Most people don't realize there are many ways to save on shipping cost.

Although a few cents may not seem like a lot at the time, over time, it adds up to a lot of cash. 

* THE FIRST THING YOU NEED TO DO IS BUY A SHIPPING SCALE IN THE 35 TO 50 POUND RANGE.

Don't use the bath room scales, they are not even close. They will end up costing you more on shipping and you risk having the package returned for not having the correct postage for the correct weight.

You can find shipping scales, on ebay very reasonable. Don't rush to buy the cheapest scales, watch the items and compare the brand, features, cost and shipping cost. I think I paid around $26 for a 50 lb scale.  I saved over $9 by waiting and watching several of the same items, before I bought mine.

* ALWAYS USE THE FREE USPS BOX'S WHEN POSSIBLE

You can order free shipping boxes through ebay.

You can also go to the USPS web site to order free shipping supplies. 

* ALWAYS USE DELIVERY CONFIRMATION

Paypal by default will add deliverly confirmation to each order. If your are using other methods to create your shipping label, make sure you select delivery confirmation, not only can you track the shipped package to the delivery location, it is your proof the item was delivered. Paypal or ebay will request the tracking number if some one opens a dispute for item not delivered. You can also use the delivery confirmation to locate your missing package. This could save you from having to eat the lost cost of a refund. 

* PLAIN BROWN BOX VS FREE PRIORITY BOX

Lets say you are shipping an item Priority Mail in a plain brown box, which might cost $7.05 to ship, the cost of the plain brown box will cost you around a dollar, for a total cost of $8.05. You are better off using the Free USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate box. Shipping will only cost $7.70. This would save you $0.35 per item over the cost of the brown box.

The USPS flat rate fee has gone up, since I wrote this, I think it is now around $8.30.  Just check it and compare the cost differance.

* PRIORITY MAIL VS FLAT RATE BOX

Some times, Priority mail will cost more to ship than the Priority Flat Rate box, compare the cost. Do this on the Paypal page. Select ship, which is located next to your customers order, then try the order with Priority mail, envelope/small package, and type in your weight, and select continue, then compare the cost. (Remember not to select Print and pay until you are ready to Print the shipping label.)

* PARCEL POST VS PRIORITY BOX

Compare the cost of Parcel Post vs Priority Mail. Some times Priority mail is cheaper to send, than shipping Parcel Post. Do this on the Paypal page. Select ship, Which is located next to your customers order, now try the order with Parcel Post, then try it with Priority mail, and compare the cost.  (Remember not to select Print and pay until you are ready to print the shipping label.)

Consider shipping priority when you can. I have seen Parcel Post take as long as 28 days to be delivered, due to no fault of your own. I have had a couple of customers threaten to leave negitive feed back, due to slow shipping which you had no control over. 

Stay on top of the shipping delivery time. Track the package and make sure it is delivered in a timely manner.      

The USPS will not respond to a missing package complaint until after 20 working days, not counting weekends, and hoildays.

If the package has not been delivered to your customer in a reasonable amount of time, Write your customer using the ebay mail system, and let them know you have filed a complaint with the USPS due to the package being lost, or not Delivered. 

Most all customers will understand and value the fact you are on top of trying to located their package, and you will most likely receive positive feed back from your customer because you are on top of things.     

* SAVE ON SHIPPING COST ON AN OVER SIZE BOX

If you are shipping a box that is a few inch's larger than the 84" limit. Some time you can cut a Large box down to a smaller size and get it under the 84" limit. This will save you a lot on the cost for  shipping that item.  

Just cut the box down all four corners, leaving a few inch's above the top of the item in the box, fold the flaps over, and cut off the access " the less weight, the cheaper to ship". Leave enough flap lenght, so they will over lap when folded over.   Now tape up the box and any open seams.  

* PACKING MATERIALS

Use the lightest packing material you can find, Bubble wrap and packing peanuts are a very good choice. Some times you can use a few pieces of (Smoke free) News Paper with the bubble wrap. Beware using News paper as it absorbs Odors, these odors can set off asthma attacks if your customer's have asthma.

* USING DROP SHIPPERS

If you are using a drop shipper, have an agreement right from the start that they will eat the shipping cost if the package is return for a refund, or due to shipping damage, or if the item is defective.  *

* SAVE ON TRIPS TO THE POST OFFICE

State in your terms of shipping, that you will ship orders within 5 days of cleared payment, Monday through Friday, excluding hoildays and weekends.

Make the less number of trip to the post office as possible. This saves time, gas, and wear and tear on your auto.

If you live a good distance from the post office, you can have the post office pick up your items, be aware they may charge a small fee. Compare your Delivery cost vs the pick up cost. Remember to figure time, labor, gas, wear and tear to your auto.     

* THE GOLDEN RULE OF SHIPPING

Always pack and ship the item, like you would want it packed and shipped to you. A well package  item are less likely to be returned, due to shipping damage. This will save you money and time in the long run, not to mention the head aches of having to deal with the situation. It also keeps your customers happy and they are more likely to buy from you again.

Remember that return customers are valuable. They already trust you, because you sold them a Quality item, you packaged it well and you shipped it fast.

I hope you found this guide useful.

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