posted on April 22, 2010 08:49:10 AM new
I've gotten use to shipping via the post office and staying away from larger items, because when I started there wasn't a UPS store anywhere close to me.
For anybody out there that ships via UPS and uses the calculator on EBAY is it accurate - or will I run into any surprises when I go to the local UPS store to ship my item?
I haven't actually used it - I'm just thinking of possibly trying a few "bigger" pieces, like chairs and small tables, etc.
posted on April 22, 2010 09:15:26 AM new
I don't use UPS, so it is hard for me to say. My understanding is that the UPS shipping calculator is based on full rate shipping. If you have an account or use Paypal you should be getting a discount. If you haven't already done so, I would call UPS and ask for a selling discount to use their shipping system.
I use Fed Ex for my shipping, but eBay does not provide a FE shipping calculator... so I have to use UPS calculator in my listings. I state in the listing I use Fed Ex instead. For me, it is better b/c UPS is 10-25% more expensive than Fed Ex for the standard rate, plus I get a 10-20% discount depending on the size of the package.
Smaller, lighter packages are at 10% discount, larger/heavier packages are 20%. Use that info when calling UPS as justification to get your discount.
I shipped a large piece of art via Fed Ex for $68 after a 20% discount (regular rate: $85). UPS quote was about $125.
[ edited by shagmidmod on Apr 22, 2010 09:19 AM ]
posted on April 22, 2010 01:31:33 PM new
I use the UPS calculator and it works pretty good for me.
It doesn't include package pickup or packing materials so be sure to add that to your mark-up.
I pay and print labels with paypal so I get a automatic discount. You will have to have an account and you have to link it to your paypal.
I ship chairs, small tables (some not so small as well), lamps and even just shipped a desk with UPS.
But whatever you do - pack it WELL. If there is a way to break it - UPS will!!! If it big and expensive - I all but crate it.
I don't know how it would work without an account - not well I would think.
