Tips to save money on shipping

[km018]

I've been a very small time seller for a while, but I am trying to expand. In the past I used USPS 1st class mail for items less then 4 oz. I used USPS Priority for anything up to 4 lbs, and generally UPS Ground for items over 4 lbs.

I generally just print all of my labels though ebay/paypal. Can anyone supply some tips to save on shipping? I see some use some sort of Parcel for small items. What do you do to save money. That seems to be one of the biggest expenses and profit cutters for me. Thanks.

[boost]

Well for one, PS and TRS get a "shipping discount". This USED to apply to even small flat rate boxes. Then I noticed in January that it no longer applies to the flat rate boxes, only medium flat rate and some other things. So basically you don't get anything for discount any more. The only other thing is when you go through ebay/paypal shipping, you are getting commerical base rate so it's cheaper than going to the post office to do it and if you ship flat rate, you automatically get a tracking number free, opposed to 90 cents at the post office.

If it will fit into a padded envelope and is less than 13 ounces, ship it first class mail. If it is VHS / DVDs / Books then stick it in a box and ship it media mail. Media mail is THE cheapest but will take forever and more times than not I don't think there is even a tracking number. First class I use but most of the time I utilize flat rate boxes and the padded flat rate envelopes.

I offer "free shipping" on auctions now since some buyer wanted to give me a 1 star DSR on shipping cost, when I actually LOST money by under changing on shipping. Never again will I get screwed that way. Free shipping plus a 1 day turn around, no complaints.

[ateep22]

how do people in china sell stuff for 99 cents shipped??

[km018]

What I'm looking for is...are there advantages as to when to use UPS Ground or FedEx as apposed to USPS? Also what are advantages of using stamps.com? Things like this would be great!

[boost]

Because the Chinese items are a mere cents to make, then shipping it registered from there is cheap as well. Shipping rates are different in all countries.

As for the UPS/FedEx question....USPS will always be cheaper until you get up into the heavy items. USPS is usually faster than UPS/FedEx as well if going cross country....even if you ship it first class. The exception will be media mail.

[corleone]

First class is cheaper than media mail for items under 8 ounces.

Originally Posted by boost

Well for one, PS and TRS get a "shipping discount". This USED to apply to even small flat rate boxes. Then I noticed in January that it no longer applies to the flat rate boxes, only medium flat rate and some other things. So basically you don't get anything for discount anymore. The only other thing is when you go through ebay/paypal shipping, you are getting commerical base rate so it's cheaper than going to the post office to do it and if you ship flat rate, you automatically get a tracking number free, opposed to 90 cents at the post office.

If it will fit into a padded envelope and is less than 13 ounces, ship it first class mail. If it is VHS / DVDs / Books then stick it in a box and ship it media mail. Media mail is THE cheapest but will take forever and more times than not I don't think there is even a tracking number. First class I use but most of the time I utilize flat rate boxes and the padded flat rate envelopes.

I offer "free shipping" on auctions now since some buyer wanted to give me a 1 star DSR on shipping cost, when I actually LOST money by under changing on shipping. Never again will I get screwed that way. Free shipping plus a 1 day turn around, no complaints.

[boost]

Originally Posted by corleone

First class is cheaper than media mail for items under 8 ounces.

As I said, under 13 oz use first class...books, VHS, DVDs etc use media mail.

[AmazonStealth]

The issue on how they sell for .99, it is more complicated than the comment by boost.

[zoneout]

I used to use Fedex alot but now almost exclusively ship USPS. You cant beat the cost, speed, and convenience of USPS. Only time I use Fedex now is if it is going to a business address you get much lower rates than home delivery.

[corleone]

Originally Posted by boost

As I said, under 13 oz use first class...books, VHS, DVDs etc use media mail.

That's what I get for speed reading.

[TurtleCove]

Originally Posted by zoneout

I used to use Fedex alot but now almost exclusively ship USPS. You cant beat the cost, speed, and convenience of USPS. Only time I use Fedex now is if it is going to a business address you get much lower rates than home delivery.

I think you'd be singing a different tune, if you were shipping items 20 pounds plus....

[vogeltron]

Originally Posted by TurtleCove

I think you'd be singing a different tune, if you were shipping items 20 pounds plus....

Items under a few pounds USPS is best. Or heavier if you can fit in the flat rate boxes. But yes, Fedex and UPS are usually best for items over five pounds or more. What I do hate about them is I am billed and invoice for one price then they tack on all kinds of chargers afterwards. At-least with USPS what the quote you is what they pay. I will give them credit for that.

[ateep22]

Originally Posted by AmazonStealth

The issue on how they sell for .99, it is more complicated than the comment by boost.

can you explain further?...
id like to know how they sell (for example) 3x screen protector .99 shipped?
if i want to sell this in US here is a breakdown and please correct my pricing
1. cost of product - few cents
2. shipping - .46 stamp
3. envelope - less than a cent
4. ebay fees - 7 cents ??
5. paypal fees - .30 cents ??
so that totals to about 90 cents with all costs..and you sell it for 99 cents..

where am i wrong or where can I save money on? just wanna know how these ppl in US or in China sell something for.99 shipped..

[zoneout]

Originally Posted by TurtleCove

I think you'd be singing a different tune, if you were shipping items 20 pounds plus....

Dude, I would definitely not be trying to jam 20 pound boxes into the mail chute at the P.O.

[zoneout]

Originally Posted by ateep22

can you explain further?...
id like to know how they sell (for example) 3x screen protector .99 shipped?
if i want to sell this in US here is a breakdown and please correct my pricing
1. cost of product - few cents
2. shipping - .46 stamp
3. envelope - less than a cent
4. ebay fees - 7 cents ??
5. paypal fees - .30 cents ??
so that totals to about 90 cents with all costs..and you sell it for 99 cents..

where am i wrong or where can I save money on? just wanna know how these ppl in US or in China sell something for.99 shipped..

You can`t - China Inc. can.

[ateep22]

where does china discount where US cant??

[zoneout]

Originally Posted by ateep22

where does china discount where US cant??

China Post is owned and run by the govt and is viewed as a strategic weapon in building the international reach of China`s economy. USPS is a quasi-public entity with little public funding and absolutely not on any politician`s radar screen unless it comes to closing a tiny P.O. in their village for cost-cutting/efficiency reasons.

[ateep22]

Originally Posted by zoneout

China Post is owned and run by the govt and is viewed as a strategic weapon in building the international reach of China`s economy. USPS is a quasi-public entity with little public funding and absolutely not on any politician`s radar screen unless it comes to closing a tiny P.O. in their village for cost-cutting/efficiency reasons.

ok so where I pay 46 cents to ship screen protectors how much do they pay? is that all they save on? im sure they pay the same fees to ebay and paypal

[boost]

Originally Posted by ateep22

ok so where I pay 46 cents to ship screen protectors how much do they pay? is that all they save on? im sure they pay the same fees to ebay and paypal

China Post....next to nothing. DHL, UPS, FedEx they have to pay.

[ateep22]

ok so where else can i save money if postage is a set rate? sticking to 99 cent screen protector..what can i do to lower those prices i have listed above?

[slim jim]

you can always call UPS or fed ex and rework your rates. of course you will have to show that you have done business or will be doing business or give them a copy of your usps bill.

i would NOT recommend using media mail for shipping to customers. this is supposed to be used only for educational purposes and they will open your packages to check. the last thing you want is the customer's package being left at the post office for them to pickup and pay $1 or 2 more. it'll be embarrassing and worse, it will most likely lead to a negative feedback

[ateep22]

my items arent really for ups or fedex..its better for me to use USPS first class and priority..but im trying to compete with these darn chinamen..