In case you’ve not heard, the Post Office has just recently (yesterday) raised their shipping rates. I used to be able to send a three ounce First Class Package anywhere in the US for $2.66, and I was only charging you folks $2.45. For that service, you got a very well packaged 6x9 envelope containing a USPS tracking number. Now, the price varies not only by weight, but by distance. The farthest destinations in the US now run about $3.09 to get the same package delivered from CA. I can’t continue with my $2.45 flat-rate pricing any longer.
I could simply increase my flat rate fee to recoup that increase. However, it would be annoying to most folks to have to pay up to $3.00 or so for postage on a stamp that only cost a few dollars. If eBay’s computer system would allow it, I could institute a “sliding fee” based on total sale amount. Unfortunately, it does not appear that this is possible.
So, starting very soon I will be instituting the following shipping fees for stamp purchases:
$1.50 - $75 purchase total: shipping fee $1.25, First Class envelope, NO TRACKING NUMBER.
Over $75 purchase total: shipping fee $1.25, First Class Package, WITH tracking number.
Over $100 purchase total: FREE SHIPPING, First Class Package, with shipping number, insured.
While this might cause me some grief at first, I think you, my customers will enjoy these lower fees. I wish I could provide tracking numbers for all purchases. but the only way is via First Class Package, and that simply is no longer affordable.
One rather ugly (for me, anyway) result of these changes is that I’ll loose my "Top Rated Plus" Seller status. That is given to sellers who provide tracking numbers on all purchases and get the item mailed within one business day. Oh well - that’s life.