8 Shipping Supplies Every Online Seller Should Have
Are you wondering how to ship items on eBay, Poshmark, Mercari, or Etsy? You see all these cool ways of shipping, but where do you start? In this post you will get so inspired to ship amazing packages, your customers will keep coming back to your shop just because of the package they got in the mail.
The shipping part of selling things online scares a lot of people. But this is the easiest part! This is an important tip: order free boxes on usps.com. Many people do not know about this, but it is key. You have to have an array of different ways to ship your items to make sure you aren’t overpaying. Keep reading to the top most impoprtant items you need for shipping.
Poly Mailers
Poly mailers are a must-have. If your item weighs less than 15.9 oz it needs to go in a poly mailer. If you have a store, eBay gives you a coupon code for free eBay branded shipping supplies every quarter. There are SO many cute ones on Amazon!
Thank you for your purchase cards
I always stress how important including a card that says your shop name in your package is. You can buy cards on Amazon that says “thank you for your order” or you can have some custom made with your shop name on them.
Shipping boxes
Order free shipping boxes on USPS.com. A few that you should always have on hand are the Padded Flat Rate Mailer, Shoe Box, and the 12x12x8 box. Start with ordering 10 of each until you know the sizes you will use the most.
Printer
Many resellers use a label printer, but I have been using a regular printer and paper for my labels and my cost per label is cheaper than if I would buy a label printer. Of course, it’s fancier to have a label printer but a regular printer and paper work fine!
Air bubbles & bubble wrap
You use more air bubbles than you think, especially if you’re shipping shoes and large items. Save all packaging materials you get in the mail, and you can even ask friends and family to save it for you. (Shout out to my grandma who saves her Amazon air bubbles for me)
Clear Tape
Clear tape is very important to have on hand. This is the tape I just ordered.
Tissue paper
I wrap every order in tissue paper. It adds that extra touch of professionalism when your buyer opens their package!
Shipping scale
If you sell online, you have to have a scale. This one is the cheapest and the best! (And it comes in many colors- including rose gold!)
Shipping tips- don’t overpay for shipping
Make sure you are using eBay to print your shipping labels- you get an eBay discount (and it’s a lot easier).
First Class: If the item is 15.9 oz or less (under one pound), put it in a shipping envelope. Or a plain box (make sure it doesn’t say Priority Mail).
Priority Mail: If the item weighs over 15.9 oz, ship it Priority Mail. Make sure you do not ship anything over a pound first class- they will charge you the difference. I recommend ordering plenty of boxes from www.usps.com. Also order padded flat rate envelopes. These save lots of money too. The way to save money shipping is to know what box or bag to use and when to use Flat Rate. If you have a smaller item that weighs a lot, put it in a flat rate envelope. I use these for jeans the most.
You need to buy a store if you don’t already have one and if you are past the selling limits. (Learn more about eBay selling limits here.) If you buy a store, you get a promo code for free shipping supplies every quarter. I noticed eBay stopped messaging me to let me know when it was time for my coupon, so don’t forget to check! You can find it here or by going to: My eBay > Manage My Store > Subscriber Discounts > eBay Shipping Supplies.
I was not sponsored or gifted any of these products. Some of the links are affiliated, which means that by purchasing I make a small amount, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting me!
What are your favorite shipping supplies? Comment below!
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