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setting up free shipping
I want to give free shipping for small items to my buyers, but I want to mail the items myself. Ebay tries to force me to use media mail and pay $4.47 to do so. Many of my small items can go regular first class cheaper.
5 comments
wooden_flower
Mentor8 months ago@dave0712help
Stamps can use the eBay standard envelope - it is first class but with some tracking. Not tracking as good as ground or media, but it still counts as tracking and protects you from loss.
https://www.ebay.com/sellercenter/shipping/choosing-a-carrier-and-service/ebay-standard-envelope
For the publications that can’t use the standard envelope, you can use first class mail - there’s just no label to print. You use stamps or pay at the PO. They look like great candidates for first class large envelope (flat). There’s no tracking, so you will have to refund if the buyer says not received, but I assume the cost savings will cover the occasional loss.
dave0712help
OP8 months agoThat's terrific and just what I want, but how do I get ebay not to default to me paying $4.47 for minimum media mail cost.
wooden_flower
Mentor8 months ago@dave0712help
You don’t buy a label through eBay. As @eastlaneave described,
Chose First Class as the shipping method when you list
Put a stamp on the envelope and mail the sold item
Then, Mark As Shipped in order details.
eastlaneave
Mentor8 months ago@dave0712help
Once you manually Mark As Shipped, eBay will stop asking you to print a label.
eastlaneave
Mentor8 months ago@dave0712help
Chose First Class as the shipping method when you list
Put a stamp on the envelope and mail the sold item
Then, Mark As Shipped in order details.
Stamps can also go eBay Standard Envelope
Requirements are
- Categories of Trading Cards, Coins and Currency, Postcards, Stamps, Patches, Sticker and Decals, Seeds, and Greeting Cards
- Weight up to 3 oz.
- Value up to $20
- Envelope Size - 6x4x1 to 11x6x1 (use 1" even though it is thin)
Enter the weight and dimensions of 6x4x1 and you can find "eBay Standard Envelope for Trading Cards, Stamps, Postcards & Coins up to $20" in your shipping options under "Standard Services".
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You can use any ordinary envelope as long as your envelope meets the criteria below. If it doesn't meet these criteria, the shipment may be returned to you, or the buyer may receive the item with postage due.
The Envelope criteria
- No smaller than 3.5†x 5â€
- No larger than 6.125†x 11.5â€
- Thickness is uniform, less than 0.25†inches at all points
- Not too rigid
- Weigh 0.0 to 3.0 oz.
- Contains NO clasps/strings/buttons or similar closure devices
- Has the recipient address parallel to the longest side
(no bubble mailers, they are too thick)
You can also use the eBay standard envelope template to ensure the envelope you're using to ship your items qualifies.
All the details for eBay Standard Envelope are here
https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/-/-/ebay-standard-envelope?id=5308 and https://pages.ebay.com/sell/standarddelivery/termsofservice.html
Comparing costs:
- Regular USPS Ground Advantage the lowest charge is $4.16 - $4.85 with tracking
- Plain white envelope, First Class with no tracking is .78 to 1.36 (1-3 oz) no tracking
- eBay Standard Envelope will cost .74 to 1.32 (1-3 oz) some limited tracking
eBay Standard Envelope has a special tracking which can he partially tracked here
https://www.trackmyshipment.co/shipment-tracking