So, you've finally sold your cherished item on eBay. Now comes the most daunting part: figuring out how to ship items on eBay to their new owners. Whether you're a seasoned seller or a first-timer, navigating the world of shipping can sometimes feel like sailing uncharted waters.
What shipping method should you choose? How do you package your item securely? Can you maneuver the labyrinth of shipping regulations and costs?
This guide will explore essential techniques and insider tips to ship items on eBay.
The goal of preparing an item for shipping is to ensure that it stays in excellent condition during shipping and gets to the buyer undamaged. Follow these tips to prepare your items:
Shipping costs can vary depending on various factors, such as package weight, dimensions, destination, shipping method, and any additional services you may require. Here's a very rough guide to shipping costs using USPS and UPS:
With the USPS, shipping will depend on the service you choose and the items you’re sending. The shipping costs for different services are as follows:
UPS shipping costs are usually higher than with USPS. While UPS has various complicated pricing options, the flat rate shipping rates are the easiest to understand. If you choose flat rate shipping boxes, the cost depends on the size of your package and your preferred shipping speed.
Here’s an overview:
You can choose from the various delivery speeds, including UPS Ground, UPS 3 Day Select, UPS 2nd Day Air, and UPS Next Day Saver.
When shipping your eBay order, you can use any service you like. However, eBay has three major integrated carriers: USPS, UPS, and FedEx. Each of these carriers offers different shipping options, as follows:
The USPS is convenient because you can always find a post office near you. We mentioned the shipping options available under the USPS when discussing costs, but here is an overview of what each service offers:
UPS offers a range of shipping options to cater to various needs. The different options include the following:
FedEx gives you the following shipping options:
All the major carriers integrated with eBay offer you the option to purchase shipping insurance for your packages. Here is an overview of each carrier’s shipping insurance:
USPS insurance provides coverage in case your package gets lost or stolen, or if it has missing content. It doesn’t cover illegal packages, perishable items, live animals, or losses such as missed business opportunities caused by delayed delivery.
With USPS, you can purchase up to $5,000 in indemnity. When you choose Priority Mail services, you will get automatic coverage of up to $100.
In the event of mishaps, either you or the package recipient can file a USPS claim as long as you have the original mailing receipt. You must provide proof of insurance and file the claim within the stipulated filing period, which varies depending on the shipping service option you used.
You must also include proof of damage and the tracking number on the mailing receipt. You should also follow the packaging tips discussed earlier– damage may not be covered if your packaging was ineffective or inappropriate for your item.
UPS offers automatic shipping liability coverage for the loss or damage of packages worth up to $100. If the declared value of your item exceeds $100, you can buy additional coverage directly from UPS, allowing you to increase the coverage value up to $999.
UPS's liability coverage doesn’t cover losses or damages resulting from inadequate packaging, natural disasters, or acts of war. Certain items, like jewelry and artwork, have limited coverage and might require additional insurance.
In the event of a lost or damaged package, you should file a claim with UPS within the specified timeframe, typically within 60 days from the shipment date. Your claim should include documentation of the package's value and evidence of the loss or damage incurred.
FedEx shipping labels provide liability coverage of up to $100. If the declared value of your item exceeds $100, you can buy additional coverage to increase the coverage value up to $2,000.
When filing an insurance claim, you must present evidence of the item's value, evidence of the damage incurred, and proof of shipment. It is crucial to adhere to the designated time frame for claim submission, which is typically within 60 days from the date of shipment.
Once you ship an item to the buyer, you should upload tracking details to help you and the buyer follow the package’s journey. The easiest option to ensure effective tracking is to use an eBay-issued label. In this case, the tracking number that the integrated carrier provides will be uploaded automatically to the platform, saving you the effort of manually entering information.
You can use Seller Hub or My eBay to add tracking details for your buyer to see. If you upload a tracking number, the item will automatically be marked as shipped.
Navigating the intricate world of shipping as an eBay seller can be a daunting task. From selecting the right packaging to dealing with shipping carriers, it's clear that shipping can quickly become a complex and time-consuming process.
However, there's a simpler alternative that frees you from the hassle and intricacies of shipping: Sella. With Sella, you can hand over every step of the selling process, including shipping, to experienced professionals. So, if you're looking to simplify your selling experience and offload the complexities of shipping, get started with Sella today!
