eBay Step 4: Shipping--Keeping it Simple

Okay, I confess, I stalled a bit on the shipping part, too. ;) However, this is another step that really isn't so bad once you get the hang of it. Honestly, if you pack the item like you would like to receive it, you'll be in very good shape.

It helps to have a scale—a small postal scale that you may already have around the house or pick one up at Walmart/Target for $15 or so. You'll want to get an idea of how much your item weighs when ready to ship so that you can enter that weight in the shipping part on eBay “sell an item.” Whatever scale you use, make sure it displays ounces.

I started with nonbreakable items and domestic shipping only—again, I was taking one small step at a time, becoming familiar with one part of the process before expanding to another new-to-me step. Start with what you're comfortable with and then go for it—don't get so hung up on something that you don't do anything/move forward (ahem, I know...been there, done that ;0)

Consider starting with calculated shipping. Using your scale, you can weigh your item in box/with whatever packing materials you're going to use to figure out the weight. This way, you're buyer is paying actual shipping and you don't have to guess what to charge as a flat rate.

When I started shipping sold items, I recycled shipping materials I had around the house—boxes and air packs from Amazon orders, bubble wrap, packing paper, padded envelopes, etc.,--anything that was still in very good condition. I still recycle packing materials, but I've depleted a lot of my own supply now, which is a good thing :)  

When your item sells, you can print the shipping label through eBay—again, another guided process that is user-friendly, I think.

Some of what you'll see on your screen when printing label from eBay. You can also select to print a packing slip from this page.

You can also print a packaging slip to include in your package—some sellers do, some don't, it's really up to you. (I do include a packaging slip with handwritten thank you note on it.)

A couple more quick tips on shipping:

• If your item qualifies for Media Mail through the Post Office, it is a fairly inexpensive way to ship 
  

 

• Items 13 ounces and under can ship First Class
• Check out and pick up Priority Mail shipping supplies available at your post office

We'll revisit shipping again with more details, but like photos, right now the most important thing is to get your listing(s) live on eBay. Start simple, but just start :)

Have a question or a comment? I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to post your comment or question here on the blog, or if you prefer, you can email me at lclarktos@gmail.com

--Laura