How do you sellers figure shipping charges?

[Oh Haha]

You fellas that sell items frequently must have a way to figure shipping charges, correct? What do you do?

I sold an item recently and figured the charges off of the UPS website, told the buyer the charges and a deal was made. When I shipped the item, the charges were 2x what I figured. The UPS clerk told me that the site is to get you and idea but shouldn't be used for firm charges. I didn't argue as I had to ship at that point anyway but I was still kind of ticked that I made a mistake.

[hdbmw]

Hi Wayne, I think the best you can do is be as accurate as possible with weight and dimensions (measure and weigh) and use the Sites (UPS and USPS's for comparisons) as a tool. To protect yourself if you have to err, err to the higher quoted shipper. Don't ever use the UPS stores without getting the quote from them first, from my experience they are always higher than the Customer Centers usually located at the UPS distribution centers (which may or may not be convenient to your location). The Customer Centers charges track closer to the web-site than "retailer/UPS Stores". I've had it happen the other way around as well...go figure!

[911pcars]

FWIW, I find UPS Ground shipping charges higher than FedEx Ground.

It's cheaper to use USPS for items weighing a few lbs. or less, especially going overseas. In addition, you can take advantage of USPS's flat rate boxes; one charge for the box no matter what the weight.

Don't forget the insurance charges.

Hope this helps,
Sherwood

[Oh Haha]

Thanks guys.

It was a UPS Store that I shipped it from so I could get them out on Saturday versus Monday.

Live and learn, I guess.

[HarryD]

Originally Posted by Oh Haha

Thanks guys.

It was a UPS Store that I shipped it from so I could get them out on Saturday versus Monday.

Live and learn, I guess.

I have been shipping stuff for years in support of the e-bay stuff we sell.

Their shipping calculator is pretty good once you have the weight and size nailed.

As noted above, if you can stuff itinto a flat rate box oir take advantage of some of the other "special rates", the Post Office offers decent pricing. In addition, for overseas, they are hard to beat.

If you want to use the Postal Service, many times there will be little substations in a supermarket (or some other store) with extended and/or Saturday hours. The one near me, is open an hour later and on Saturdays. Unlike the indpendent UPS or Fed-ex stores, there is no extra change to using this substation.

[nineball]

UPS stores are independently owned and operated so they can charge just about anything they want. They are always higher than a "company owned" location like their distro centers.

[donporfi]

Flat rate boxes are a good option. The delivery is fast. In the USA about two or three days, There are about 4 size boxes, I have used the $10.50 box.
To Mexico delivery is about one week. Cost to ship to Mexico about $27.00 I just received a package from the USA delivered to my door, no custom duties.
I think the USPS and Postal services in the world are trying to change in order to survive with all the competition.

[rnln]

In my oppinion, if you told the amount and agreed with it, you eat the extra. If you were unsure, you should state that if there are too much more, you will let the receiver know then work it out.

[benp911]

I just shipped a set of seats for $147.00 from MD to NH. I figured it would cost me $80!
I shipped a whaletail and decklid to tx $88.00! I used fedex ground!

[gtc]

Fedex is nice... you can ship from Kinkos, who are often open late / all night. Plus, they don't screw you like the UPS store does.

[aston@ultrasw.c]

I have experienced some discrepancy between UPS quick quote and the actual shipping charges. Now if I ship something large I create a shipment, get the price, and then cancel. A few extra steps, but no surprises.