How to get a barcode for first class mail to provide minimal tracking

[castlebooksandmore]

Hi. On the USPS site, I found this: “Although First-Class Mail postcards, letters, and flats are not eligible for USPS Tracking, those items are eligible for other extra services that provide barcodes for scanning. These extra services can be purchased, providing some tracking information. See "What Domestic Mail Extra Services are Available?" for a list of all extra services and what mail classes are eligible.” I followed the USPS link, but am still not finding details on what extra service to purchase to get a barcode and what it costs. Could I accomplish this by purchasing the postage on eBay or would I need to purchase it at a post office? I sell mainly books, and many are thin booklets weighing less than 3.5 ounces that fit nicely in a 6x9” envelope. I am looking for a cheaper way to ship them than $3.92 media mail, that won’t negatively impact eBay’s rating of me regarding tracking. Thanks for any guidance with this.

[mr_lincoln]

hI @castlebooksandmore 

-If the Booklets do not contain advertising you can Use USPS Media Mail.  You do NOT get a discount on Media Mail from eBay because it is a low cost shipping solution.  You may want to use a box instead of an envelope to cut down on damage or torn and opened envelopes ... it happens.

-On July 9, 2023 USPS changed the First Class designation to Ground Advantage and you can print a label for 3.5 oz via eBay and get a discount on the label cost