How Do You Know How Much to Charge for Shipping?

[platinum1400]

I have some clothes I'd like to sell, but I don't know how much the shipping would be. Do you just weigh the item on a digital scale and then can you look up how much the shipping would be on USPS? What about for international shipping? Thanks.

[714ricki]

The 1st step is to understand how much each item weighs with all of its shipping material. Once you get a feel for the weights for your items, then you can figure out the method of shipping & then ultimately the shipping & handling charge.  Most sellers who sell clothes use the USPS. However, that depends on what you're selling, the number of pieces, & the ultimate weight. Under 1 lb, then USPS 1st class Mail will be your most economical option. Over 1 lb, the USPS Prioroty Mail options will be the best. You will ust have to figure out amongst the different prioroty mail options such as the Flat Rate Priority Mail bubble mailer or the standard Flat Rate Priority Mail envelope. 

Good luck in the research!!

[dhbookds]

Best thing to do is  choose United States PO  calculated shipping on the listing form.  Then you enter the dimensions and weight of the package and choose the type of shipping you want (over 15 ounces, it must be priority or parcel select)..........when the listing goes live.....the shipping will be calculated and shown to the buyer based on their zip code.......

You can use UPS or Fedex........but if you are just learning......I think best to go with USPS.....

[nobody*s_perfect]

Since you are new, it might be best if you stick to US shipping only at first.

When you set up an eBay listing, you can choose whether to (1) enter a flat price for shipping; or (2) set up calculated shipping, in which you enter the package weight and dimensions, then choose a shipping service and then the listing will automatically show (and charge) the correct postage from your location to any buyer's.  With calculated shipping you don't need to look anything up -- you can use First Class package for any weight up to 15.99 ounces, and Priority Mail for heavier items.

[inhawaii]

This is what I do.

I figure  out what it will cost based on size and weight and how i'm going to ship it.

Then add on a little extra to cover fees and other misc. expenses.

In cases where you're making lots of profit on the item, you don't have to make a lot on the shipping.

In case where you're not making lots of profit on the item, you may want to charge a little more on the shipping. 

[slippinjimmy]

One more thing to consider if you use Calculated shipping. You have a choice of offering buyers Retail Rates or eBay's discounted rates. If you select Retail Rates buyers will be paying more than your actual cost of postage but the extra just barely covers the eBay fees applied to the shipping amount. If you offer the discounted rate then you will actually be losing a bit of money.