I haven't read all the posts in this thread yet, but this:

"For domestic pkgs going Priority to zones 5-8 over 1 cubic foot dimensions, I simply put package dimensions in Aw listing software and I am done."

....just makes me wanna cry!

Are you saying that when we are entering the shipping details, we have to enter the size of the box we will use? I can't do that. I sell antiques of all shapes and sizes. I have only the foggiest notion of what box I'll use when I get ready to pack something. And when I list with Priority and Parcel Post options, I can't possibly know ahead of time what box I'll use for PP. The decision gets made when I go downstairs to my shipping station and start looking for the perfect box.

Every day, I "build" little boxes from cardboard and sheet styrofoam and insert them into large manila envelopes (it's a fast, easy way to ship little things like jewelry, toys, trinkets). I have four sizes of envelopes. Apparently, now I'll have to know in advance what size I'll use. Nearly impossible!!!

I think it's time to pack all my remaining stock back up into the attic and start selling big-screen tvs. I feel so crushed by this. I thought I was so smart printing out my new postage cheat sheet and being all ready for next week. Hah! The dirty little secret of "Shape Matters" was as yet unknown to me. I just taught my long-distance daughter to eBay using AW. I've been telling her how great it is that First Class rates were going down significantly (I've discussed the new rates with the clerks at me PO -- they have no clue about this shape/size thing!), and that many fairly lightweight books, for example, could be shipped cheaper and faster via First Class instead of Media Mail. Hah! again.

Sometimes, I take 10 or more of these various-sized envelope-packages to the counter, all going First Class. All the clerk has to do is weigh them. Next week, they'll have to also measure each one??? The customers behind me in line will be glaring at anyone with assorted envelopes and small boxes. There's a guy who comes in about once a week (I'm certain he's an eBayer) and ships scores of small packages in assorted shapes and sizes. As it is, his order takes 20-30 minutes. I can't imagine how long it's going to take next week.

I just read this: "Flats (large envelopes) have to be flexible and even in thickness." The envelopes I ship are all sorts of thicknesses or are thin but made rigid with cardboard inserts. Please tell me I'm misunderstanding this, because if not, how on earth do we ship fragile, old paper things without making the envelopes inflexible? Or will they just add surcharges to these?

Sue