Selling on Ebay-Shipping Your Items

I'm trying to run over the basics here for the beginners who want to know how to get started.

I have so many people ask me to "help" them put something on ebay that I figured running over the basics should empower them to do it themselves which is what they will have to do if they want it to become a full time income.

We'll be getting into power seller techniques and ways to further your income from your auctions later so stay tuned.

Today I'll be talking about shipping items that you have sold.

There are several options for shipping available to you. For example if you decide to ship Priority the post office will usually provide you with free shipping boxes and envelopes.

You can also ship UPS by taking the package to your local UPS pick up.

Packaging is important especially if the item is fragile. Wholesale shipping supplies can be bought on Ebay.com to make packaging easier.

Pack computers, cameras, printers, or any kind of electrical, mechanical, or fragile merchandise in packing foam. The shipping cost is determined by the size and weight of the item after packaging.

Before you make your listing you may want to pre-package the item and have it weighed so you can make the shipping calculator at ebay.com available to potential bidders. All they have to do is enter their zip code within the U.S. and the calculator will give them a shipping cost from the USPS.

You can also offer shipping insurance to your bidders if they choose. The price is $1.50 for merchandise up to $50. For a bigger purchase check with your post office. Many bidders like to have their packages insured so I recommend giving them the option and stating that the item is no longer your responsability after it leaves your care.

The insurance can be purchased at the post office when you pay for shipping. If the bideer chooses insurance have him add insurance costs to the regular shipping price when they send payment.

If you choose to ship outside the U.S. it may be necessary to ask your local post master about shipping costs. Be sure to mention in the auction listings where you will ship to.

When you prepare your item for shipping be sure to include a return address as it is required. Also it is a good idea to include a flyer, info packet, or business card that has your Ebay.com seller name or store name in case they would like to buy from you again.

Be sure to use a signature file in all email communications to bidders with your ebay seller name, and mention that the bidder can save on shipping by bidding on multiple items that you can ship in the same box.

Follow up with winning bidders via email after you ship the item to make sure they received it and are pleased with it. Request Feedback and make sure to tell them that you already left them positive feedback, then thank them for a pleasant transaction and include a link at the bottom of the email to your further listings.