How to Ship Items on eBay
Are you looking for the best way to ship your items on eBay, Poshmark, or Etsy? You see all these creative packaging ideas, but where do you start? In this guide, learn how to create an unforgettable shipping experience that will leave customers excited to shop again.
Shipping Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
For many online sellers, shipping is the most intimidating part of the process—but it doesn’t have to be! One of the best tips for keeping shipping simple and cost-effective is ordering free boxes from USPS. Many sellers aren’t aware of this perk, but it can save a lot of money. Having a variety of shipping options ensures that shipping costs remain low. Keep reading for the best tips on shipping items affordably and efficiently.
The Ultimate Packaging Strategy
Freshen Up Clothing
The first impression starts the moment a buyer opens their package. Adding a light, pleasant scent enhances the unboxing experience. A great option is the Febreze Fabric Spray. Simply spritz the clothing lightly before folding it neatly.
Package Your Item
Avoid using wrapping paper—it’s too heavy and can increase shipping costs. Instead, opt for tissue paper for a professional touch. Secure it with branded eBay tape or stickers to add personality to the packaging.
Include a Personal Touch
For those serious about turning online sales into a thriving business, investing in business cards to include in every order is a must.
When designing cards, don’t overthink it—choose a style that aligns with the brand. As the business grows, cards will be used quickly, providing the opportunity to refine branding. Business cards should include the eBay store name, store link, and a simple “Thank you for your business!” Leaving the back blank allows for a handwritten “Thank You!” for an extra special touch.
Pro Tip: Avoid Shipping Mistakes
When shipping multiple packages at once, label them before applying shipping labels to prevent mix-ups. Writing the first three letters of the buyer’s last name on the package where the label will go allows for packaging everything first and applying labels afterward without confusion.
Essential Shipping Supplies
For sellers with an eBay store, a quarterly coupon for free shipping supplies is available. eBay no longer sends reminders, so be sure to check manually under: My eBay > Manage My Store > Subscriber Discounts > eBay Shipping Supplies
Accuteck Postal Scale | This scale is a must-have for any online seller. It’s versatile, with both battery-powered and plug-in options, and comes in several colors—though the rose gold version is a favorite! This scale ensures accurate weight measurements, making it easy to calculate shipping costs and avoid overpaying.
Polymailers | Polymailers are essential for shipping your online orders. You can find a variety of stylish options on Amazon, or you can order eBay-branded polymailers through eBay. If you have an eBay store, you’ll receive a credit for eBay-branded shipping supplies every quarter. To find your discounts, simply go to My eBay > Manage My Store > Subscriber Discounts > eBay Shipping Supplies.
Febreze Fabric Spray | After trying several air fresheners for clothing before shipping, the new Febreze Fabric Spray stands out as the best. The fabric softener scent is a favorite, but there are other fragrance options available. It leaves clothes smelling fresh and clean, adding a polished, professional touch to your packaging.
Bubble Wrap | Air pockets are essential for protecting most items in a box. We save all bubble wrap and air pockets from incoming packages, but if you’re starting fresh, Amazon offers affordable options to stock up. It ensures your products are secure during shipping and arrive in perfect condition.
Thank You Stickers | These stickers are a perfect way to show appreciation to your customers. Adding a “Thank You for Supporting My Small Business” sticker to your packages adds a personal touch that makes a big impact. They’re budget-friendly, making it easy to elevate your packaging without breaking the bank. Amazon offers hundreds of fun, stylish design options.
Label Printer | A label printer is a must-have for streamlining your shipping process. It allows you to print professional, easy-to-read shipping labels quickly and accurately, saving you time and ensuring your packages are labeled correctly. Label printers are very expensive, but this one offers quality printing at an amazing price, plus it is available in pink.
How to Save on Shipping Costs
Printing labels through eBay provides access to discounted shipping rates, which can save a significant amount of money. Here’s a breakdown of how to ship at the lowest cost:
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First-Class Mail (items under 15.9 oz): Use a shipping envelope or plain box (avoid Priority Mail packaging).
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Priority Mail (items over 15.9 oz): Anything over 1 lb must be shipped via Priority Mail. Using First-Class for a heavier package results in USPS charging the difference. Ordering free Priority Mail boxes and padded flat-rate envelopes from USPS helps maximize savings.
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Flat-Rate Shipping: If an item is small but heavy, using a Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate Envelope is recommended. This is especially useful for items like jeans, which would otherwise cost more to ship based on weight.
Final Thoughts
By following these shipping strategies, costs will remain low while creating a professional and memorable experience for customers. Whether selling on eBay, Poshmark, or Etsy, thoughtful packaging and cost-effective shipping will set the business apart from the competition.
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