eBay's calculated shipping is less than Canada Post's ?

[3islanders]

I've looked at old threads (2013, 2016) and wonder if anyone ever figured out why the calculated shipping comes up as less than Canada Post's website.  After spending a lot of time half-packing, measuring, weighing an item and wading through Canada Post's one-at-a-time find-a-rate pages for estimates, I checked the item immediately after listing it with the same postal codes I entered to test, and the shipping is less.  It's not much, but, you're already losing money on calculated shipping if you're being honest about it, since they take a fee on that too.

I don't see anywhere about offering discounts to buyers, and am pretty sure I haven't done so.

[ypdc_dennis]

eBay's calculated shipping should be giving you the over the counter rate.

I checked your Arches Watercolor Paper 12 x 16 listing and see $22.50 for regular parcel to N1R4A4. I used the Canada Post calculator and guessing with values of 50x40x7cm, 2.5g got $22.10 for cost to ship to N1R4A4 from your location. You know your numbers.

Are you adding any extras to regular parcel like insurance or signature? Both are extra cost and not included in eBay's calculation.

The only variable in the equation is the Fuel Surcharge which adjusted every month by Canada Post. If the rate goes up between the time the sale was made and the time you actually ship the parcel it will cost more at the counter.

November 4 saw rates going up 0.5-1.0% for different types of parcels. Next change is December 2.

https://www.canadapost.ca/web/en/kb/details.page?article=fuel_surcharges_on_m

You should be getting a discount off the regular rate when using your Canada Post Solutions for Small Business card to mail your parcel at the counter. Bigger discounts if you buy the label online from Shippo, PayPal or Canada Post's SnapShip. eBay's calculator does not include discounts in the result (the exception is when you set up your own discount percentage).

-..-

[femmefan1946]

@lotzofuniquegoodies 

Out of curiosity, how has it been able to show rates for Expedited if Expedited is not available over the counter?

When you register to sell with Shippo/eBay you need the Small Business Solutions number.

And that's what gives the Expedited rate.

[lotzofuniquegoodies]

Yes, but its supposed to be based on the over the counter rate. I have a level 2 discount. My final shipping is showing pennies difference as of late. Should be more if its being calculated according to that scenario.

[femmefan1946]

Which is lower eBay's estimate or the Canada Post website?

We do get slightly better rates on some services when we buy labels through eBay/Shippo, Paypal, or even SnapShip/Canada Post, including being able to use Expedited rates, which don't usually show* on the public website.

If this is consistent and your parcel will be near the edge of the rate, it might be a good idea to use slightly larger dimensions and weight on your Sell Your Item form, and make refunds if necessary. 
Or to increase your handling charge, which is not, by the way, seen by the buyer.

*Does this make our rates part of the "deep web"?

[3islanders]

eBay's rate on the auction page is lower than Canada Post's site. Although I'm not signed in to anything on Canada Post, the URL seems to indicate it's giving business rates. I don't use the Shippo etc. things; I just take it to the post office. I already estimate up a bit for weight and dimensions, but am putting the same numbers in both sites.

[lotzofuniquegoodies]

@ypdc_dennis 

Crazy question. Out of curiosity, how has it been able to show rates for Expedited if Expedited is not available over the counter? Only with a Small Business account. You only see Regular, Xpresspost and Priority for a basic parcel.

-Lotz

[pjcdn2005]

Expedited is available at the counter with a small business number.

[lotzofuniquegoodies]

The point being missed is the calculator is "supposed to be" based on the over the counter/website rate "without" a discount according to what we have been told for years.. Without a discount does not include/make available Expedited.

[ypdc_dennis]

Just because you don't see an over-the-counter rate for Expedited does not mean that Canada Post does not have one (even if that rate can never be used). Expedited uses the same basic rate table as Regular parcel (the main difference is that volumetric/dimensional weight is calculated differently).

[lotzofuniquegoodies]

@3islanders 

I've had a couple as of late that were a little off. One possibility is it is not including my very small handling fee. Seems to be about what the difference should be. Sales are so slow. Only will be able to tell if a few more items happen to sell.

-Lotz