Shipping is getting more costly, but buyers still don't want to pay more than they have to for shipping fees!

In this guide, sellers will learn the best way to price their shipping and how to cut corners on unnecessary fees. Buyers will gain perspective to why and how sellers price their shipping fees - what's reasonable and what isn't!

Recycle materials!

Assuming that you're not a big power seller that can afford to buy gazillions of boxes and packing materials in bulk and that you're a healthy buy-and-sell eBayer, always try to reuse the materials that you receive. Tyvek and poly envelopes aren't necessary, but great items to save are boxes and bubble/padded mailers, peanuts & other padding material. Not only are you doing a tiny part for the bettering of the environment, you save money, even if it is just a small amount. Of course, make sure you didn't rip upon that box like a savage!

Take advantage of free materials.

When Airborne Express was bought by DHL, they were giving away their logoed shipping products for FREE. I don't think any shipping company will be going down soon, but take advantage of free or clearanced materials (and know good prices). If a large retailer is clearancing for new stock or if a shipping store is closing down, buy all the supplies you can - even if it isn't necessarily necessary.

Most companies give out free packaging items if you use their service. USPS gives it out for Priority and faster mail, but if I ship through First Class or Parcel Post, I just cover up the Priority sign. They don't care; it's still USPS, after all.

Don't spend on sticky shipping labels (or get them for free).

USPS doesn't offer the blank printable shipping labels, but UPS does. I know people that will cut off the logo before sticking on. Sometimes it's more of a hassle than it's worth. You may be tempted to buy these labels online to save time, but cutting the paper in half and using tape is just as good. It's just a question if you're willing to spend the money, however minimal, on this little bonus. Remember, it won't make the buyer any happier or the delivery any faster - just the adhesion faster.

If it's soft, it don't need a box.

Well, in some instances it does, but for clothing and such, a box is not necessary. Sweaters, jeans, etc. are great in a weather-proof USPS TyVek envylope (and they give those out for free). We particularly like them because most garments fit comfortable in there, plus it is a handy size and can be folded if the item is a bit smaller than the envelope. Plus, it's weatherproof and highly durable. Other things like shoes, purses, and other accessories should be put in a box (they are rigid, envelopes don't shield them from damages).

Know the best service to ship it through.

USPS is widely known for it's basic letter-carrying system. Their mailboxes are placed all over towns and cities throughout the US, making it easily the most accessible. You can put your packages in these mailboxes, as long as they fit, so they are easily the best choice for smaller items -and things that can fit. But know that you are not limited to only one service!

Try RedRoller.com for competitive pricing on shipping. Always do your research before you price shipping so that you may pick the best method. I find that over 3-4lbs, I start to think about using UPS or DHL, FedEx not so much because it is not as widely distributed. Factor in that you will have to drop off your package at an approved location (with USPS you would have to drop off to, though).

Heavier items can be exponentially higher than small items because of this.

Print shipping labels at home - duh.

We always find it easier to print shipping labels at home unless you need some special assistance. It's way easier, and if you have to drop off packages, you can cut the long lines and you won't have to deal with the strenuous, tenuous experience.

Think about eBay fees before listing!

So you've thought about the shipping service and packing fees...but also factor in your handling and eBay fees. Luckily, they've lowered the cost - and added free gallery (a major bonus - gallery is always a must!). But still, you must think about what it cost to list your item, and what PayPal and eBay will charge you for their services.

Always consider:

• Putting your item at $.99, $9.99, or $24.99. There is no harm in starting your item at $.99, no reserve, if your item is popular and sure to sell (say iPods, True Religion jeans, etc.)
• Not using a reserve. Even if cost is no matter to you, I know for a fact that items with a reserve are VERY off-putting for buyers. Why would a buyer want to care about meeting a reserve amount when they could find the item elsewhere? Instead, just list your item at the price you would want it to sell for (or a little less).
• The ending cost will be a percentage of your item's final selling fee. There is really nothing you can do about this, since you would want your item to sell for as much as possible anyway.
• PayPal fees. There is no reason not to use PayPal even though they will charge you a small fee to use. But offer other methods of payment, like cashiers' checks or money orders, to satisfy a wide range of buyers. Still, 99% of eBayers use PayPal so not offering it is NOT an option.

Any suggestions to add to this guide? Contact me!

Thanks for reading =)