What is the Cheapest Shipping for eBay Sellers?
As eBay sellers, we face the challenge of shipping an item for the cheapest price. After doing our own research on the cheapest shipping for eBay sellers, we discovered there is a way to do this.
First, weigh your items using a postal scale. Then, measure the dimensions of your eBay package. Then use a shipping calculator to determine your cost. eBay has an easy to use shipping calculator that will show you the rates for UPS, USPS, and FedEx along with your top-rated seller shipping discount. Click here to use eBay’s shipping calculator.
UPS, USPS, and FedEx are the only shipping services that have been integrated into eBay. This means eBay’s shipping calculator is fully aware of the shipping rates for all of these services. If you choose to use calculated shipping, listings can be configured to be shipped using UPS, USPS, FedEx, or all three (the buyer can choose which service to use).
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How to Reduce Shipping Costs on eBay
One way to reduce shipping costs on eBay to help achieve the cheapest shipping for eBay sellers is to use polybags instead of boxes. Look into purchasing various poly bag sizes to ship items. Poly bags weigh less than a box, so you can save money on shipping labels by purchasing postage for a lighter weight package. Poly bags are a great option for non-fragile items that are not likely to break or crush.
Although using a cardboard box may be ideal for some items, it’s best to try and make it as lightweight as possible. Instead of using paper or peanuts, which add more weight to your package, try to find packing that is lighter. You can use air pillows and bubble wrap, which can be found for free in many places. Check out our list of places to get free packing here.
Choose the Best Shipping Supplies
Your choice of shipping supplies plays a big role in getting the cheapest shipping for eBay sellers. Find the correct size box for your item to ship in. Larger boxes could mean higher fees simply because of the dimensions. You can either use a box supplied by the USPS specifically designed for shipping, or another cardboard box with thick sidewalls that will not break.
Place the items in the box and seal with tape. Masking tape and duct tape will not be accepted by the USPS. Packaging tape is easy to find and holds cardboard better.
What is Considered an Oversized Package?
Oversized packages are charged much higher shipping rates. The prices may vary depending on which carrier you use, as well as their interpretation of an oversized package. Take a look below to see what following carriers consider “oversized”.
UPS
A Large Package Surcharge will be applied to each UPS package when its length plus girth [(2 x width) + (2 x height)] combined exceeds 130 inches, or its length exceeds 96 inches. But does not exceed the maximum UPS size of 165 inches.
USPS
The oversized rate is applied to shipments whose length + girth are greater than 108″. The largest domestic package size that can be shipped via the USPS is 130″ (length + distance around the largest point) and must be shipped Parcel Select.
FedEx
A package weighing 150 lbs or less and measuring greater than 130 inches in combined length and girth will be classified by FedEx Ground as an oversized package. All packages must have a combined length and girth of no more than 165 inches.
In Conclusion: Cheapest Shipping for eBay Sellers
Shipping can be a very difficult part for the eBay seller. But using the right materials and having the right information can make things a lot easier.
Measure the dimensions of the item and use your shipping calculator to determine your cost and rates. Check our list of carriers for measurements of oversized packages so you can know when you’ll have an extra cost.
Make sure you use lightweight packing materials and consider using poly bags instead of boxes when possible.
Do you have some tips for how to get the cheapest shipping for eBay sellers? Please share in the comments below!