eBay Postage Calculator Tool
Summary: lotzofuniquegoodies informs users about updates to eBay's Postage Calculator Tool, noting several limitations and missing features like insurance options and accurate UPS comparisons, particularly for Canadian users. They mention that the tool doesn't include taxes or fuel surcharges in its rate estimates, and that discounts on services like UPS Standard seem inconsistent depending on package weight. chicweb identifies a specific bug where the UPS filter doesn't display available options. flipistics engages in the conversation to verify details and discusses potential discrepancies in how surcharges are applied, particularly for remote locations and specific shipping types. The conversation highlights confusion and a need for clarification on how the new tool handles discounts, fees, and calculations.
FYI one and all. In the last few days eBay has replaced the previous version of the Postage Calculator Tool.
https://www.ebay.ca/shp/calc/rates
Now bare bones. No way to add additional features like added insurance or shipping tubes. Used to have a drop down of packing types that were not more USPS similar. You get a list of all available services but are unable to compare non discounted vs non discounted.
- First screen shot does not include UPS option in Canada.
- Second screen shot to USA missing UPS.
- Third screenshot does not include ups options to UK.
- Handling charge option is missing.
- Limit for insurance "appears to be" maximum 100.00 with Fedex as per tool.
- Service Sort is random vs by shipping company.
- Rates noted are estimates only. All based on 5 cm x 5 cm x 5 cm and .500 kg. Ebay default.
Canada
USA
UK
chicweb
·1 year agoI see a bug with UPS indeed..
When using the UPS filter, it doesn't show any shipping available. Seems to work with fedex and canada post.
When NOT using the filter (unselected all active filter), it shows UPS in the listing with others.. So this is a bug with the UPS filter specifically.
@devon@ebay
lotzofuniquegoodies
OP1 year ago@chicweb
Same issue was built into the original calculator. UPS was skipped as option for comparison.
The big misses is no way to compare with or without discounts and it doesn't include applicable tax based on shipping from/to location and fuel surcharge.
flipistics
·1 year agoAre you sure it doesn't include the fuel surcharge?
lotzofuniquegoodies
OP1 year ago@flipistics
Disclaimer that is included with each search test you make.
Disclaimer: This shipping calculator is intended for informational use only and does not include all potential applicable fees. By using shipping calculator, you acknowledge that eBay is making no representations or guarantees regarding actual fee and sales amounts and that the results are estimates only.
Similar to the announcements regarding expedited lite. Base rate only. With the original calculator tool fuel/tax/optional handling were all factored in. Anyone using flat rate shipping would really be, to quote Bon Jovi, Living on a prayer. If you check compare minimum/maximum with the search results they are at both ends of a spectrum.
Doing a quick test it does not appear air stage beyond charges have been factored in to their math. Checked a parcel going Expedited lite to Baker Lake in Nunuvut. Shows 9.17. Was substantially higher with original tool. (Fedex Intl Economy 180.52/Fedex Ground 210.74 both after discount 🤣)
flipistics
·1 year ago@lotzofuniquegoodies Yeah, I know the disclaimer is there. I would suspect that would have more to do with possible brokerage charges though. When I compare the two tools for some of my items, I'm getting the exact same prices on the new tool as the old one (except the new tool only shows the negotiated rates and actually shows UPS) which match the calculated prices that show on my listings. Maybe it's broken for expedited lite and remote locations(?) but it seems to be including the fuel surcharges.
lotzofuniquegoodies
OP1 year ago@flipistics
Probably should state clearly for tranparency. Wonder if we can get clarification either way? It shows the same disclaimers for Canada/USA/Intl. See post 1. If it was customs that's a given and at their discretion when to apply. See screenshot below for Expedited lite sample rates and its disclaimer. Not really may. It should be does.
I just tested with one of my listings a light item going to Baker Lake. Shipping shows as 8.28 for Expedited lite. 24.83 for Regular parcel. Drops to 22.88 using the CP Calculator tool Regular/Expedited. Based on the shipping tool discount of 14% that should bring them down to 21.85. So something is a bit wonky. My previous testing with the old tool showed a major difference for air stage offices using expedited lite. I remember because I had to use a work around with the prepaid shipping boxes when item fit.
As a side according to the CP discount levels page Expedited should have a discount UP TO 32% for level 4. No discount noted for regular parcel yet we are seeing the same rates for both services.
https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/small-business/shipping-discounts.page
Toronto to Toronto
$5.05
Toronto to Montreal
$5.70
Toronto to Halifax
$5.87
Toronto to Vancouver
$5.94
Toronto to Yellowknife
$5.99
*These are base rates. Fuel surcharges and taxes may apply.
lotzofuniquegoodies
OP1 year agoNote tool does not include any applicable tax or fuel surcharge in estimate. A seller would need that information if they rely on flat rate shipping.
CP version of tool without discount below. Includes tax and current fuel surcharge.
lotzofuniquegoodies
OP1 year agoIn doing a bit more follow up testing with the new calculator tool any applicable discount using UPS Standard varies depending on the weight of package.
UPS Standard
.200 - 72%
.5 kg - 69%
1.0 kg - 67%
2.0 kg - 67%
5.0 Kg - 66%
Expedited Canada
.200 kg - 29%
.500 kg - 29%
1.0 Kg - 28%
2.0 Kg - 26%
5.0 Kg - 31%
In all my years of shipping and freight rate negotiations I have never seen random discounts. Negotiate a discount (single number) - Apply.
Disclaimer to above: There may be times that the discount will be lower the more you ship.