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Calculated Shipping Rates

The calculated shipping rate is the rate charged based on the seller's and buyer's locations, the weight of the package, and the type of shipping service offered.

If you use calculated shipping rates, a table of shipping rates will be inserted into your listing. Shipping rates will also be calculated when your buyer pays. Here's how it works:

Step 1: Enter shipping information when you list your item, such as package type, weight and shipping service.

Step 2: Buyer sees calculated shipping rates on your listing.

Step 3: Buyer pays for your item and the rates are calculated automatically based on the shipping address.

More details are below. 

Step 1: Enter shipping information

Enter your shipping information in the Sell Your Item form.

  • Package type. You can usually categorize a shipment as a "package." For each package type there are different shipping services available from the U. S. Postal Service (USPS) and UPS.

  • Weight of the package. Select the total weight of the item, box, and any packing materials. To enter the weight in pounds and ounces, select "Custom weight."

  • Irregular or unusual. Select the check box if you're shipping an irregularly shaped package or a package containing certain materials.

  • U.S.  shipping service. Select from a list of services from UPS or U.S. Postal Service, such as UPS Ground or U.S. Postal Service Priority Mail. You can offer up to three U.S. shipping services for the item.

  • Dimensions. Enter the dimensions (length, width, and girth) of the package that you're shipping.

  • International shipping service. You can offer up to three international shipping services for the item. For each service offered, you can specify a list of locations you will ship to.

  • Item location. Enter the country, ZIP Code, city, and state that you'll be shipping from.

  • Handling time and cost. Let buyers know the number of days it typically takes you to ship an item after receiving payment. Enter an amount to be added to the shipping cost for any packaging and handling cost. This amount will not be shown separately to buyers.

  • Insurance. Select whether you want to offer insurance. Insurance or loss and damage protection will be calculated automatically based on the item price.

Note: UPS automatically provides protection against loss or damage up to $100 per package. For UPS shipments, just specify the option in case your item sells for over $100.

Step 2: Buyer sees calculated rates

When you use calculated shipping rates, a table of shipping rates will appear in the "Shipping and handling" section of your listing. The listing will automatically determine the shipping rate based on the buyer's ZIP Code and the information you specified for the listing. Only the shipping service you selected will be shown. Any packaging and handling fees will be included in the shipping charge – they will not be shown to buyers.

Note: For auction listings, insurance rates only appear when the listing closes since rates are based on the final item price.

Step 3: Buyer pays

When the buyer pays, rates will be calculated automatically based on the shipping address. The rates are calculated during the payment process for all your payment methods, including PayPal. The buyer can select from the list of shipping services you offered.

Note: Buyers need to pay by clicking the Pay Now button on eBay.