Most eTailers use shipping not only as a competitive advantage but also as a profit source. There is no reason your average eBayer can't do this as well. Below are words of advice to help you succeed using eBay.
- How you ship your listed items could be the difference between a bid and no bid.
- How fast can you get it delivered?
At what cost?
- Could it show up damaged?
All of these questions factor into a bidders mind before that click of a bid.
Avoid listing an item before you have developed your shipping plan. What carrier will I use? What service will I use? How will I package it?
Addressing these questions and using the steps below will make your eBay experience more enjoyable and more profitable.
Pick your service level. Will you ship via air or ground service ? First, what are you selling? Is this something that a bidder may pay more for if they can get it in a day or two, for example, a new golf club for their weekend round? Or is it considered a commodity where a bidder may not need it for a few weeks, ie office supplies.
Once you identified service level, pick your carrier. If your item is small, consider USPS, UPS or FedEx. If it is larger, consider using a service provider specializing in freight, such as Transport101.com.
Also, consider how to package the item. The smaller and denser the package, the cheaper it will cost to ship. The larger and lighter the package, you may get charged dimensional weight, generally more expensive than actual weight charges.
Lastly, calculate your shipping charge. How much will it cost? Compare the rates you may get from different carriers. If you are a frequent shipper, consider joining a trade association or Chamber of Commerce to get a rate discount. Also, see if your employer has a perk where you can piggyback on their shipping rates.
Here are other tips;
- Offer Free Shipping
- Offer Expedited Transportation at a flat rate across the U.S.
- Get free shipping supplies from the Postal Service's web site; www.USPS.com
Large Item Shipping
Contact us to calculate transport costs prior to listing an item. We can give you an approximate cost your customer will pay.
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