Ship

[lsilver2003]

First time selling on eBay. I have a leather jacket that weighs 4 pounds. I am overwhelmed by what kind of box and choice of shipping to use

[simba6]

At four pounds, you would not get a deal with flat rate boxes, or at least  any it would fit it.  That leaves priority mail or regular package service for USPS.   First you need to select a size box it will fit in where you don't have to stomp it in like Godzilla.  Then, get the weight of the package and it's size.  You can then check the shipping rates to see what is the best deal.   Large boxes lead to over size rates and can raise the shipping a lot.

Can you give us some idea of the package size? 

[mtgraves7984]

Shipping is one of the hardest tasks to master here. I'm guessing you're asking because you just lost on the boots you sold at a Priority $7.20 price?

A leather jacket would be easy. Properly fold it, maybe wrap it in tissue and then put it inside a plastic bag, then into a sturdy, properly-sized box. Make sure your corners are sealed, too.

I'm with @simba6... I don't think USPS Flat Rate is called for. A 5# package (your item + box and materials) would easily go Ground Advantage or Priority, so maybe offer both? You don't have to use USPS packaging at all... do you have a proper cardboard box that you could recycle? (Amazon's 18" x 13" x 6" comes to mind... I'm just sayin'.)

Breathe... and good luck! 

[ebeths_eclectic_collectibles]

If you are going to ship via USPS priority mail you need to set up an online account and order some free boxes. Get yourself a selection so you can determine box size and weight before creating the listing. Or buy or scrounge up an assortment of non priority boxes so you will be prepared. Guesstimating on a listing can be a costly mistake 

[umoraski]

I don't know if you have given the buyer a choice in Priority Mail or USPS Ground Advantage.  Priority Mail is more expensive.   I have used a Shirt Size Priority Box for Leather jackets before.  A Flat Rate Priority Box will only be practical if you are mailing a 4 lb jacket from NY  to CA.  Otherwise I would go with just use Ground Advantage.    The Shirt Size Priority Boxes are free and come in handy if you are shipping within a two state distance and the price compares to Ground Advantage Service and you get a free box.  You can order them on-line with USPS or pick them up at the PO.  They measure  11 .6 by 2.5  by 13.4.

[wastingtime101]

Hi @lsilver2003 and welcome.

1. Choose an appropriately sized box, but try to keep the dimensions under a cubic foot. When you exceed a cubic foot the rates escalate.

2. You'll probably find USPS Ground Advantage and UPS Ground to be the best options. Possibly USPS Priority Mail. You can get an idea of rates by entering the package weight and dimensions in the eBay shipping calculator. Rates will vary based on buyer's location. https://www.ebay.com/shp/Calculator

3. Set up your listing with calculated shipping! As long as you enter correct package dimensions and weight, the buyer will be charged accurate ship costs.

4. Unless you built a large portion of the ship cost into your item price, you should revise all of your current shoe listings to calculated shipping with actual package dimensions and weight. You're charging a flat rate of $7.20 that's below what it will cost to ship them with the advertised service USPS Priority Mail.