Where I do get confused & need to research is when I only need to ship 1 item. I still use the Priority Padded Envelope for $5.05 , but fill like I could get away with using my own padded envelope and ship for cheaper than $5.05. I just hate having to weigh it and get worried I’ll do something wrong like be off by an ounce or something. It’s good to know that free tracking is now included though with that, although, when you print your labels at home online, I believe it automatically gives you tracking anyway. So this thread has encouraged me to look into the first class shipping for orders with 1 item to save on shipping which will help cover those orders where I eat cost on shipping or offer free shipping.

In addition to flat rate envelopes, the USPS offers flat rate padded envelopes, which I prefer. You can fit a lot more into them than the standard envelopes, and postage is, I believe, only 20 cents more.

I ship most of my beads and jewelry in small flat rate boxes. But when those are too small, the USPS also has regional flat rate boxes. Those are great if you’re shipping to a location near you because postage is based on distance traveled, not just the size of the box.

Padded envelopes and regional rate boxes must be ordered online from the USPS; they’re not available at the PO.

Priority – there is a lot to be said for using the usps flat rate envelopes and labels. Go for it if you prefer it, it includes insurance (to $200, I think?), and its a wonderfully simple shipping option as well. Add a nominal fee for extra items and don’t sweat it. If you don’t like the choices you’ve made after you sell your first few items, just change the shipping rates to something you feel is more equitable. If you aren’t trying to take advantage of your customers, most will realize it, and be very happy to pay a fair rate.

Whatever choice you make, don’t let it prevent you from getting your shop up and running!!! Realize that you don’t have to live with your shipping choices forever. You can just change the shipping preferences in your shop any time you wish. Its OK to take your best shot and make a mistake. Just correct it for your next sale, call it a lesson, and move on. We are only talking about a couple of bucks here. You aren’t going to go broke if you make a bad call. You should see what i pay in shipping fees when I order supplies! Most companies charge way more than etsy sellers.

First off, first class and priority are basically the same service. First class goes up to 13 ounces, and priority mail is for 14 ounces and more. Tracking is free for both when purchased online. Insurance is free for Priority, but I wouldn’t want to try to get money out of the USPS. I use Endicia Dazzle software and their U-Pic insurance.

Endicia Dazzle Software for Printing Online Postage

On my website, I weigh my items and the shipping cost is pulled from the USPS database based on that weight. I add a $2 handling fee, which covers the cost of packaging, the extra weight of packaging, handling and insurance. I waive the $2 fee for orders over $50. So I end up kicking in some money to cover shipping. I am working toward offering free shipping at a certain price point.

On eBay I charge $2.95 for one item and $0.50 cents for each additional item. That amount pays for the shipping, packaging, PayPal fees, and handling. Sometimes I make money on the shipping and sometimes I lose money.

I’ve read that customers prefer offerings with free shipping even if the items cost more. But that won’t work when I’m selling a strand of beads for $2.95. I would have to raise the price by $2 on each strand, which screws the customer buying multiple strands.

If I sold jewelry where every piece was over $10, I would offer free first class shipping on those items and build it into the cost of the piece. I would sell the jewelry for $12 or $13. If customers wanted to upgrade to priority mail, then I would tack on $3.

I really suggest you get postage software so you can get commercial rates and free tracking. U-Pic insurance is only $0.90 for up to $100 I think. I don’t insure everything because very few packages get lost. If you don’t insure, be prepared to refund customers or replace product when packages do get lost. It just part of the cost of business.

I would definitely NOT offer optional confirmation/insurance. If your customer doesn’t pay for it and the package gets lost, they’ll still hold you responsible, and their bank will hold you responsible. I learned that a long time ago when a customer did not pay for optional insurance and PayPal refunded their money anyway. Just consider it your job to get the product to the customer.