Shipping cost disappointment, would like some help

[Former_Member]

Hoping I could ask for some help here. I've been open only for two weeks, and I had 3 sales in the first week, I was very thankful for that. Actually I think I let it give me a little false hope, since there has been nothing since then LOL.
Two of the sales were coffee sleeves and I shipped those out with no problem. But today the purse went out and I was quite taken back by the shipping. I KNEW I needed to get an estimate on the shipping, but there was a customer asking for a picture right away, so I posted the listing with an estimate of 4.50.
The purse was light, but larger, 18 inches across on the bottom, 14 at the top, and 14 inches deep. The padded envelope to fit it into cost me 2.99....and shipping was 10.90 USPS.
Do you take all your items down to get an estimate first (or new items I should say) Is UPS a better deal for you? I know buying the oversized padded envelope there was a bad decision, and wont be doing that, but the shipping is about twice what I expected!
When the guy told me I had options and told me 10.90 I thought he was telling me the highest priced option and then was working his way down.

Any insight would be appreciated. I have crashed after being on my Etsy high for the last week

Annette

[Former_Member]

Do you have a scale at home for postage? I have a smaller scale I bought from Walmart at about $20.00. It's good for up to 5 lbs I guess.
I add all my handling fees, e,g, cost of envelope, ink for printer, paper for printer and I know a little about taxes so I have a new computer so I divide the cost of the computer by 24 months. I use it a lot. Besides it will be obselete in the next 2 years. I add that in and gas/ mileage to the post office and back I will guess at some misc cost like elec, heat, water yu name it. I just add an extra Makes your head spin, don't it. Well here's the shorter version. Add all supplies add extra 1.50 for misc(elec, gas, water, ink paper, computer, and so forth) that's my shipping cost. Also don't forget he insurance if you're sending something over ten dollars. I insure all my international packages and some form right here, depending on the cost to replace.

[SewingOccupiedMind]

I had that problem as well..my first few sales I made nothing because of the shipping underestimate! I took a bit of time with a patient postal worker duting a slow time ti weigh and get prive quotes for a range of items to different locations. Also it makes a HUGE difference what you package your items jn. I found that by not using the padded envelopes it cut my shipping cost almost in half. I invested in a multi size pack of plastic envelopes that are quite strong and tear resistant. I wrap things in tissue paper as well but try ti keep it thin enough to fit through the mail slot. Hope that helps! I found my envelopes through The Shipping Guru on Etsy.

[Former_Member]

I have a small kitchen scale, and send things through USPS. I weigh most things before I list. It saves me time because I can have a label on the package before I walk out the door, and all I have to do is fling it at the Post Office person. (I still like to hand it to a real person and get a receipt. I know lots of people order pick-ups online, so the mail delivery person will come to their door. Doesn't work for me, because I have two obnoxious dogs and a toddler. I'd rather leave the house!!)

[Former_Member]

<<<-----I have an obnoxious dog too.... shop is named after her!
Thanks guys, that helps alot. I did alot of homework last night on shipping, and scales and such. I need to do that and just print labels at home. AND charge enough to cover more than just the actual shipping cost.
Appreciate the input, have a GREAT weekend, I am working on an attitude adjustment so I can get back in the game!

[BagsBeadsandMore]

You definitely need to get a postal scale. I bought mine off ebay for $16. Before I list my item I can weigh & measure the package to see what it is going to cost then you can go on usps.com & get an estimate on the price of your package...

You have alot more options printing the label right from Etsy when an item is sold. You can do first class for items under 13 oz. if it's over 13 oz I usually do Parcel select it's alot cheaper & gets there just as quickly as priority. You can get light weight boxes at Stapes or Office Supply....or in bulk from Uline.

Just be careful if you are right under the 13 oz....I was under one time by a few ounces, but I went ahead & purchased & downloaded my label......but after I taped up the box I was at 13.2 oz & the post office wouldn't except it as first class. So I had to come home & find a lighter weight box & reprint my label. I always add a few ounces now for my "tape".

[BagsBeadsandMore]

I forgot to add that online shipping rates are 15% less than purchasing at the local post office.

[Former_Member]

thanks so much! I had no idea it was as much as 15%!

[Former_Member]

I can't add much to the convo about shipping as I sell digital items and don't have to ship, but I know all about the highs an lows. At the beginning of last month I sold 12 patterns in 5 days! I was so excited. Then I went 2 days without a sale and I got pretty bummed out. It has picked back up since then and gone down for a couple of days again. It's like a roller coaster. Three sales in your first week is HUGE! Good job! More sales will come :) I've found that selling on Etsy is more of a long distance run than a sprint. You just have to keep chugging along, working on your SEO and marketing, and the sales will come. :)

[Former_Member]

When I first started shipping, I knew nothing about charges....when I underestimated a charge and had to pay it myself, I started learning...Been working on it for 3 years (slow learner).

When I get a weight, I look at USPS online to see the cost...and often, I will call local PO the ask them, to be sure.

USPS site was very conplicated, but is getting better..My advice is to keep studying...

OH, I weigh and stamp (with stamps or labels) at home, put in mailbox for carrier to pick up...no going to PO...I have extra Delivery Confirmation and Custom form that I fill out...keeping on the good side of PO lady...

Good luck...just keep on trying..it'll get better...mildred

[Former_Member]

There are some things you cannot buy on-line.....the cheap international option cannot be brought on line....but can be stamped at home with hand addressing...You'll get it....mildred

[Former_Member]

I'm sure this stuff has all be said...

bought my scale cheap off of eBay. I think I paid $16-18 including shipping and it weighs 1oz to 80-something lbs.

One trick to use (if you live near a post office) and ship thin, small items, ship first class letter. You cannot buy those stamps online. The difference on my items can be $1 domestic up to $6+ for international. It's crazy! Of course, it's not realistic for me to go to the post office for every order since it's a 15 minute walk each way so I only go for international until I stop being lazy and order actual stamps online :P

[SewWhateverAndGifts]

While my store in Etsy is brand new, I have been shipping packages to customers for years. I ship everything in padded envelopes or small boxes. I first calculated the cost of each of those items. I get most of my shipping supplies through Uline.com. I then weighed the envelopes/boxes with nothing in them. I also weigh the item I am selling. Add the weight of the envelope/box to the weigh of the item and then add an ounce or two for tape and additinal stuffing in the box. I then go to usps.com and check to see how much it would be to mail it to California since that is the farthest US state from me besides Alaska and Hawaii. I then add the cost of the envelope/box to that number and add $1.00 for additional expenses. Sounds complicated but has worked really good for me.
Also, if you are shipping a lot of items you can get an account at stamps.com. They give you a free scale and it integrates with Etsy directly.

Hope this helps!

[Former_Member]

I would suggest looking into get the FLAT RATE priority mail boxes from the USPS. You can order them online and have them delivered to your door FOR FREE. That way you can see which box will accomodate what you are shipping and you will know exactly what the cost will be to ship it -- flat rate!

Good luck,
Christopher

[Former_Member]

If you're things are small enough to go in a small priority mailbox or envelope, they can be shipped anywhere for $5.60. This cost includes the box and tracking and $50 worth of insurance. This has helped me alot. There's also a two differently shaped medium sized boxes, and they go for a flat $12.60 or something like that.

[Former_Member]

I weigh everything on a shipping scale and figure out shipping from there. For first class I have poly mailers which weigh nothing really. I also use the priority mailers. I use the padded flat rate a lot.

Once you have been doing it a while you will get the hang of it.

[SplashyToddles]

I use the flat rate envelopes and boxes as well :) I can ship about 3 items of clothing neatly packed into a gift bag and use the flat rate envelope (they even standard or legal size) for $5.05. That is the price if purchased online, which is what is offered when purchasing the label thru Etsy. The other day I shipped out 25 leotards for $11.30 using a medium flat rate box. These aren't about weight at all so it takes a lot of trouble out of the equation! If you can fit it, you can ship it!

[thatssewholly]

Just a bit to add to what's already been said. I wrap my purses in layers of tissue and tie with a pretty bow then tuck them into large Tyvek envelopes I get for free from the post office. They are already marked as Priority Mail so they have to go that way and can't be used for first class. The envelopes are not the flat rate ones, but can be used for any Priority mailing. They aren't padded but are extra strong and do seem to be somewhat waterproof - at least from a bit of rain. I've been doing it this way for quite a few months and have not had any reports of damage to the envelope or the item inside.

I usually charge $8.50 for a large purse which also covers insurance.