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Priority mail costs vary by zip code, is there way to put various prices in listing?

Jill Johnson avatar
Jill Johnson from ChillsSparklyArt 11:53 pm Feb 6, 2013 EST
Hi, I'm brand new to Etsy and am going to list a 1-1/2 lb item, so it has to be mailed Priority. If the buyer lives close the cost to send is $6.00, but far away, it goes up to $12. How can I show in the listing that shipping cost will be based on buyer's location? Thank you! Jill

11 Responses

Brandi avatar
Brandi from PuurBody 11:55 pm Feb 6, 2013 EST
There's no way to do that on Etsy, so what some sellers do is to charge the higher price and refund the excess shipping in case the buyer lives closer, or charge the middle price.

If your items fit, utilizing flat rate boxes can help because the price doesn't vary.
Debbie avatar
Debbie from wigglysee 12:11 am Feb 7, 2013 EST edited
Yup, I do what Brandi said.

I set my domestic shipping to the furthest zone and then refund excess shipping . International I pick several countries to see what is the highest charge and use that and again refund excess charge. Except for Canada, I use actual 1st class international charge for them.
Anna avatar
Anna from LivingGlassArt 12:22 am Feb 7, 2013 EST
Unfortunately, without a shipping calculator built into this site the easiest option is to list the highest rate and refund overages.

Flat rate packaging isn't always the best option. For far zones and heavy weights they are great, but for buyers that are close your own packaging would probably be less expensive for them. The postal service also offers free boxes to be used for Priority shipping based on weight instead of flat rates.
Sharyn avatar
Sharyn from DesignedToCharm2 12:25 am Feb 7, 2013 EST
Is it for your pinking shears? Will they fit in a small flat rate box or envelope? If so that would make it easier for you to list 1 price.
Jill Johnson avatar
Jill Johnson from ChillsSparklyArt 11:18 am Feb 7, 2013 EST
Thank you all SO much! This is for a Cherub that weighs 1-1/2 lbs, and I don't want the shipping to cost more than her. I will do that great idea to refund for closer buyers. Also thanks for acknowledging that flat rate isn't always cheaper, Anna. To me it seems that mailing the box the right way takes longer than listing the item....hopefully that will change after I get going with my selling. But seeing how helpful and responsive you all are makes me REALLY think Etsy world is a good place to be!
GreatSWTradingPost avatar
GreatSWTradingPost from GreatSWTradingPost 11:25 am Feb 7, 2013 EST
Once you get over 1-1/2 #'s, it's worth checking out Parcel Select as a shipping method. As you get higher in weight, Parcel Select starts to become the cheapest way domestically. It only takes a couple more days for it to reach it's destination. Base your pricing on Zone 8 and refund the difference if there is one.
Chris K avatar
Chris K from CkshopperVintage 1:15 pm Feb 7, 2013 EST
Have you checked the prices for Regional Rate Priority boxes? Sometimes for heavier items, they are a better shipping price than the regular Flat Rate boxes...you can only order the Regional Rate boxes online, however.
Jill Johnson avatar
Jill Johnson from ChillsSparklyArt 5:47 pm Feb 7, 2013 EST
Thanks GreatSW and Chris K..for more great information. I haven't heard of Parcel Select,, and Regional Rate Priority has been mysterious to me. I asked for info at the PO, and the lady said they don't have a brochure or info. to explain it. Really? I did go online and printed a Price List and that shows 1st class, and priority costs by weight and zone, so that will be helpful. I guess I will need to do some homework now. All the Best to All of you! Jill/Chill
Shirlee Avis avatar
Shirlee Avis from shirleeavis 9:56 am May 14, 2013 EDT
It is costing me more to ship small items than I charge for the item. If I increase the cost to pay the postage I don't think I will sell the item. How do I increase the postage charge on some items?

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