How to Handle Shipping & Handling: Need Suggestions Please

by Jennifer.

I’m in the process of setting up shop on Etsy with my jewelry and other accessories, but what’s stalling me is all the confusion on shipping and handling methods. I’m torn between USPS First Class and Priority.

I’ve already ordered the free Priority Flat Rate boxes and envelopes, but because of it being flat rate it is more costly ($5.05 online), BUT insurance and delivery confirmation is already included in the price as well as the costs of the boxes/envelopes since those are free to order!

So to me, this seems like a score. However, on Etsy I see many people shipping first class with the option to purchase the confirmation/insurance separately. I figured why not include it all, better service, plus it eliminates weighing, over or undercharging, reimbursing customers difference, etc. (seems like a lot of work and time wasted, plus extra costs for packaging) .

Sooo… with printing shipping labels it’ll cost $5.05 (I believe) to ship flat rate, is it reasonable to charge $3.00 for s/h, and just add $2.00 to ea item? Or $3.50, + .50 for each additional item, or $4.00 and then just tack on $1.05 on each additional finished jewelry cost?

If I do that to all my items though, I’m worried about over charging/inflating my prices to where if someone does buy several pieces, they’d be overpaying what s/h would be if I just charged flat rate of $5.60 and $0 for adding additional items… (I’m so sorry for length and if this is confusing) I so hope you can provide some helpful feedback as I’ve been going in circles on doing this the best way possible.

Jennifer
Impassioned Elements at Etsy
Impassioned Elements at Facebook