What a week it's been here...I'm finally getting around to posting those extra tips on shipping (tomorrow I'll post extra tips on photos).
As I mentioned before, when I started on eBay, I basically hosted a virtual yard sale--I listed things from around my home that I no longer needed. With eBay, I could potentially sell these items for much higher than what I could get hosting a yard sale (plus I live in a location that makes having my own yard sale unrealistic).
When I first started, I shipped only non-breakable items domestically--the idea of International shipping overwhelmed me. As I gained experience and became more comfortable with shipping, I eventually added International shipping as option. So then I was hosting an International virtual yard sale--how cool was that?!
I've shipped a handful of times internationally now and it's just as easy as domestic shipping. If you're willing to give it a try, you could start with shipping to Canada and the UK first, or whatever you're comfortable with.
When selecting shipping for your item, you can add international shipping:
Select "create your own international shipping option" and follow the prompts to select what you want to offer. Typically my items are under 4 pounds, so I use First Class International. (Over 4 pounds would be international priority.) I offer calculated shipping based on location--make sure you're weighing your item in package so you can enter accurate weight information.
When your item sells, eBay labels prompts you for exactly what you need to print. It really is just as easy as domestic shipping.
A couple of tips from my learning-International-shipping experience:
- On my items available for International shipping, I list this eBay boilerplate: International Buyers - Please Note:
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying. (From Shipping Internationally) - Personally I exclude shipping from these places (either because of restrictions on items allowed there or more seasoned eBay sellers experience with shipping there): Italy, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, Peru, Russian Federation and Middle East.
- I use ShipSaver Insurance through eBay Applications to insure any International packages. Unlike domestic packages, International packages do not have tracking available once item leaves the US. I choose to insure International packages for the extra $1 cost in case there's any problem--I would be able to recoup cost. (So far, the few items I have sent Internationally have arrived to the destinations safe and sound.)
- eBay has started a new program, Global Shipping Program, that you might want to investigate further. To be honest, I don't use it so I'm not familiar with how well it does or doesn't work.
Here are a few tips on domestic shipping:
- Set up a USPS account at http://www.usps.com/ That way you can order priority mail supplies for FREE and receive supplies not normally stocked at the local post office. For example, Padded Flat Rate envelopes are a good thing to have on hand, as well as Regional A&B boxes (oftentimes you can ship using the regional boxes for less than regular priority shipping).
- Media Mail is a cost effective way to ship if your item is eligible--Media Mail Guidelines
Additional Links:
--Laura
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