POSTAGE
I hate to break it to you but, the U.S. Postage rates went up. Not too badly for domestic packages, but International rates almost doubled. That is not good. I shipped a package, one of the giveaways, today... to Ireland. It weighed 4.6 oz. and cost me $12.55 for First Class Int'l. That's crazy! Nothing we can do about it but we have to be informed so that when shopping, buyers aren't totally SHOCKED. So I figured a blog post informing you all as to the rate changes, would be helpful!
Attention Etsy Sellers!
I used this blog, and USPS Shipping Calculator to obtain my new shipping rates. Below you will see some flat rates listed but for International packages and Domestic packages, use the link for the calculator. You can also find the new rates at the USPS Prices page.
It is a good idea to also inform your own buyers by clearing stating that the rates have risen, either in your individual listings, or in your shop announcement. Keep your buyers informed!
USPS Flat Rates
| Old Rate | New Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| First Class Mail | 0.44 | 0.46 |
| Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope | 4.90 | 5.05 |
| Priority Mail Legal Flat Rate Envelope | 5.10 | 5.25 |
| Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate Envelope | 5.10 | 5.70 |
| Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Box | 10.85 | 11.30 |
| Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box | 14.65 | 15.30 |
| Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelope (Canada) |
12.95 | 19.95 |
| Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelope (Other countries) |
16.95 | 23.95 |
| Priority Mail International Small Flat Rate Box (Canada) |
12.95 | 19.95 |
| Priority Mail International Small Flat Rate Box (Other countries) |
16.95 | 23.95 |
| Priority Mail International Medium Flat Rate Box (Canada) |
32.95 | 40.95 |
| Priority Mail International Medium Flat Rate Box (Other countries) |
47.95 | 59.95 |
| Priority Mail International Large Flat Rate Box (Canada) |
39.95 | 53.95 |
| Priority Mail International Large Flat Rate Box (Other countries) |
60.95 | 77.95 |
| Express Mail Flat Rate Envelope | 17.75 | 18.11 |
| Express Mail Padded Flat Rate Envelope | 17.75 | 18.11 |
I spent 2 1/2 hours yesterday updating all of the shipping prices in my shop. I had to remove a lot of the International shipping rates because they were too outrageous. What a bummer. I know the postal system is hurting but I can't understand how continuously raising the rates is going to help.
ReplyDeleteoh dear, I'm so sorry, Lorelei. I'm happy to pay the shipping cost.
ReplyDeleteYeah the shipping is terrible out side the Us. If they think this is going to help them (the USPS) they are wrong. It only hurts us who ship Internationally. You are right there is nothing we can do about it.
ReplyDeleteNicole/Beadwright
Lorelei, back to the blog format. I'm glad you decided to stay with the current format. It has a friendlier feeling and is easy to use. Rita
ReplyDeleteparrarita@yahoo.com
Thanks Lorelei, this will be very helpful. I haven't stocked my Etsy store yet but it will help me when I do.
ReplyDeletegood info, thanks
ReplyDeleteVery helpful! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI agree, if the USPS is thinking this is going to help, they are wrong. It will mean more and more people won't ship international... How sad!
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteIs it customary for the customer to always pay for shipping, OR should the seller offer to split the cost of shipping?? I'm just getting started on Etsy, Ebay etc, and I don't have any items yet to ship, but I want to stay informed and to keep my customers informed! I know some sellers jack UP their *shipping costs* big time in order to get more money for their item! I think that's wrong and should be illegal! Thanks, just my two-cents!!
I have never encountered a seller who splits shipping with buyers. I don't think that's common. The customer should generally be responsible for the cost of shipping, but it is very hard to get a very accurate shipping price pinned down. That's why this post is helpful so you can see the current cost of items that ship. I agree, I have seen sellers really overcharge for shipping. its not right.
Delete