Question About Shipping

[Anonymous]

I've just joined eBay trying to sell one of my things to make room for an upgrade. I have the listing all setup, it's saved as a draft, but I may not have time to deliver the package to a dropoff. I saw something about eBay coming to my doorstep and picking up said package but I don't know how to use this either. Can someone please help?

[comics-scifi-collectibles]

@Anonymous  eBay does not do ANY actual shipping, they just offer discounted shipping prices that are less than what you would pay at the post office.   I would have at least 2 handling if you have the postal carrier pick up.  You need to have a safe place to leave a package outside, if it's stolen before being picked up then you have to refund the buyer.  

USPS offers home pick up at no charge.    

You can schedule  a pick up on USPS.com  

Here some advice and information on setting up your shipping methods>  

Shipping price is based on package dimensions, weight and distance to the buyer.

I recommend using buyer pays> calculated shipping. This way the buyer is charged the correct price for delivery to their location. ( This will not work for items that are too large or heavy to ship)

Round up to the next full ounce and full inch when weighing and measuring your package.

You can compare shipping prices and options using this calculator to see which one is the best to use for your item: https://www.ebay.com/shp/Calculator ( change to package rate)  Beware that Fed Ex is known for adding surcharges and billing you later.  

How you select calculated shipping depends on the listing tool you are using.

1. If you are a new seller then you may be using the Quick Listing Tool. Look for this shipping section i.ebayimg.com/images/g/8bwAAOSwI7Bivg9n/s-l1600.jpg

Then you need to enter the package weight and size. Next select a shipping service.

Next select buyer pays> calculated shipping.

2. If you are using the Advanced listing tool that is located in Seller Hub then these are the steps. ( It will have the option to add a video in addition to photos)

Go to the shipping section.
Select standard shipping small to medium sized items from the first drop down box.
Next enter your package weight and size.

Under Domestic Shipping select Calculated from the drop menu.
Click on the Plus to enter your shipping service.

You can add a handling cost if you wish with the Advanced listing tool, for example you are shipping an item that is breakable and need to pay for bubble wrap, you can add the cost here or include it in the item price.

[Anonymous]

I found the pickup service, thank you for telling me about it, but how will USPS know where to drop off the package? Does Ebay give me the buyer's address and I have to somehow give it to USPS. Also the box that I'm having picked up is a plain, unmarked cardboard box, so if there's any markings I should put on it please tell me. Thank you.

[comics-scifi-collectibles]

@Anonymous. Once the buyer pays you go to the awaiting shipment item and select print label from the drop down menu next to the item.      Attach the label to the box with packing tape across the top, the bottom, and over the address in the middle.   Don't tape over the bar code.  

Do not ship until eBay says it's time to.  Then be sure to ship within your stated handling time.  

I ship in plain boxes all of time.  However I take my items to the post office because I don't have a good spot to leave the package outside.  

Also be sure to pack your items so that you feel comfortable throwing the box at least 4 feet and having another heavy box land on it. 

[monroe67 · Accepted solution]

"I found the pickup service, thank you for telling me about it, but how will USPS know where to drop off the package? Does Ebay give me the buyer's address and I have to somehow give it to USPS."

Once your buyer pays -- through eBay -- eBay will send you an e-mail saying, essentially, the buyer has paid and it is now time to mail your item to that buyer.  

You will not know the buyer's address until eBay has received and verified the buyer's payment.  You won't even know the buyer's real name.   If I bought your listing, for example, you would only see my buying ID, monroe67, but not know my real name.  

Yes, of course, then, you must put the buyer's delivery address onto the package you have ready for the mailman to pick up.  I don't know what you're selling and how large or heavy it is but, depending on its size, you may be able to purchase US Postal Service (USPS) postage through eBay and then print a mailing label. 

That mailing label will have the buyer's name and delivery address on it as well as your return address (and name), and all the other info that the USPS needs in order to deliver the package to the buyer.  

You could go to an office supply store and purchase 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" mailing labels, which are peel-and-stick, but you can also print the shipping label onto plain white paper, cut the edges off, and tape it to the package.  Be sure to tape it securely, around all four edges of the label. 

One other thing I highly highly recommend is that you spend some time reading through these Community forums (fora?), both the Shipping board where you posted your questions and the Selling board.  Quite a few regular posters in both boards have said that they learned almost everything they know about eBay by reading these boards.  There are many years of experience here.  

[Anonymous]

Thank you for this answer, I'll make sure I keep this in mind. Is there anyway I can close the forum now that you and Monroe67 told me what I needed to hear?