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Member Workshop: Save time on shipping: Strategies from Listing to Pickup
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Member Workshop: Save time on shipping: Strategies from Listing to Pickup
Jan 1, 2008 10:49 PM
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Topic: Member Workshop: Save time on shipping: Strategies from Listing to Pickup
Host: shiprush
Date: Tuesday 01/22
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Pacific time
Location: Workshop Discussion Board
Description: Now that the holiday rush is over, you can ask: Am I operating efficiently? Thinking ahead can save you hours every week. Learn from a shipping pro how to 'think' shipping, from crafting the listing, printing the labels and handing over the parcels. Learn techniques and tools that save eBay sellers tons of time. Please join Rafael Zimberoff, an active eBay seller and member since 2000 and eBay Certified Provider Z-Firm for an information-packed hour on how to save time on shipping.
Cheers,
Deirdre
eBay Community Development
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(1 of 75)
Member Workshop: Save time on shipping: Strategies from Listing to Pickup
Jan 22, 2008 09:16 AM
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Hello Everyone! My name is Rafael Zimberoff, and I am the ShipRush Product Manager. For the last ten years I have managed shipping software. ShipRush for eBay has been out for 2+ years now and I have been working with the eBay community. Special Gift Offer: The first 5 folks who ask questions on this workshop will receive a ShipRush pen and chocolate bar! (You will need to email us your mailing address, to mailto:info@zfirmllc.com ) ShipRush Team www.shiprush.com/ebay
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ShipRush Team
http://www.shiprush.com/ebay
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(2 of 75)
Member Workshop: Save time on shipping: Strategies from Listing to Pickup
Jan 22, 2008 09:18 AM
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Let's turn to our topic: 'Thinking Shipping!'
It is important to take shipping seriously. Every eBay sale will result in a shipment. The goal is a good price (e.g. lots of bidders!), a happy buyer, and a profit on the sale.
To keep your eBay business on the right track (e.g. profitable and sane), remember the ingredients for successful shipping:
Buyer Experience:
-Time in transit should meet buyer's expectations
-Shipment should be trackable on the web while in transit (so the buyer doesn't have to bug you asking if the item is on the way)
-Protecting the item from damage in transit
Shared Buyer / Seller Experience
-Buyer inquires "Where is my item" while in transit
-Hassles for everyone if the item is damaged in transit
Seller Experience:
-Keeping actual shipping costs in line with what you expect (e.g. maintain profits!)
-Remembering to account for packaging costs in the item sale price (= eye on profitability)
-Managing the bill from shipping carrier (time spent / possible costs)
-Time spent printing shipping labels (your time = $$$)
-Making claims for damaged items (also your time = $$$)
That is the 'lay of the shipping land'
ShipRush Team
www.shiprush.com/ebay
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ShipRush Team
http://www.shiprush.com/ebay
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(3 of 75)
Member Workshop: Save time on shipping: Strategies from Listing to Pickup
Jan 22, 2008 09:20 AM
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So now, how do we Think Shipping?
Thinking Shipping starts before you list an item. It is often best to Think Shipping before you purchase inventory to sell!
To Think Shipping means we know the important factors related to shipping costs:
1) Item Weight
2) Item size: unpacked
3) Item size: packed in a box
4) Item value (for insurance purposes)
Cost & Replaceability
5) Item Timeliness / Freshness
6) Cost of packaging material (box, bubble wrap, etc)
Next we will discuss what these things mean.
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ShipRush Team
www.shiprush.com/ebay
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ShipRush Team
http://www.shiprush.com/ebay
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(4 of 75)
Member Workshop: Save time on shipping: Strategies from Listing to Pickup
Jan 22, 2008 09:23 AM
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WEIGHT, SIZE, VALUE, TIMELINESS
Because I Think Shipping, I tend to think in terms of these categories:
---What can I send First Class Mail?
---What is appropriate via the Post Office?
---What advantages does a Carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, courier services) bring me?
---Is this Larger than a Parcel? (e.g. large/heavy item, that needs to go in a truck)
Weight:
Small items, of low value with a packed weight of 13oz or less can go First Class mail.
This is the simplest and best. The cost is low, flat rate, and predictable.
Media Mail is great for books & CDs, Priority Mail is great for low value items
that pack relatively small and are either 1-2 lbs, or heavier if they
go a flat rate box.
As the weight, value, or timeliness of the item go up, the need for a carrier
goes up.
Size:
Bulky and heavy items will always go with a carrier. If heavy enough, they will go on a truck line.
(Note: We are not going to discuss truck lines / LTL in this workshop.)
A key thing to remember is DIMENSIONAL WEIGHT, which we will discuss below.
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ShipRush Team
www.shiprush.com/ebay
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ShipRush Team
http://www.shiprush.com/ebay
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(5 of 75)
Member Workshop: Save time on shipping: Strategies from Listing to Pickup
Jan 22, 2008 09:25 AM
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Common Shipping Mistakes:
--Sending small items by Priority Mail.
We see this all the time. The seller is sending everything Priority, when many shipments
are 13oz or less and could go First Class. Watch out for this trap! It wastes money fast!
--Forgetting that the Carriers typically insure, automatically, all packages for $100, at
no additional cost. (See Carrier Service Guides for specifics).
The Post Office does not offer this. FedEx, UPS and DHL do.
If you need a predictable way to make claims for damage, the post office may be the wrong way to go.
--Timely items (concert tickets, food, plants, fruits, seasonal items), are often best sent
with a carrier (DHL, FedEx, UPS) so that you get a delivery time commitment, and the buyer
gets step-by-step tracking in transit.
--Small shippers (under 20 packages a week) shipping small items (say %50 first class shipping)
are often best off using old fashioned stamps. Stamps are delivered to your door free of
charge by the post office when purchased at usps.com, and are easy to use.
With a free tool like ShipRush USPS, you get Delivery Confirmation, bulk and combined shipping features, and you can use stamps!
Now let's focus on shipping strategy for eBay sellers!
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ShipRush Team
www.shiprush.com/ebay
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ShipRush Team
http://www.shiprush.com/ebay
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(6 of 75)
Member Workshop: Save time on shipping: Strategies from Listing to Pickup
Jan 22, 2008 09:27 AM
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Think Shipping Strategy: Simplify! Part 1: Shipping Options You Offer
It feels nice to offer buyers lots of options:
--- Would you like that shipped Ground, 2-day, or Next Day?
--- Maybe a Parcel Post option?
--- Insurance is available. Interested?
Allow me to propose: Cut the options and simplify.
There are exceptions, of course, but most buyers on eBay want a predictable total price (say $100 for the item,
and $15 shipping. OK, that is a total of $115). Offering too many options means the buyer has to 'do the math'
to figure out what the total cost will be.
Probably a turn off!
Wherever possible, we advise sellers:
-Offer a single shipping option. If a buyer really needs it tomorrow, let the buyer contact you to ask for an
alternate shipping method. %99 of the time, buyers will be happy with any normal shipping service if the shipping
cost is reasonable and the item is shipped promptly.
-Use rate calculators when needed, but think it through. Many low-weight shipments (under 4 lbs) are not going to
vary much in the shipping cost.
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ShipRush Team
www.shiprush.com/ebay
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ShipRush Team
http://www.shiprush.com/ebay
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(7 of 75)
Member Workshop: Save time on shipping: Strategies from Listing to Pickup
Jan 22, 2008 09:31 AM
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Think Shipping Strategy: Simplify! Part 2 Insurance
Lets talk about insurance for your shipments.
-- What is available.
-- What it costs.
-- Why it matters
As I mentioned before, the Carriers (FedEx, DHL, and UPS) automatically 'insure' packages against loss or damage for up to $100.
This is part of the base shipping fee.
So a big benefit of using the Carriers is that your shipments have some coverage automatically.
For packages with a higher replacement value, you can purchase additional coverage. Today's rates, according to the carrier Service Guides are:
-- FedEx charges $0.60 per $100 of value, with a $1.80 minimum Declared Value charge.
-- UPS charges the same, according to the UPS 2008 Service Guide.
-- DHL charges $0.70 per $100, according to the DHL Service Guide.
(Again, check the Carrier Service Guides for details.)
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ShipRush Team
www.shiprush.com/ebay
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ShipRush Team
http://www.shiprush.com/ebay
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(8 of 75)
Member Workshop: Save time on shipping: Strategies from Listing to Pickup
Jan 22, 2008 09:33 AM
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Think Shipping Strategy: Simplify! Part 2 Insurance Again
For higher value shipments, insurance really matters. But think it through:
a) Remember that nothing is free. Declared Value insurance costs real $$
b) Do you want to self insure? (This means you put aside some money yourself to cover against losses in transit)
c) Or do you really need a lot of insurance--say you ship only high value swiss watches (like some ShipRush users we know)--then you may want to shop around for insurance options.
Hint: Most shippers use the Carrier provided coverage, and a few self insure if they are good at managing their money and are experts at packaging.
Remember, it is your job, as the seller, to get the goods delivered to the buyer. The carrier works for you. If an item is lost or damaged in transit, it is your problem. If you need coverage to make good on your responsibility, remember to purchase the coverage!
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ShipRush Team
www.shiprush.com/ebay
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ShipRush Team
http://www.shiprush.com/ebay
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(9 of 75)
Member Workshop: Save time on shipping: Strategies from Listing to Pickup
Jan 22, 2008 09:35 AM
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Think Shipping Strategy: Simplify! Rate Calculators
Rate calculators allow the shipment cost to be calculated based on:
-- The item itself (its weight and dimensions)
-- The shipping service being used
-- The distance it will be shipped (FROM your zip code TO the buyer)
Many shipping services are 'zone based' which means that the further the shipment will travel,
the more it costs. The cost is largest for larger and bulkier packages. The shipping cost
for these packages goes up considerably as the distance grows.
Compare zone based shipping to flat rate shipping. For example, a First Class letter at the post
office is 41 cents, whether it is going down the street or to the furthest reaches of Alaska.
So shipping calculators can really help. Your heavy item, delivered, will cost a lot less for a
buyer within your state compared to a buyer across the country. A shipping calculator in your
listing will help nearby buyers get your item at a lower total cost.
But make sure to do the homework! For a calculator to work, your listings must include weight
and dimensions for every listing for the calculator to even function.
Beware: If you make a mistake in the weight or dimensions, your actual shipping cost
(what you pay) could exceed what the calculator charges the buyer.
This means you need to know a lot about your item, and get it all entered into the listing.
When you can offer a flat shipping cost, your listing process is simpler and less prone to error.
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ShipRush Team
www.shiprush.com/ebay
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ShipRush Team
http://www.shiprush.com/ebay
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(10 of 75)
Member Workshop: Save time on shipping: Strategies from Listing to Pickup
Jan 22, 2008 09:49 AM
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Think Shipping Strategy: Know the Rules
A couple of basic "rules of shipping" every shipper should know:
--- Dimensional Weight
This is key! Your package may weigh 2 lbs, but you will be charged, for example, 5 lbs because the box is large enough
to trigger 'dimensional weight.'
Check your Carrier Service Guide for details. To make it easy, I found the relevant pages in the Carrier Service Guides:
The FedEx story (kind of hard to read, sorry):
The DHL story:
The UPS story:
If you look closely, notice that the magic number (for domestic shipments, within the USA) is 194.
So a box that measures (in inches): 30" x 20" x 20" works out this way:
We multiply those numbers to figure out the cubic inches of the box:
30 x 20 x 20 = 12000
So the box is 12000 cubic inches.
Now we divide by 194: 12000 / 194 = 61.8
So we say that the 'dimensional weight' is 61.8 lbs, and since we round up, we say it is 62 lbs.
Now comes the key question: What does this box actually weigh on the scale?
If it weighs 62 lbs or less, it will be billed as 62 lbs, even if it only weighs 8 lbs on the scale.
Why? Because it will take up room in the truck,
so the Carrier can't charge just 8 lbs, because
then the truck would fill up with really light
weight boxes, but the truck still needs to pay
for the driver, and the time, and the fuel, etc.
If the box weighs 63 lbs or more on the scale, it
will be billed at the actual scale weight (rounded
up to the next even lb, of course!)
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ShipRush Team
www.shiprush.com/ebay
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ShipRush Team
http://www.shiprush.com/ebay
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(11 of 75)
Member Workshop: Save time on shipping: Strategies from Listing to Pickup
Jan 22, 2008 09:51 AM
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Think Shipping Strategy: Know the Rules: Dimensional Weight Part 2:
It is crucial that you actually measure your boxes. The
shipping carriers 'check your work' by weighing and
measuring most or all packages they handle. If your
measurements are not accurate, your bill may be adjusted
upward by the carrier.
Not a nice surprise at the end of the month! 
If enough shipments are 'off' the carrier may put you on
'audit' status and pay special attention to your parcels.
Bottom line: Keep a yardstick by your scale!
Trick! If you can, use a few standard sizes of boxes
for all your merchandise. You can call the different box
sizes by a code, say an A box, B box, C box. Have the
dimensions of those boxes at hand. So then you can know
that a certain item weighs, say 8 lbs and will go into a B
box (and you know those dimensions). This helps make the
overall process predictable and easy. It cuts out a lot of
measuring!
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ShipRush Team
www.shiprush.com/ebay
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ShipRush Team
http://www.shiprush.com/ebay
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(12 of 75)
Member Workshop: Save time on shipping: Strategies from Listing to Pickup
Jan 22, 2008 09:53 AM
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Think Shipping Strategy: Know the Rules: Fuel Surcharges
-Fuel Surcharges
Most rate calculators and software systems (like ShipRush, FedEx.com, WorldShip, etc)
automatically add the Fuel Surcharge to the rate.
The important thing to remember: This charge can change every month.
This charge is to help the Carriers cover the increasing (and always changing) cost of gasoline and diesel fuel.
So a shipment that costs $10.20 today, might cost a bit less or more next month. The range might be $10.00 to $10.40.
Just don't be surprised. This is normal.
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ShipRush Team
www.shiprush.com/ebay
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ShipRush Team
http://www.shiprush.com/ebay
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(13 of 75)
Member Workshop: Save time on shipping: Strategies from Listing to Pickup
Jan 22, 2008 10:18 AM
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Hi everyone:
We've posted the workshop material early. Grab a cup of coffee and start reading - lots of great information.
We'll be back at 1:00 p.m. Pacific time to take your questions and comments.
Talk to you in a bit,
Deirdre
eBay Community Development
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(14 of 75)
Member Workshop: Save time on shipping: Strategies from Listing to Pickup
Jan 22, 2008 12:58 PM
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Welcome and thanks for joining us today!
We love workshops to be interactive, so please feel free to ask your questions that directly relate to this topic.
Added note: If you click on the "Watch this discussion" link, you will receive an email each time someone posts to the workshop.
Stop Watching: If at any time you no longer want to receive updates on a thread you are watching, just click on the link titled "Stop Watching Thread" found in the specific thread being watched. Also you can remove any watched thread by clicking on the "Watched Discussions" link located in the log in bar and deleting the watched thread.
If you're new to the discussion boards, please be sure to check out the board tutorial:
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A from our Legal Department: The statements and opinions made in this discussion board are those of the workshop host only and do not reflect eBay policy or eBay's opinion with respect to such statements.
Cheers,
Deirdre
eBay Community Development
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(15 of 75)
Member Workshop: Save time on shipping: Strategies from Listing to Pickup
Jan 22, 2008 01:01 PM
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Hello all!
This workshop is now open! Please post questions and comments.
Thanks!
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ShipRush Team
www.shiprush.com/ebay
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ShipRush Team
http://www.shiprush.com/ebay
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(16 of 75)
Member Workshop: Save time on shipping: Strategies from Listing to Pickup
Jan 22, 2008 01:04 PM
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I haven't shipped very many items, and have used only USPS because we don't have a local pickup for DHL or FedEx. Is there a big difference in shipping rates for the three of them, and would I be better offering at least one of them as a shipping alternative?
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(17 of 75)
Member Workshop: Save time on shipping: Strategies from Listing to Pickup
Jan 22, 2008 01:04 PM
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What are the recommended sources of packing materials?
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(18 of 75)
Member Workshop: Save time on shipping: Strategies from Listing to Pickup
Jan 22, 2008 01:05 PM
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What about 15oz items shipping USPS First Class International, what solutioon is there for these packages?
Thanks,
Doctor-Deals
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(19 of 75)
Member Workshop: Save time on shipping: Strategies from Listing to Pickup
Jan 22, 2008 01:05 PM
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Good Afternoon Rafael Zimberoff,
Can you elaberate on the example you've given for box sizes such as A, B, and C. How would you place each demession in these catigories?
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(20 of 75)
Member Workshop: Save time on shipping: Strategies from Listing to Pickup
Jan 22, 2008 01:06 PM
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Hello - and thank you for the information - It seems you favor the flat rate shipping, but when I have used both methods and the customer buys multiple items - it seems to create a problem for me. Also ever since the USPS and the recent UPS rate change the calculator and dimensional weight doesnt work so well so I tell all my customers to request an invocie, which is really time consuming.
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(21 of 75)
Member Workshop: Save time on shipping: Strategies from Listing to Pickup
Jan 22, 2008 01:06 PM
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deb6999: There is no single rule. A given shipment might cost less with the USPS, but a different shipment relatively more with USPS.
The key is to profile the kinds of shipments you make, and to choose the carrier(s) that best meet you needs.
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ShipRush Team
www.shiprush.com/ebay
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ShipRush Team
http://www.shiprush.com/ebay
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(22 of 75)
Member Workshop: Save time on shipping: Strategies from Listing to Pickup
Jan 22, 2008 01:07 PM
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What packaging matrial is best for large heavey items?
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(23 of 75)
Member Workshop: Save time on shipping: Strategies from Listing to Pickup
Jan 22, 2008 01:08 PM
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Question: What are the recommended sources of packing materials?
Goood question!
My favorite answer: Recycle! Go to a nearby office park and ask the folks in receiving or in the front office to please break down boxes and keep peanuts, and that you will pick up once a week.
Then you get free packing material, and they make less garbage.
If you burn through a lot of boxes, you may need to shop around.
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ShipRush Team
www.shiprush.com/ebay
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ShipRush Team
http://www.shiprush.com/ebay
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