I need help with calculated shipping!

[Former_Member]

I know only a million others have asked, so I've been reading and reading and reading through threads discussing this and following all the suggestions I find but something still isn't working out. I don't have my shop open yet, just getting it ready.
So:

Just to start I only have one package preference and it's set like this: custom package 13 x 10 x 4 (It's a poly envelope and I stuffed it with as many of my items as a could and it measured at 4" thick)

My shipping profile is set to offer first class, priority, priority express etc but since I don't have any priority envelopes in package preferences this won't show up will it?

My item dimensions are set at 6oz, and 8.5 x 8.5 x 1.5.

I finally realized that etsy doesn't do shipping labels for first class envelopes and that's why it wasn't giving me the price i got from usps. But it still seems to be shipping cheaper than first class package price?

USPS first class envelope for 6 oz is $2.08
Etsy is showing $2.35 - I've added a $3 handling fee so now it is $5.35 Any idea what shipping method Etsy is figuring here?

BUT when I sign out and add 2 items to my cart shipping shows up as $9.44. I am completely lost as to where this number is coming from. I think I've been looking at this two long and I'm missing something. Please show me what it is! :) TIA

[Former_Member]

2 items = 12 ounces. Etsy First Class package shipping price for 12 ounces is $3.44. You have a $3 s/h fee on each item so that is $6. $3.44 + $6 = $9.44.

You have chosen Etsy prices when setting up your calculated shipping. Those are the prices you will be charged when using Etsy shipping labels.

Since the custom package size you entered is generic you can use it for both First Class and Priority shipping labels. As long as the box or envelope is not a specific Priority box or envelope, you can print a label for it for either First Class or Priority.

[Former_Member]

Another point - if you put the shipping and handling fee on the profile, as you have, that will go on each item sold - thus $3 added to each item.

If you only want to charge a shipping and handling fee one time per package, then you put it on the custom package you have listed in Package Preferences. It will only be charged once per package.

If you put it in both places - they will both be charged.

[Former_Member]

Here is a link to Etsy's Price Your Postage calculator. It's like the USPS one except it gives both retail prices and Etsy prices.
https://www.etsy.com/shipping/us/price-your-postage?ref=shipping_mgr

You can also find it on the Shipping Profile page on the right side.

[Former_Member]

If you were to add 3 of your 6 ounce items to your cart the weight would be 18 ounces (or 1 pound 2 ounces) so First Class would no longer be an option, it would only show Priority and Priority Express.

It would work like this. Priority $9.97 + $9 (3 $3 s/h fees) = $18.97

[Former_Member]

Ok! Thank you much! It makes sense now. Yes I was missing the fact that of course the weight went up!

So I can ship my poly envelopes with a priority label, but If I want the flat rate fee I need to use the USPS priority envelope?

Thanks for your responses!

[Former_Member]

Absolutely correct. Any plain envelope you can use for first class or regular priority. But you need the special flat rate envelopes from USPS to get those flat rates.

Also, if you do get the special flat rate envelopes - those you add from the drop down menu in Package Preferences. That is where all the flat rate and regional rate boxes and envelopes are. When you add from there, the calculator knows to use the flat rate and regional rate prices.

You still have to enter your own height to the flat rate envelopes there. The first two dimensions will be auto filled in, but it is up to you to put in the height just like you did for your poly envelope.

Always happy to help here.

[Former_Member]

Hi, I need someone to help me walk thru posting my first item in my shop. I am so confused at the shipping part.