USPS shipping rates will increase soon. As part of their annual rate assessment, the United States Postal Service announced increases on shipping costs effective January 21, 2018.

The USPS retail rate percent increase varies depending on the service. Most increases average less than 4% of current rates and up to 6.1% for some services.

The Good News: eBay Has Negotiated Lower Rates for Sellers

eBay has been able to negotiate with the USPS on behalf of sellers and secure a significant discount for eBay labels. While this still means a slight increase in the average cost of shipping an item using USPS, sellers who use eBay labels can save up to 25% on First Class Package Serviceand up to 24% on Priority Mail*. Plus, tracking is automatically uploaded, so you can print a shipping label from anywhere. You can even schedule free pick-ups.

What You Need to Do

Once USPS increases their shipping rates, theeBay shipping calculatorand eBay labels will be updated with the new rates. You'll need to make sure shipping prices on your active listings reflect them, too.

  • If you're not usingeBay labels, give them a try. They can save you up to 25%* off of USPS retail prices, as well as up to 37%** off of FedEx rates.
  • If you usecalculated shipping, check that all your listings have accurate package weights and measurements. Your listings will show the new rates automatically, once they take effect.
  • If you useflat-rate shipping, review your listings to see if your flat rate covers the price increases. You may have to raise your flat-rate charges to maintain the same margins.
  • If you offerfree shipping, review your listings to see if your prices can absorb the extra costs, or if you should make adjustments to your prices.

For more details, visitwww.ebay.com/USPS.

*Compared to USPS retail rates. Negotiated Commercial Plus pricing is available via eBay Labels to all eBay Top-rated sellers and sellers with an average of 300 or more transactions per month.

** Rates as of January, 2017. Discounts are based on FedEx retail domestic and international retail services.

eBay Inc. published this content on 03 January 2018 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 03 January 2018 17:34:03 UTC.

Original documenthttp://community.ebay.com/t5/Announcements/USPS-Shipping-Rates-are-Changing-and-eBay-Has-Negotiated/ba-p/27939005

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