This is a list of simple ways to cut down the costs of shipping and advertising.  This guide is based on ways that I have found (and still use) to keep my overhead costs low.  I've spent handfuls of cash and hours of time searching various stores to find what I thought was a great deal.  Man was I let down when I found these awesome offers.....

Presentable Shipping Supplies

Nobody likes to receive their items in a beat up, overused box.  Ship your products in NEW boxes to increase it's appearance and give your buyers a good impression.  Let's face it, paying $1.00 a box gets costly and adds to your resell fees.  And I don't know about you, but dumpster diving for shipment boxes isn't my favorite thing to do.  This is where I recommend checking out the Postal Service website.  They offer shipping supplies for free.  Not free plus shipping and handling, but REALLY FREE.  Priority Mail offers a flat rate box in two sizes.  They come in quantities of 10 or more and are perfect for small to mid-sized shipments.  Here's why I love these flat rate boxes..... if you don't require Priority Shipping or you can save money by shipping by weight simply turning your box inside out for a high quality, unmarked plain brown box.   HERE'S HOW--  On one edge of the box is a tab that's glued down. Run your finger under it to separate the sides.  Then simply refold your box in the oppsite direction to expose the brown side and use glue or tape to replace the box tab.  Much less time than box hunting and less effort than covering a reused box with crate paper.

If you use a lot of bubble envelopes, packing peanuts, or other shipping supplies that aren't offered by the Post Office, check out Associated Bag's website.  A wonderful little dot-com that offers bulk quantity shipping supplies at amazing prices.  Why spend $5.00 on 5 #5 bubble mailers when you can get 100 for only $43.00?  They also offer free samples and catalogs upon request.

Get Noticed For Less

Business cards, Name Labels, Postcards, those little fridge calendars, and word of mouth are all awesome ways to advertise.  Keep your advertising costs minimal by visiting VistaPrint.  All their products are personalized by using free text boxes, which makes them very versitile. They always have a 250 free business card promo.  Once you order the free business cards, they always email specials containing other free products.  There is no limit on how many times you can order these free promos.  I only purchase items when they are offering them for free and I stock up on them.  Recently they were offering 10 of their 2006 calendar magnets for free, 140 return address labels for free, and 250 glossy front business cards for free.  So I ordered the magnets and in the text I entered 'Thank You for Your Order' along with my business' name.  Instant adverising and good feeling for you buyer - everyone loves to feel appreciated.  I also orderd the return address labels and entered my business info in the text boxes for readymade product and catalog stickers.  When my customer's product runs low, they know exactly where to find me because it's convieniently placed on their product bottle. I also ordered the business cards just to stock up.  They're a great way to get your business name out there.  I always toss in a couple with each shipment.  So how much did it all cost me?  Only $12.00 for the shipping and handling.  That's a killer deal!  VistaPrint even saves your templates to your account so if you're like me and you like to stock up when things are on sale, you don't have to sit there and type all your info over and over.  Simply click reorder under the item you want and its done.

Another great way to get known is to have you own domain.  Domains can be quite costly, however.  I thought I had a great deal going when I found a site that offered a domain name, hosting, email, and everything all rolled into one for $100.  Then I found a company called 1 and 1. They are a complete domain hosting company that offers virtually anything you could every possibly need/want for your domain or website at AWESOME PRICES.  Can you believe a got my domain PRIVATELY registered and set up my webpage for only $5.99 a year???  Web hosting is as low as $2.99 a month!!  Well, I did and so can you!  The website builder was set up so well that even my computer illiterate brother knew what to do when he set up his account. You can even transfer your current domain to 1 and 1 to take advantage of their low prices. They offer great incentives like domain parking (if your are not currently using your domain, you can use it as a billboard for profit), a sales department to help you sell your old domains, free website forwarding, and tons of user friendly how-to applications and wizards.  5 star customer service and unbelievable prices!!!