@kitty-kat-kollection wrote:
Every single thing I send is tracked, either using the small green & white "document mailers" or the various satchels.

Usually when I list an item, it gives me the option of tracked small parcel etc for $8.95, which is mostly what I want. Lately though, every few listings, this option doesn't appear and all I get is standard parcel / delivery, and I have to manually enter the price AND my postcode. Very annoying, and now I wonder if these items won't appear as prominently due to the apparent "standard" post!

That means calculated postage is selected.

 

Use fixed price, and enter the price yourself. When prices go up, you can bulk edit to change them. That also means you aren't waiting for the, often significant, time lag for eBay to update calculated postage prices.