Basics about eBay's shipping charges??? I'm a no0b.?

Question

I've gotten the hang of putting items up for auction, and I've even made a few sales.... but I think some of my auctions would have been better if I knew what I was doing on the shipping end. For the last few items I've sold - I just clicked various UPS or Postal Service options that took 2-9 days or so. Anyone have any links or a brief description of what is the best method to determine your shipping charge?

For example - say I was selling a baseball bobble head. I imagine it would cost me about $3.00 to pick up a box and stuff. What shipping option would be best? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

USPS:
most people prefer priority shipping,,,its the best value because its fast and relatively inexpensive. i think the cheapest anything can go is about $4.60. thats for one pound or less.
then there is a flat rate box. anything you can put into this box goes for about $8.95, no matter how much it weighs.
if you send books, cds, there is media mail. im not quite sure what it is, but its usually cheaper than priority. these are usually sent in a manilla envelope.
if you are sending lightweight clothing, i also use a manilla envelope, but putting the object in a plastic bag before sending it.
i always buy a delivery confirmation, just to know it got there. alot of people dont want to pay for insurance. that way, i know i've done my part.
the post office also has ebay boxes (priority and flat rate) that you can get for free.

UPS: we usually ship very large items this way, we've found the price difference to be a bit cheaper and they also include insurance for anything under $100, and also a tracking number,,,or maybe its $200, i forget.
we try to ship everything as inexpensively as possible, people appreciate low shipping and also will look at your auction. but you also don't want to cheat yourself, so decide carefully. if you are making a postal run and are taking alot of things, then you can lower your shipping price a bit, rather than take one thing at a time. its good for the environment that way, too, because you are only using your car once.
i would go to www.usps.com and poke around a bit. learn what they have to offer. there you can calculate your postage and learn the rules.

Answer 2

Hurry-up shipping can cost more than the item, so you are best with ground or 3-day air. I think USPS is easiest, but UPS is better because buyer and seller can track the package. If you have a UPS store near you, they can help you with the packing supplies as well as the shipping.

Answer 3

Priority mail

you can get free boxes and tape from USPS
(have a bunch of supplies handy at home at all times)
make the priority shipping label off your computer,
stick it onto the package and the mail carrier will pick up the package from your home for delivery

Answer 4

You should take a look at http://www.redroller.com if shipping domestically and http://www.bongous.com/shipping_cost_calculator.php if internationally.

Red Roller does the calculation for you