eBay

bkb1942 · ‎08-20-2018

I usually use USPS priority but need to get rid of 100’s of things. Would like to make lots of them but postage is prohibitive. At this point don’t care about profit but don’t want lose shipping. Being in poor health, and old, worry everything will end up in landfill. Are Fedex or UPS cheaper?

fern*wood · ‎08-20-2018

If you don't care about profit, then just donate everything and save yourself the work...and possible hassle.

designforyou · ‎08-20-2018

Do your lots in pkg weigh under 16 oz? If so you could ship using FIRST CLASS PACKAGE rate. Also could just donate stuff not worth your time selling on EBAY, or use a community/neighborhood online board in your area.

bkb1942 · ‎08-20-2018

I have lots of dolls from 40’s and 50’s that I paid good money for. Don’t expect to make a profit but except for the smaller ones, they won’ fit in flat rate boxes. Regret my collecting now but sure enjoyed it at the time.

dirk12955 · ‎08-20-2018

@bkb1942 wrote:
I usually use USPS priority but need to get rid of 100’s of things. Would like to make lots of them but postage is prohibitive. At this point don’t care about profit but don’t want lose shipping. Being in poor health, and old, worry everything will end up in landfill. Are Fedex or UPS cheaper?

Do you have a store in your area that can help with the packing? PAck and ship? UPS Store? I've never used anything like that, But I know there are businesses like that.

Could you use them to walk you thru the process of how to pack your dolls, what boxes would be needed, hpw much to send?

As far as the cost to send your dolls to a buyer. Any buyer with a little experience buying faragile and larger items online or mailorder will be well aware of the cost involved. They won't be shocked.

Don't get discouraged. Search on ebay for other sellers offering your types of items and see how they ship, and how much they charge for shipping.

Good luck!

bkb1942 · ‎08-20-2018

Thanks all. I have sold many things on eBay years ago so packing easn’t A problem. Just heavy boxes that will require lots of postage.

berserkerplanet · ‎08-20-2018

Heavy boxes are where FedEx is the way to go. Priority mail gets expensive very quickly as weight increases, whereas FedEx adds minimal amounts per pound at higher weights.

Example: 20lb* box going cross country
USPS Priority Mail = $60.82 FedEx Home Delivery = approx $25

*Dimensional weight is a huge consideration for both services, and the numbers I quoted there only apply to a 20lb box that is under about 16"x16"x16" for USPS or under about 15"x15"x15" for FedEx via eBay (because their dimensional weight formulas use different divisors).

Dolls tend to be bulky, so, dimensional weight will definitely be a factor. For now, all you need to know is that a 20lb actual weight box of dolls will probably not ship at a 20lb rate, but will ship at a higher dimensional weight calculated from the size (because it will likely be bigger than about 15x15x15)

Regardless, eBay FedEx shipping is still way cheaper for anything over roughly 5lb

bkb1942 · ‎08-20-2018

Thanks. Another question. Can I print label and ship from home? Or print label and take to hardware store? Thanks again. It was easier when I used to sell lightweight stuff. LOL

berserkerplanet · ‎08-20-2018

Yes, you can print FedEx Ground/Home Delivery, Express, and Smartpost labels through eBay labels and print them out at home, and drop off at any location that deals with FedEx (a FedEx center, a box store, your hardware store I guess). Worse comes to worse you can have Fedex pick it up ($3-5 depending on if future pickup, schedulaed online or via Cust service, etc)

You would want to print your labels through eBay and not through a FedEx account, and really don't want to ship retail at a FedEx counter. eBay FedEx discounts are very good (up to about 40% on Ground/Home Delivery). The tradeoff (which othes will jump on and point out) is more difficulty if something goes wrong with eBay in as the middleman (insurance claims, billing issues, etc). Most of us have no problems with using eBay FedEx labels though.

Feel free to ask any further questions.

lja440 · ‎08-21-2018

Dolls are difficult to box and ship, especially those in their store display boxes. Their small details are easily crushed.

lja440 · ‎08-21-2018

Before listing them contact some of your local auction houses. They will take around 30% of the purchase price but they will do all the work and there is no chance of a SNAD claim.

I'd look for ones that advertise on auctionzip.com with pictures then visit a few. Look for those who rotate consignors so there isn't a chance that your items will be shoved back to the end of the auction when prices drop.