Why are eBay sellers charging so much for shipping?
There are two reasons: sellers play games and offer a low price realizing that some people won’t investigate the shipping charges before they buy. Their profit margin is in the shipping charge.
Shopping on eBay can sometimes be a very expensive affair, with the shipping cost making up a large chunk of the cost. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are a few tips to help you keep the cost of shipping on eBay down and save money.
1. Use Flat Rate Packages
Shipping with USPS Flat Rate packages is often the most cost-effective shipping option for eBay items. You can get packages in all different sizes so you don’t have to worry about oversized items. Prices for USPS Flat Rate packages start at $6.65 and go up from there.
2. Look for Priority Mail Discounts
The USPS offers discounts for Priority Mail shipments, so it pays to look for those discounts when you’re shipping on eBay. You can take advantage of the discount by signing up for the USPS’s Commercial Plus program. This program is free and easy to sign up for, and can save you a lot of money on shipping costs.
3. Reducing Packing Materials
When packaging items, it’s important to make sure you use the least amount of packing materials possible. The more materials you use, the higher the shipping cost. Try to use small boxes, limit the amount of packing peanuts, and don’t use too much tape.
4. Use Regional Rate Boxes
USPS Regional Rate boxes are a great way to reduce your shipping cost. These boxes come in various sizes and are tailored to specific geographic regions. For instance, you can get boxes that are specifically made for shipping to the Midwest, and they are often much cheaper than regular Priority Mail boxes.
5. Utilize Shipping Software
Using shipping software such as ShipStation, Shipwire or Endicia can make your life a lot easier and can help to reduce your shipping costs. These programs automatically calculate the cost of shipping and can provide you with discounted shipping rates that you may not be able to get from the post office.
Conclusion
By following the tips above, you can reduce the cost of shipping on eBay and save money. Utilizing the tools mentioned, such as flat rate packages, priority mail discounts and shipping software, can help to make your shipping cost much more manageable.