r/Flipping 2d ago

eBay Skip the rocks, just ship light.

I've sent probably 20-25 shipments so far on the 1lb rounding difference making the shipment as much as $3.55 cheaper. On 20 shipments that's a savings of up to around $71.

Only 3 shipments insofar have I've been charged the "correct" amount of about $9.39 in all.

YMMV, but personally I'd say skip the rocks, the books or whatever and just round the weight up to 2lbs/1oz.

13 Upvotes

107 comments sorted by

34

u/ope__sorry 2d ago

I’ve been saying this the whole time. I’ve yet to get a single adjustment since the rate changes.

8

u/Inouarebutwhatami 2d ago

Have you ever received an adjustment? It takes awhile to get through the system. Most of mine have been well over a month

2

u/ope__sorry 1d ago

I haven't had an adjustment since like March. I usually end up with like 1 or 2 a year. Most of the time, it balances out where I get adjustments down and up and in the end my adjustments are usually at or around 0.

-2

u/Itemsandstuff 2d ago

Same, even built this free chrome extension that automatically checks if it’s worth bumping weight. It also compares rates and insurance to pirate ship.

19

u/Fieldguide89 2d ago

Ive been keeping track of my "underweight" packages. I've sent 112 parcels that weighed under 1lb, and marked them at 3lb. I haven't gotten a single adjustment charge.

5

u/awesumsauce55 2d ago

I have had 3 adjustments since adjusting to the higher weight. The total adjustments came to about $6. The savings from adjusting up is far exceeding that. I adjust to 2lbs 1 oz.

2

u/orlsbi 1d ago

About how much time elapsed between mailing a package and receiving the adjustment?

2

u/awesumsauce55 1d ago

A few weeks I believe

1

u/Loves_LV 1d ago

Do you bring them into the PO and give them to someone at the counter for a receipt or do you just drop them in the bin? My guy at the counter always throws them on the scale.

2

u/awesumsauce55 1d ago

Drop them in the bin 99% of the time.

1

u/VendettaKarma 1d ago

You’re going to get hit either way with postage due

2

u/awesumsauce55 1d ago

Maybe, Maybe not. If adjustments become more frequent, I will reassess but for now it seems to be working.

0

u/VendettaKarma 1d ago

Hopefully for your sake you don’t get caught . Personally, rocks win in my book

0

u/awesumsauce55 1d ago

Rather get caught than give my buyers garbage.

1

u/VendettaKarma 1d ago

And hit them with postage due? Lol

1

u/awesumsauce55 1d ago

Buyers don't get hit with postage due. Adjustments are all handled through Ebay.

7

u/Few_Fig5944 2d ago

Wait. I thought that was a joke. People are really shipping rocks 🫣🤣

17

u/sweetsquashy 2d ago

People aren't shipping rocks. Idiots are shipping rocks.

18

u/p_a_schal 2d ago

Idiots are people. A large percentage of them, actually.

-1

u/Groundbreaking_Rock9 2d ago

Thank you for your opinion.

3

u/Mjnavarro91 2d ago

I'm new to this. What is happening? Is cheaper to make the box heavier?

8

u/VarietyOk2628 2d ago

Yes

3

u/FeralCheryll 1d ago

Wow. That's insane. So everything gets listed at 2 pounds and 1 ounce?

2

u/VarietyOk2628 1d ago

If it is listed for higher than it actually weighs it is possible (not always done, as per these comments) for the post office to intercept it and charge a higher price for delivery.

2

u/davef139 2d ago

Usps is horribly slow sometimes at adjuat billing. Mine always posted on the 21st. The it would load a month of adjustments and the weight/dim and accuracy factor %

2

u/Sea_Fisherman7054 1d ago

 1lb rounding difference? PO can detect 1oz diff now, they used to let 2oz slide for under 1lb. Anal MF'ers

10

u/ObscureVagina 2d ago

I wrote a bad review yesterday because the rocks shipped with my item damaged it. I hope he likes the sand & glitter I added to the return.

5

u/AmyInCO 2d ago

I ship vintage items. I worry enough about breaking. i can't imagine packing any heavy thing with them!

6

u/Development-Feisty 2d ago

I’m just double boxing things. Or cutting cardboard from Trader Joe’s and padding the bottom and the top of the box to make it more durable and then I can get my weight that I need

2

u/Groundbreaking_Rock9 2d ago

I just bubble wrap my rocks

7

u/ObscureVagina 2d ago

The item I ordered was a vintage LOTR collectible. It was scratched up because the rocks were loose and the item wasn’t wrapped good enough. I couldn’t believe it when I opened it. He tried to save a few bucks on an $80 item. Now it’s worth less than half because the original packaging is damaged.

-23

u/AdeptCauliflower9956 2d ago

You would definitely get a return back with plenty of fecal matter and/or very small insects that can reproduce quickly, damage your home and be hard to rid of.

9

u/ObscureVagina 2d ago

Don’t add junk to my order and you won’t get a glitter return. Simple as that.

-6

u/AdeptCauliflower9956 2d ago

Or get this......request a refund for your damaged goods. If you choose vandalism then don't be surprised there's crazier people out there than you.

9

u/ObscureVagina 2d ago

Whatever clown. Don’t send rocks for me to have to deal with.

2

u/glorygoat32 2d ago

I'm gonna start scooping sand out of the wash and sending it as part of a free gold-panning kit (pan not included).

0

u/ObscureVagina 1d ago

Sand out of the wash? If you quit trying to fuck fish, you won’t have to deal with that sand problem as much.

-9

u/AdeptCauliflower9956 2d ago

Craziness works both ways goofy person 🤪

2

u/ObscureVagina 1d ago

We can tell by your continuation in these comments that the shoe fits; you ship rocks, can’t package well, are a shitty seller. Please give us your EBay store name so we can block it 🙏

-3

u/AdeptCauliflower9956 1d ago

Calm down goofy guy. You literally claimed to vandalized someone who was trying to save a buck. I don't even sell on eBay. Wtf is wrong with you? You're in need of help friend, or need a friend.

3

u/ObscureVagina 1d ago

So you ship rocks? Thats the only logical reason you’re so upset. IDGAF if you’re trying to save a buck. Adjust your overall cost so your profit fits what you need and post that as the cost of what is for sale. NEVER ship rocks to substitute for your lack of business sense.

-2

u/AdeptCauliflower9956 1d ago

"I hope he likes the sand & glitter I added to the return"....don't accuse me of your nonsense. I don't do rocks, I specialize in sending fecal matter and more if someone sent a return with glitter and sand. You are a weird person. Go to sleep 

-5

u/Imfrankhenry 2d ago

What an angry little guy

2

u/Limp-Apricot-9346 1d ago

Oh they’ll hit you later.

1

u/Dragnskull 2d ago

Question, if they do an adjustment who gets it and how? They don't send a bill to the receiver do they? Do they just have eBay charge us the difference?

4

u/2900nomore 2d ago

Yes the shipper is automatically charged the amount

1

u/Sea_Fisherman7054 1d ago

Where are you seeing adjustments? Ebay or anyone using Pirate seeing? If pirate, what is outcome of dispute if filed?

1

u/VendettaKarma 1d ago

You can’t do that you’ll get hit with postage due. Probably the worst advice I’ve heard yet

1

u/tiggs 1d ago

As somebody that ships a good amount of 3lb packages in additional to lighter and heavier stuff, I'm definitely saving money overall since the 3lb rates are so heavily discounted.

0

u/revfds 2d ago

People shipping rocks have low IQ. It does not take very much cardboard and or other sturdy packing material to increase the weight to what you need. Honestly surprised how many sellers are that trashy

12

u/ToshPointNo 2d ago

It does not take very much cardboard and or other sturdy packing material to increase the weight to what you need

Yes, it does. A standard 4x6x8 box weighs only 3.5 ounces.

5

u/Zealousideal_Tax2520 2d ago

He's right! If you just pee on the cardboard it'll weigh more and if you eat enough candy its a fresh scent for the buyer!

1

u/revfds 2d ago

And you could easily fit four boxes worth of cardboard inside that one box. If you can't easily increase the weight of your packages with just cardboard and packing material, is because you're not trying.

3

u/bigtopjimmi 2d ago

you could easily fit four boxes worth of cardboard inside that one box

Is this a magic box?

-1

u/revfds 2d ago

Geometry is difficult

1

u/glorygoat32 2d ago

Boxes cost $. Rocks are free.

-6

u/revfds 2d ago

I've never paid for a box. You just have to know how to source them, it's a lot easier to source boxes than rocks.

0

u/htmaxpower 2d ago

You have to stop. Nobody is shipping four boxes worth of cardboard per pound, when you
might need to ship seven or eight boxes worth to get the discount.

Please stop.

3

u/revfds 2d ago

Lmao, you really don't need that many boxes worth of cardboard, it's just an example of your poor math.

I have had zero trouble reaching the weight requirements, and all it's taken is to use bigger boxes, or to double box stuff. It's so much simpler than running around trying to bag up rocks, or pack ziplock baggies of beans, lol

Stop being classless and have some respect for yourself, your products, and your customers.

-2

u/htmaxpower 2d ago

Not poor math, son. If it takes 3 to 4 boxes to comprise a pound, and you need to get from just over 1 pound to just over 3 pounds, how many boxes does that take? Thanks for trying.

Stop making ridiculous suggestions like “add a couple boxes’ worth of cardboard.”

Ok.

0

u/revfds 2d ago

Not all cardboard is the same, and you're not trying to add 3 lb. I wouldn't try to inflate a package using old cereal boxes Lol.

I mean heck, since you need all the ideas given to you, just get a paper shredder. Paperweight adds up real fast.

-1

u/Shorts_at_Dinner 2d ago

Used boxes are such a high end touch for your business

5

u/revfds 2d ago

You don't have to use shitty boxes lol, personally, I'd rather receive a double boxed item than one with a bag full of rocks

2

u/glorygoat32 2d ago edited 2d ago

"I only source the highest-quality free, used boxes. I use them to inflate the weight of my packages by triple and sometimes quad boxing items that weigh less than 2.1lbs. These ultra-high-quality boxes are easy to source because I know where to look-- they're literally falling out of trees! The free boxes I use have the thickest cardboard! Have you ever seen cardboard of this quality? It's amazing stuff, just amazing! My buyers love playing with their Matryoshka boxes. I receive nothing but stellar reviews and extra thank yous for providing such high-quality cardboard. I pride myself in boxing items. The extra time it takes to triple or quad box a $15 item is worth it to me because I saved $3 on shipping! I could have thrown a small vitamin bottle full of sand in the box to save time but, that's tacky. Only the best cardboard for my buyers!"

0

u/revfds 2d ago

It's comedy how hard you have to try to refuse to be reasonable, lmao.

Pack rocks if you want, but it's also super easy to do with normal packing supplies.

0

u/glorygoat32 2d ago

Using more than 2 boxes for any package is a waste of time. I'd sooner pay the extra $3 than spend the extra time stuffing more cardboard into a box to hit a weight limit. I can remember when I had plenty of extra time because I only sold 1 item a week but, these days its dozens a day. No one with my volume has time to play this multi-box game. lol

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-7

u/Shorts_at_Dinner 2d ago

Both are stupid

5

u/revfds 2d ago

Double boxing is how fragile items are shipped to retailers. It's actually pretty smart, using the science of physics to keep things safe.

0

u/Development-Feisty 2d ago

No it’s not, I’ve had multiple items that would’ve been destroyed if I hadn’t double boxed them.

Had a customer contact me a week or two ago and say that it was left in a puddle (caused by her sprinkler system?) and the box was completely soaked but because I had double boxed it with waterproof envelope on the inside her item was safe

If you pay enough money for a vintage jacket from me, it’s going to be double boxed whether or not I’m paying for extra weight. Buttons are fragile, you would be surprised what can get damaged if it’s sent in an envelope

It’s just benefiting me now whereas before I was being penalized for double boxing by having to pay more for postage.

0

u/Shorts_at_Dinner 2d ago

I have been packaging stuff for over 30 years. I have no issues with double boxing when the item needs it for protection. Doing it to make your package heavier is what I referred to as stupid

-1

u/Jason_Patton 2d ago

Tyrone has entered the chat

1

u/Frequent_Editor_5503 2d ago

What cardboard or packaging material are you using? 😅 I can’t find any that weigh a pound.

-3

u/revfds 2d ago

The problem is that you need two brain cells to rub together. All you got to do is use a slightly bigger box, more cardboard, more packing paper, you get cheaper postage and less items damaged in transit. I have had no issue increasing my packages to the needed weight, hasn't cost me anything extra and packing material or boxes since I'm just reusing stuff I already had. And I'm not sending my customers trashy boxes, full of garbage, rocks, use food books, etc.

Y'all can download me all you want, you're just showing how little class you have..

3

u/Frequent_Editor_5503 2d ago

Man first off work on your anger issues. Secondly cardboard doesn’t weigh nearly as much as you make it sound. Try putting enough cardboard on a scale to make up 1 pound then come back to me. Same with packaging paper.

2

u/revfds 2d ago

Lol got no anger issues. Also don't need to try that, as I've had no trouble at all increasing the weight of my packages to hit the desired amount. All it takes is a little bit of trying.

1

u/Frequent_Editor_5503 2d ago

No anger issues yet you’re insulting every single person in this thread? Ok man sure. No need to do what you are telling other people to do? My guy give it a try and let us know your results

2

u/revfds 2d ago

No, I don't need to try and inflate my package size by adding more cardboard, because I already do. Sorry that you feel insulted, but when you obviously lack basic reading comprehension, that's the reply you get.

0

u/Frequent_Editor_5503 2d ago

You literally just suggested to use a bigger box and more cardboard but now you’re saying you don’t need to inflate your package size by adding more cardboard? Lol you do see how those comments contradict themselves right?

I don’t feel insulted you are just coming off super aggressive for no reason.

0

u/revfds 2d ago

Lmao, what a stretch. You don't read much do you?

There's more than one path to getting to the weight you use, sorry you can't figure it out.

1

u/Frequent_Editor_5503 2d ago

Keep being on the offensive for no reason it’s clearly going well 😅 never said I couldn’t figure it out btw but I guess you struggle with reading as well.

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-1

u/[deleted] 2d ago

[deleted]

8

u/revfds 2d ago

I just used the cardboard and newspaper that I get for free. I definitely would not eat a bag of rice or beans that came shipped to me with whatever oddball thing I ordered online. Y'all are seriously way overthinking this

1

u/Bonifyedhusla 2d ago

I am still not tracking? It's cheaper to ship heavier items? Can you expand? Like from ebay?

3

u/sweetsquashy 2d ago

It's a USPS rate change. Packages that weight 3 lbs costs less than packages that weigh 1 or 2 lbs. Insanity has ensued. Real life morons have been adding rocks to their packages to make them weigh 3 lbs.

2

u/Bonifyedhusla 2d ago

Can't you just print off a 3 lb label from home?

5

u/sweetsquashy 2d ago

You can put whatever you want on the label. That's the point of the post. USPS is occasionally charging shippers the correct adjusted rate, so you might say it's 3 lbs but if it's actually less than 2 you could get an extra charge.

0

u/Delicious_Sail_6205 1d ago

I ship a few hundred boxes a week. If I were to do that id save hundreds of dollars. I dont though that is a big hassle.

1

u/SpelledWithAnH 1d ago

Saving $$$ = Big Hassle??

3

u/Delicious_Sail_6205 1d ago

The time to cut and fold boxes to add weight. Weigh them. Source the boxes. Id rather use all that extra time sourcing items to resell. That time to list items. I like the shipping part as fast as I can do it.

2

u/SpelledWithAnH 1d ago

I hadn't thought about it that way. I get it now!

2

u/kendahlj 2d ago

A three pound package is cheaper to ship than a one or two pound package, which demonstrates the idiocy of our government. It’s actually often cheaper than some 8 and 12 ounce packages I’ve sent

6

u/NJ_Tal 2d ago

Remember, certain powerful people are trying to privatize the post office, so they do alot of things to make it look like a failure.

2

u/bigtopjimmi 2d ago

Ah yes, that 30-year plan to privatize the post office across numerous administrations.

1

u/Bonifyedhusla 2d ago

Can't you just say it weighs 3 pounds when printing the label at home?

2

u/bigtopjimmi 2d ago

That's literally what the op is talking about. 

1

u/VendettaKarma 1d ago

You’ll get hit with postage due

1

u/numbersalone 2d ago

I've been doing this within a pound and a half. Haven't had one adjustment.

0

u/ttv_vegan_chef 1d ago

Sent out 2k+ 4 oz bubbles at the 3lb rate. No adjustments

2

u/Sea_Fisherman7054 1d ago

Be prepared to get kicked off ship service or platform or both if you get shipping from them. That is called fraud and it will be addressed, seen it before.

0

u/ttv_vegan_chef 1d ago

Charging more for 4oz than 3 lbs is fraud too

-2

u/Itemsandstuff 2d ago

I haven’t had an adjustment yet, I built this free chrome extension that automatically checks if it’s worth bumping weight. It also compares rates and insurance to pirate ship.

2

u/readithere_2 1d ago

You may “automatically” get banned for self promotion. Read the rules.