Are you selling on eBay? Having trouble shipping your items at an affordable cost? Are you spending hours and hours reading through UPS, USPS, FedEx and DHL guidelines for dimensions, measurements and weight. Below we have listed some of our top eBay shipping tips.By following these tips and using our shipping supplies you will have your logistics down in no time.
Top eBay Shipping Tip #1: Get a Scale
Our first tip is to get an accurate scale to measure the weight of your packages. Without knowing an accurate weight you will not be able to print your shipping labels online. Also, if you use the incorrect weight your package may be delivered with postage due which will upset your customers. Along with an accurate weight you will also need accurate measurements. Make sure you always have a tape measure around.
Top eBay Shipping Tip #2: Print Online
Our second tip is to make sure you print your shipping labels online. USPS gives you a discount for printing your labels online and you can even schedule a pick up from the comfort of your own home.
Top eBay Shipping Tip #3: Shipping Supplies
When you start selling regularly it becomes beneficial to start buying your shipping supplies in bulk. Bubble mailers, poly bags, tape and labels are all supplies you should consider buying in bulk to keep costs down. If you are shipping USPS Priority Mail® you can order free Priority Mail shipping supplies, none of which are not applicable to dimensional weight pricing. The new Priority Mail shipping boxes have the dimensions already printed right on the outside of the box. UPS packaging is provided free of charge to UPS account holders for selected Air and Worldwide Express services. You can order supplies at this site
Top eBay Shipping Tip #4: USPS Secrets
The largest courier in the USA is the United States Postal Service. Knowing the in’s and out’s of the USPS mail system can help save bundles on shipping costs. One of the biggest underutilized shipping methods is USPS First Class mail. For your package to be eligible to go first class it must be under 13 oz and be up to 108 inches in combined length and girth. Also, when shipping small items your package must be over 3/4″ thick. When shipping a small item in a bubble mailer, many times using a piece of cardboard or a packing peanut will help increase the thickness.
Top eBay Shipping Tip #5: Packaging Tips
To ensure your item arrives at the buyer safely, here are a few packaging tips:
- Use a properly sized box
- Fill packing material around the sides of the item
- Smaller, durable items can be sent in padded envelopes
- Tape box securely and use a box sturdy enough for your item
- When you receive packages, try to re-use packing materials and boxes when possible, and look for packing materials which are environmentally friendly.
I hope you have found these eBay shipping tips useful and will start incorporating them into your small business. By following these tips you will begin to ship efficiently and will help get your items to your customers quicker and cheaper.