Calculated Shipping Multiple Items Error

[TheMBeciCollection]

I posted the following "issue" in the bugs section earlier today. With the announcement of new shop features/design and the outcry by many, I believe my post will get over looked. So, I am posting here in the hope to receive some assistance.

Perhaps Kathy, Pat, JD, or anyone can help....

I have 7 foldover clutches in my shop. If a person were to order 1 to 4, calculated shipping is correct.

If a person were to order 5 foldover clutches, calculated shipping is wrong. Specifically, 1st class mail is not an option for the buyer only priority and priority express.

If a person were to order 6 or 7 foldover clutches, calculated shipping is correct. It splits the order into two packages. Specifically, for the 6 items, 4 are placed in a package @$3.75 and 2 are placed in another @$2.80 for a grand total of $6.55

For the 7 items, 4 are placed in a package @$3.75 and 3 are placed in another @$3.60 for a grand total of $7.35.

So, if 1st class is available for 6/7 items it should also be available for 5 items. The package would split into 2 packages (4 items in one and 1 item in another). But this is not happening.

[Former_Member]

I see what you mean. The only thing I can suggest is if you have a box or mailer listed in package preferences that is big enough to fit 5 clutches, then get rid of it or change the dimensions so that it will only hold 4 of them.

Obviously the calculator is combining up to 5 clutches in 1 box or mailer and then it goes by weight which is over a pound, so it only shows Priority. If you limit the mailer size to only fit 4, that would not happen - it would split the shipment at 5 and give the FC option.

That would be my suggestion.

[TheMBeciCollection]

Hi Kathy!

The largest mailer I have in the package preference is the USPS Priority Tyvek Enevelope.

This can accommodate up to 7 of the items comfortably.

In the package preference, I have it designed where the maximum items that can fit in a bubble mailer is 4 items.

This is evident where for 6/7 items, the package is split into 2.

So, the fact that 5 cannot fit but 6/7 can is perplexing.

In any event, thanks for the response.

[vintageNCtreasures]

What height do you have the Priority Tyvek mailer set at?

Dimension/height of bubble mailer?

What is the item size you're entering for your clutches?

[TheMBeciCollection]

Hi Pat!

The mailer is listed at: Length 13 Width 6 Height 10

The Tyvek mailer is listed at: Length 15 Width 10 Height 11

The clutch dimension is listed at: Length 11.5 Width 1.5 Height 6.5

It is my understanding that Etsy/USPS rounds numbers up.

So, the if the width@ 1.5 translates to 2 times 5 =10. The mailer should be selected to accommodate 5 clutches split into 2 packages (4 in one and 1 in another) to provide a 1st class option.

[vintageNCtreasures]

Hi!
I don't know if this would make any difference but what if you switched the clutch height and width?

You have the height at 6.5" but the width only 1.5"?

Maybe try the height at 1.5" and the width at 6.5".

With an item height of 6.5" neither of the mailers would be big enough for 2 of the items since 2 x 6.5" is 13".

I think with measurements over 1", it won't round them up.
But I do know for sure that measurements under 1" the calculator will round up to 1".

[Former_Member]

I agree with Pat about your height measurements.

Think of the height as when your item is laying flat and you put a ruler up next to it - how high up does it go? It sound like it is about 1.5 inches - that is the height measurement. That 6.5 should be your width measurement.

[TheMBeciCollection]

Hi Kathy & Pat!

The height of the clutch as it would be mailed (foldover) is 6 inches. Wrap and ready to ship makes it 6.5 inches.

As suggested, I switch the measurements in the listing. When 5 or more clutches are added to an order 1st class in not an option, only priority and priority express. The price difference between 1st class and priority mail with 5/6/7 clutches is $1.60.

Previously, with the reverse measurements, 1st class was an option with 1 to 4 clutches and 6/7 clutches but not with 5.

To Pat's point about the height, yes 2 x 6.5 =13 but the height is not a factor in the mailers because the clutches are stacked horizontal and not vertical for shipping. So, for example, if 4 are shipped they are stacked one above the other causing the width of mailer to expand. The height remains constant.

Since I know I can fit 4 clutches comfortably in one mailer, I account for the width to expand to 6 inches (1.5 x 4).

Using a ruler, I know the mailer can withstand an expansion width of 8 inches (depending on the item) but I choose a width of 6 inches because I only want up to 4 in the mailer to offer 1st class.

$1.60 is a huge difference in shipping. For now, I am going to resort back to how I had it originally because the "glitch" only occurs with 5 clutches in the cart. For 1 to 4 and at 6/7 clutches 1st class, Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express are offered as expected.

I will continue to explore this and if/when I have a resolution-other than just refunding the difference-, I will share in the event someone else may have the same issue.

Thanks Pat & Kathy, I have learned a lot about calculated shipping through your responses to others questions/posts!