URGENT - USPS Methods, 1st Class rate too high

[jhande]

Originally posted at [Contribution] - USPS Methods

 

I would appreciate some advice or guidance...

 

I only ship domestic and the options have been - EXPRESS, PRIORITY, PARCEL POST.

 

I am still using version 2.9.3 with insurance and all has been fine, until now.

 

Had to add FIRST CLASS and the rates are way off, higher. Last I checked the other rates were dead on.

 

 

 

First Class is actually returning a higher rate than Parcel Post.

 

Do I need to edit something simple in the usps.php file or do I need to upgrade to a newer version?

 

If upgrade, which version do you recommend that works?

 

 

 

I really need to fix this, I'm losing customers.

 

 

[MrPhil]

I don't know the add-on, so this is only a wild guess... any chance that it thinks you're giving it pounds and is converting it to ounces? That would be off by 16-fold. If not, is there any rhyme or reason to rates you're seeing vs. package weight? Is the total package weight correct? It's not adding on some bogusly large amount for tare? I don't think that First Class is sensitive to distance (ZIP Codes), but that might be looked into, too -- maybe it's still doing a multiplier based on distance? Finally, you might take some representative weights and check them against the USPS website postage calculator at http://www.usps.com/prices/first-class-mail-prices.htm. You aren't exceeding weight limits (13oz) or girth/length limits for large envelopes or parcels, are you?

[jhande]

Hey Phil,

 

Thanks for replying...

 

I just double checked USPS.com's domestic calculator against mine, I subtracted my sites Insurance ($1.75) and Handling Fee (Delivery confirmation $0.80), here's the results...

 

My Tar Weight is set too high at 8oz (.50). So I'll have to figure a way to lower that for the little envelopes but raise it for my larger packages.

 

8 oz. (0.519)

 

My site:

First Class = $2.41

Parcel = $4.90

Priority = $4.95

Express = $13.05

 

USPS.com:

First Class = $2.07

Parcel = N/A

Priority = $4.95

Express = $15.20

 

Looks like a few problems now, it wasn't that long ago all the other shipping prices matched.

 

When I bring the bubble envelopes to my local post office it cost me $0.64.

 

I don't mind making the extra profit, but customers cancel out of there orders once they see the shipping cost more than the item.

 

I read through a lot of the USPS methods thread to see if anything major changed for domestic shipping, but there seems to be a hugh confussion of bugs. Now I'm not sure what to do about a USPS shipping module.

 

Ok, I'm just reading more at USPS. Looks like my module is sending instead of a letter or large envelope to USPS, it's sending first class package. That matches the price at USPS domestic calculator but it's still $0.34 cheaper than my site.

 

Heading off to USPS Webtools... and then back to messing with my tar weights and larger package increase.

[Xpajun]

Jim, how about scrapping the tare weight and adding it to the product weight

 

I believe that the USPS module gets its figures direct from USPS? If so why not change to another type of shipping module(s) where you can set the prices that you want for each of your shipping services

[a.forever]

New prices did kick in starting 2010. It could just be a confliction. Perhaps USPS made modifications on their site that would affect the modules. I'm using the 4.3.1 version released on 08/27/09 and it's spitting out correct prices. Perhaps you should upgrade and see if it works? The updated version seems easy to install.

 

Prices should reflect this notice from USPS: http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/Notice123.htm

 

Edit: Module pulls First-Class pricing from Packages and not Letter And Cards.

[jhande]

Thanks Julian and Kevin.

 

I'm going to play around with settings for weights at my shop and see what I can work out.

 

I'll checkout the USPS 4.3.1 module as well.

 

Bugger First-Class pulls Package prices. Wonder what's involved in switching it to Letters or Envelopes? Humm...

 

 

 

 

 

[a.forever]

Bugger First-Class pulls Package prices. Wonder what's involved in switching it to Letters or Envelopes? Humm...

I take that back. After recalculating, it seems it does pull Leters & Envelopes. I just tacked on a handling fee to compensate since I ship using First-Class Package, so it made it look like my module was pulling from Packages. Oops. >_<

[MrPhil]

Might want to look at this: http://www.oscommerce.com/forums/topic/351545-usps-methods-broken-with-1410-price-change-implemented-by-the-usps/

[jhande]

Thanks Phil for your help and double checking.

 

I took a look at that post/thread and searched the internet for more.

 

It seems that International is always the one that breaks, Domestic seems to survive LOL.

 

Thanks again, really appreciate it!!!