have added weight based shipping to more of my heavier items. The difference between zone 1 and zone 8 is now way too much to stay with my flat rate pricing.
Has anyone noticed that combined shipping is not correctly calculating your totals if you have your handling charge set up by item instead of by order?
