Reduce eBay Items Shipping Costs
Ideas to help lower the cost of shipping eBay items to customers
One of the major complaints offered by eBay customers is the cost of shipping which is added to the cost of successful bidders. When and where you can reduce or eliminate the shipping costs, you will be doing your customers and your eBay business a big service. Prime shipping services are the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), Federal Express (FedEx) and United Parcel Service (UPS). Using one of these services will generally get your precious cargo to your customers quickly and at a reasonable cost–depending on your item. Here are some helpful tips to get you going (not listed in any order of preference):
Use First Class Mail
If shipping within the United States, the U. S. Postal Service (USPS) offers reasonably good value and speedy service. For packages weighing less than 14 ounces (total weight including the packaging), First Class mail will get your items delivered in two to three days. Poly mailers are inexpensive and provide good protection for most small items.
Use Priority Mail
If shipping within the United States, the U. S. Postal Service (USPS) offers reasonably good value and speedy service. For packages weighing more than 14 ounces (total weight including the packaging), Priority mail will get your items delivered in two to three days. Be sure to put fragile items in strong mailing boxes. The USPS have boxes available at no cost which work well for many items. Using Tyvek envelopes is an acceptable option for non-fragile items that will fit inside the envelope. The envelope is lighter in weight which helps reduce mailing cost. Weight and dimension (box size) have a factor in the cost of shipping. Use the smallest container possible, but don’t risk damage to your goods. Also, allow for, and use, adequate packing material like “poly foam peanuts” or “bubble wrap” (both very light weight) to buffer you item within the box.
Use Parcel Post when time is not a major factor
Again, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) offers a good value in shipping using their Parcel Post service. The cost is usually cheaper than First Class or Priority Mail, but generally takes a few more days for delivery (from 3 to 7 days). All of the items that pertain to both First Class and Priority noted above apply to Parcel Post as well.
Use Federal Express (FedEx)
Federal Express (FedEx) offers several shipping options. They can be faster and cheaper in some instances. You should check their services and charges from your area. The packing, size and weight issues for postal service will apply in some form with FedEx as well. They offer basic insurance of up to $100 for items shipped by them at no additional cost. This can be a nice feature. International shipping can be a challenge, but still a viable option as long as your buy is willing to cover the expense. You can use local “shipping service” stores to ship via FedEx.
Use United Parcel Service (UPS)
United Parcel Service (UPS), like Federal Express, offers several shipping options. They can be faster and cheaper in some instances. You should check their services and charges from your area. The packing, size and weight issues for postal service will apply in some form with FedEx as well. They offer basic insurance of up to $100 for items shipped by them at no additional cost. This can be a nice feature. International shipping can be a challenge, but still a viable option as long as your buy is willing to cover the expense. You can use local “shipping service” stores to ship via UPS.
Additional Helpful Information
Both UPS and FedEx provide online tracking of their packages. This could be helpful at times. The USPS, on the other hand, requires you to purchase separately confirmation which can be followed online as well. This added expense is usually borne by the shipper rather than the customer.
All of these shipping services offer “home” pick-up, but may require a certain amount of consistent business to eliminate any cost for doing so.
The USPS offers several shipping helps: boxes, envelopes and shipping labels.
All of these services have online channels to help you in your shipping, including finding rates to various areas and payment online. If you are a frequent shipper these added elements may be of significant benefit to you.
Also check our article “Packing and Shipping eBay Purchases”
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