What system to use to ship paintings?

I'm about to start selling some art works that I've purchased. I've never sold paintings before so knowing what system to use has got me scratching my head.

Some of the art is quite large, 22x36 inches. Does USPS except packages that large?

I would like to use USPS because I've heard that they are less expensive than the other options.

Any thoughts?

 

I find FedEx to be the most cost effective for bulky packages without too much weight. Also, if you are selling on ebay and print the labels through their system, you get an additional discount with FedEx.

 

Ok, I'm thinking of selling a 22x32 inch painting, that's with frame and all, it weighs around 15-20 lbs. with USPS it is ranging at $63 at the high end for shipping cost. Is that about right?

 

Is it ok to use parcel select from usps to ship a painting that's 32x28 inches at around 20lbs?

I guess it is if the site is giving me a quote for shipping it through parcel select.

 

Sound high but it does depend on where you are shipping from and to. For example from Central IL here where I live, a quote to LA for a 20lb. package at 22 x 32 x 4 at $100.00 value via FedEx Ground service is $29.20. That is before discount, which I believe is 10%.

 

That's a huge difference. I'll definetly take FedEx Ground before the other. I'm checking now to see what the difference would be.

 

Also, when you print the FedEx label on eBay, make sure you check the box under the address for residence. That way you will know the correct cost. The default is usually the business rate.

 

How much is the difference from business rate to just a regular seller rate?

 

I think he means the package is going to a residence as opposed to a business. Shipping to a business is a bit cheaper since they usually have easier access and trucks regularly going to them. If you know that you are shipping to a residence, you need to make sure to check the box to get an accurate quote.

You can set up a business account with FedEx directly and get a 10% discount but, if you go through ebay for printing your labels, you get that anyway.

 

Got it...thanks. I do plan on printing off my own labels for shipping. It still sounds like there's a slight difference in the quote then if shipping to a business or residence. I assuming it's nothing to drastic.

 

And all....what ?
do you mean boxed up , ready to ship?
Is'nt 20 pounds a bit much ......did u crate it ?

 

That was an just an example.

 

Sometimes there is a $7-8 difference in shipping to a resident vs a business.

 

FYI - Fedex ground isn't as reasonable as it was just a month ago. They just started using the dimensional weight system and prices are much more expensive. I wanted to see how much the difference would be since the new system started. A package I sent out 1 month ago cost $13.31 and now, it will cost $20.97 and that is with my discount.

Definitely open your own account at Fedex. I have read that some people are having problems with claims at Fedex if they printed their labels through ebay. Something about ebay is the purchaser of the label and not the seller.

 

That is correct. As of 1-5-15 FedEx went to charging via dimensional weight or actual weight, whichever is more. I've also heard about the issues of filing an insurance claim.

 

I just calculated the price on USPS for the same package. Priority would be $20.28 if you print the label online, and Standard Post was only $12.72 but it takes much longer to arrive.

Here is an article about USPS using this new pricing as an advertisement How much does a 1 pound box weigh?

http://www.ecommercebytes.com/cab/abn/y14/m08/i26/s02

 

Not sure how you are calculating the USPS rate. I am getting $46.58 with discount for Priority and $35.48 for standard post. Did you enter the size? This is an oversize package so will have different rates than a standard package. I have never found USPS to be competitive on these large packages.

 

Brad, I used the dimensions from my own package, not the OP's.