Question on combined shipping where items weight is dwarfed by package rate

[PatentPrintsAndMore]

Hi folks,

I'm trying to figure out how to make a combined CS profile work. I get all the bits about defining box size, etc. Where I'm having trouble is figuring out how to make the calculated weights work when someone orders multiples.

Here is the deal.

The stay flat mailers I use weight just over 4 ounces.

An item weighs perhaps 2 tenths of an ounce.

So if someone ordered 4 prints, it would be a 5 ounce package.

So a package with a single items in it should be shipped at a 5 ounce rate - which is an important number as that is where the international rates make a significant jump from the 1-4 ounce rate. (From around $9 to over $12 and then at 9 ounces jumps again to over $14.) I can't see using the per package fee for an adjustment here at that would kill the US customers.

So does anyone have any thoughts on how the various parameters could be juggled to make this all work well for customers and for me?

[CraftSupplyHouse]

I would love to see a way to enter the weight when the item ships with something else. I get a lot of multi-item orders, and the packaging weight ends up getting added in over and over because I have to assume each item may sell alone. I don't have a solution for you because I have the same problem.

[PatentPrintsAndMore]

It would be nice if we could enter a box weight when we create a custom box. It seems that would fix the problem in a lot of cases - much better than a price adjustment that doesn't really cut it when doing international shipping.

[EastburnOriginals]

I know that my brain works differently then most peoples, but what i have been doing is on my info about each piece I have the Sentence "If you order more then one item Etsy sometimes calculates the shipping and handling more then I actually spend. If the amount is more then $2.00 i will reimburse you."
Then I wait about two to three weeks after the sale and I know there is no problem with the sale then I will send them a check. I consider this as advertising cost as I am writing a note and thanking them and asking them to please consider giving me a review.
People have to see your name at least 3 to 5 times to remember you , so I consider this as another way to get my name in front of their face.
One check was $16.00 but most have been 3 to 6 dollars. I have also sent emails telling people I owe them $3.00 and they will answer me with just keep it and I love your piece. Again another way to remind them of how great it is to do business with me.
It is a lot more effort if you are pressed for time.

[custompetandtack]

Jaymi, if you have your calculated shipping set up correctly you should not have to be giving refunds for $16.00, nor $3 to $6.

I've used CS since it was in prototype and I've only refunded 2 times. Once in this shop and once in my other shop. One time due to an item I had a flat rate shipping and a CS item combined, was able to get both in the FRE. Second time instead of sending regular Priority, I sent medium flat rate box PM.

If you're having $16 overages something is not set up correctly in your shop.

Either you don't have boxes to fit multiple items in or your putting the box size for the item size and CS is figuring an even bigger box or you have handling fees that are being added per item and per order.

Dimensions:
Item + any packing, NO box.
If you fold an item to mail, you use that measurement.

Weight:
Everything, item + packing + box.

Handling fee:
On a shipping profile, fee is added PER item.
On a box in package preferences, fee is added PER order.
If in both place BOTH are added to an order.

********************************
I would not send a check to anyone for a refund for shipping overages.
You have NO proof you sent it if a claim was filed on that item.

If I bought something I would NOT like getting a check from seller for a refund, I'd expect to be refunded through how I paid.

I'd refund through how they paid either Paypal or Direct Checkout.

If the buyer ever opened a case on you for item not received or not described Paypal and DC would both refund the buyer the total amount of purchase paid. You'd be out that money you sent as a check for a refund.

[Twistmo]

Steven, I have the same problem.
I think it's because our products are so much lighter than our packaging...

My items are light weight and rolled which means
1) the box is usually heavier than the item
2) multiple items can go in the same box (I have the dimensions set so multiple rolls will fit in a single box -- that part works fine).

The box weight has to be part of the item weight, this causes a BIG overcharge on orders of multiple items.

Unless I don't understand something, this is the results:

Example:
Item A Weight: 5oz (product) + 2oz (extras) + 8oz (box) = 15
Item B Weight: 2oz (product) + 2oz (extras) + 4oz (box) = 8
Note: "extras" only apply once per order not per item.

Customer orders: 2 of item A and 2 of item B
Calculated weight = 46oz
Real weight = 17oz
For international shipping First Class -- 17 vs 46 is HUGE
and isn't great for outer zones of domestic Priority Mail either!

I was REALLY hoping calculated shipping would solve the issue of overcharging and undercharging because of having to have a static "average" charge.

[custompetandtack]

Lori, I replied earlier on this same post you put on the "questions/answer's thread"

Go to that thread link below to see my reply:
https://www.etsy.com/teams/23557/calculated-shipping-prototype/discuss/16154340/page/68?ref=team_pag...

[Twistmo]

Thanks Pat. Sad, but glad to know for sure that it just won't work for me.