Crochet items and calculated shipping?

[Former_Member]

I haven't used calculated shipping but I've noticed that the farther away the customer lives the higher the cost of shipping so I'm reconsidering CS.

My issue though is that even though I make the same product the weight still varies by a couple ounces or less. For example, my baby dino's are between 2.0 and 1.8 ounces (I have a shipping scale so I know the exact weights), the measurements are always the same, and I normally charge just $4.30 for shipping in the US. And like I said before, the farther away they are the more expensive the shipping, I just paid $6 for shipping to the east coast so I'm under charging. But anything in California is $4.

So my question is will the the few grams make a difference? Should I just put 2.0 ounces for the dino's?

Also on a side note, I currently don't offer international shipping because I'm a big scardy cat and I'm afraid of over charging and terrified of customs eek! I know for sure my fears are costing me sales. I've made one exception to Australia and had a great experience so I'd like to start off there and Canada first. Would CS take care of my fears of international shipping charges at least?

TIA for any help you can give! I really appreciate it.

[Former_Member]

Hi Stasi

First off, if your items are that light you should be using first class shipping. It's fine to offer priority as well to buyers, but first class will be cheaper.

It sounds like you are now shipping priority because that does vary depending on the buyer's zip code. First class is the same for all states in the US.

With calculated shipping you can actually offer both options. When you set up a calculated shipping profile you choose first class and priority for the mail classes you offer. And if you want to try some other countries you just need to also select international first class and international priority.

All of this goes on one profile. So when a buyer checks out they can choose which shipping option they want and they will be charged accordingly depending on their zip code or country.

Don't worry about that slight difference in ounces. When the new rates go into affect on the 17th anything from 1 to 8 ounces will be the same rate for first class.

The important thing is not what your items weigh by themselves, what you need for CS is to list the shipping weight in your listings.

The most important thing is to get accurate dimensions and weight in your listings - you must fill this in for each listing.

Dimensions should be of the item only, plus any packing material around it. But NOT the shipping box.

Weight should be the item all packed up and ready to ship. This includes the shipping box and packing material. So it's got to weigh more than 2 ounces. That sounds like what the item alone weighs - you need to account for all the shipping materials in the weight.

Only the dimensions should be of the item alone. This is because the calculator will fit your item into a box - and if more than one item is bought, the calculator will fit the multiples into one box.

You also want to list the boxes you use in package preferences, which is below your shipping profiles.

It sounds like your items are all basically the same so one profile should do for all of them. The only reason to have different profiles is if some of your items take different processing times.

One other thing you need to select is whether you want retail prices or etsy label prices. If you print your labels on Etsy, then you can select that - but if you take your items to the PO and pay there, then select retail prices.

If you have more questions come back.

[Former_Member]

Oh my gosh, thank you so much!

I do use etsy lables, soooo much easier! And cheaper! Most of my products take a couple days to make but I usually say 3-5 just in case I get backed up.

Most are different weights but usually under 8 ounces, and I always use the same size box for one or two items at a time unless it's a wholesale, so I'll be sure to add a couple more just in case!

I didn't know the weight had to include the box though, I thought it was just the item, I'm so glad you told me that before I messed that up! The box definitely adds a few ounces to the weight and is always over 2 ounces.

Yes, I have been using priority mail. I just liked getting it to them fast but I like the idea for the customer to choosewhat they'd like much better. I had no idea CS could do that, I've only seen other shops offer rush shipping as a listing so I assumed that's how it was done. It makes me feel way better about shipping to other countries now! I'm kicking myself in the pants for not doing this sooner! :)

Thank you so much, you've helped me out a lot! I'm very greatful!

[Former_Member]

Stasi, if you come back, first you are very welcome.

Just a tip about lightweight items if you often ship multiples. If you usually only ship one item at a time you can go with the actual full weight of one packed and ready to ship.

However, if you often sell more than one of something at a time, it helps to pack up two items and see what that weighs and adjust the weight for 1.

Example: My tart sets weigh 9 ounces when they are all boxed and ready to ship just one set. But I often sell 2 at a time or more. 2 sets boxed weigh 15 ounces.

if I were to put 9 ounces in my tart set listings, when someone buys 2 sets they would add up to over 1 pound and that would eliminate the first class option and make shipping much more expensive.

I put 7.5 ounces in my tart set listings. So the shipping charge is for 8 ounces (the calculator, like the PO will round up on fractions) and that undercharges for one set just a little bit. I'd rather have that - because if they buy 2 sets it will charge at 15 ounces which is correct. It keeps it at first class and as they add sets it tends to be much closer to the actual weight and always gives me the right shipping.

I also put a 50 cents handling fee on the box I use to ship one or two sets - it covers the cost of the box, plus it covers that extra ounce undercharge on one set. It works out really well.

Just a tip. Good luck.