Etsy’s Mike McGuire, a Program Analyst on the Shipping & Order Management team, published the following post on the Etsy Seller Handbook:
At the beginning of every calendar year, most shipping providers make changes to their rates and services. We know these changes have a big impact on your shops, and want to make sure you learn about the rate changes in advance and are equipped with all of the information you need to succeed in 2017.
This year, the services offered through Etsy Shipping Labels – the United States Postal Service, FedEx and Canada Post – are making changes to their rates and some services.
Changes in rates will automatically be reflected on packages shipped through Etsy and for US sellers using calculated shipping beginning January 2, 2017 for FedEx, January 16, 2017 for Canada Post and January 22, 2017 for USPS.
Here’s a look at some of the key changes:
United States Postal Service
- All rates for USPS international mail classes will remain the same for 2017.
- There will be a 4.1 percent average increase for domestic First Class packages.
- Domestic Priority Mail rates will rise by an average of 3.9 percent and Priority Mail Express by an average of 3.4 percent.
- See the 2017 Shipping Rate Changes help article for a comprehensive rate comparison chart.
FedEx
- Domestic and international FedEx Express rates will rise by an average of 3.9 percent and domestic FedEx Ground by an average of 4.9 percent.
- The formula by which dimensional rate is calculated is changing, which means that some large, but lightweight packages may experience a price increase.
- See the 2017 Shipping Rate Changes help article for a comprehensive rate comparison chart.
Canada Post
- Overall, domestic shipping services are increasing by an average of 4 percent.
- Services going to the US will increase by an average of 3 percent.
- International shipping services will be rising by an average of 3 percent.
- Signature confirmation is now required on shipments for which $200 or more of liability coverage is purchased.
- Priority is no longer available for shipments to air stage offices.
- See the 2017 Shipping Rate Changes help article for a comprehensive rate comparison chart.
Changes to specific costs for USPS, FedEx and Canada Post will vary depending on shipping services and destinations. To help you prepare, we’ve put together detailed rate comparison charts for all three providers, so you know exactly how rates for specific services will be different from 2016 rates.
Tips for Updating Shipping Rates in Your Shop
Although many rates are changing, Etsy’s tools make it easy to update your shop.
Etsy Shipping Labels
To keep shipping costs down and save time, sellers in the US and Canada can use Etsy Shipping Labels. Most shipping services available through shipping labels on Etsy are available at a discount compared to what you’ll find at retail counters, and may include tracking and delivery confirmation at no extra charge. When you purchase your labels on Etsy we’ll save you a step and automatically mark all of the orders as shipped. Additional parcel insurance is available for purchase with Etsy Shipping Labels for both domestic and international orders, giving you peace of mind wherever it is that you ship.
Calculated Shipping
Calculated shipping is a time- and money-saver that allows US sellers to have accurate USPS shipping rates automatically calculated for single- or multi-item orders, to both domestic and international destinations. While calculated shipping is currently only available for sellers in the US, we’re always looking for ways to expand and improve our offerings and hope to support other countries in the future.
To use calculated shipping, choose “Calculate them for me (Recommended)” in the Shipping section of your listings. Follow the steps to add the item’s weight and dimensions, where you’d like to ship, the shipping methods you’ll offer and any applicable handling fees.
You can also add calculated shipping to multiple listings at once by creating a calculated shipping profile.
The next time USPS rates change you won’t need to lift a finger – any items with calculated shipping will have their shipping costs updated automatically.
Source: Etsy Seller Handbook
