How to Sell on eBay: A Beginner’s Guide
How to start selling on eBay: setting up your account, researching sold prices, writing listings that sell, auction vs Buy It Now, fees, shipping and ratings.
Cheapest Shipping Options for Small Sellers
How small online sellers can cut shipping costs: carriers, flat-rate vs weight-based, marketplace labels, packaging, dimensional weight and free shipping.
Key takeaways
- Weigh and measure every parcel; dimensional weight can make large, light boxes expensive.
- Marketplace-discounted labels are often cheaper than retail counter prices.
- Right-size your packaging and build shipping into your price.
On this page
Shipping can quietly eat your profit, especially on low-priced items. A few habits make a big difference.
1. Weigh and measure everything
Buy a small shipping scale. Carriers price by weight and size; many use dimensional weight, charging large, light parcels as if they were heavier. Smaller boxes often save money.
2. Use discounted labels
Marketplaces and shipping software often offer discounted labels compared with buying at the counter. Compare options for each parcel.
3. Compare service types
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| Flat-rate boxes | Heavy, small items |
| Weight-based services | Light items |
| Economy or ground services | Non-urgent, low-value items |
| Express | Time-sensitive or high-value items |
4. Right-size your packaging
- Use poly mailers for clothing and soft goods.
- Reuse clean boxes where appropriate.
- Protect fragile items with enough padding; a broken item costs more than extra bubble wrap.
5. Build shipping into your price
Decide whether to charge shipping separately or offer “free” shipping with the cost built into the price. Buyers often prefer free shipping, but make sure the maths works; see pricing used items.
6. Always use tracking
Tracking protects you in disputes and is often required by marketplace seller protection.
7. Batch your shipping
Print labels in batches and schedule pickups to save time.
For the rest of the selling process, see our guides to selling on eBay and Amazon FBA costs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to ship a small package?
Usually a lightweight, weight-based service with a discounted label. Compare carriers for your parcel’s size and destination.
Should I offer free shipping?
It can increase sales, but build the cost into your price so you still make a profit.
What is dimensional weight?
A pricing method that charges based on package size as well as weight, which makes big, light boxes more expensive.
Sources
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