How to figure shipping on large items

[bmcdeeladyblue]

I have been buying and selling on eBay since it's inception in 1995 but I'm still a novice because I have always sold a variety of small items that are easily boxed.  I have recently come into possession of some great antique lamps and I know I could sell them on eBay, but I don't know how to find boxes that are big enough for shipping them safely, nor do I know how to figure the shipping cost on something like this. I have limited my sales in the past because of my hesitancy in shipping large and unusual items. I have often loss money because I figure the cost too low.  If anyone can share with me how they handle finding the packaging and figuring shipping charges it would be greatly appreciated. I want to start selling more of the larger more expensive items. Thanks

[simba6]

Since shipping goes by both size and weight, large packages can cost a lot to ship.  That means you lose a lot of money on returns. Buyers know that and can use it to get part refunds. The discount scam.

As for the cost of shipping, you can check shippers sites and enter in the size and weight of the lamps.  Lamp shades are expensive to ship as they are big and they charge a lot for over size boxes.  Can't ship them with the lamp as they get damaged.  By the time you allow space around a shade, you have very large box.

You can get packing and moving boxes at many home center stores. They cost less than buying at those shipping places.

[stainlessenginecovers]

Put in size and weight into the carriers website (usps, ups, fedex) and use the furthest domestic zip code. 

You can also choose any sold item, click 'purchase another label' and then put in the lamp weight/size and see all the options from all the carriers for that particular zip code (try picking the furthest)

[varebelrose]

Large and heavy items can be a nightmare. Aside from paying the FVF on bloated shipping costs, if anything goes awry with the transaction, you will eat the shipping charges both ways on a return. Think long and hard about this; some things are far better off selling locally.

[momdadsstash]

Don't just calculate with the measurements of the lamps!  Imagine it   already in a box  with a couple of inches of padding and unless they're cast iron, put that box in another bigger box with at least 2/3 inches of padding around it.

The shades are a nightmare if for tall table lamps...separate box and more fragile than the lamps.

BTDT...ain't fun.

Maybe they're great  enough to keep them??

[lesegouts]

Find the correct box before listing the items and set it aside. That way there is no guessing as to the box dimensions.

[soh.maryl]

Some items are better sold locally.