What Is the Best Way to Ship on eBay?
For new resellers on the eBay platform, it might seem like the shipping policies are too complicated to figure out. While there are several shipment options, you might not know what would work best for your store. So, what is the best way to ship on eBay? Here are some tips and tricks you can use to grow your e-commerce business.
The Best Way to Ship on eBay for Every Type of Seller
If you've just started selling online, you're probably wondering – what shipping should I use for eBay? Well, there is no simple answer to this question, as the best method may vary from seller to seller. It depends on the customer's address, the package size, and whether you'll be shipping locally or internationally. The same goes for shipping on Depop, Shopify, Etsy, and other similar platforms.
The most popular methods that every seller considers are USPS, FedEx, UPS, and eBay Shipping. The USPS is convenient for small, lightweight packages, and with Priority Mail, you can get faster delivery. UPS is great for larger packages, and it provides insurance and tracking.
FedEx is known to provide a reliable service, but it is a bit costlier than USPS. Still, it's a great option if you have to send a heavier, larger product. Last but not least, you can opt for eBay's program, printing the labels you get on your account. With this, you can also get discounted rates from FedEx and USPS. Whether you're a clothing reseller or dabble in second-hand furniture, picking the right method is the first step in starting your online business.
How to Set Up the Shipping Method on eBay
Once you make up your mind about what option you will use to ship your products, it's time to clearly display it to your potential buyers. Here's the ultimate beginner's guide:
- Go to your account and select the option "My eBay"
- Then, select "Account" and click on "Site Preferences"
- Search for "Shipping Preferences" and select the button "Show"
- Select "Edit" next to "International Shipping" and enter the services you'll be using
- Select "Edit" next to "Domestic Shipping," also entering the services you'll use
Once you've set up the options and saved them, they'll be applied to your listings automatically. Before listing your items for sale, double-check the costs and make any necessary adjustments. If everything is looking good, it's time to start making money on eBay.
Consider Offering Combined Shipping and Discounts
Combined shipping is the most cost-saving and time-saving option for both the buyer and the seller. The seller can set up a discount that will encourage the buyer to select numerous items. In turn, you'll have the advantage of packing multiple items into one package, whether it's vintage clothing or something else. If you want some additional tricks such as this one, check out this helpful video:
How to Print the Shipping Labels
Just like there are many shipping methods, there are various options for printing labels. Still, the easiest way is to use PayPal or eBay. PayPal is more than just a popular payment method – it also has a feature that allows you to create and print stickers for your item. However, it's limited to printing 50 labels per week. If you're looking for more than that or would like to stay true to the platform, you can simply select "My eBay" and get a label from your account.
How to Print a Label on eBay and Ship Your Items
eBay makes the whole process super easy with its built-in shipping label feature. You can take care of everything from your account, helping you save time and keep everything organised. Just follow these simple steps to get your item ready for delivery:
- Select "My eBay" in your account settings,
- Check what item has been sold by clicking on the button "Sold,"
- Locate the item to be shipped and select "Print Shipping Label,"
- Enter the package's weight and dimensions,
- Type in the address and additional information,
- Confirm the cost of the shipment,
- Select the option "Confirm and Pay,"
- Pay the label and print it out.
Finally, the printed label can be attached to the package so you can drop it off at the appropriate location. You need to follow any additional instructions provided by the carrier and track the package to ensure the delivery was successful. And just like that, your package is ready to hit the road!
Get Crosslisting Software to Make It Even Easier
There are many online selling tools that can help immensely with delivering goods, namely multichannel listing software. A handy tool like this lets sellers list their products on multiple platforms at once, including Etsy, Depop, Shopify, and eBay. The crossposting software also simplifies the process of entering shipment information and other details, as it applies this information automatically to all the marketplace platforms at once.
A crossposting app helps online resellers save time and prevent any discrepancies and errors when it comes to shipment information. Using software to sell on both eBay and Depop or any other platform will help you stay organised and manage shipments more easily. It will help you keep track of eBay's listing fees and any additional charges. It's like having a super-organised assistant who never sleeps, never forgets, and definitely doesn't misplace shipping info!
What Are You Waiting For? Select Your Carrier and Begin Listing Items
All in all, you'll want to choose the shipping method that works best for your business, whether that's FedEx, USPS, or something else entirely. The key is knowing the rules and using them to your advantage. And if you're juggling multiple platforms like a pro, a crossposting tool like Zipsale can be a total game-changer. It keeps all your info in one place, helps you stay organised, and saves you from costly slip-ups. Why not sign up and give it a try to see the difference for yourself?
