Best carrier for shipping items 5+ pounds

Hello, I recently took apart a microwave that had working parts and I want to sell the transformer on ebay but it weighs 8 pounds, so my question is, what is the best carrier to use? USPS, UPS, or FedEx?

I sell a fair amount on eBay, and depending on an items size, I usually will send via USPS Priority Mail. A lot of my sales are old coins, so I use the Small Flat Rate boxes that you can get for free at your local post office. If you go to USPS.com you can get an exact shipping cost, as long as you know the weight and size of the box that you will be using. It is also cheaper to buy and print your own shipping labels from their website.

Originally Posted by DiamondN

I sell a fair amount on eBay, and depending on an items size, I usually will send via USPS Priority Mail. A lot of my sales are old coins, so I use the Small Flat Rate boxes that you can get for free at your local post office. If you go to USPS.com you can get an exact shipping cost, as long as you know the weight and size of the box that you will be using. It is also cheaper to buy and print your own shipping labels from their website.

I tried it, and I only got quotes for priority mail shipping

Originally Posted by philshark2

I want to sell the transformer on ebay but it weighs 8 pounds, so my question is, what is the best carrier to use? USPS, UPS, or FedEx?

What size is the item?
If it will fit into a USPS Regional A box / Max weight of 15 pounds >> ships anywhere for the 2 pound rate
If it will fit into a USPS Regional B box / Max weight of 20 pounds >> ships anywhere for the 4 pound rate

I use USPS for light weight items like that
I also use USPS for heavy items (up to 70 pounds) that will fit in a USPS Flat Rate Box

Originally Posted by JohnC4X4

What size is the item?
If it will fit into a USPS Regional A box / Max weight of 15 pounds >> ships anywhere for the 2 pound rate
If it will fit into a USPS Regional B box / Max weight of 20 pounds >> ships anywhere for the 4 pound rate

I use USPS for light weight items like that
I also use USPS for heavy items (up to 70 pounds) that will fit in a USPS Flat Rate Box

It should fit in the regional A box

When you're on USPS.com, scroll over 'mail and ship', then drop down to 'calculate a price'. Once on that page, insert your zip code and the destination zip code. I'm in Indy, so if I just want a 'ball park' price on shipping without knowing the final destination yet, I put in a Cali zip code (90210) as that will always cover my shipping costs. Next thing is to go to the bottom of page and click 'package', and then insert the weight of the 'packed item'. Click continue. Next page is where you're probably only seeing Priority Mail options. Either click 'other options' or click the little box up in the right hand corner that says 'display all options'. I find that Priority Mail is usually cheaper most times.
Probably 75 percent of the stuff that I sell is small, so I use the small flat rate boxes and always offer free shipping. Just make sure that you calculate your shipping costs into the selling price. Good Luck...

Originally Posted by JohnC4X4

What size is the item?
If it will fit into a USPS Regional A box / Max weight of 15 pounds >> ships anywhere for the 2 pound rate
If it will fit into a USPS Regional B box / Max weight of 20 pounds >> ships anywhere for the 4 pound rate

I use USPS for light weight items like that
I also use USPS for heavy items (up to 70 pounds) that will fit in a USPS Flat Rate Box

I recently had a very few 'original' Indy 500 bricks to sell, and those USPS Regional boxes worked out perfect for the size and weight of a brick.

Originally Posted by DiamondN

I use the small flat rate boxes and always offer free shipping. .

You can save money (make more money since you offer FREE shipping) by sliding the small flat rate box into the Flat Rate Envelope

Originally Posted by PartTimeScrapper

Regional rate A if you use ebay shipping labels should run you no more then about $9 no matter where you ship it in the US. If the buyer is closer to you its cheaper.

yea, sadly my printer broke down after a couple months of use. So i will have to manually ship it, but I looked up the pricing and got quoted about $7

Prices are a little old, but gives you the basics of how to package for USPS

95-99% of my shipments go USPS

Depending on how big your part is, it might be better for small, regional a, or a padded envelope.


Also, thermal printers are the bomb.