I just had an auction end that had Free Shipping and the winner lives on a Military Base in Missouri and USPS shipping is approximately double of what it normally would be $29 and FedEx charges a fee. Is the solution to only offer calculated shipping or am I missing something?

I haven't run into that before, what set did you sell? Will it fit in a flat rate box?

That's odd that USPS is charging more, I haven't run into that. What is the APO or FPO zip code?

MF VC 24x16x6 box 5lbs. USPS wanted $29 it was too long for the flat rate boxes I have Sent it fedex ground for $16.

Whiteman Air Force Base, MO 65305

United States

From my zip in California to 65305 I'm getting $13 standard mail, $33 priority mail (approximately, I rounded the pennies off).

 

From my zip in California to 63005 (St. Louis County), I get the exact same rates.

 

If you have shipped this same set for half as much previously, was it to a closer location? Or, remember that rates changed today for USPS - while most priority mail saw no increase, a minor increase, or a minor decrease, this package may have hit the non-sweet spot of a rate increase.

I got $11.37 as the cheapest option, what level of service did you choose? 2 day priority came in at $25 and change. I'm on the East Coast.

I must have messed up. I just tried it again and it was $12. Either I hit 55 lbs or Priority Select saw the $29 price and went with fedex ground.

Sometimes there are special charges for certain places like that - I have run into them although pretty sure its mostly FEDEX.

 

Don't worry about switching to Calc shipping. Fact is in business, sometimes to keep your policies the way they need to be, you may get burned every once in a while. Its hard to not just notice the ones you get handed your ass on. lol.

 Or, remember that rates changed today for USPS - while most priority mail saw no increase, a minor increase, or a minor decrease, this package may have hit the non-sweet spot of a rate increase.

Realized this as I was printing out postage labels today.  Charges went to $1.93 now for up to 3oz.  15% increase!  

Weird.  I work on a military base.  It shouldn't be any different for USPS than for anywhere off base.  Not sure how to explain it.