Shipping

[2_babask*k]

Hi guys, I'm sorry, im just learning. I don't know why my question didnt post? Just the statement afterwords did? I'm old LOL! and technology isn't my forte! Lol! Nursing is😃. My question is: I have a porcelain trinket box, approx 3oz. Should I mail it small box flat rate? Or calc. Shipping?? AND do you guys figure out shipping when you list? Or wait till it sells (so you know exactly where its going?).. that might be my problem? Trying to put shipping in as I'm listing item?Thanks for any help! I promise I'll get this and won't have to ask (probably simple questions! Lol🙂)

[kensgiftshop]

@2_babask*k 

If it'll fit in a small flat rate box, with lots of padding, you can use it.

You can also use the padded flat rate envelopes with a small box, just not a flat rate box.

I usually use flat rate packaging so I know exactly how much shipping is going to cost.

[coastaltechsolution]

It takes time to get used to shipping but you will soon know just buy the item how much shipping will be without even weighing it 🙂 

You could give the customer the choice of small flat priority or first class but you will want to ship in a small box for sure to help avoid breakage. 

Find a small box, pack the trinket box and weigh and measure and figure out the cost (you can use the usps.com website) and I always use calculated shipping because if I sell to someone on the east coast (I'm in California) that could end up costing me. I have done flat and free shipping but those were for certain items.

Good luck and ask more if you are still stuck 

[slippinjimmy]

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@2_babask*k wrote:

Hi guys, I'm sorry, im just learning. I don't know why my question didnt post? Just the statement afterwords did? I'm old LOL! and technology isn't my forte! Lol! Nursing is😃. My question is: I have a porcelain trinket box, approx 3oz. Should I mail it small box flat rate? Or calc. Shipping?? AND do you guys figure out shipping when you list? Or wait till it sells (so you know exactly where its going?).. that might be my problem? Trying to put shipping in as I'm listing item?Thanks for any help! I promise I'll get this and won't have to ask (probably simple questions! Lol🙂)

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You should sent it via First Class Package, flat rate boxes are good if the item is small but heavy.

As far as using Calculated shipping vs your own flat-rate. Either will work, Calculated will be more accurate, flat-rate is simple, just use the average rate that will cover  you no matter what zone it goes to.

I have a porcelain trinket box, approx 3oz.

If that is the weight of the item only you need to figure out the actual packed weight. This item could go in a bubble envelope but would need additional packing to be safe (wrap in  cardboard, or use an outer box). Assume that at some point in the journey your package will be at the bottom of a bin with hundreds of other packages tossed in on top.

You absolutely need to figure out the weight/dimensions BEFORE you list,  whatever you show is what your buyer will pay, there is no adjusting after the fact.

[silverstatetreasureboxes]

@2_babask*k 

      Always ready to help a fellow nurse! Hun, go get you a small scale ( food one will do at Wal-Mart) Ship this in a 1st class box ( can buy them also at Wal-Mart).

     Wrap every lip, corner, lid, nook and cranny with small bubble than rewrap all in larger and weigh it in the box. You still should be under 1st class restrictions. Than plug in the measurements of box and oz into the shipping page. Best to you.

[pburn]

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@2_babask*k wrote:

Hi guys, I'm sorry, im just learning. I don't know why my question didnt post? Just the statement afterwords did?

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Here's your original post--with responses--dated March 24, 2021:

Shipping 

[toysaver]

" do you guys figure out shipping when you list?"

If you use calculated shipping all you have to do is put the box measurements and weight into the shipping portion of the listing.  Every computer and device is associated with a zipcode and will automatically figure the shipping against your zipcode.  That's what computers did decades before the internet, compute and calculate.     

[inhawaii]

You're better off shipping HEAVY items in a flat rate box.

If it's  a 3 oz. item, pack it in a box and ship it First Class Mail.   

Keep the total weight 8 oz. or less and it ships for $3.85.

Keep the total weight 12 oz. or less and it ships for $4.68.  

Don't forget to add a little extra to cover your fees and stuff. 

Good luck and stay safe.

[mtgraves7984]

For a 3 oz. porcelain  trinket box, I'd go a bubble, box, more bubble and another box. You'd probably still make First Class.

[shag182]

This is my take.

If a USPS Priority flat rate box fits your item, then do that and make sure it's roomy enough for the item and not a tight fit. Use bubble wrap the item, and news paper for the spaces and cushion in the box. I personally just put a charge of XXXX amount for shipping and handling no matter where it goes to. For a small flat rate USPS Priority box, I would put $9 to $10 for shipping and handling.

Take my take for what it's worth.

[shag182]

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@shag182 wrote:

This is my take.

If a USPS Priority flat rate box fits your item, then do that and make sure it's roomy enough for the item and not a tight fit. Use bubble wrap the item, and news paper for the spaces and cushion in the box. I personally just put a charge of XXXX amount for shipping and handling no matter where it goes to. For a small flat rate USPS Priority box, I would put $9 to $10 for shipping and handling.

Take my take for what it's worth.

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Oops, 3oz, just go to Walmart and grab a 6"x6"x6" box for around 60 cents, and send it first class.

[fashunu4eeuh · Accepted solution]

Hi and welcome! 
You will get the hang of shipping in no time. We’ve all been where you are now, so feel free to come to the forum anytime for advice.

When listing, i package up my item for shipping, then weigh it ( i bought a cheap postal scale from USPS) and measure the dimensions of the packaging. That information goes into the listing form.

As a new seller, i recommend using calculated shipping as opposed to flat rate. Your customer will pay the actual cost it takes for you to mail his item to him. Ebay automatically calculates the buyer’s shipping cost based on their location, and that is the price shown to the buyer in the listing.

I buy my postage labels thru eBay. Then the tracking is uploaded automatically in the Sold section, and i get discounted postage.

A few other tips: For listing, I use the Advanced listing tool via my laptop, not the quick form. I do take pictures with my iPhone and use the eBay app to upload my photos to the listing directly from my mobile phone.  

Otherwise i only use the Advanced format because it gives me more options and more control over my listing. Ebay suggests new users stick with the quick form, and may even post a red banner on the top of the page saying so, but feel free to ignore that if you want to check it out.

Wish you all the best in your eBay journey, and come back anytime you need help. Good luck!

[silverstatetreasureboxes]

@shag182 

     See even Spock likes those 6x6x6 boxes at Wal-Mart! Think you can buy a pkg of them for reasonable cost. This can get the OP started and then she can be on the look out for little free ones!

     Live long and prosper..🖖