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How should I ships items < $50

lightningboylightningboy Posts: 1,483 ✭✭✭
in Trading Cards & Memorabilia Forum
I ship out many items, using a 4x7 padded envelope, valued under $50. What is the most economical way to ship these still being covered against a buyer saying they didn't receive an item. I was getting a tracking number for an additional .90, but it seems like the cost has gone way up. Any and all suggestions appreciated, Tom

Comments

  • MauriceMaurice Posts: 1,136
    Use ebay shipping to print your postage. The delivery confirmation tracking number is free.
  • JHS5120JHS5120 Posts: 1,968 ✭✭✭
    4x7 Kraft Bubble Mailers=$.22 each

    Ebay Shipping for a 5 ounce package WITH delivery confirmation = $1.98 (I think)

    Add in paper, ink, tape, etc. = $.30 per package

    Total = $2.50
    My eBay Store =)

    "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." Dr. Seuss
  • churchiscoolchurchiscool Posts: 534 ✭✭
    wish all sellers would use ebay shipping. cuts the cost by $1, and the buyer instantly gets the tracking updated to them.
  • greenmonster66greenmonster66 Posts: 400 ✭✭
    That is all I ever use is Ebay shipping, Free DC works great and fast!
  • zurbs17zurbs17 Posts: 442
    22 cents for an envelope is a lot. Buy in quantities and it goes down to 8 cents each or less.
  • lightningboylightningboy Posts: 1,483 ✭✭✭
    This will really expose my ignorance, but where exactly do I read about the ebay shipping for my postage?
  • DDaniel83DDaniel83 Posts: 203 ✭✭
    If I ship with eBay USPS postage is all I have to do tape it on the package and put it into the blue bin thing? Assuming it is an envelope and will fit?
  • mtcardsmtcards Posts: 3,340 ✭✭✭
    Standard Bubble Mailer......get them in bulk for around 13 cents. Use ebay postage, 3 oz is $1.93. Counting tape, paper/ink for printing label, penny sleeve, top loader if a raw card and of course ebay/paypal taking 12% of the cost of shipping and you can do it for around $2.50 and it includes tracking if you buy it from ebay shipping
    IT IS ALWAYS CHEAPER TO NOT SELL ON EBAY
  • DDaniel83DDaniel83 Posts: 203 ✭✭


    If I ship with eBay USPS postage is all I have to do tape it on the package and put it into the blue bin thing? Assuming it is an envelope and will fit?
  • WhiteTornadoWhiteTornado Posts: 2,102 ✭✭✭


    << <i>If I ship with eBay USPS postage is all I have to do tape it on the package and put it into the blue bin thing? Assuming it is an envelope and will fit? >>



    That's it. image
  • DoctorKDoctorK Posts: 868 ✭✭✭


    << <i>If I ship with eBay USPS postage is all I have to do tape it on the package and put it into the blue bin thing? Assuming it is an envelope and will fit? >>



    Personally, I make sure the item is scanned by a clerk and do not leave without a scan receipt.
  • bziddybziddy Posts: 710 ✭✭✭
    This is who I get my bubble mailers from -- I tried another vendor once and was disappointed...

    Value Mailers on eBay

    The bubbles seem to go further towards the flaps in these mailers than in others I've dealt with. 500 for $48.50 -- just under 10 cents.

    I also use a Brother Thermal printer for my labels -- brought my label cost down to 6 or 7 cents (plus the cost of the printer).

  • DDaniel83DDaniel83 Posts: 203 ✭✭
    Do they not scan what was placed in the bins?
  • jeffcbayjeffcbay Posts: 8,950 ✭✭✭✭
    I go to Royal Mailers for my bubble mailers. I like to use the Size #00 Kraft Bubble Mailers (5" x 9"). I put the card in there (top loader or CS1) and then fold the envelope in half to provide extra rigid protection for the card (graded cards only fold half way). When I tape the label on I also tape the envelope edges to it's all secure. Takes no time at all and I have never had any complaints. I charge a flat rate $2.50, and I don't add anything for an unlimited multiple combined auctions. I absolutely LOVE ebay/Paypal shipping. They give you a discount on the postage ($1.93 for 3oz.) and free Delivery Confirmation that's instantly uploaded to the buyer's auction link. Anything over $50 I ship it Priority Mail, which is insured up to $100 for no extra charge. I drop off everything into the blue mail box at the Post Office, and I never have to stand in line. Love it.
  • coachnip13coachnip13 Posts: 464


    << <i>Do they not scan what was placed in the bins? >>



    They do, but not until they bring it inside. If something happens to it between the blue bin and the scanner inside the post office, you have no proof that you ever dropped it off. If you take it inside and have a clerk scan it, the liability immediately falls upon the post office, because there is proof that they received it.
  • DDaniel83DDaniel83 Posts: 203 ✭✭
    So basically what you are saying is you print out the eBay USPS shipping label then tape it to the package then take it to the PO in order to have them scan it? But there is no charge since everything has been paid for ?
  • jeffcbayjeffcbay Posts: 8,950 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>So basically what you are saying is you print out the eBay USPS shipping label then tape it to the package then take it to the PO in order to have them scan it? But there is no charge since everything has been paid for ? >>



    Correct. Having them scan it in front of you is for your own piece of mind. I just drop it into the blue box, never had a problem.
  • WhiteTornadoWhiteTornado Posts: 2,102 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Correct. Having them scan it in front of you is for your own piece of mind. I just drop it into the blue box, never had a problem. >>



    This is how I do it. I might take it inside for scanning if it was a high-dollar item, but so far I've just been a small-time seller.
  • bziddybziddy Posts: 710 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Correct. Having them scan it in front of you is for your own piece of mind. I just drop it into the blue box, never had a problem. >>



    This is how I do it. I might take it inside for scanning if it was a high-dollar item, but so far I've just been a small-time seller. >>



    Yeah, I do the same -- it goes in the Blue Box across the street from the house unless it is a higher dollar item, then I bring it to the PO for a scan (I think I've done this for <10 packages out of maybe 1500).
  • coachnip13coachnip13 Posts: 464
    I take everything inside, video the clerk when he scans each item, and bring a witness and notary to sign off that I did indeed drop off that 1985 Terry Pendleton PSA 9 rookie card. Taking no chances.
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