Any easier way to calculate dimensions while listing on Ebay?

[safeandsecure]

Hey Everyone, 

I've been a seller for 2 months now and I cannot figure out how to properly measure correct widths and lengths for my product listings. How do you guys go about listing your items? 

[bashort]

one way is package each item for shipping when listing, then you can get exact size and weight, or what I do take a tape measure and guestimate the package size needed, weigh and add extra for a box then adjust as needed when it sells.

[inhawaii]

An easier way than to actually measure?

You can "eye ball" it but that's not as accurate.

I enter the dimensions (and weight) on my listing when I list the item.

That way when it sells and ships, all the info you need is right there.

[fashunu4eeuh]

Are you talking about package dimensions?

I do not guess. I have a tape measure and postal scale. Before completing my listing, i package up the item after i am done with photos and description details. I then measure the exact dimensions and weight. I leave it unsealed and put it in the closet that i use as storage while waiting for the sale. Then i complete my listing, putting the exact data re: the package into the listing form. It will give me estimated costs depending on what zip codes i use. I sell with free shipping (but i recommend using calculated shipping for new sellers) so i choose points on either coast to ensure my pricing is adequate to cover all my costs.

So there is no panicked last-minute packing like a madman or finding oneself without the proper packing materials. This system works well and i’ve been using it for 15 years now.

Guessing at shipping dimensions and weight is a big trap for new sellers, but once you’ve been doing this awhile, it comes much easier. Wish you the best of luck!

[slippinjimmy]

I just look at the item and intuitively know what size of package will be required.

It depends on what you are selling but 98% of my orders ship in one of 3 bubble envelope sizes or one of 2 box sizes. I know the weights/dimensions of the packaging so all I need to do is weigh the item itself.

[mordecai8614]

For most smaller items, I just guess & as long as I'm close the price usually doesn't change when I process the label. If anything I over-estimate, so if the price does change it's typically in my favor.

For a larger item that doesn't weigh alot, I'll usually just measure the item & then add a couple inches to each dimension to allow for packaging (maybe a little more if its fragile & I know I need a lot of space for padding)

If the item is large & heavy, I know that every inch counts, so I'll find the smallest box that I know will work & measure that box

[frankenhobbit]

When I list items (as I only sell a few at a time when I am doing a clear out', I package it but don't seal it, then weigh and measure. I even toss a blank label on the scale. Those go in the listing details.

Makes it super easy to ship out quickly too. One time, got a sale when I was already sitting at the computer. Printed the label right away (as everything was already measured), verified the contents, taped it and stuck the label on. Heard the mail lady pulling up and ran it out to her. From order received to in the hands of USPS less than 5 minutes. Take that Amazon!

[krazzykats]

eBay standard envelope | eBay

[dbfolks166mt]

     Like several others that have responded I have a tape measure and a couple of scales, digital one for smaller items larger scale for heavy items. However I generally take it one step further for certain items, mostly heavier ones. 

     I have not purchase labels on eBay for a long time I utilize Pirate Ship which has the same discounted rates, sometimes better, than eBay and I pay for those labels with a cash back credit card. I am on the east coast and I almost always use calculated shipping.

     I will look at the cost to ship an item to a buyer in my zone using USPS ground advantage based on the dims and weight of the item. Then I will look to see if the item will fit into a USPS priority mail flat rate box or envelope and if that is a cheaper option, which sometimes it is, then I will use priority mail flat rate box or envelope, bake that cost into the sale price and offer free shipping. Regardless of where the buyer is located the cost is the cheapest option. Since I am on the east coast in these cases it is a great deal for west coast buyers. I just shipped 28 pounds of lead ingots from Virginia to California using a USPS medium flat rate box which cost $14.38. It would have cost $39.03 using UPS Ground or $57.33 using USPS Ground Advantage. 

     It is amazing what you can get into a USPS priority mail flat rate box or envelope and they all have a 70 pound max weight limit. I have shipped a LOT of heavier items using USPS Priority mail flat rate boxes and envelopes. 

[toysaver]

I have empty dummy boxes.  When I make a listing I see what box fits and use it.  I don't have that many box sizes.  I've used the same ones for 20 years.  I know their exact measurements.  I have a scale right at hand when I do a listing for the weight.  It's streamlined now but has taken years to get there.