( 
)
USPS changed the shipping rates again on May 11, 2009. The changes are mainly small increases, which we will note in this guide. We still continue to examine the ongoing buyer-seller dilemma. How can sellers charge fair shipping fees, and still make a profit? Is there an easy way for buyers to analyze a seller's shipping policy to determine whether shipping is too high? (Please vote for this guide!)
First, let's become educated about USPS shipping. In 2007, USPS not only raised their rates, but also changed the method by which those rates are computed; placing their emphasis on the shape and size of packages, and machinability, rather than solely on weight. The theory is that costs can be contained by rewarding machinability; so the automated scanning and processing machines can be used to the fullest, and to reduce the need for human intervention. A small fee is charged for nonmachinable packages.
ACTUAL DOMESTIC MAILING COSTS
before 5/11/eff 5/11/ +change
Media Mail <1 pound $2.23 / $2.38/ +.15
1-2 pounds new rate $2.77
2-3 pounds new rate $3.16
Small increments by weight; maximum 70 pounds
Some Shapes, such as tubes and square envelopes, may require additional
postage
Priority Mail
for all zones for less than 1 pound $4.80/ $4.95 / +.15
After 1 pound, the rates increase in a non-linear manner, and there is an adjustment for increased distance. For example, a package of 1-2 pounds traveling from NY to Vermont would cost $4.95 but the same package going from NY to California would cost $8.70.
Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope ( 12-1/2" x 9-1/2") or box (8-5/8" x 5-3/8" x 1-5/8") regardless of weight or destination $4.75 / $4.95 / +.20
Priority Mail Flat Rate Medium Box (11" x 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" or 13-5/8" x 11-7/8" x 3-3/8") regardless of weight or destination $9.30 / 10.35 / +1.05
Priority Mail Flat Rate Large Box regardless of weight $12.50 / 13.95 / +1.40; a little lower for APO/FPO addresses: $11.95
First Class (Rectangular- No more than 12 inches high by 15 inches long by 3/4 inches thick;- Must not be rigid and must be uniformly thick ) package prices)rates vary from 1 oz. at $.71/ $1.22 / + $51
to a maximum of 13 oz. for 3.17 / $3.26 / + $.09
Delivery confirmation increased from $.75 to $.80; no longer free for Priority Mail.
Insurance costs $1.75 up to the first $50.00 of value/ old rate was $1.70 and varying amounts for each additional $50.00 in value. + $.05
How does this affect domestic BUYERS? The concerns for buyers have not changed:
1. Be aware of how much shipping actually costs and be on the lookout for sellers who charge excessive rates and handling fees. E-Bay has tightened their shipping guidelines, so this is less likely to happen than in the past.A few dollars for handling is fair, but $5 or $10 extra is gouging. If you don't read the seller's shipping policy before you bid or buy, then you have bought the inflated shipping cost as well as the item! Do an informal survey on the item, read the various seller's shipping policies, and get a feel for what to look for in a FAIR policy, and what to steer away from. Sellers sometimes charge a handling fee and shipping together as a flat rate, citing the cost of packing materials, the value of the labor for packaging an item, gas to go to the post office as reasons for the additional charges.
2. eBay has made it easier for buyers to report unfair shipping practices, responding to complaints about excessive shipping as they have in the past about other improper practices. If you encounter a listing with what seems like excessive shipping, drop the seller a line informing them that their shipping charges appear excessive, and ask for an explanation. Sellers are generally very helpful about answering questions, and clearing up any misconceptions about their policies. How a seller approaches your question is a good indicator of their general business philosophy. If you get a prompt, pleasant response, you can probably expect a smooth transaction, and I am sure you can fill in the blanks about rude or curt responses... there is a link on the bottom of every listing so you can make a complaint about excessive shipping.
INSURANCE: This has become a very hot issue. Buyers want to protect themselves against loss, and so do sellers. Personally, as a buyer and a seller, I would only consider insurance for one-of-a-kind, fragile, or very expensive items- but it is a personal decision.
HOW MUCH RISK ARE YOU PERSONALLY PREPARED TO TAKE? In a perfect world, we would all suffer no losses; whether we are acting as buyers or sellers. Customer service policies would be enforcable but enforcement would be unnecessary because everyone would treat everyone else fairly. Unfortunately, eBay is no more perfect a world than society at large, and nothing is simple. How much risk one will take is a subjective, peronal decision, as is the decision about how much one will try to take advantage of others and the point at which one believes he is being taken advantage of.
WHAT ARE THE CHOICES?
AS A BUYER-
- Is it enough for you to trust that on inexpensive items, you will bear potential loss, or would you rather be insured against any loss. Read the seller's terms before you bid or buy. They may not give an option for insurance, use the Post Office or another large carrier and offer insurance optionally or require it through them; offer coverage under a private policy they pay for or by personally guaranteeing a refund or replacement, charging you a fee. If you have a loss- does the buyer or seller file the claim? How long can you expect to wait for a remedy? Remember- insurance is protection against loss, and if you pay a premium for it and have no loss, then you do not get your premium back. Ask questions if you have them, and if you choose to buy from that seller, don't expect different terms if there is a problem. Don't use feedback as a weapon- it is against eBay's policies. Although the new feedback rules will not let sellers leave negatives, sellers are not required to leave feedback, and may result in a trend toward even stricter seller terms.
- For more expensive items, if you refuse insurance or it is not available, you may still be covered if you pay for your purchase through PayPal or a credit card, ot if you purchase eBay's buyer protection. Keep an eye on the time as there are waiting periods before a claim can be filed, and also time limits after which you have not recourse.
AS A SELLER-
State your terms clearly and follow through. Be clear about whether insurance is optional or required, what the source is, what the coverage terms are, who files the claim, how long claims will take, and what insurance will cost the buyer. Consider separating insurance charges from other handling fees so buyers can have an option, and weigh cost versus benefit. The Buyer Discussion Groups are full of complaints because buyers feel they are being charged for insurance they don't want, can't verify, and feel they don't need. You are trying to protect yourself from loss, but whatever honest intentions you have- there is a lot of suspicion out there regarding insurance issues. Some unscrupulous sellers, who had been overcharging for postage before eBay's excessive shipping sanctions took effect are switching to charging excessive insurance costs instead. So, if you are feeling a backlash lately about insurance, don't take it as a personal affront.
3. Know your shipping service. Media Mail and Parcel Post are good bargains, but they are not Priority Mail services. USPS estimates 4-10 days for delivery by non-Priority mail. Realistically, it can take up to 5 weeks for domestic mail delivery during holiday times, or if the package is traveling between distant points like New York and Alaska. That is because it does not have a reserved place on a truck, and must wait for the first available space. If you need an item faster, for example, a gift for someone or a textbook for a class- you would be better off using Priority or First Class Mail and paying a little more for the faster delivery time of 2-3 days.
4. When you find a seller with fair policies, and good merchandise, BOOKMARK the store or seller for future reference.
SELLERS may profit in the short term from gouging on shipping, but they do so at risk to their reputation (negative feedback) and ultimately to their detriment in the long term (loss of repeat business, sanctions from eBay). Such practices undermine the force of our community, and profit the competition. There are ways to keep your shipping prices low:
1. Use creative packaging: recycle, reuse boxes, bubble wrap and peanuts. It's good for the environment and saves on retail packaging purchases. Save film canisters, pill bottles with tops, and clean plastic bags for protecting small items. Buy a shredder and shred newspapers and junk mail for packing material.
2. Connect your errands and plan your route to save time and gasoline.
3. Use USPS “Click'n'Ship to print your postage and pay less for postage, and for delivery confirmation. For multiple orders, use PayPal MULTIORDER SHIPPING. which allows you to print all of your shipping transactions and packing slips at once, and you can select an option that produces a scannable number that ties all of the delivery confirmation numbers together as a single file. The postal clerk only has to scan this one form for all of your items to be entered as mailed.) You can schedule free carrier pickup- free if you have at least one Priority or Express Mail package.
4. Offer discounts for multiple-item purchases.
5. Explore prices of shippers other than USPS (UPS, DHL FedEx) as they may be a better buy for certain types of mail (for example: very large or weighty packages).
INTERNATIONAL RATE CHANGES- May 11th brings little change.
Priority International: zoned; this will give a general idea
flat rate envelope up to 4 pounds $9.95/$10.95-12.95/+$1.00-$3.00
Small flat rate box up to 4 pounds$9.95/$10.95-$12.95/+$1.00-$3.00
Regular flat rate box up to 20 pounds $23.95/25.95-41.95
Large flat rate box up to 20 pounds $29.95/$32.95-$53.95
First Class Rates- zoned - up to 64 ounces
1 oz. Package $1.18 / vary from $1.23 to $1.44/+$.05-$.26
64 oz. vary from 1 oz. package $16.77-$30.34
Remember that although this is a COMMUNITY- it is also the largest marketplace in the world. There are good and bad elements in proportion to those that exist in the real world. BUYERS-If the buy seems too good to be real, if it defies common sense- you probably ought to pass on it. SELLERS- If the temptation to push a sale feels sleazy, it probably is- remember that relative anonymity doesn't hide your actions from the one person that really matters to you- yourself.
Now- Go forth and eBay!
Thank you to my sources: US Government The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act text, USPS guide Rates and Fees effective May 11th, 2009, USPS guide Rates and Fees effective May 12th, 2008; e-Bay and the Bay sellers shipping board, and PayPal.
First, let's become educated about USPS shipping. In 2007, USPS not only raised their rates, but also changed the method by which those rates are computed; placing their emphasis on the shape and size of packages, and machinability, rather than solely on weight. The theory is that costs can be contained by rewarding machinability; so the automated scanning and processing machines can be used to the fullest, and to reduce the need for human intervention. A small fee is charged for nonmachinable packages.
ACTUAL DOMESTIC MAILING COSTS
before 5/11/eff 5/11/ +change
Media Mail <1 pound $2.23 / $2.38/ +.15
1-2 pounds new rate $2.77
2-3 pounds new rate $3.16
Small increments by weight; maximum 70 pounds
Some Shapes, such as tubes and square envelopes, may require additional
postage
Priority Mail
for all zones for less than 1 pound $4.80/ $4.95 / +.15
After 1 pound, the rates increase in a non-linear manner, and there is an adjustment for increased distance. For example, a package of 1-2 pounds traveling from NY to Vermont would cost $4.95 but the same package going from NY to California would cost $8.70.
Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope ( 12-1/2" x 9-1/2") or box (8-5/8" x 5-3/8" x 1-5/8") regardless of weight or destination $4.75 / $4.95 / +.20
Priority Mail Flat Rate Medium Box (11" x 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" or 13-5/8" x 11-7/8" x 3-3/8") regardless of weight or destination $9.30 / 10.35 / +1.05
Priority Mail Flat Rate Large Box regardless of weight $12.50 / 13.95 / +1.40; a little lower for APO/FPO addresses: $11.95
First Class (Rectangular- No more than 12 inches high by 15 inches long by 3/4 inches thick;- Must not be rigid and must be uniformly thick ) package prices)rates vary from 1 oz. at $.71/ $1.22 / + $51
to a maximum of 13 oz. for 3.17 / $3.26 / + $.09
Delivery confirmation increased from $.75 to $.80; no longer free for Priority Mail.
Insurance costs $1.75 up to the first $50.00 of value/ old rate was $1.70 and varying amounts for each additional $50.00 in value. + $.05
How does this affect domestic BUYERS? The concerns for buyers have not changed:
1. Be aware of how much shipping actually costs and be on the lookout for sellers who charge excessive rates and handling fees. E-Bay has tightened their shipping guidelines, so this is less likely to happen than in the past.A few dollars for handling is fair, but $5 or $10 extra is gouging. If you don't read the seller's shipping policy before you bid or buy, then you have bought the inflated shipping cost as well as the item! Do an informal survey on the item, read the various seller's shipping policies, and get a feel for what to look for in a FAIR policy, and what to steer away from. Sellers sometimes charge a handling fee and shipping together as a flat rate, citing the cost of packing materials, the value of the labor for packaging an item, gas to go to the post office as reasons for the additional charges.
2. eBay has made it easier for buyers to report unfair shipping practices, responding to complaints about excessive shipping as they have in the past about other improper practices. If you encounter a listing with what seems like excessive shipping, drop the seller a line informing them that their shipping charges appear excessive, and ask for an explanation. Sellers are generally very helpful about answering questions, and clearing up any misconceptions about their policies. How a seller approaches your question is a good indicator of their general business philosophy. If you get a prompt, pleasant response, you can probably expect a smooth transaction, and I am sure you can fill in the blanks about rude or curt responses... there is a link on the bottom of every listing so you can make a complaint about excessive shipping.
INSURANCE: This has become a very hot issue. Buyers want to protect themselves against loss, and so do sellers. Personally, as a buyer and a seller, I would only consider insurance for one-of-a-kind, fragile, or very expensive items- but it is a personal decision.
HOW MUCH RISK ARE YOU PERSONALLY PREPARED TO TAKE? In a perfect world, we would all suffer no losses; whether we are acting as buyers or sellers. Customer service policies would be enforcable but enforcement would be unnecessary because everyone would treat everyone else fairly. Unfortunately, eBay is no more perfect a world than society at large, and nothing is simple. How much risk one will take is a subjective, peronal decision, as is the decision about how much one will try to take advantage of others and the point at which one believes he is being taken advantage of.
WHAT ARE THE CHOICES?
AS A BUYER-
- Is it enough for you to trust that on inexpensive items, you will bear potential loss, or would you rather be insured against any loss. Read the seller's terms before you bid or buy. They may not give an option for insurance, use the Post Office or another large carrier and offer insurance optionally or require it through them; offer coverage under a private policy they pay for or by personally guaranteeing a refund or replacement, charging you a fee. If you have a loss- does the buyer or seller file the claim? How long can you expect to wait for a remedy? Remember- insurance is protection against loss, and if you pay a premium for it and have no loss, then you do not get your premium back. Ask questions if you have them, and if you choose to buy from that seller, don't expect different terms if there is a problem. Don't use feedback as a weapon- it is against eBay's policies. Although the new feedback rules will not let sellers leave negatives, sellers are not required to leave feedback, and may result in a trend toward even stricter seller terms.
- For more expensive items, if you refuse insurance or it is not available, you may still be covered if you pay for your purchase through PayPal or a credit card, ot if you purchase eBay's buyer protection. Keep an eye on the time as there are waiting periods before a claim can be filed, and also time limits after which you have not recourse.
AS A SELLER-
State your terms clearly and follow through. Be clear about whether insurance is optional or required, what the source is, what the coverage terms are, who files the claim, how long claims will take, and what insurance will cost the buyer. Consider separating insurance charges from other handling fees so buyers can have an option, and weigh cost versus benefit. The Buyer Discussion Groups are full of complaints because buyers feel they are being charged for insurance they don't want, can't verify, and feel they don't need. You are trying to protect yourself from loss, but whatever honest intentions you have- there is a lot of suspicion out there regarding insurance issues. Some unscrupulous sellers, who had been overcharging for postage before eBay's excessive shipping sanctions took effect are switching to charging excessive insurance costs instead. So, if you are feeling a backlash lately about insurance, don't take it as a personal affront.
3. Know your shipping service. Media Mail and Parcel Post are good bargains, but they are not Priority Mail services. USPS estimates 4-10 days for delivery by non-Priority mail. Realistically, it can take up to 5 weeks for domestic mail delivery during holiday times, or if the package is traveling between distant points like New York and Alaska. That is because it does not have a reserved place on a truck, and must wait for the first available space. If you need an item faster, for example, a gift for someone or a textbook for a class- you would be better off using Priority or First Class Mail and paying a little more for the faster delivery time of 2-3 days.
4. When you find a seller with fair policies, and good merchandise, BOOKMARK the store or seller for future reference.
SELLERS may profit in the short term from gouging on shipping, but they do so at risk to their reputation (negative feedback) and ultimately to their detriment in the long term (loss of repeat business, sanctions from eBay). Such practices undermine the force of our community, and profit the competition. There are ways to keep your shipping prices low:
1. Use creative packaging: recycle, reuse boxes, bubble wrap and peanuts. It's good for the environment and saves on retail packaging purchases. Save film canisters, pill bottles with tops, and clean plastic bags for protecting small items. Buy a shredder and shred newspapers and junk mail for packing material.
2. Connect your errands and plan your route to save time and gasoline.
3. Use USPS “Click'n'Ship to print your postage and pay less for postage, and for delivery confirmation. For multiple orders, use PayPal MULTIORDER SHIPPING. which allows you to print all of your shipping transactions and packing slips at once, and you can select an option that produces a scannable number that ties all of the delivery confirmation numbers together as a single file. The postal clerk only has to scan this one form for all of your items to be entered as mailed.) You can schedule free carrier pickup- free if you have at least one Priority or Express Mail package.
4. Offer discounts for multiple-item purchases.
5. Explore prices of shippers other than USPS (UPS, DHL FedEx) as they may be a better buy for certain types of mail (for example: very large or weighty packages).
INTERNATIONAL RATE CHANGES- May 11th brings little change.
Priority International: zoned; this will give a general idea
flat rate envelope up to 4 pounds $9.95/$10.95-12.95/+$1.00-$3.00
Small flat rate box up to 4 pounds$9.95/$10.95-$12.95/+$1.00-$3.00
Regular flat rate box up to 20 pounds $23.95/25.95-41.95
Large flat rate box up to 20 pounds $29.95/$32.95-$53.95
First Class Rates- zoned - up to 64 ounces
1 oz. Package $1.18 / vary from $1.23 to $1.44/+$.05-$.26
64 oz. vary from 1 oz. package $16.77-$30.34
Remember that although this is a COMMUNITY- it is also the largest marketplace in the world. There are good and bad elements in proportion to those that exist in the real world. BUYERS-If the buy seems too good to be real, if it defies common sense- you probably ought to pass on it. SELLERS- If the temptation to push a sale feels sleazy, it probably is- remember that relative anonymity doesn't hide your actions from the one person that really matters to you- yourself.
Now- Go forth and eBay!
Thank you to my sources: US Government The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act text, USPS guide Rates and Fees effective May 11th, 2009, USPS guide Rates and Fees effective May 12th, 2008; e-Bay and the Bay sellers shipping board, and PayPal.
Guide created: 10/09/05 (updated 11/18/09)
Thank you for voting. If your vote meets our 
