Shipping fees and problems.

[Midwestclassiccrafts]

I have been using fedex for most of my shipping, they have been great as far as the package delivery goes, I have had no claims at all unlike ups.

The problem I am having is, it seems to cost me an addition 3 or 4 dollars on every shipment, even though I am putting in my sizes, which are actually a little bit larger then actual, I always round up and the same thing on weight. If the shipping screen tells me 12.00, sure enough I will be bill 15.00.

Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem, am I doing something wrong, getting tired of paying more for things that I am not charging for.

[Former_Member]

Maybe they just raised the rates recently?

[2forksdesign]

My Etsy shop is very new so I haven't fulfilled any orders yet. I have dealt with courier companies in my full-time job before. Their bills usually would indicate if it's a measurement adjustment. Sometimes they also charge for delivering to a residential address. The charge is usually $3-$5. There's also rural fees for addresses a little bit remote. Could it be that? If not, you can always call their billing department and ask for an explanation.

[Midwestclassiccrafts]

susie, thanks but what I am finding is a charge on my invoice that says ndoc p/u and it seems to be the difference. I have tried calling them and trying to get through their voice mail, and by the time I did they where closed so I thought I would post here and ask.

[Former_Member]

Are you also scheduling a pickup? It costs me around 3 dollars extra when I do that. I try to ship multiple items together that way I get more shipped and only one pickup charge!

[2forksdesign]

Kelly, I found some information about ndoc p/u. Check it out: http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/online-auction-info/986004/

It says that it's a fee that they charge to pick up the package (when you schedule your pickup online).

[Midwestclassiccrafts]

I will have to call them, since we drop off and they do not pick up.

Susie, thanks I found the same article and was coming here to tell people that also.

[Former_Member]

Have you tried USPS? It is really much less expensive and if you want you can use the standard priority Mail boxes that have standard prices. Or, what I have been doing now is saving boxes ( anything) and using parcel post. Also I print all of my labels online through Paypal. Also did you know that there is a media rate for books and CD's. I also learned that I can use any box even if there is a picture on it and a name as long as I put my label on it. Wow I have learned so much. The other day I received a note from ETSY about my shipping costs for some books I was selling. They said that it wasn't ethical to raise the price through the shipping. I had priced the shipping using a Priority rate standard box which would have been $11.00. That was before I found out about media mail and parcel post etc... I was not too pleased about that email but I did respond and explain why I had priced it at that amount. I think the books I was selling were actually for $5.99. They must have some sort of filter that looks for unusually high shipping. Well all I have learned about shipping has been through the school of hard knocks. It is not easy. Having a scale is essential ( I use my food scale and it works great)!

[2forksdesign]

Looks like UPS has that charge, too, now. It's very unfortunate. If our accounts/volume were big we could negotiate for really good rates. I wish we could somehow combine our volume. I know UPS Ground has something like that, for affiliated companies to enjoy a really good rate together. The problem is, at least one of the affiliated companies has to do big volumes. I wish Etsy had a deal with one of the courier companies for us sellers to get a good rate.

[Former_Member]

I just wanted to note that the USPS is very strict about Media Mail rates. I belong to a book swap club and we use media mail a lot. It is limited only to books or CD/DVD. No letters, notes, magazines or any other "written communication" can be included, and they reserve the right to inspect the contents. It is really inexpensive because the rate is only based on weight, not location. You can go on the Post Office's website to get all of the details.

Just my two cents :)

Kerry

[Midwestclassiccrafts]

Susie, it is starting to get crazy, between the fuel surcharges, fees, home delivery fees, etc, it is beginning to be nuts.

[2forksdesign]

I agree that USPS might be a good alternative. Those flat-rate boxes/flat envelopes are very economical if your items fit.