Just want everyone to know, if you use the USPS click n ship website for priority shipping it is not calculating in the dimensional weight charge. Yesterday I was trying to print a shipping label for a package that was 18 x 12 x 9 which puts it over the cubic inch rule. It was shipping from 33549 to 40965. The click n ship site gave me a rate of $10.20, the USPS regular site gave me a rate of $17.95. After pulling my hair out for a while thinking I was missing something, I finally took the package directly to the post office. They measured & weighed it and came up with $17.95. They said the $10.20 figure would have been under the old 84" rule [girth plus length].
So if you are shipping something that is more than 12 x 12 x 12 or not in a USPS priority mail box, don't use the postage-paid label from click n ship at this time. I called the USPS 800 number and talked with a technician and they [USPS] know there is a problem. They had no idea when it will be fixed.
I asked what would happen if someone printed a paid label and shipped the package [thinking that click n ship figures/labels were correct]. They said I should get a notice that additional postage was needed and my credit card would be charged the additional postage. I emphasize 'should' because I'm worried my buyers will get hit on their end and then I'm really going to hear the yelling.
So be careful and check the shipping figures click n ship is giving you against the regular USPS site. You would think that the PO [since they know it's a problem] would post a notice on their site but that's not the case.
That's deplorable. It's their own shipping tool, for crying out loud, and they don't even have the correct postage values in there yet? It's not like they haven't had MONTHS to straighten it out.
I don't know what to say. Ridiculous.
I don't know what to say. Ridiculous.
It also puts a hurt on Combined Shipping when it doesn't all fit into the same size box. I have encouraged Combined Shipping in the past but unless it's a few more books I doubt that I'll be inclined to start quoting options when I have to find another box and do the math since I usually sell odd sized vintage merchandise. USPS shoots thenselves in the foot after years of trying to get back into the package business.
Do we know if the PayPal labels are correct? I don't know how PayPal hooks into USPS.
2purrcats
2purrcats
ok, here's my question.... on the auctiva listing page, if i click 'calculate shipping',(which i've never done, i've always used flat), it makes me enter in the dimensions... how am i supposed to know ahead of time what type of shipping the buyer will pick? something like makeup, say, that the buyer wants sent first class, will end up in a lil padded envelope. if they want priority, it'll be a completely different shape. altho i realize the whole thing sucks, does anyone have any ideas? thanks!
(stupid, stupid post office....)
(stupid, stupid post office....)
quote:Originally posted by 2purrcats:
Do we know if the PayPal labels are correct? I don't know how PayPal hooks into USPS.
2purrcats
There's a big notice on the Paypal shipping label creation page that says they've conformed to the new rules.
Hi Community,
Update!
In order to conform to the new USPS package dimension requirements, we will be adding the ability to enter package dimensions when USPS shipping services are selected to the Auctiva website as part of our next release, which is scheduled to take place in late May or early June 2007.
-Mike
Update!
In order to conform to the new USPS package dimension requirements, we will be adding the ability to enter package dimensions when USPS shipping services are selected to the Auctiva website as part of our next release, which is scheduled to take place in late May or early June 2007.
-Mike
Thanks! I noticed that when I went to PayPal - after I posted my message. I should have come back and posted an update. Sorry about that!
2purrcats
2purrcats
queen_mab,
It sounds like your packages are pretty small, in general. You don't need to put in the dimensions of the package unless it is considered large (over 1 cubic foot) or irregular. Those boxes on the Auctiva page are there just in case you need them - you can leave them blank.
I noticed that when I only offered parcel post (or whatever it is now), the measurement boxes went away.
2purrcats
It sounds like your packages are pretty small, in general. You don't need to put in the dimensions of the package unless it is considered large (over 1 cubic foot) or irregular. Those boxes on the Auctiva page are there just in case you need them - you can leave them blank.
I noticed that when I only offered parcel post (or whatever it is now), the measurement boxes went away.
2purrcats
quote:Originally posted by Auctiva Mike D.:
Hi Community,
Update!
In order to conform to the new USPS package dimension requirements, we will be adding the ability to enter package dimensions when USPS shipping services are selected to the Auctiva website as part of our next release, which is scheduled to take place in late May or early June 2007.
-Mike
Sounds good! Thanks for updating us.
Just a note to all sellers. I recently posted auctions on ebay and used ebay's shipping calculator. After the auctions posted, I checked ebay's figures against the USPS website figures.
The following happened: If the package went over the cubic foot rule and I selected 'package', the priority mail rate came up incorrect but the parcel rate was correct.
If I selected 'large package' the priority mail rate came up correct but the parcel rate was incorrect.
Moral of the story if shipping via USPS: Until ebay fixes the problem, only offer one choice of shipping [either priority or parcel] but not both on your auction page. If your buyer wants more choices, figure it yourself at the end of auction via USPS website.
I was online with an ebay rep for over an hour and they checked my listing. Everything in listing was correct...shipping calculator has a problem.
Just wanted to share my experience with you so you don't have to go stop auctions like I had to do because ebay's shipping calculator was computing the wrong figure.
The following happened: If the package went over the cubic foot rule and I selected 'package', the priority mail rate came up incorrect but the parcel rate was correct.
If I selected 'large package' the priority mail rate came up correct but the parcel rate was incorrect.
Moral of the story if shipping via USPS: Until ebay fixes the problem, only offer one choice of shipping [either priority or parcel] but not both on your auction page. If your buyer wants more choices, figure it yourself at the end of auction via USPS website.
I was online with an ebay rep for over an hour and they checked my listing. Everything in listing was correct...shipping calculator has a problem.
Just wanted to share my experience with you so you don't have to go stop auctions like I had to do because ebay's shipping calculator was computing the wrong figure.
typing in the STUPID DEMENSIONS on paypal yesterday yielded a weird thing. Parcel post was .30 less than Priority mail for a few pound box about the size of a flat rate box? And it would have taken upto 9 days for practically the same price??? GET your ACT TOGETHER USPS, or UPS will wipe the floor with you... and they have REAL tracking! Now, if they'd just lower they're prices a little!
i just had the same experience. it is senseless. i usually send paypal and print all shipping label at home. the measurements for riority packages shipped from from home is required as well or the label wont print. it sucks.
just an "fyi" for some of you.....
what i also noticed was this:
i usually use "flat shipping rates" in all of my auctions.....so, with the new rate hikes, what i "had" been doing was opening up feebays shipping calculator wizard in their SIY form to figure out what the rate 'would be' for my item and then i would add my s/h fee and use that as my flat ship rate.
HOWEVER, feebay's rates are WRONG!!!! they are off by at least $1.00 on all shipment types (for USPS at least)....because i would be on the usps web site and i would be in paypal doing a "mock shipment" at the same time comparing the rates and what i found was that both paypal and the usps had the same (higher rate of course) and feebay was off by at least $1.....so when people paid for their item it would be let's say $5.20 for shipping, but when i actually went to ship it via paypal, it was $1 MORE!!!
so, any of you that may rely on feebay's shipping wizard, just know that it is OFFFFFF and can drastically hurt your bottom line and out-of-pocket expenses.
good luck,
kathleen
what i also noticed was this:
i usually use "flat shipping rates" in all of my auctions.....so, with the new rate hikes, what i "had" been doing was opening up feebays shipping calculator wizard in their SIY form to figure out what the rate 'would be' for my item and then i would add my s/h fee and use that as my flat ship rate.
HOWEVER, feebay's rates are WRONG!!!! they are off by at least $1.00 on all shipment types (for USPS at least)....because i would be on the usps web site and i would be in paypal doing a "mock shipment" at the same time comparing the rates and what i found was that both paypal and the usps had the same (higher rate of course) and feebay was off by at least $1.....so when people paid for their item it would be let's say $5.20 for shipping, but when i actually went to ship it via paypal, it was $1 MORE!!!
so, any of you that may rely on feebay's shipping wizard, just know that it is OFFFFFF and can drastically hurt your bottom line and out-of-pocket expenses.
good luck,
kathleen
quote:Originally posted by Sell-it-Now_Auction-Express:
good luck,
kathleen
Personal note Kathleen...did you my posting in the eBay Talk?
I know of someone wanting to liquidate their entire eBay inventory at wholesale costs.
They are hitting the road for real retirement and are liquidating. She's a member of ASM, too. Very trustworthy.
Get with me if you're interested or follow the info I posted.
Good Luck,
Donna
Hi Donna!
No, I didn't see that post....I'll go look for it now.....I just got off the phone with one of my buyers....we were haggling over some perfumes (I was trying to sell her more *he,he,he*)....wedding is coming up quick and $$ is sure "tight".....and I have to pay for the dj still since you won't be singing for me *sniff,sniff*
cheers,
kathleen
No, I didn't see that post....I'll go look for it now.....I just got off the phone with one of my buyers....we were haggling over some perfumes (I was trying to sell her more *he,he,he*)....wedding is coming up quick and $$ is sure "tight".....and I have to pay for the dj still since you won't be singing for me *sniff,sniff*
cheers,
kathleen
Lurch-deeann
We have received word that you have filed a support case for a Mr.Poster issue. I cant seemed to find it. Our engineering staff said that they have a resolution for this issue. Please reply back with your support case number
or email it to support@auctiva.com
Thank you,
Auctiva Support
We have received word that you have filed a support case for a Mr.Poster issue. I cant seemed to find it. Our engineering staff said that they have a resolution for this issue. Please reply back with your support case number
or email it to support@auctiva.com
Thank you,
Auctiva Support
quote:Originally posted by lurch-deeann:
This is a different issue from the one you ran into which is packages exceeding 1 cubic foot shipping via Priority Mail to zones 5, 6, 7, 8 now go by dim weight or actual weight, whichever is greater (and it's often going to be dim weight).
Here is some more info on this.
http://pe.usps.com/RateCase2007/QSG_HTML/Q120.htm
Actually, it sounds like you were being told about what qualifies as machinable for discount parcels. And I don't think this applies to Priority Mail at all.
[QUOTE]Originally posted by queen_mab:
how am i supposed to know ahead of time what type of shipping the buyer will pick? something like makeup, say, that the buyer wants sent first class, will end up in a lil padded envelope. if they want priority, it'll be a completely different shape. altho i realize the whole thing sucks, does anyone have any ideas? thanks![quote]
How can you not know how you will ship the item? Every item I ship has one packaging type for itself. It will never change depending on service type. I'm lucky that I never have to ship anything resembling an envelope. All my stuff requires boxes. But in order to use calculated shipping, I have to have the total package weight of each item and the dimensions before I ship it, so I can't not know the package type. Once you know your package, service type doesn't matter if you use calculated shipping. Not only is calculated easy in my opinion, but it ensures buyers are paying actual cost, not more or less, which helps us both.
This is why I use calculated. Otherwise I'd have to sit down and really get to know the postal requirements and rates, which I don't care to do. I know enough to ship every type of package I need, and if I don't know I can find it on USPS.com or in my personal shipping guides, which I created based on USPS standards.
And using USPS supplied boxes makes it a breeze. The USPS rates and standards are not too difficult if you use calculated. Most of the time you don't need to worry about oversizes, non-machinable, or balloon rates. And the beauty is you never have to worry about dim weights if you use calculated. As long as you enter the dimensions and weight, everything else will be calculated for you. This is why I think calculated is easier.
how am i supposed to know ahead of time what type of shipping the buyer will pick? something like makeup, say, that the buyer wants sent first class, will end up in a lil padded envelope. if they want priority, it'll be a completely different shape. altho i realize the whole thing sucks, does anyone have any ideas? thanks![quote]
How can you not know how you will ship the item? Every item I ship has one packaging type for itself. It will never change depending on service type. I'm lucky that I never have to ship anything resembling an envelope. All my stuff requires boxes. But in order to use calculated shipping, I have to have the total package weight of each item and the dimensions before I ship it, so I can't not know the package type. Once you know your package, service type doesn't matter if you use calculated shipping. Not only is calculated easy in my opinion, but it ensures buyers are paying actual cost, not more or less, which helps us both.
This is why I use calculated. Otherwise I'd have to sit down and really get to know the postal requirements and rates, which I don't care to do. I know enough to ship every type of package I need, and if I don't know I can find it on USPS.com or in my personal shipping guides, which I created based on USPS standards.
And using USPS supplied boxes makes it a breeze. The USPS rates and standards are not too difficult if you use calculated. Most of the time you don't need to worry about oversizes, non-machinable, or balloon rates. And the beauty is you never have to worry about dim weights if you use calculated. As long as you enter the dimensions and weight, everything else will be calculated for you. This is why I think calculated is easier.
Hi Community,
Update!
We will be adding the ability to enter package dimensions when offering calculated shipping in conjunction with USPS shipping services to the Auctiva website as part of our next release, which is schedules to take place in the first week of June.
-Mike
Update!
We will be adding the ability to enter package dimensions when offering calculated shipping in conjunction with USPS shipping services to the Auctiva website as part of our next release, which is schedules to take place in the first week of June.
-Mike
If you go to the usps site and want to calculate postage for priority mail, you need to click on larger box.
That is not the balloon rate, it is for the larger than a cubic foot box rate.
First,you will need to fill in the weight, and zip code and pick larger box.
That will take you to a new window where you can put in the box size measurements.
Then you pick the way you plan to ship, priority, parcel etc.
If you use the usps branded priority boxes, they have the dimensions already printed on them, so you just plug them in and the rest of the info.
I have done this and it did work for me.
If you want to use calculated shipping with auctiva (as far as I know) you need to select when doing your listing what types of shipping you are offering, priority, first class etc. so that the customer can make a choice when the auction ends.
But if these are not branded usps boxes and they are going to zones 5-8, are larger than a cubic foot total and beyond a certain weight, then as of now Auctiva is not able to do it now.
I am anxiously awaiting them to do this as one never knows if the buyer will want to combine items into a larger box, where it is going to be shipped (zones 5-8) to and how much it will weigh in total.
Paypal also requires that when you print out a postage label that you put in the measurements of the box. It is very simple to do.
Once you pick priority it will ask you for the box measurments.
I have tried this and it worked with the branded boxes from usps.
But this is a nightmare when it comes to the non-branded ones that exceed the new rules and regulations.
So here is hoping that Auctiva updates soon as I really like this site, but need the updates to properly list.
That is not the balloon rate, it is for the larger than a cubic foot box rate.
First,you will need to fill in the weight, and zip code and pick larger box.
That will take you to a new window where you can put in the box size measurements.
Then you pick the way you plan to ship, priority, parcel etc.
If you use the usps branded priority boxes, they have the dimensions already printed on them, so you just plug them in and the rest of the info.
I have done this and it did work for me.
If you want to use calculated shipping with auctiva (as far as I know) you need to select when doing your listing what types of shipping you are offering, priority, first class etc. so that the customer can make a choice when the auction ends.
But if these are not branded usps boxes and they are going to zones 5-8, are larger than a cubic foot total and beyond a certain weight, then as of now Auctiva is not able to do it now.
I am anxiously awaiting them to do this as one never knows if the buyer will want to combine items into a larger box, where it is going to be shipped (zones 5-8) to and how much it will weigh in total.
Paypal also requires that when you print out a postage label that you put in the measurements of the box. It is very simple to do.
Once you pick priority it will ask you for the box measurments.
I have tried this and it worked with the branded boxes from usps.
But this is a nightmare when it comes to the non-branded ones that exceed the new rules and regulations.
So here is hoping that Auctiva updates soon as I really like this site, but need the updates to properly list.