Where'd all my profits go?

[pigeonpicker]

I sold a graphic t shirt for $20 plus shipping.

By the time I buy the cheapest pen and envelope at Walgreens for $7. Drop it off at the post office with first class for $6. I'm left with a $5 profit. 

[a_c_green]

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@pigeonpicker wrote:

I sold a graphic t shirt for $20 plus shipping.

By the time I buy the cheapest pen and envelope at Walgreens for $7.

---

Did you mean "Pen+Gear" envelopes? From Walmart?

That aside, you're using Calculated Shipping on that shirt, so the buyer should have paid you in full for the Shipping without leaving you out of pocket for that. You might try adding a buck for a Handling charge to the listing's Shipping quote if that will help. 

[soh.maryl]

Now that I've read your  further posts, have to ask, respectfully, are you sure that you aren't letting your current housing situation cloud your judgement? Your original post did not sound like an experienced eBay seller.  

[pigeonpicker]

Walgreens. Only because I'm homeless and walked to the store.

[gemarakop_trading]

I hope this is a joke.

[reallynicestamps]

You didn't own a pen?

EBay charges fees on your customer's payment including the item, shipping, and sales taxes.

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/fees-credits-invoices/selling-fees?id=4822

USPS charges for shipping.

https://postcalc.usps.com/Business/Index

"Free " shipping means you have included your cost for shipping in the asking price for your item.

Packaging costs ?

For tee shirts a poly or tyvek envelope is sufficient, waterproof and hard to tear.

If it is a "fashion" piece some tissue paper interior wrapping makes it look like you care.

These are also available at some dollar stores.

Also.

Are you registered for Managed Payments? EBay cannot transfer your customer payment to your checking account without one.

Stupidly, they allow new and returning sellers to make listings without having an MP account.

And as a Buyer Protection, eBay puts a 30 day Hold on transferring payments to your bank until you have a track record of good customer service.

[tools*]

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@pigeonpicker wrote:

I sold a graphic t shirt for $20 plus shipping.

By the time I buy the cheapest pen and envelope at Walgreens for $7. Drop it off at the post office with first class for $6. I'm left with a $5 profit. 

---

A "Free" USPS Priority Mail box or envelope, a 5¢ thermal shipping label, about 5¢ worth of tape and you're set.

If it weighs under a pound, you use a 50-75¢ plain box, a 5¢ thermal shipping label, about 5¢ worth of tape and ship it by First Class Mail purchased online -- all paid for by the buyer.

[katzrul15]

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@pigeonpicker wrote:

I know. I'm homeless right now 

My sleezy Vegas trailer park died and kicked everybody out. 

---

Sorry to hear this.  What a tough turn of events.  Are you able to access a computer at all or just doing biz with a cell phone?  Can you get to a library to use a computer or will the shelter you are at let you use one?  

This is a tough job without all the extra stress you have right now.  

Would it be better to perhaps tap into the shelter's training resources, secure a FT or PT job and when you get back on your feet/real housing, carry your e-Bay online selling venture forward?

Really sorry to hear about your situation.  Saying a prayer for you that resources and assistance find their way to you and soon.  God bless, you.  I am impressed by your tenacity.  

[soh.maryl]

Judging by previous posts, don't think it is.  

[pigeonpicker]

Nope.

[pigeonpicker]

I've been at the homeless shelter since June 1

[soh.maryl]

Given the OP's record as an experienced seller, seems like none of that would be new information to him.  

[luckythewinner]

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@pigeonpicker wrote:

By the time I buy the cheapest pen and envelope at Walgreens for $7. Drop it off at the post office with first class for $6. I'm left with a $5 profit. 

---

You said your buyer paid shipping so the $6 is immaterial unless you didn't charge the buyer enough.

I buy padded envelopes for 12 cents each.

[iamalwaysright]

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@pigeonpicker wrote:

I know. I'm homeless right now 

My sleezy Vegas trailer park died and kicked everybody out. 

---

Your math is off, you forgot to add the shipping unless you meant to say “$20 FREE shipping”.

You got kicked out by a sleazy ghost?

[wastingtime101]

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@pigeonpicker wrote:

Rip off Walgreens was the closest place in walking distance 

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Do you have friends in the area? Can you buy some polymailers in bulk and have them shipped to a friend (and maybe use their address in case of a return)?

I get the pen /shelter situation. Assuming you can access the buyer's address on your phone at the post office, follow Katz's advice and borrow a pen at the PO counter.

You did say you were looking into a storage unit, so you could eventually store pens and shipping supplies there along with your inventory.

[soh.maryl]

Congratulations! Yours is the best and most thoughtful reply to the OP.  I now regret that I've not been as sympathetic to his situation.