Printer

[dajdeals]

I'm curious if a printer is absolutely necessary to sell on eBay.  Mine broke months ago and I used it so rarely that I didn't replace it.  I have numerous items I'd like to list but am not sure if I can do the entire process without a printer.   Thank you for your input! 

[nobody*s_perfect]

Yes, you can sell on eBay without a printer.

But that means you'd have to hand-address your packages and then purchase postage at the counter at the Post Office, where it costs more than purchasing an eBay postage label.  If you intend to sell much, then it might be cost-effective to invest in a basic printer. Also it would be way more convenient.

[terrycece62]

Well you need to have access to a printer IF  you want to printed labels  printers are available at public library ,friends 'family, office service stores 

But you can physically handwrite the information on the package  buy postage and do not forget tracking numbers  at the post office

depends on what is most convenient for you and how much running around your will to do or what best fits your life

Good luck

[tdumonde2014]

You can load the labels on a thumbdrive and print them at Staples or anyplace that offers printing. 

[toysaver]

When my printer's 'on the fritz' I print at the local library, right accross the street from the Post Office.  I love small town living....

[terrycece62]

Yep I live in a small town too  

Its great

My library just reopened  after a long Covid  'sidewalk service "  hours  

[forward-motion]

No, you do not need a printer anymore. You can print the QR code to your phone, show the shipper and they will print the label. 

[southern*sweet*tea]

For me it's a time thing.  If you have the TIME to go to the Post Office and ship, then no, you don't need one.

When my old printer finally gave up the ghost, I made a trip to town the next day to get a new one.  I don't have the time to be going to the PO. I print labels and schedule a pickup. Done.

Printing your labels is also cheaper, sometimes by a little, sometimes by a lot.

[glasser]

You can also buy a label printed that only prints labels.  If you want to include packing slips the a printer is also handy.

Printers are pretty cheap and assuming you are reporting your sales on your taxes, a printer would likely be deductible (as your tax preparer).

[simba6]

You can't print postage labels. You could save them to a USB stick and go to a store like Wallgreens and print them as a photo.  That would be a pain if you sell a lot. I suggest a low cost laser printer. It uses dry ink so it won't dry out and clog it not used often and the print is water prof.  

[chapeau-noir]

I'd use the QR code.

[buyselljack2016]

I don't have a phone for QR code use.

One library is 5 miles away, uphill both ways. It is right next to a Post Office, but they both have limited hours.

No friends/relatives close enough to be using their printer for labels.

16 miles one way to Walgreens. 12 miles to a store in the other direction that I seldom travel in.

Need a printer? Yup. I have a laser printer that I got as a close out at Staples 5000+ labels ago.

Have an older "inkjet" printer as a backup, but used so little that the ink is likely no good.

[wastingtime101]

For me, volume and time are the key factors. I couldn't handle my volume without a printer. If I was a hobby seller with loads of time to stand in line at the post office and only 1-2 packages in my hands, I might use the QR code option.

[chapeau-noir]

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@wastingtime101 wrote:

For me, volume and time are the key factors. I couldn't handle my volume without a printer. If I was a hobby seller with loads of time to stand in line at the post office and only 1-2 packages in my hands, I might use the QR code option.

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The QR code is exactly for that reason - or for someone whose printer broke and needs a quick label or two to keep going.  I'd stand in line at the PO rather than have to hunt down a library or Kinko's or whatever, but it's really a handy app for the 'little hobby guy' or someone in a pinch.  I was glad to see it as I travel a lot.

[2013grotz]

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@forward-motion wrote:

No, you do not need a printer anymore. You can print the QR code to your phone, show the shipper and they will print the label. 

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How well does this option generally work out in practice, specifically with USPS?  I asked them about it when I was in there one time and they looked at me like I was speaking gibberish.  So I don't know?