Shipping: Can we please fix the packaging option so it reflects the box the seller will actually use

[CreeksideCraftwork]

As I understand it, "weight" should be the actual weight of the product plus the packaging, and "dimensions" should be the measurement of the product when it's wrapped but not boxed, is that correct? If so, can we please fix it so we're calculating freight costs on the actual shipping dimensions? If we're already boxing up our listings to get the weight, let's just enter the actual dimensions, too.

In my case, I know exactly which box or mailer I'm going to use for each of my listings (I buy boxes and mailers that specifically fit each item), but Etsy's system gets it wrong almost every time. It wasn't a big deal when shipping costs didn't change when I corrected the dimensions, but now that every adjustment results in an upcharge, it's become a problem.

Is anyone else having this problem?

[PillowDetails]

It was a problem for me before it finally sunk into my head that Etsy calculated shipping won't put a 12x12x12" item into a 12x12x12" box.  Just make sure you have lots of appropriate box sizes in your Package Preferences in your shipping settings.

Could it be easier?  Sure.  But this is Etsy.  If they change it, you'd hear lots of complaints from those who are used to doing it the Etsy way, all these years!

* Now that I think about it, the reason this make sense, is for when a Buyer purchases more than one item, with different sizes, and shipping is combined, when using calculated shipping.

[vintageNCtreasures · Accepted solution]

Shipping is calculated based on the package dimensions and not the item dimensions.

Example you have an item with padding that is 6x6x6. 
You know it will fit in a 7x7x7 box.
You add that 7x7x7 box to package preferences and when someone buys the 6x6x6 item, then the calculator figures shipping on that 7x7x7 box size.
But if you find you need a 8x8x8 or a 9x9x9 box for that 6x6x6 item to ship in then postage will cost more even if the same weight because of cubic pricing tier rates. The smaller the box, the less it costs to mail it (at least with USPS Ground advantage or Priority).

It's best to list a lot of box/mailer sizes in package preferences for the calculator to pick from not only for 1 item to fit in but for multiple items to fit in.

[CreeksideCraftwork]

Thank you for the responses! I'm embarrassed to say that I was unaware of package preferences until this very moment. Suddenly everything is right with the world again. :} 

Sometimes the forums are the very best part of Etsy.