A bit frustrated trying to figure out how to make CS work for me

[LookBackVintage]

I have read many of the posts here on the team forum, but I still am not understanding certain things about CS. I would like to use it for only my heavier items. I have a basement full of scavenged boxes, all sizes and shapes, and I simply try to find one that fits the item I'm shipping the best. Sometimes it's not a perfect fit, I have to use filler to fill the spaces. For example, I have a metal cabinet that doesn't need much packaging, but the box spaces will be filled in with packing material. So measuring the item doesn't exactly fit with the way CS works. I mean, how to include packing material when you are simply filling space in the box? And what happens when I can't find the exact size box that CS suggests? I sell so many items that are odd shaped, heavy, or things like sets of dishes. I just find whatever box I have on hand that works the best. I use Priority boxes, but so much of the time they are just too small. Shipping to the West Coast has gotten so expensive that I would love to make this work, but I don't see how it can. I see other vintage sellers have posted in threads how much they like CS, but maybe they aren't selling items like mine? I would appreciate any insight that anyone has on how to make this work.

[Former_Member]

You do not have to use Etsy Common Sizes. In fact, most of us list what boxes we use in Package Preferences and uncheck that common size box. Some people do both.

Many people do use scavenged boxes as well. It's important to remember that when you get an order and it says the calculator used a certain box size, you do not have to use that box. You use whatever box you want as long as you get enough shipping.

The most important thing would be for you to have an accurate weight for your item. The weight should be the item packed in a box and ready to ship.

Dimensions become more important when you are going to an oversized box.

I'm going to see if I can find some quotes from the Etsy shipping team to put here for you specifically concerning vintage items. Also, I'll make sure Pat weighs in here because she has a vintage shop.

[Former_Member]

Here is a link to information about balloon prices. With extra large items like some of yours you will want to keep this in mind.

https://www.etsy.com/shipping/us/help/us-priority-mail

Basically what the shipping team said was that you can estimate sizes and weights and look up what the cost would be to ship various things to make sure you will get enough shipping and then tweak dimensions and weight to bring it in line with that.

[vintageNCtreasures]

I use lots of recycled boxes plus the Priority boxes for my vintage items.

I don't list every size box I have, it would be impossible so what I do is list a variety of sizes that I've used.

If I have a box that is 10x10x8 and another box that is 10x10x6, I won't list the 10x10x6.

The biggest box sizes I list are a 14x12x10, 12x12x12 and a 16x10x10.
If a box is any bigger then it's goes to the balloon rate pricing for USPS.
I probably don't have these exact sizes but I do have some close.
All these work out to the same cubic inches. Just 1" added to any of these then balloon pricing applies.

From what you describe about your items, some are probably going to be oversize boxes and you probably would not want them combined with other items.

What I do in a case like this is, put the item size the same as the box size.
This is one instance where you'd put the box size in your listing instead of the item size. This is the only way I've figured out to do this until we get a "ships alone" button.

Example if you have a set of dishes and they'll need a box 14x12x10 for instance and you don't want them combined with anything else, then I'd put that box size for the item size, That way CS can NOT put another item with it. (Unless you have a bigger box size than that listed).

If you have box that you have to use packing to fill the spaces, you need to "ADD" that packing to your box and item to get the total weight.

It takes a little work to make sure the calculator is not figuring oversize boxes when they are not needed.

Plus you need to have boxes listed in your custom list to fit multiple items in.
If you want to combine some items, you have to make sure you have a box size listed that will fit 2 or more items.

[LookBackVintage]

Ladies , thank you for the information. In all the threads I've been reading, you two have been so helpful and patient!

So I don't have to use the box size suggested by Etsy? Say I have an item which wrapped, measured and weighed fits in a size 12 x 10 x 8 box according to Etsy, but I only have a 12 x 12 x 10 size, I can use that size? I can see where that could get a little tricky as far as the weight is concerned.

I am starting to get a little inkling about how to get started with this but right now it feels very challenging! I wish Etsy would have given us the option of choosing shipping zones instead of CS which I feel would work better for vintage sellers, but Pat, you seem to have made it work for you!

[Former_Member]

You can use any box you choose. The calculator does not add any weight for a box. So if the calculator says it used a 12x10x8 and you use a 12x12x10 there is no difference - the price will be based on the weight you entered in your listing for the item which should include the box as well as the item and packing. And of course the zip code it is going to.

Since you are entering the weight based on the box you will use the shipping price should be correct.

[LookBackVintage]

Thanks Kathy. That information is very helpful!

[custompetandtack]

Posting from my other shop ID:
Thanks so much, Kathy and I both try to help as much as we can.

I wanted to mention that for CS to work, it would be impossible for us to choose the shipping zones to calculate postage since as a seller we have no idea where a buyer would be from.

This is the great thing about CS, it doesn't matter what zone the buyer is in, it calculates based on their zone and package size/weight.

Plus NO work for us to figure out where an item is going before it's bought like the old way of set your own shipping costs and either overcharging some buyers or not charging enough.

Just be sure if you change box sizes that the box you use doesn't put it over that dimensional/balloon rate.

Like on some of my box sizes in my list. If CS recommends I put the item in a 14x12x10 box but I didn't have that size and if I only had a box that was 14x12x12....it would be oversize and A LOT higher postage to some zip codes.

So I'd have to either cut it down to make it work or find another box.

I've only had to refund 1 buyer on shipping overages since I started using CS in March. Before it was a weekly thing to refund.
This one refund was due to an item I had on CS and another item not on CS with Flat rate envelope cost and I was able to get both items in the flat rate envelope so I refunded them.

Every other order in both shops have been spot on.....for single or multiple items purchased.

[LookBackVintage]

Thank you Pat. The more explanations I see, the better understanding I'm getting.

What I meant about zones was the ability to pick a zone when creating a listing--instead of just only being able to pick ships to US and put one price in, it would have been nice to have an option to create zones under the "ships to US" choice and create a price for each zone, something along those lines. I could much more accurately price shipping that way then the old way. The trouble with CS is the packing of items to get measurements. For one thing, I don't have room to store a lot of pre-packaged items. My house is overflowing as it is. Plus it takes time and effort and an item can sit around for a year, two years or longer before anyone buys it. I have some mugs that are all packed up and have been for two years. I want to retake pictures but I don't want to unwrap them and waste the bubble wrap not to mention the labor that was involved.

Anyway, just wanted to explain my thinking on the zone thing. I do thank you and Kathy for all your input so far!