Buyers from the United State not able to calculate shipping

[loml888]

Hi all...I am having trouble with the shipping calculator lately.  I've had a few emails from potential buyers in the United states saying that they cannot calculate shipping cost.  Not sure what I am doing wrong.  I've set the International shipping to calculate, not flat rate.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[mr.elmwood]

Shipping section has all the weights and dimensions?

I use flat rate as it is easier for buyers. Just MHO.

[rose-dee]

O.. M..G.., Mr. E. we agree again, just imagine!  

To the OP: Flat rate is simple, effective and highly controllable by the seller, which is why that is the only shipping method I use.  

[pocomocomputing]

Calculated shipping is simple, effective, accurate and gives the buyer the proper cost to their location. It is ideal to use within Canada when using Parcel services since the rates vary greatly by location. If you ship by Expedited parcel to the USA, there are 7 rate zones based on distance. Buyers who are closer will get lower shipping cost and buyers who are farther will get higher costs. The lower prices for shipping for closer buyers may help encourage sales to these buyers.

Calculated shipping needs ACCURATE information entered for the shipping package and dimensions that will be used. Because it is a calculator using what you give it, then Garbage In = Garbage Out (GIGO).

As for the Op's issue, you have most likely used the incorrect dimensions for the shipping service you have chosen. Each service has a minimum and maximum dimension and weight. You can only enter one set of dimensions but there can be differences in the min and max between domestic, USA and International shipping.

The eBay Canada shipping calculator does a very poor job (if any) of checking the data entered for the shipping services used. You need to know your dimensions and weight ranges for the services used. These are available on the Canad Post web site. Make a list of the dimensions and weight for your reference.

Within Canada, the common Parcel options or Regular and Expedited Parcel have a minimum of 10 x 7 x 0.1 cm.  To the USA the minimum for Expedited Parcel USA (no regular parcel available) is 21 x 14 x 0.5 cm. A big difference in the minimums.

If you do not meet the USA minimum, then the USA buyer will get an error message saying shipping cannot be calculated and to contact the seller. To fix this, you need to meet the minimum of 21 x 14 x 0.5 cm.  You will then need to use a bigger box or if you are close to the minimum by 1 cm or so, just change the dimensions in the calculator and ship in the existing package since it is so close. Canad Post will not check the package if it is close.

So check your dimensions minimum used. It will most likely fix you problem.

[pjcdn2005]

As poco mentioned, the problem is often with the measurements put in when using expedited USA. But it could also be because you are using the wrong service for that country as that can be a bit confusing. Sometimes a seller will input that they will be using small packet international service to the U.S. rather than a small packet USA In that case, the calculator wouldn't work for the U.S.

A few suggestions...

For at least some of your listings you are using international parcel surface or small packet surface for overseas packages. The first is really expensive and slow and the second choice less expensive but still very slow. Some people will use surface for heavy items but it often takes more than 6 weeks to arrive and a buyer is likely to file a claim long before that.  Most Canadian sellers will use small packet air for less expensive items.

For your more expensive items, you have to use a service that provides a signature for items and shipping that total $250+ if you want to be covered by Paypal protection. To the U.S. that would be xpresspost. For myself, I would be cautious about selling $300 and $400 items overseas but others are fine with it.

Your weights seem to be a bit off... For example item 171150449963. You are using small packet ground to the UK at a cost of $16.08 U.S. ...so you probably have the weight set at more than 500 gr. Unless it is a heavy t shirt it could probably be sent in a poly bag or a bubble mailer for under 250gr at a cost of $9.10 for small packet air international.