Prices for shipping changing from when I buy label to when it's charged

[princessjainascloset]

For a few weeks now I've been noticing that the Ebay shipping label fees, when they get posted to my payment account, seem higher than the cost I remember paying when I bought the label. I started keeping screenshots. On Feb. 5, I shipped a figure to the US with Fedex, through Ebay, and it charged me $18.68. I took two screenshots.  I've checked every day to see when that would be posted, and it was today, February 11, and the charge is $24.37.  I suspect this is happening on more shipments and if it's happening to me, it could be happening to others. I'm waiting for Ebay to call me and will ask them about it, but posting in the meantime so others can start checking the amounts charged for shipments and whether or not that matches what's actually coming through. 

[reallynicestamps]

FEdex are notorious for adding to advertised fees.

Don't trust what you see.

Use UPS which may appear more expensive but which is more reliable, or Canada Post when the package fits their acceptable parameters.

Bonus- while UPS is an American company and all profits go south, Canada Post's profits go to the Canadian treasury.

It's not eBay it's FedEx.

[princessjainascloset]

Thanks, Ebay customer service confirmed this.  Will be asking why this is permitted and why we are not notified when Fedex "adjusts" a shipment, and why Ebay can't put in the proper formula to quote actual Fedex prices. 

Also interesting - I was clearly not the first call about this, she knew exactly what I was talking about. Just kept saying that Fedex was permitted to change the cost based on the weight and size they calculated (and my calculations are accurate).  Kept saying it wasn't Ebay, it was Fedex, and could not answer why Ebay could not use the Fedex formula to give us accurate pricing. Did not also answer when I asked if UPS and Canada Post could also change the costs after purchase.  She also could not answer when I asked why this wasn't in the fine print at the bottom, or why Ebay wouldn't notify sellers that the actual price might be different in the fine print before purchasing the label.

[brettjet38]

FedEx packaging guidelines

Calculating Dimensional Weight

Dimensional weight applies when the package is relatively light compared with its volume. If the dimensional weight exceeds the actual weight, charges based on the dimensional weight will be assessed. To calculate dimensional weight:

• Multiply length by width by height in centimeters.
• Divide by 5000 for domestic and international shipments and round up to determine the dimensional weight in kilograms.
• Compare the dimensional weight and actual weight. Your billable weight is the greater of the actual weight or dimensional weight.

Dimensions

Providing accurate dimensions is critical to getting an accurate shipping quote and ensuring there are no surprises after you ship, such as the item being returned or additional charges.

Measuring Length and Girth

Step 1: Determining Length

• Measure the longest side of the package, rounding to the nearest centimeter. This is your length.

Step 2: Determining Girth (2 x width + 2 x height)

• Measure the width of the package, rounding to the nearest centimeter. Multiply this number by 2.
• Measure the height of the package, rounding to the nearest centimeter. Multiply this number by 2.
• Add these to numbers together. This is your girth.

Shipment Size and Weight Restrictions

• You can ship packages up to 68 kg (higher of actual or dimensional weight).
• Package dimensions can be up to 274 cm in length and 419 cm in length and girth depending on selected service.
• Learn more about FedEx size and weight restrictions.

Consequences For Exceeding Size and Weight Limits

Make sure you do not exceed the weight and size restrictions. If the package exceeds these weight and size restrictions, the carrier may still accept your parcel, but you will be billed for additional charges that can be very high.Learn more about other charges that can affect your FedEx Shipping rate.

This information is shown when you select Fed Ex using eBay Canada Shipping labels, did you read it?

For UPS it says

UPS packaging guidelines

Calculating Dimensional Weight

Dimensional weight applies when the package is relatively light compared with its volume. If the dimensional weight exceeds the actual weight, charges based on the dimensional weight will be assessed. To calculate dimensional weight:

• Multiply length by width by height in centimeters.
• Divide by 5000 for domestic and international shipments and round up to determine the dimensional weight in kilograms.
• Compare the dimensional weight and actual weight. Your billable weight is the greater of the actual weight or dimensional weight.

Dimensions

Providing accurate dimensions is critical to getting an accurate shipping quote and ensuring there are no surprises after you ship, such as the item being returned or additional charges.

Measuring Length and Girth

Step 1: Determining Length

• Measure the longest side of the package, rounding to the nearest centimeter. This is your length.

Step 2: Determining Girth (2 x width + 2 x height)

• Measure the width of the package, rounding to the nearest centimeter. Multiply this number by 2.
• Measure the height of the package, rounding to the nearest centimeter. Multiply this number by 2.
• Add these to numbers together. This is your girth.

Shipment Size and Weight Restrictions

• You can ship packages up to 68 kg (higher of actual or dimensional weight).
• Package dimensions can be up to 274 cm in length and 419 cm in length and girth.
• Learn more about UPS size and weight restrictions.

Consequences For Exceeding Size and Weight Limits

Make sure you do not exceed the weight and size restrictions. If the package exceeds these weight and size restrictions, the carrier may still accept your parcel, but you will be billed for additional charges that can be very high.Learn more about other charges that can affect your UPS Shipping rate.

[princessjainascloset]

TLDR - Ebay doesn't know why my Fedex label increased in price. Consider checking yours.

First Ebay customer service agent tried to tell me that this was normal and that Fedex could just do this whenever.  I asked to speak to a manager who, after confirming all information, admitted that this was unusual and said she'd be looking into it and creating a service ticket. Said that if there are adjustments from carriers from time to time, like for a weight or size entered incorrectly, they are always given a reason which is clearly shown, and that there's nothing like that in this case. She could also see the price I originally agreed to without me sending screenshots.  She hopes to have an answer from Fedex within 2 weeks. I hope that the service ticket will also expose if this is happening to more people. 

[flipistics]

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@princessjainascloset wrote:

TLDR - Ebay doesn't know why my Fedex label increased in price. Consider checking yours.

First Ebay customer service agent tried to tell me that this was normal and that Fedex could just do this whenever.  I asked to speak to a manager who, after confirming all information, admitted that this was unusual and said she'd be looking into it and creating a service ticket. Said that if there are adjustments from carriers from time to time, like for a weight or size entered incorrectly, they are always given a reason which is clearly shown, and that there's nothing like that in this case. She could also see the price I originally agreed to without me sending screenshots.  She hopes to have an answer from Fedex within 2 weeks. I hope that the service ticket will also expose if this is happening to more people. 

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Fedex is notorious for this stuff.  Be thankful it was a $6 charge instead of $600. The best option is to just not use them.  I've had no issues with UPS (so far). The only issues I've had with Canada Post have been for Expedited Lite when either eBay or Canada Post periodically apply dimensional rates when they shouldn't.

[recped]

FYI - The price eBay shows when you buy a FedEx label are only estimates, if any of the dozens of possible surcharges FedEx might apply none of these will be shown by eBay in the estimate.

[lotzofuniquegoodies]

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@recped wrote:

FYI - The price eBay shows when you buy a FedEx label are only estimates, if any of the dozens of possible surcharges FedEx might apply none of these will be shown by eBay in the estimate.

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devon@ebay 

@princessjainascloset 

@recped 

With UPS/Fedex if the amount displayed when seller creates a label is an estimate, it would be good to know what buyer is being shown when the invoice is sent to them for payment? Especially when calculated shipping is in play and accurate measurements have been provided. Give or take, around  or a guesstimate is not super helpful from a sellers perspective. Billing is real time as is payment. 

-Lotz

Regarding Fedex/UPS being "notorious" for upcharges, when eBay first announced these add on negotiated rates they came with an explanation of what was or wasn't included. If that original information is still available I am unable to confirm. There may have been modifications after the fact. I believe 2 were residentual pickup/residential delivery at no extra charge. Anything like that should be tied to the calculator and the negotiated rate, including any add on surcharges etc. This way no surprises for both seller or buyer.