shipping fees for ebay

**momto6** · 01-12-2006, 09:18 PM

I am really trying to figure out the ebay thing too. I have bought many things and listed a few. The main problem I have is the shipping charges. How do you all that sell on ebay know what to charge for shipping? Where do you get boxes and shipping supplies from? Do you weigh everything? The shipping is the hardest part for me to figure out. Thanks for any help. Amy

**all4free** · 01-13-2006, 08:54 AM

Hi! This is my first post....I've been selling on ebay for about 2 years so I'm not an expert, but the best investment made was a digital kitchen scale I got from Walmart. It weighs up to 4lbs, and I use this for shipping calculations. When you list something, weigh it on the scale and then allow a few ounces for packaging, depending on what it is. If it is a big item, I try to have it boxed but not sealed, then weigh it. Then go to usps and select domestic shipping, and enter your zip code, a far away zip code (I use 90210, I'm in NH, that is in california), and it will give you several costs for shipping. You can add those to your shipping list, OR you can just select the calculation tab in ebay, enter the nearest weight in lbs (1-2, 2-3lbs etc) and the buyer can calculate their own shipping. Then you just select the shipping services you will supply. This is by far the easiest.

I order my envelopes online from a shipping catalog I get at work, or get them from Sams club. Boxes are hard, I pick them up here and there from work or from friends, or keep the ones that I got when I ordered stuff on-line. Priority boxes are the best because they are free, but don't always fit everything.

Hope this helps!

**Daydream Believer** · 01-14-2006, 10:40 PM

I bought my scale off e-Bay a couple of years ago. It cost right around $20, but has been a very good purchase. It has a max. capacity of 30 lbs. and is electric.

The shipping calculator on e-Bay will allow you to enter the weight in pounds and ounces -I usually weigh what I am selling with the packaging (either box or envelope) and then I do add a couple of ounces to allow for the weight of packing tape, label, etc.

I like to use Priority for shipping as much as possible - ALL of the Priority shipping supplies are free! They can either be picked up at any Post Office, or you can order then online throught the USPS site and they deliver them right to your house - all for free! Priority also has flat-rate envelopes and boxes that can be used and the postage cost is the same no matter where it is shipped or how much it weighs. They have a flat rate envelope and 2 different size flat rate boxes.

You can also offer 1st class shipping on items that weigh up to 13 ounces. I usually try to offer 1st class only on items that will fit into a manilla envelope and again, I do add a couple of ounces to the weight for packing allowance because if I use a manilla envelope I usually put the item into a ziploc type bag first.

I don't always offer Parcel Post because it doesn't seem that there is much cost difference between this and Priority, plus then I have to buy or find the shipping supplies (box, etc.)

I also do all of my postage right through PayPal and print it at home - don't have to worry about standing in line at the Post Office then.

Sorry for rambling here......hope this helps out some.

**Michelle** · 01-15-2006, 07:27 AM

Originally posted by all4free
Then go to usps and select domestic shipping, and enter your zip code, a far away zip code (I use 90210, I'm in NH, that is in california),

LOL! I am in Mass., and I use the same "dummy" zip code to estimate shipping charges

**KKCondrey** · 01-15-2006, 02:50 PM

Do you have a UPS Store (formally Mail Boxes ETC) or another shipping place like Post Net near by.

Reason being is I work at a UPS Store and we have customers call or come in all the time with something they are selling and we will determine what it will be packed in add a few pounds and give them a UPS cost of local shipping and then do 90210 to give them a far away shipping zone. Then they will have a rough idea of shipping and we tell them how much the packaging will be and there is there handling charge.

Other just come in for a packaging cost and after the item sells they will call us back or come in with the winners zip so we can give them shipping charges as well.

**beandsemom** · 01-15-2006, 04:37 PM

I work in an office, so we receive all kinds of shipments. I just reuse boxes. If you are a SAHM, check with secretaries in your area, or people who work in offices to get boxes from them.

**kaykwilts** · 01-15-2006, 04:55 PM

I save all packing peanuts, bubble wrap and boxes and store in my attic. I never had to purchase a box. I have even salvaged them from clean dumpsters.