Shipping options w/ USPS & Etsy tool

[LemoneeOnTheHills]

Hello there,
I'm a newbie and I'm trying to figure out the best options for shipping costs. I did have to ship 3 times.
When I use Etsy, I can see the benefits; very useful, quick and easy to track info and some supposedly discounted prices.

My problem is that I don't see all the shipping options USPS has. As a result, my 3 (only) shipping options are expensive with the Etsy tool and I feel it forces me to use USPS separately, which is kind of a bummer.

Example from US to CAN --
1a- Etsy: USPS First Class International Package Service
Package/Thick Envelope — 7 oz. = cost me 7.70$
1b- Directly w/ USPS: First-Class Mail® International Large Envelope = 3.54$

Example Domestic Shipping
2a- Etsy: USPS First Class Mail (2-5 days)= 2.42$
2b- USPS First-Class Mail® Large Envelope (2-5 days) = 2.24$

Example Shipping to Australia
3a-Etsy: USPS First Class Mail International = 11.48$
3b-USPS First-Class Mail® International Large Envelope = 7.91$


I'd like to know what I'm missing here? is it me who haven't figured out how to manage and use Etsy shipping tool?

Thank you in advance for your time and experience :)
- Cheers!

[LemoneeOnTheHills]

I forgot to mention about the items I shipped - these were 5.75$ notebooks, hence my concern about shipping costs.

[StuckOnSilver]

I would definitely use the USPS web site to save money!

[CozyDawg]

I've always found Etsy shipping to be cheaper (and faster and easier). Etsy is quoting you for parcel post , that's probably why it's more expensive. Large envelope has strict restrictions on package thickness so be careful on that.

[ConcertinaPress]

yes, I was going to second the caution about the thickness of the envelope - "large envelope" really refers to like a letter-sized office envelope, and they will get run through the automatic mail sorter (machine rollers) and can be no thicker than 1/4", so it might be better just to send something as a parcel, and charge the correct shipping - if someone is ordering from Australia, they're going to expect shipping to be kind of high.

https://www.usps.com/send/prepare-international-shipments.htm

[Former_Member]

Yes, I just had one return to me (non etsy package) because it didn't have enough postage. It was a shirt inside a padded envelope so it was too thick.

[Former_Member]

USPS has been my go to site thus far.

[LemoneeOnTheHills]

Thank you all for your answers :) I did send this week a tummy warmer and Etsy 's tool worked perfectly. I guess it's just for when I have to ship ONE 3x5 notebook that it's not worth paying more for shipping than the price of the item.

Again thanks Etsy fellows!

[GoldenTwinClasps]

I always use Etsy's labels. I've found that the USPS prices are higher plus you have to wait on line. It's so easy to print the labels at home.

[Designawreath]

Anne Creamer you ca print labels from the USPS website also!

[seemomster]

I ship everything flate-rate priority...and Etsy's prices and the USPS online print-at-home prices are identical...but etsy provides more insurance. AND it's easier...so I use Etsy. Of course...my stuff is pretty standard in size and weight...

[2ChicksAndABasket]

I am REALLY liking Shipstation. We used to use Stamps.com & the USPS site but those just weren't cutting it as business started to pick up for us. It is a separate shipping tool that can use USPS, FedEx or UPS. You can set up everything based on weight, size, etc and see all the pricing options/select what you want. On top of that, you can bulk update shipping info for orders of the same size/weight.

We ship mostly USPS Priority but there are a few times we use parcel post as well if the delivery date will be the same and the cost is less. You have to pay for it but the cost is reasonable and they have different options based on how many orders you process. They also have a free trial you can use to see if you would even like it.

Another nice thing is that it updates all of your Etsy orders with the tracking info and moves them to "shipped" for you so it saves an extra step.

www.shipstation.com/

[LemoneeOnTheHills]

@2Chicks And A Basket - Thanks for sharing, sounds like a valuable tool!