USPS new rates May

USPS generates off of wieght ...

You need to ensure in your configuration of which choices you wish to use that you are, infact, making selections that meet with your product ...

To write a full per product per box scenario, we would have to redesign the whole concept of Shipping ...

I'd love to write it, but who wants to fork up the $5-10k+ to get this monster up and running? :eek:

So, at this time, read the rules associated with your choice of shipping carriers and configure the software to make a "best" match to your products ...

Sit down with a box and a scale and the USPS or UPS calculator and see what the costs would be then compare ... how close are you? If you are $1-3.00 short add a Handling fee ...

If you are a little high, offer a sale to your customers ... :smile:

Want 98.5% accuracy, write a ship per product with 1 product per box and put in the dimensions ...

Linda,

Thanks so much for your help. I really appreciate it!!

Re: the issue of package dimensions...

I spoke with UPSP tech support this morning prior to installing the new shipping module, and they told me there should be new options for types of package to be shipped (specifically -- 1st class letter, 1st class flat, and 1st class parcel). When I installed the new module however, these options do not appear to be available (only "First class" with no distinctions -- just as before). Did I do something wrong, or have these additional options not been included in the new version?

brennon, you did not do anything wrong, that is the way it works. It only generates quotes for 1st class packages. It is safe to assume that any packages shipped first-class will have package characteristics and therefore have to pay 1st-class package rate.

Anything that measures more than 3/4" in thickness is considered a package and must pay 1st-class package rate. Pretty much anyone who ships merchandise will ship packages/envelopes that measure more 3/4".
Also, to use delivery confirmation with 1st-class mail, it must measure at least 3/4" at its thickest point, so that means you can only print shipping labels with delivery confirmation for 1st-class packages.

[QUOTE=tj1;375436]brennon, you did not do anything wrong, that is the way it works. It only generates quotes for 1st class packages. It is safe to assume that any packages shipped first-class will have package characteristics and therefore have to pay 1st-class package rate.

OK, I get it now. Minor suggestion -- perhaps the language file should be changed to indicate "First class -- package rate" or something to that effect to help avoid confusion like mine.

Thank you!! And great job to all involved in getting this out on time.

I've installed the USPS_patch_may14-2007b update to a 1.3.0 install. When I go in to edit the settings, I do not see a field to enter the USPS password. What have I done wrong?

Nevermind.... should have searched before I typed. I'm an idiot. Apologies to all.

I have attached a few files from USPS related to the recent changes on another thread.
http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showthread.php?p=375351#post375351

dont need a password anymore.

The rates being returned assume the use of the free USPS pre made boxes. All of there boxes will not need dimensional support.

Any chance that the module will add an insurance option? Right now the only way I can figure out how to do so is by adding an "option" for each product. That's been working, but isn't exact when ordering more than one item, and doesn't show up correctly on my Paypal activity downloads.

Not sure if you've seen this mod or not but you might give it a try, certainly sounds easier than what your using but this one is not exact either.

This is especially true if you use both UPS and USPS but between options within USPS module and this (along with packaging weight) I can get things pretty close.

Most of my orders come pretty close to actual costs and the few so far that haven't weren't significant enough for me to panic.

Take a look for what it's worth:
http://www.zen-cart.com/index.php?main_page=product_contrib_info&cPath=40_51&products_id=348

I would not consider an insurance option. If I buy something from a store, either I get my product or I get my money back. If someone buys product from me, the transaction is not complete until they get delivery. Add the cost of insurance in the shipping.

Kind of semantics and as long as your covered then it doesn't really matter where the costs are.

Personally I like to call it out for the customer so they don't think your putting in some bogus handling charge when they check against posted rates at USPS or UPS (and there are those that do!).

Personal choice and as long as your not out if the package gets damaged that's the most important thing.

The reason I want to give it as an option is because I make it optional for my customers. Most of my customers want the absolute cheapest method of shipping as my products are low cost. I currently make it very clear that if they don't include insurance, I won't be held liable for lack of delivery. 95% of my customers don't want insurance (and choose First Class over Priority). In almost 1000 transactions, I've never had a problem and my customers thank me for offering inexpensive shipping options.

If you ordered from wallyworld.com or any other major retailer, what would be your reaction be if you were told you needed to purchase insurance to insure delivery? I suspect you'd hit the back button. Can you imagine your reaction when Sears tells you they're sorry you didn't get your order but since you didn't pay extra for insurance, you're out of luck?

When someone pays for shipping, you're required by law and common sense to deliver the product. Insurance is for your protection, not the customer's. There isn't a payment processor in the country that will let you keep a payment because, "I shipped it and the customer didn't pay for insurance." You'll lose the chargeback every time.

"Offering" insurance is not going to instill confidence in a potential customer sending money to a complete stranger. Here's what my customers see;

• Every package sent is "insured" in one way or the other. When you purchase a product online, it's the seller's responsibility to get that product to you, not just to the carrier. If the carrier loses a package, it's not my fault but it is my **responsibility **to correct the problem.

*I'm simply following FTC regulations but when I put it that way, It makes me look pretty service oriented doesn't it? :smile:

I add $1 to every shipping charge to cover this "insurance". The customer never sees it and I've covered my butt financially for missing packages.

I am STILL having problems with the USPS module.

The message:
"Unable to find a USPS shipping quote suitable for your mailing address and the shipping methods we typically use.
If you prefer to use USPS as your shipping method, please contact us for assistance."

Using zen cart 1.3.0. Newest plugin (once revised I believe) installed. This is only happening for international orders, and i'm giving them the choice of:

Global Express, Priority Mail International, First-Class Mail Int

I'm testing with a single item weighing .7lbs. Server is set to "production"...

Happy to give out the info needed to see this for yourself, but any help would be greatly appreciated... especially since most people seem to have this working.

dimensionmedia:

I am STILL having problems with the USPS module.

The message:
"Unable to find a USPS shipping quote suitable for your mailing address and the shipping methods we typically use.
If you prefer to use USPS as your shipping method, please contact us for assistance."

Using zen cart 1.3.0. Newest plugin (once revised I believe) installed. This is only happening for international orders, and i'm giving them the choice of:

Global Express, Priority Mail International, First-Class Mail Int

I'm testing with a single item weighing .7lbs. Server is set to "production"...

Happy to give out the info needed to see this for yourself, but any help would be greatly appreciated... especially since most people seem to have this working.

1. Have you installed the latest edition of the module? Note there was an update posted.
2. Have you turned on Debug to Email ? What's showing up in the emails?

DrByte:

1. Have you installed the latest edition of the module? Note there was an update posted.
2. Have you turned on Debug to Email ? What's showing up in the emails?

1. I installed the second version (the patch that came after the oringial). Is there something newer?

2. Debug is turned on, but i'm not getting any emails (I assume an email is generated at the shipping screen, not at checkout). Where is the email address set for this?

Did you "remove" the module and then "install" again in Admin after loading the new files?

Jeffey:

Did you "remove" the module and then "install" again in Admin after loading the new files?

I just downloaded the latest (USPS_patch_may14-2007b.zip). Uploaded the new files, uninstalled, and reinstalled the plugin. Still getting the same error message.

EDIT: Still no debug emails.