Why is Etsy charging $25 for a shipping label on a small box?

Hi! A ~$25 Etsy shipping label for a single ring CA → KY is almost always caused by either (1) the service being something expensive (Priority Mail Express, a fast UPS option, etc.) or (2) one of the package details being entered in a way that makes Etsy/USPS price it like a much larger/heavier parcel (most commonly ounces vs pounds, or oversized dimensions).

Here’s how to pinpoint what’s driving the price (fast):

1. Check the service/class selected on the label screen

• On the “Buy shipping label” page, look at the Mail class / Service dropdown.
• Make sure you’re not on Priority Mail Express (or a faster UPS service). For small jewelry, USPS Ground Advantage (or standard First-Class-type options when available for packages) is usually the cheapest.

1. Double-check weight units (the #1 culprit)

• Confirm you didn’t enter 1 lb when you meant 1 oz (or enter 8 when you meant 0.8, etc.).
• For a ring in a small box, many sellers are in the 2–6 oz range once packaging is included.

1. Verify dimensions (and that you didn’t add an extra “0”)

• Something like 8 × 6 × 4 is very different from 18 × 16 × 14.
• Also make sure you’re entering inches, not centimeters.

1. Check the package type and add-ons

• Don’t choose “Roll” (that can trigger non-standard fees).
• See if you accidentally added signature confirmation or extra services. Insurance is usually not the reason it jumps that high, but signatures/expedited services can.

1. If you use calculated shipping, confirm the listing + package preferences
   With calculated shipping, Etsy uses your listing’s size/weight (and sometimes your saved package preferences) to estimate and import details. If one listing has the wrong weight/dimensions, the label will look crazy even if the box is small in real life.

To prevent buyers from selecting an upgrade that hurts your margins:

• Disable shipping upgrades globally:
  Shop Manager → Settings → Shipping settings → Rates & upgrades → set Shipping upgrades to Disabled.

• Remove upgrades from the shipping profile/listing:
  Edit the shipping profile used by that Etsy listing and remove any “upgrade” options you added (so checkout only shows your standard method).

• If you offer free shipping, the safest setup is:
  Free shipping for one “standard” service only, and no upgrades (or set an upgrade price that fully covers the extra cost so you’re not eating it).

If you tell me whether you’re using calculated shipping or fixed price shipping, and what weight/dimensions you currently have entered for that ring listing, I can help you narrow down the exact setting that’s causing the $25 quote.