How to Ship Items on eBay

Are you wondering how to ship items on eBay, Poshmark, or Etsy? You see all these neat 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 site 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 find tips on how to ship items the cheapest way possible.

SPRAY + FOLD

An important part in that first impression someone gets when they open your packages the way it smells. I get a fabric softener smelling Febreeze like this one. Lightly spray it then fold it nicely.

WRAP + TAPE

You don’t want to use wrapping paper because it weighs too much (and that would get expensive). Wrapping your items, especially if it is clothing, is key to presentation. I use tissue paper to wrap it and some eBay tape (or cute stickers) to hold it together.

DON’T FORGET YOUR CARD!

If you are going to make a business out of your online selling hobby, you will want to buy business cards to add to every purchase. Usually you can find business cards at a good price on Vistaprint. (Use this link for $20 off $40!!)

A couple of years ago when I bought my first set of cards, it was very hard for me to decide what I wanted the style to be. If it is difficult for you to decide too, I recommend just choosing your favorite style, because once you get serious about selling, your cards will fly by and soon it will be time for more! On my cards, I have my eBay store name, my eBay store link, and “Thank you for your business!”. I leave the backs blank so I can add a handwritten “Thank You!” for a personal touch.

SHIPPING BAGS

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.

If you don’t have a store, I recommend buying shipping envelopes and clear shipping tape. You can find the bags at a great price here, and the shipping tape at a great price here. Unless you are selling small items, about a 9″ x 12″ shipping bag would be best.

Don’t Get Your Packages Mixed Up

When I have more than one item to ship, I write the first three letters of their last name on the package where the label will go. This way, I can package everything at the same time then tape the labels on at the same time.

 

THINGS YOU WILL WANT TO BUY

Shipping Scale (this one is the cheapest and best!)

Shipping Envelopes + Free Boxes

Clear Shipping Tape

Tissue Paper

Air Freshener

Business Cards (Use this link for $20 off $40!!)

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 oz or less (under one pound), put it in a shipping envelope. Or a plain box (make sure it doesn’t say Priority Mail). This should be anywhere from $2.66 – $4.66 with your eBay discount.

Priority Mail: If the item weighs over 15 oz, ship it Priority Mail. Make sure you do not ship anything over a pound first class- they will charge you the difference. (That happened to me and that’s when I bought a new scale.) 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 for $6.90 instead of $7+. I use these for jeans the most.

eBay Discount Shipping Rates

These change every now and then, but these are my current discount rates.

First Class 1 oz – 15 oz $2.66 – $4.66

Priority Mail (Any Box, Any Weight) $6+ Prices change depending on the weight and the location it’s going

Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate Envelope $6.90

Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Box $12.45

Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box $17.10

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!