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Why doesn't PayPal Shipping include the option for Priority Mail SMALL FLAT-RATE Boxes on the shipping options for USPS?
I mail small items and will be almost exclusively using the SMALL Priority Flat-Rate Box.
The only current option for a Priority Flat-Rate Box is "Medium" through the PayPal Shipping Center. So, my only current option is to choose, "Priority Mail", then choose "Package", then enter the dimensions, and ship, which can end up costing more than the flat rate.
THE PROBLEM is that the package is subject to weight and zoning, and can cost more than the Flat-Rate. I choose to use PayPal for the convenience of it being connected to Ebay, and also for the free Delivery Confirmation.
My 2nd PROBLEM is that if I ship directly through the USPS website, it costs more, because I have to pay for the Del. Confirmation.
I'm stuck....please help.
Thanks!!!
Solved! Go to Solution.
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@MayasMommie wrote:@JamesNewton wrote:
And there should be a warning for international shipments that the flat rate envelope and small flat rate box are not trackable and therefor a risk to the seller. They may be worth the risk, but finding out after years of shipping that they offer no protection was a real annoyance.
__________________________________
I just shipped something to UK in a small flat rate box and was able to track the package via customs form number. I believe that all international shipments have to be done at the USPS office to fill out the forms??
Thanks!!
Yep, that's exactly what tricked me into a $200 dollar dispute that I had no way to defend. Luckily, the package eventually arrived, a month and a half later, and the buyer cleared the dispute. I also shipped via small flat rate and envelop to international buyers many times and I also found the tracking information online and available. But the USPS.com web site, help desk, and the local post office manager are all VERY clear that they do not guaranty tracking on those packages. Go check it yourself on "Click & Ship" at usps.com. It is NOT guaranteed to be trackable.
What happens is that IF the post office personnel have the time and want to be nice, which they typically do, they will go ahead and scan those packages. But think about it; when do you really need tracking? When the package is delayed. And when are packages delayed? During the holiday season, or any other time that they get busy. And when they get busy, the do NOT scan those packages. So you get lulled into a false sense of security and then when things go wrong, the tracking will not be there to back you up.
Envelope and small flat rate ARE trackable for domestic shipments, so PayPal should make them an option for standard Priority Mail. They are NOT always trackable for international shipments, so PayPal should warn users about that for "Global Priority Mail" or Priority Mail International service.
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So, I'm a 3 kids mom and now I have to get all my babies to the truck, drive to the post office. Get the kids in the stroller wait 15 minutes in lines w/a big box in my hand, just because PAy pal won't add a bg flat rate option. Really nice guys!!
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this whole shipping thing is a fiasco! paypal has known for months and don't seem to be any closer to resolving this. the postal servixce wont let me ship first class packages from their site so i have to come to paypal now.. but for the small or large flat rate box i have to go to the usps site and enter it manually. it looks like as much money as they generate, they could remedy this to help their customer base! i can zip through the first class envelopes in a hurry, but the priority boxes requires manual addressing, and if you dont get it just right you can have to enter that info several times. why is it they can't fix this? does anyone know?
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I've been used flat rate envelope label for small flat rate box because PayPal does not have an option for it ( I don't know why it's so hard to add an option for that) and never had a problem until USPS raise 5 cent for the small box without any notice. I got 12 packages returned and a lot of complaining from my customers about the delayed packages. NICE WORK PAYPAL !!!!! NOW I think I will try endicia for a better svc.
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Wow 7dime, I almost tried the same with the envolopes. That would have really sucked. If you're just using ebay shipping there is a fix for this in these threads.
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I will now ship using the Post Office site. This way I can ship (internationally, too) using a small flat rate box. PayPal offering 'medium flat rate box' is NOT a good solution - unless they are willing to pay the difference in shipping - ha! Good luck, paypal, I hope everyone who reads this switches to the Post Office Site for their shipping needs!!
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Come on PayPal. You'r emaking lots of previous customers unhappy enough to go elsewhere for shipping. if that's your intention--you're doing a bang up job. There is no way you can't fix the problem. you just don't WANT to. Thanks for the stupid advice of using the medium flat rate box. It really shows your level of understanding and customer satisfaction. I'm off to Endicia.
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I believe that delivery confrimation is included for priority mail - even via the post office online web site. if you go to the post office, dc is high.
IT CAN'T BE THAT DIFFICULT TO INCLUDE SMALL FLATE RATE PRIORITY BOX SHIPPING RATE!
COME ON PAYPAL, GET ER DONE!!
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Just want to add my frustration that PP doesn't offer the Small Flat Rate box as an option. That is the size most of my items fit into and it is really a pain to have to go to the USPS site and input all the info for each shipment. How hard is it to add all the current shipment options to the menu??? Really, can't you guys hire someone to do it???

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- No buyers protection or fair help in About Payments
- PayPal took an eBay dispute that would have worked out and **bleep** me in favor of the buyer in About Protections
- Unable to link UPS Account for Shipping in About Payments
- Print Shipping Label for return from customer in About Business
- I accidentally created a shipping label for priority envelope instead of priority box in About Business