Label help ~ Shipping dimensions are showing different than my inputs
Summary: mymerrymarket asked for help understanding discrepancies between inputted and printed shipping label dimensions and weights. lotzofuniquegoodies confirmed this is a known issue, explaining that errors in label output can lead to inflated shipping costs. jtg204 elaborated that eBay's system inflates package dimensions due to a minimum size error, affecting charges based on volumetric weight. They suggested alternative platforms or label adjustments to mitigate the problem, although a long-term fix has not been provided by the platform. mymerrymarket expressed hope for a solution soon.
Hello everyone. I'm having a little trouble understanding the shipping labels. If someone could explain it to me, it would be greatly appreciated. I have a box that I put my items in. The dimensions are 5x5x5 inches. I input that to 13x13x13 cm. The weight was 259 grams. Everything was okay but when the label came out, I noticed these dimensions weren't what I input before printing the label. The printed label numbers were different. The label says 23x20x13 and also 1.200kg. I have trouble understanding simple things relating to math sometimes so if someone can explain it to me simply, I would be very glad. Thank you !
jtg204
·2 weeks ago · EditedA package measuring 13 × 13 × 13 cm has a volumetric equivalent (VE) of 0.4394 kg:
With Canada Post, postage is based on whichever is greater: the actual weight or the volumetric equivalent.
In your case, the package measures 13 × 13 × 13 cm and weighs 259 g, so the shipping rate should be based on the VE of 0.4394 kg, since it is greater than the actual weight.
The problem is that when purchasing Canada Post labels through eBay Labels, eBay incorrectly applies a minimum package size of 23 × 20 cm for W and L seperately. Despite this issue being reported, eBay has not fixed it.
As a result, instead of rating your package as 13 × 13 × 13 cm, the label is rated as 23 × 20 × 13 cm, which has a volumetric equivalent of:
Canada Post does not automatically adjust the charge back to the package's actual dimensions, so you end up being billed by eBay/Canada Post based on the inflated volumetric weight.
You can avoid this issue by purchasing Canada Post labels through platforms such as Shippo or netParcel, when you have dimensions falling into this issue. These allow you to enter the correct dimensions while still receiving the same discounted Canada Post rates available through eBay.
Another workaround may be to enter dimensions of 23 × 20 × 2.5 cm when creating the label and relying on Canada Post to correct the dimensions during processing and charge the correct amount. In your case, you could also try shipping it as Expedited Lite by entering a weight of 250 g instead.
Under normal circumstances, you would expect to be charged the Expedited Parcel rate for a package up to 0.5 kg. However, because eBay inflates the dimensions to 23 × 20 × 13 cm, the calculated volumetric weight exceeds both the 0.75 kg and 1.0 kg pricing thresholds, and you may ultimately be charged the rate for a package up to 1.5 kg.
If you want to see how much this error (*cough* scam) will cost, use eBay's "Get another label" option on the order and enter the dimensions 23 × 20 × 13 cm. That will provide an estimate of the amount eBay/Canada Post will charge using the incorrect dimensions.
mymerrymarket
OP2 weeks agoOh wow thank you for this. I really hope this is fixed soon.
lotzofuniquegoodies
·2 weeks ago · Edited@mymerrymarket
This has been an ongoing issue where the info inputted DOES NOT match what gets printed on the label inflating the shipping cost/final price which causing it to NOT correspond to what buyer paid.
As for the 5 x 5 x 5 observation that has been the default measurements ebay uses for expedited lite for internal use. It only becomes a problem when the dimensional weight calculates out to over 250 grams which "should" cause the shipment to not qualify for exp. lite and then in theory, should be default to expedited with the new charges prior to creating/printing a label.
@devon@ebay Are we any closer to a fix on this problem??? URGENT!!!!
mymerrymarket
OP2 weeks agoThank you for the info ! Is this something to worry about? What can I do ? Can I still use the label ?
lotzofuniquegoodies
·2 weeks ago@mymerrymarket
Unfortunately there is no way to correct or update the label. If you
try" to void the same situation will repeat itself. And apologies to be the bearer of bad news, if the actual weight was over the 250 grams either physically or dimensionally the bill you will receive (charges) will be with the higher amount.
We don't seem to be getting anywhere with actual solution from eBay on this problem. (There are several things going on under the hood connected to what you've just reported ...but all inter-related.)
As a side why it is VERY critical when creating listings that your inputted measurements are accurate. Always round up and build in the extra as a precaution when in doubt.
mymerrymarket
OP2 weeks agoGood to know ! I have a scale I use and also boxes I purchased that have the measurements on it. I hope we don't get in trouble if the measurements are wrong on the label. I am worried even tho the measurements show higher. I'm wondering if you get a charge for this
lotzofuniquegoodies
·2 weeks agoThe charges are taking from 3 to 7 days to process. Always best to monitor what it says at time of creation and what actual charge is. Why I keep a paper copy for my records to attach to my PS record. The detailed display (unsure if you can access with the app) will show what you physically inputted. Unsure why it doesn't jive when it prints. We just know that it does.
flipistics
·2 weeks agoJust as a note, the printed dimensions on boxes are usually the INSIDE dimensions. It's VERY important to always measure the box!
In the future, if the small box is between 250g and 500g (and under 500g volumetric) you could try buying the label through Click Ship. They have a new small parcel rate with Canada Post. It's not as good as Expedited Lite for items under 250g, but it'll probably be a good deal cheaper for items between 250 and 500g.