Thread: figuring shipping

I have some things I would like to sell on here, but am wondering how you ladies (and gentlmen) figure shipping costs. Any help regarding this would be greatly appreciated.

you need a scale, to weigh the item in its package, then look it up on the USPS website to see your options for shipping.
I have 2 scales that I got at yard sales, a diet scale that goes up to 2 pounds, and an old baby scale that goes up to 30.

Originally Posted by ptquilts

you need a scale, to weigh the item in its package, then look it up on the USPS website to see your options for shipping.
I have 2 scales that I got at yard sales, a diet scale that goes up to 2 pounds, and an old baby scale that goes up to 30.

Are they fairly accurate?

I obtain freight quotes all the time for my job and I always add a couple of pounds just to make sure. It doesn't make that much difference in the rate, but it makes sure you aren't losing freight money!

flat rate boxes are a good way to go if your items will fit in them, that way you know exactly what it's going to be. i use flat rate boxes as much as possible. the usps and ups sites are very helpful

What I do is, weigh some packages and write in the corner of them what I got in ounces or pounds, then take them to my PO and see what they get. Or on a small scale, just bring the scale in and make sure it matches the PO readings.
Works best in a small Post Office,

Originally Posted by ptquilts

What I do is, weigh some packages and write in the corner of them what I got in ounces or pounds, then take them to my PO and see what they get. Or on a small scale, just bring the scale in and make sure it matches the PO readings.
Works best in a small Post Office,

I agree!

Yes, I think working with the PO helps. I just received an order from an online fabric shop which had postage due of $5.05 on top of the $4.95 S & H I paid at checkout. The shop stuffed a $4.95 Priorty envelope with fabric and overstuffed it. The Post Office didn't like it. They goofed and I had to pay..

just curious, how many yards did they stuff in there to qualify as overstuffed?

Generally as a whole, I find the flat rate boxes the best to use when sending things out. As much as you can stuff in the box no matter how much it weighs, it's that one price for that size box. I love that!!!