New to Shipping

[dktoysandc65]

Brand new to Ebay selling.   Right now we are selling mostly boxed or carded toys and collectables.  Really confused on shipping.  Can anyone recommend the best place to go to learn more about shipping these types of items...it's also entirely possible I'm putting way to much thought into this but I don't want to make any mistakes and I want to make sure I'm using the right shipping boxes and method so people get the toys in good shape.

Any help you be greatly appreciated.

[1786davycrockett]

If these are considered to be collectible, I would not even consider sending them as a USPS First Class package:  the potential damage to the exterior backings & protective bubbles will destroy any potential value, and packages in the USPS system are prone to LOTS of hazards (kicking, throwing, jamming together, etc).

So use USPS Priority -- you can pick up the boxes for free at any post office (or order for free delivery on-line from USPS), and the boxes are fairly sturdy.  Use packing peanuts, bubble wrap or other protective packing material, and make sure that the carded items don't move around much inside their sea of protective material.

And check into the possibility of using USPS Region A boxes -- the cost is much less, and you can usually pack more than one item in each box.

For more info, go to the USPS Priority site.

Good luck!

[pek34sdw]

Go to Youtube and search for How to package video games for Ebay shipping or How to ship toys that sold on ebay. There are lots of helpful ideas on there. Good luck!

[stackers_xag]

Dittos on what @1786davycrockett  said about priority mail and the free shipping supplies from USPS. Most people automatically think that Priority Mail is expensive, it's not, it usually gets there quicker and for a few pennies more to ship you get your shipping carton for free. sometimes shipping Priority is even cheaper than  first class USPS.

Bubble wrap I "ALWAYS" use! if any extra space needs to be filled I'll pack Styrofoam peanuts around the bubble wrapped item; However, there is a large variety of different sized Priority boxes available at the post office, peanuts usually aren't necessary and the bubble wrap at Walmart is cheap.

I even get my Priority wrapping/boxing tape for free at the P.O. You can also get the priority mail stickers for free should you wish to repurpose a plain brown shipping carton that's in good shape. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. Take advantage of what usps.com services offer for free!

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@stackers_xag wrote: ... Most people automatically think that Priority Mail is expensive, it's not, it usually gets there quicker and for a few pennies more to ship you get your shipping carton for free. sometimes shipping Priority is even cheaper than  first class USPS....

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Priority is NEVER cheaper than First Class.  The  cost to ship 12+ ounces as a First Class package costs $5.29 - $6.28 depending on Zone, whereas shipping it via Priority Mail costs $7.41 - $9.55. That's not pennies, it's an increase of over 40%.

If you're shipping a lower weight, the price jump is even greater of course. Shipping 4 ounces costs $3.31 - $3.79 via First Class, so Priority is more than double the cost. 

Handling process and delivery time are the same for both services. I see no reason to offer Priority Mail for items under 1 pound.

[1786davycrockett]

"I see no reason to offer Priority Mail for items under 1 pound."

The OP mentioned that what they are planning to list are "carded toys and collectibles."  Having seen firsthand what happens to USPS First Class packages during the sorting and shipping process, I would have absolutely no trust that ANY collectible would arrive safely at their destination, after being punched, kicked, tossed and smashed during the USPS process.

Saving a few bucks between First Class and Priority isn't worth a NAD case against the seller -- plus Priority is insured for FREE, and First Class is NOT.

[nobody*s_perfect]

The sorting centers are indeed very rough, but they do not differentiate between FC and Priority packages, they handle them all the same.  

If you want insurance, purchase it with some of the postage savings; it's still a lower  total cost than Priority.

[1786davycrockett]

Almost forgot -- if you live near a Barnes & Noble store, stop by in the afternoon (NOT MORNING!) to see if their receiving department has any packing peanuts, plastic wrap, bubble wrap, etc, that they may be discarding.  They probably do (especially the larger B&N stores), since they receive deliveries Monday thru Friday, and there are always BAGS full of packing peanuts and other plastic packaging, that needs to be discarded.  And generally they're happy to unload it FOR FREE upon anyone who walks in the door -- so check it out!

[stackers_xag]

@nobody*s_perfect ,  Your wrong! That's all I have to say.  You try it and give the rest of us a financial update of your profit and customer satisfaction on the matter. 

P.S. your customers will love the expedience and reward you with more orders. 

[stackers_xag]

P.S. @nobody*s_perfect 

if you enjoy return customers...... most put just as much thought into the way you package and ship as they do the item that they expect to to receive.  

2nd..... P.S. word of advice..... change your name!!! @nobody*s_perfect  already sounds like a loser. Don't be negative about yourself.

Sell away! Good luck, Best wishes!!!

[slpalm_2]

I'm new to ebay as well & plan to include free shipping.  I know we can get free supplies.  Sooooo many shipping choices - First class, priority, flat rate & different carriers.  Most seem to lean towards USPS.  I've seen some videos w/ppl doing all flat rate, others doing all priority.  How would you as a seller personally package & ship the following?:

A small pair of kids' boots

A bottle of hair product

A set of DVDs

Thank you so much for your insight!   

[nobody*s_perfect]

The term "flat rate" is used in two different ways: (1) setting up an eBay listing so that all domestic buyers are charged the same price; or (2) the special Priority Mail boxes which ship for the same price regardless of (domestic) destination, in contrast the regular Priority Mail rates which are based on weight  and distance (and dimensions, if over 1 cubic foot or more than 22 inches long).  

As one of the sellers who prefer USPS, I'd use First Class package for anything up to 1 pound, and Priority Mail for everything else. As you can see from the above discussion, some sellers believe that First Class packages are handled more roughly but your items should always be boxed with the worst-case scenario in mind anyway, such as being thrown into a bin and then a much heavier box thrown in on top of it.  You'll find that the Priority flat-rate boxes often are not cheaper than the regular weight-based rates.  For eligible items such as the DVDs, you could also offer Media Mail.

The free Priority Mail boxes are very handy, but are not always the right size depending on your item, so you should have other boxes available for those occasions.