Shipping...

When you list and item, you will have to make some decisions on shipping.  Is it going to be free shipping, flat rate or calculated?  How do I know which service to use?  Where do I get shipping material?  Hopefully I can provide you some guidance to make this a little less painful.

There is a never ending debate over free shipping.  Some people like it, so hate it.  Personally I don't like it, but as the market shifts, it's becoming a necessity.  This is one area where you have to make the best decision for your business model.  Keep in mind though that if you are not doing free shipping, ebay will charge you a fee for collecting shipping fees.  It sucks, but it is a reality you have to deal with.

Regardless of your shipping choice, you still need to get the item to the buyer as fast and as cheaply as possible.  So what are some of the options for accomplishing this?  This is where keeping track of your items size and weight comes in handy.  Since the majority of what I sell is smaller in size, I can generally ship either First class or Flat rate padded envelope.  A lot will depend on the weight of your item.  If it weighs less than 13 ounces, then first class is the way to go.  Most zip codes will cost $3.47 to ship 13 ounces first class.  Once you go over 13 ounces you will have to ship priority.  Don't even try to do parcel.  The cost between the two is pennies, but takes a lot longer to deliver parcel.  You want speed above all.

If your item weighs more than 13 ounces, you will need to ship priority mail.  If the item is small, or not a breakable item, then consider using a padded flat rate mailer.  The shipping cost is $5.35 if you are a top rated seller.  I think the non TRS rate is $5.95.  If you item is larger or fragile, then you are going to have to ship in a larger box.  Depending on the weight and where it is going, you may have to use either a Medium or Large flat rate box.  The latter are more expensive and should only be used if the item is heavy and going to a different mail zone.  You'll know when you go to ship the item as it will tell you the cost to ship the item.

Shipping supplies are easy to get since most any size box can be obtained from the Postal Service.  You can order supplies online and have them delivered to your door.  Unless you are buying the pre-paid postage material, the rest are free.  I would recommend ordering a sampling of different sizes/types until you can get an idea of which ones are going to work for you.

Just remember that a good shipping experience is as important to the buyer as the value of the product they purchased.  Don't wait to ship an item.  If you get paid, ship it.  Just put yourself in the buyers shoes.  If it would pleases you, then it will most likely please the buyer.