How can I tell what size box to ship my item in if buyer paid?

[serenity*boutique]

It’s a small coin purse, I can’t figure out if it needs to be in a padded envelope or the small flat rate box. Please help! Thank you 

[mn467462]

Put everything in a box. You don't have to use the priority box. You can send it first class in another small box. 

[vintage-camerastuff]

Use a small padded envelope ship first class.  (not usps padded priority mail envelope or small flat rate box-to expensive)  

[dbfolks166mt]

     You specified USPS first class shipping on the listing so that is how you should ship. It will probably also be the cheapest method. You can use a plain box or an envelope to ship first class items just don't use a USPS priority mail box and try to use a first class label. 

[ms.rodriguez*]

Shipping needs to be figured out BEFORE  you list them. I have been here since 1998 and I had a lot of difficulty finding boxes when I first started. I lived in an apartment in NYC. I did not have a place to store.  Heck, I did not even know back then about the free priority mailboxes.  (It wasn't heavily advertised back then.) Anyway, I made room and started hoarding boxes.  I do NOT list anything unless I know how I will ship it.  Back then, shipping was low and I sold mostly big items.  So get your packaging figured out before.   Don't ship pricey items in a thin envelop or even a padded envelop.  Buyers of pricey items expect a decent box. Get a scale and measuring tape.  Remember that oversized packages will have a surcharge.  These surcharges started about a year and half ago.   

You can get lots of free bubble wrap from autobody shops, furniture stores. etc. They throw it out.  I also get alot of small pieces of bubble wrap and foam paper from Dollar Tree and other similar stores.  They toss all of that away.   Goodluck.

[redmodelt]

"Shipping needs to be figured out BEFORE  you list them. " 

That needs to be repeated often! Before not after the item is sold. 

[monster-deals]

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@serenity*boutique wrote:

It’s a small coin purse, I can’t figure out if it needs to be in a padded envelope or the small flat rate box. Please help! Thank you 

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Needs?

All it needs is to get to the buyer in the condition described in the time allotted.

A small coin purse I would probably ship 1st Class in a used poly or bubble mailer

[simba6]

A padded envelope does not offer much protection and items can be damaged in shipping.  I suggest you use a box.  Since it's light in weight, a flat rate box may cost more. If you said you were shipping priority mail then you can use any box and pay the per pound rate.   If you did not say priority mail, then a first class package may do. check the weight.

[linda7913]

I use a padded poly mailer for my lightweight items, but before I do --

The first thing I do is wrap the item in tissue paper and tape it together.

The second thing I do is wrap the item in bubble wrap; the 3/16 size bubble will do.

Then I take 2 sections of 5/16 bubble wrap and roll each section; they are placed on either side of the item, so the poly mailer is like a pillow.

It has worked very well, and my buyers are happy with their items.

ETA: On the outside of the poly mailer, I write "Do Not Bend" and then place a fragile sticker above it.

[nobody*s_perfect]

The OP's Sold listing shows a small item which could almost certainly tolerate shipping in a padded envelope, though of course a box is always better and might not even cost more in postage. The listing offers First Class package shipping, so there's no need to even consider Priority options. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/295775084432