Best Way to Ship?! How Do YOU Do It?!
 

The first thing I've EVER shipped was my GE package :rolleyes:. I used UPS which is like 20-30 miles away.

I have a few things I want to sell on here (very few dog things & quite a bit of "garage" type things). What would be the best way to do it? Should I just use USPS? Should I go ahead and pre-buy my packaging at Wal-mart or wherever? Do I just wait and ship everything at the same time or ship them whenever someone wants them? Best way to tell how much it's going to cost to ship the items?

I just want to do it the best possible way to please everyone therefore I'm asking before I proceed. :rolleyes:

Thanks for bearing with my pain in the butt self. :p

Someone HAS to be able to help me out here. Not that big of a deal but I'd like to know. :rolleyes:

I sell online and I buy my packaging elsewhere. Depending on the item though, you may want to ship priority and those boxes are free at the PO. Or you can have them brought to your doorstep by ordering from their website. I would ask the buyer when they want their item shipped. Also, you can have packages picked up from your house, you'll have to check the usps website for more info

I ship USPS ALL the time and never had a problem - cept when I tried one of those 'franchise' places - that was a nightmare - took 20 days and I had PAID for priority and they mailed it slow boat to China

it's much better to go TO the Post office or use Click n Ship

I just sent out a batch of doggie clothes - I waited till I had at least 5 orders cause I can't leave work and run to the post office everyday....

When I do Label and Card orders - I get those out as soon as I finish - (ONE day after printing - and no longer than 3)

ps - I order some of my packaging online - envelopes and such I get at office depot

USPS is probably your best bet for small, light items. But if you have big heavier items...UPS.

You can get free priority mail envelopes/boxes, but rates START at $4.75.

Hope that helps!?


If you get paid through PayPal, you can print a shipping label through them.

I'd rather just buy the packaging at Wal-mart or UPS (only 2 places that carry packaging besides USPS here). I'll try to check the USPS website and see. The dog clothes I have are just from Wal-mart so nothing huge and fancy and the garage sell things are several purses and a pair of shoes so not sure what I'd do on shipping those. Does USPS just weigh the items like UPS does and that's how much you pay for shipping? I'm still at a loss on how much to charge for shipping. :confused::rolleyes:

you can do an online Calculation on the USPS - The United States Postal Service (U.S. Postal Service) site - if you have a zip code -

most of the shipping domestically doesn't vary drastically so you could just use one on the 'other coast' to get your max I would think..

ps - if you have your weight and sizes - UPS will do pickups
then just cover yourself. When I sold the dog clothes in the FOR SALE Thread this week - I charged a flat $2.50 shipping cause some ran higher and some lower

It's tricky shipping stuff isn't it ?

ps - for heavy stuff - UPS is way better - I just mailed a box to someone and it cost me $17.00 via postal service - IF I had shipped UPS it would have been about 6 bucks

PS - again - if you have your weight and sizes - and ship too info - UPS will pick up at your home

Yes, you pay by how much it weighs with USPS and UPS.

As for what to charge: Just calculate the amount once somebody knows everything they want. Or you could do a flat rate, like V said.

It def. is and then adding a natural blonde to that trickiness.... yeah not a good mix :(!

LOL :p

LOL !! the other thing you can do is include shipping in some things -

I do that with the Cards and labels - I get carried away though sometimes with extras & end up paying more for shipping than I expected - but that's the way it goes ....

I'd rather pay a bit more in shipping and surprise someone than figuring it to the penny - but that's just me - and probably why I don't really make that much money with my little 'bidness' :)

Well I just used the postage price calculator on the USPS website and did a Houston, TX zip code (since I live in KY) and it says 4.80 for flat rate envelope and 6.80 for priority mail. I hate feeling confused, if I do shipping at like $3.50 and just pay the extra out of pocket if there is any, would that be good? Or should I do a lower shipping cost? I'm such a pain!

In this case - go with the flat rat...but I think that runs to 2 lbs only ?? I'm not sure - which is why I do 1st Class Mail with my stuff - I haven't had anything come up missing in 2 years ....so I'm pretty happy with it

Im in the same boat as you, I have a few packages going out tomorrow morning so Ill let you know how it went for me.
My daughter odered alot of my packaging and supplies on line for me, Plus we went to a few stores and I found alot there. I know the post office has some free packaging stuff there. Ill be able to tell you more tomorrow.
I live close to the post office so im happy about that. lol.

I do too! The actual post office is like... 5 minutes if that from me! I want to sell this stuff so bad to get it out of the way but I'm scared! What did you send and how much was it to ship if you don't mind me asking, if you do, that's fine too :p!

I just always ship USPS and get delivery confirmation (which is only .65 extra, but worth it because they can't say they didn't receive it).

I have never had a problem with USPS...but I do with FedEx and NEVER ship anything with them....and try my hardest NOT to order anything that is shipped using them.

I usually never ship UPS either....just because, to me, it is just easier to go to the PO.

I use recycled boxes or new boxes...whatever I have....I always have a big tub full of all sizes of the bubble envelopes and manilla envelopes. (and paperwrap and tissue paper).

I normally print off labels...just using basic Avery labels or even just print on paper and cut it out and tape of package...OR if in a hurry, hand write.

I have to run my DD to school each morning and pick her up after VB practice...so I usually make two post office runs when I am doing a sale.

I often use the online postage quote (like V was talking about)....you can even have the post office weigh your stuff too...if you live close by to make trips there. Just have it in the package (it doesn't have to be taped up) and they can weigh it by the zip code and let you know how much it will be to ship....it seems every time I am at the post office, someone is doing that.

Most dog clothes are so light weight...they generally can go first class...but I usually I add the paypal fee (sometimes) and delivery confirmation to the price.

That's funny. I never have had a problem with FedEx (or UPS) but constantly have problems with USPS. I guess it just depends on where you live.

That is funny! :biggrin: Mine is just the driver...aurgh.....:mad: AND only FedEx home delivery or maybe ground? -- I can't remember...as I try my best not to use either one.....but the driver of one, is good...never any problems...but the other driver...is a JERK!:thumbdown:)