Combined Shipping Weight Question
Summary: pepejf is seeking advice on how to configure combined shipping for items with varying weights and packaging. They present scenarios involving different item quantities and seek guidance on weight calculations for listing and rules for combined shipping. flipistics suggests simplifying the shipping process by using flat rate shipping to avoid complexities and offers specific suggestions for Canadian and US destinations, emphasizing the importance of a clear return policy. femmefan1946 advises considering the size of the envelope and the destination, suggesting using Canada Post tools and resources for accurate pricing and discounts. Both responders offer practical strategies for optimizing shipping processes and costs while maintaining customer satisfaction.
I'm quite confused with the configuration of Combined Shipping. Here's a common scenario I have. How should I configure the combined shipping for weight please.
My items weight about 10g (1/3 oz). With packaging and the shipping envelope, the total package weight is 90g (3 oz) : 10g for item, 30g for packaging, 50g for envelope.
Here are some combined shipping scenarios:
- 3 items. Fits in same envelope. Total weight should be around 120g (30g + 40g packaging + 50g env.)
- 5 items. Still fits in same envelope. Total weight should be around 150g (50g + 50g packaging + 50g env.)
- 10 items. I need a box here. Total weight would be around 250g (100g + 70g packaging + 80g for box)
What weight should I put to my item when I set list it?
What rule should I use for combined shipping : add all weights or add all weight minus an amont. If the latter, what amount?
Thanks
femmefan1946
·2 years agoYou left out the size of the envelope and the destination.
We cannot send items outside of Canada without a customs label which means we need to use Small Packet Air or Tracked Packet.
Tracked Packet USA offers a substantial discount if purchased through eBay.
And even a birtday card can be big enough to move from the 99c /30gr rate to the $1.40/ 50gr/OverSize rate.
I'd suggest bookmarking this :
https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/tools/find-a-rate.page
And playing with the postal codes of your last dozen sales* to find what you should be charging.
And these:
https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/small-business/shipping-discounts.page
https://sso-osu.canadapost-postescanada.ca/pfe-pap/en/registration/business
To access Canada Post discounted shipping even for your non-eBay shipping.
Then make a chart near your digital scale on your shipping table.
You should also be deciding if you will pass those discounts on to your customers, or conserve them as part of your Cookie Jar Insurance program.
Shipping is the hardest part of mail order selling.
*you are keeping your own records separate from eBay, right?
flipistics
·2 years agoThis is just my opinion, but your entire shipping methodology seems overly complicated. If it was me I'd offer flat rate shipping. I'd probably offer something like $5 shipping in Canada via lettermail, $10 via expedited lite, and $10 to USA via tracked packet USA. You don't want someone buying just one low value card because the amount you make won't be anywhere close to being worth your time. Having a little cushion on the flat rate amount pockets you a little money if the buyer buys just one item, but at the same time gives them a great deal if they're buying a bunch (which is what you want).
If you want to do a combined shipping rule, since size shouldn't be an issue, you can do it by weight. It's really kind of a pain though. The Canadian shipping options aren't set up to handle this sort of scenario very well.
When looking through your listings, you should really fix a few things. First of all, you can't ship items to the States via lettermail (letterpost). Second, shipping to the States shouldn't cost you more than $8 via USA tracked packet and eBay labels. $22 that you have listed for 8 or more is going to turn off a lot of buyers. Third, get rid of the section talking about refunding an unhappy buyer for items under $25. You're literally telling people that they can get an item for free. You'd be much better off just saying that you have a full 30 day satisfaction policy and letting them keep the item IF you have to process a return. A free return policy for Canada and either free or buyer pays for the USA would probably serve you better. It gives the buyer more confidence and keeps all options open to you when an issue eventually occurs.