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    philshark2 started this thread.
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    Best carrier for shipping items 5+ pounds

    Hello, I recently took apart a microwave that had working parts and I want to sell the transformer on ebay but it weighs 8 pounds, so my question is, what is the best carrier to use? USPS, UPS, or FedEx?


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    DiamondN's Avatar
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    I sell a fair amount on eBay, and depending on an items size, I usually will send via USPS Priority Mail. A lot of my sales are old coins, so I use the Small Flat Rate boxes that you can get for free at your local post office. If you go to USPS.com you can get an exact shipping cost, as long as you know the weight and size of the box that you will be using. It is also cheaper to buy and print your own shipping labels from their website.

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    philshark2 started this thread.
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    Quote Originally Posted by DiamondN View Post
    I sell a fair amount on eBay, and depending on an items size, I usually will send via USPS Priority Mail. A lot of my sales are old coins, so I use the Small Flat Rate boxes that you can get for free at your local post office. If you go to USPS.com you can get an exact shipping cost, as long as you know the weight and size of the box that you will be using. It is also cheaper to buy and print your own shipping labels from their website.
    I tried it, and I only got quotes for priority mail shipping

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    JohnC4X4's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by philshark2 View Post
    I want to sell the transformer on ebay but it weighs 8 pounds, so my question is, what is the best carrier to use? USPS, UPS, or FedEx?
    What size is the item?
    If it will fit into a USPS Regional A box / Max weight of 15 pounds >> ships anywhere for the 2 pound rate
    If it will fit into a USPS Regional B box / Max weight of 20 pounds >> ships anywhere for the 4 pound rate

    I use USPS for light weight items like that
    I also use USPS for heavy items (up to 70 pounds) that will fit in a USPS Flat Rate Box

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  7. #5
    philshark2 started this thread.
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    Quote Originally Posted by JohnC4X4 View Post
    What size is the item?
    If it will fit into a USPS Regional A box / Max weight of 15 pounds >> ships anywhere for the 2 pound rate
    If it will fit into a USPS Regional B box / Max weight of 20 pounds >> ships anywhere for the 4 pound rate

    I use USPS for light weight items like that
    I also use USPS for heavy items (up to 70 pounds) that will fit in a USPS Flat Rate Box
    It should fit in the regional A box

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    When you're on USPS.com, scroll over 'mail and ship', then drop down to 'calculate a price'. Once on that page, insert your zip code and the destination zip code. I'm in Indy, so if I just want a 'ball park' price on shipping without knowing the final destination yet, I put in a Cali zip code (90210) as that will always cover my shipping costs. Next thing is to go to the bottom of page and click 'package', and then insert the weight of the 'packed item'. Click continue. Next page is where you're probably only seeing Priority Mail options. Either click 'other options' or click the little box up in the right hand corner that says 'display all options'. I find that Priority Mail is usually cheaper most times.
    Probably 75 percent of the stuff that I sell is small, so I use the small flat rate boxes and always offer free shipping. Just make sure that you calculate your shipping costs into the selling price. Good Luck...

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    Quote Originally Posted by JohnC4X4 View Post
    What size is the item?
    If it will fit into a USPS Regional A box / Max weight of 15 pounds >> ships anywhere for the 2 pound rate
    If it will fit into a USPS Regional B box / Max weight of 20 pounds >> ships anywhere for the 4 pound rate

    I use USPS for light weight items like that
    I also use USPS for heavy items (up to 70 pounds) that will fit in a USPS Flat Rate Box
    I recently had a very few 'original' Indy 500 bricks to sell, and those USPS Regional boxes worked out perfect for the size and weight of a brick.

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    Quote Originally Posted by DiamondN View Post
    I use the small flat rate boxes and always offer free shipping. .
    You can save money (make more money since you offer FREE shipping) by sliding the small flat rate box into the Flat Rate Envelope

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    Quote Originally Posted by JohnC4X4 View Post
    You can save money (make more money since you offer FREE shipping) by sliding the small flat rate box into the Flat Rate Envelope

    I don't think you're supposed to do that...
    ~You have to start somewhere to get anywhere~

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    Quote Originally Posted by ScrappinRed View Post
    I don't think you're supposed to do that...
    Can you show me a rule that says that?
    I have been doing it for years >> If it fits >> It ships

    A link to the DMM >> Domestic Mail Manual - HTML Version
    Last edited by JohnC4X4; 02-03-2016 at 10:42 PM.

  15. #11
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    Technically, you're probably not supposed to put the box in the envelope, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with this:



    Take a fairly thick object, and fold the corners out. Voila- one box!

    There's nothing wrong with that- many eBay sellers have done that for ages....
    More than Scrap Value Shipment Tips: http://www.scrapmetalforum.com/scrap...tml#post242349

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    Regional rate A if you use ebay shipping labels should run you no more then about $9 no matter where you ship it in the US. If the buyer is closer to you its cheaper.

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    philshark2 started this thread.
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    Quote Originally Posted by PartTimeScrapper View Post
    Regional rate A if you use ebay shipping labels should run you no more then about $9 no matter where you ship it in the US. If the buyer is closer to you its cheaper.
    yea, sadly my printer broke down after a couple months of use. So i will have to manually ship it, but I looked up the pricing and got quoted about $7

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    It does cost a little more to ship at the Post Office, but they can send a Regional Rate box out. I sent a Regional Rate B (Larger than a medium) about 100 miles, for less than $8. They can really be an economical option.

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  20. #15
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    Prices are a little old, but gives you the basics of how to package for USPS

    95-99% of my shipments go USPS

    Depending on how big your part is, it might be better for small, regional a, or a padded envelope.


    Also, thermal printers are the bomb.

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    Me personally I use usps in just a regular box not a flat rate box. I also if the box is going to be over 20+lbs or bulky box I ship fedex. I just don't like shipping in a flat rate box if it weighs a certain weight.



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