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Getting ready to start selling on eBay again - tell me about PayPal shipping
seanq
Posts: 8,866 ✭✭✭✭✭
It's been about a year since I've listed anything on eBay, but the pile of stuff to get rid of (and a pesky credit card debt) have me motivated to get selling again. In the past I would always walk stuff up to the local PO counter, but I know PayPal shipping has made some strides and would probably save me a lot of time. I'm hoping some regular eBay dealers could help me study up on some of the details:
- Does anyone recommend against using PayPal shipping in the first place?
- Where do you buy the labels? My local PO doesn't offer them and had no idea where to go.
- To protect against chargebacks, what are the proof of delivery requirements? I think I read here that up to $200 in insured value Delivery Confirmation is sufficient, but over $200 you need Signature Confirmation.
- Can I assume that USPS Postal insurance, Delivery Confirmation and Signature Confirmation are all available through the PayPal shipping? Or will higher value packages require a trip to the PO counter?
- Can you drop the finished packages into any old mailbox, or must they be dropped off at the PO?
Fnially, since I'm not familiar with the new rates and my estimating efforts stink, I'm thinking of either going with completely free shipping, or free postage with the buyer required to buy insurance (at cost) based on the final value. Anyone had luck with (or want to talk me out of) either approach?
Sean Reynolds
- Does anyone recommend against using PayPal shipping in the first place?
- Where do you buy the labels? My local PO doesn't offer them and had no idea where to go.
- To protect against chargebacks, what are the proof of delivery requirements? I think I read here that up to $200 in insured value Delivery Confirmation is sufficient, but over $200 you need Signature Confirmation.
- Can I assume that USPS Postal insurance, Delivery Confirmation and Signature Confirmation are all available through the PayPal shipping? Or will higher value packages require a trip to the PO counter?
- Can you drop the finished packages into any old mailbox, or must they be dropped off at the PO?
Fnially, since I'm not familiar with the new rates and my estimating efforts stink, I'm thinking of either going with completely free shipping, or free postage with the buyer required to buy insurance (at cost) based on the final value. Anyone had luck with (or want to talk me out of) either approach?
Sean Reynolds
Incomplete planchets wanted, especially Lincoln Cents & type coins.
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
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Comments
<< <i>- Does anyone recommend against using PayPal shipping in the first place? >>
I don't use it, but that's only because it's slow and I can print my own labels much faster. Plus my post office is only two blocks away. So, it actually takes me less total processing time the old fashioned way.
<< <i>- Where do you buy the labels? My local PO doesn't offer them and had no idea where to go. >>
It depends on what your printer setup is. If you're using a standard inkjet or laser you can buy half sheet labels at any office supply store or you can just use plain paper and fold it in half.
<< <i>- To protect against chargebacks, what are the proof of delivery requirements? I think I read here that up to $200 in insured value Delivery Confirmation is sufficient, but over $200 you need Signature Confirmation. >>
It's over $250 for sig confirmation.
<< <i>- Can I assume that USPS Postal insurance, Delivery Confirmation and Signature Confirmation are all available through the PayPal shipping? Or will higher value packages require a trip to the PO counter? >>
High dollar still needs to go to the counter.
<< <i>- Can you drop the finished packages into any old mailbox, or must they be dropped off at the PO? >>
No, you can't just drop them in the box. They either need to go to the post office, or your carrier can pick them up. BUT, the label MUST be dated the same day they go out.
Russ, NCNE
<< <i>It's been about a year since I've listed anything on eBay, but the pile of stuff to get rid of (and a pesky credit card debt) have me motivated to get selling again. In the past I would always walk stuff up to the local PO counter, but I know PayPal shipping has made some strides and would probably save me a lot of time. I'm hoping some regular eBay dealers could help me study up on some of the details: - Does anyone recommend against using PayPal shipping in the first place? - Where do you buy the labels? My local PO doesn't offer them and had no idea where to go. - To protect against chargebacks, what are the proof of delivery requirements? I think I read here that up to $200 in insured value Delivery Confirmation is sufficient, but over $200 you need Signature Confirmation. - Can I assume that USPS Postal insurance, Delivery Confirmation and Signature Confirmation are all available through the PayPal shipping? Or will higher value packages require a trip to the PO counter? - Can you drop the finished packages into any old mailbox, or must they be dropped off at the PO? Fnially, since I'm not familiar with the new rates and my estimating efforts stink, I'm thinking of either going with completely free shipping, or free postage with the buyer required to buy insurance (at cost) based on the final value. Anyone had luck with (or want to talk me out of) either approach? Sean Reynolds >>
Paypal shipping works great. It fits neatly into ebay's sale management system where sold items move to a bin that needs shipped and then when you use paypal shipping it moves into the next bin (feedback if you haven't left it already).
With Russ' help in a thread a few months ago I bought a Brother 500 lablel printer and it uses DK2205 label tape. Works great. Buy it on ebay for the best price.
Above $250 you need to require signature confirmation. Delivery confirmation is free and automatic with PP shipping. Signature conf is $1.75. Just click the button.
I don't recommend free shipping. You have to charge for it anyway and not breaking it out just lines eBay's pockets a little thicker. their fees are high enough.
You can only buy $500 worth of insurance online. Above that you have to go to the PO as I understand it.
Yes, drop it in any old mailbox if it's less than a pound. Above a pound I think you have to take it to the PO.
Jerry
<< <i>With Russ' help in a thread a few months ago I bought a Brother 500 lablel printer and it uses DK2205 label tape. >>
Oh yeah, or you can buy a Brother P-Touch QL500 thermal label printer.
Here's the best price I've found for the labels.
They also only charge $4.99 shipping no matter how many you order, and they ship quick.
Russ, NCNE
<< <i><< - Can you drop the finished packages into any old mailbox, or must they be dropped off at the PO? >> >>
<< <i>No, you can't just drop them in the box. They either need to go to the post office, or your carrier can pick them up. BUT, the label MUST be dated the same day they go out. >>
Interesting... May that's how it's supposed to work - but I have printed labels and not dropped them off on the same day and have had no problems.
Also - I always just drop the packages in my work place's outgoing mail box and never had an issue.
Even if I am breaking the rules, the PO has two choices - return to sender or deliver the item. They always chose the latter.
- Does anyone recommend against using PayPal shipping in the first place?
PayPal shipping is easy and convenient, no need to type in names or addys and it notifies your Buyer when the item ships and makes it easy for you to track its progress. That said, I use the P.O.’s Click-N-Ship service because I make shipments to other than eBayers. When I do use PayPal I always trim the shipping label at top and bottom to remove Ebay and PayPal references.
- Where do you buy the labels? My local PO doesn't offer them and had no idea where to go.
They can be pricey at places like Office Max and Office Depot. Best price is on eBay. Try to find the kind that have one 8 x 5 sticky label on an 8.5 x 11 sheetwith the bottom half being plain paper. Otherwise, your receipt prints on the second label if you use the two per sheet kind. I suppose you could just use plain paper and tape it to the package. Use "Mailing Label " as key words on eBay search.
- To protect against chargebacks, what are the proof of delivery requirements? I think I read here that up to $200 in insured value Delivery Confirmation is sufficient, but over $200 you need Signature Confirmation.
I think the magic number is $250. It's not required but it's a good idea.
- Can I assume that USPS Postal insurance, Delivery Confirmation and Signature Confirmation are all available through the PayPal shipping? Or will higher value packages require a trip to the PO counter? - Can you drop the finished packages into any old mailbox, or must they be dropped off at the PO?
You can insure up to $500 using online services and Delivery Confirmation and Signature Confirmation are available options. You can mail them from your home or at the Post Office drop box even if the weigh over one pound without needing to go the counter. If isured value is over $500 you must purchase the full amount at the PO counter.
-Fnially, since I'm not familiar with the new rates and my estimating efforts stink, I'm thinking of either going with completely free shipping, or free postage with the buyer required to buy insurance (at cost) based on the final value. Anyone had luck with (or want to talk me out of) either approach?
I would not do free shipping and I always require insurance on Items over $50. The insurance is for your protection, not the buyers.
A Postal Scale is a must if you plan on using online mail service.
<< <i><< << - Can you drop the finished packages into any old mailbox, or must they be dropped off at the PO? >> >>
<< No, you can't just drop them in the box. They either need to go to the post office, or your carrier can pick them up. BUT, the label MUST be dated the same day they go out. >>
Interesting... May that's how it's supposed to work - but I have printed labels and not dropped them off on the same day and have had no problems.
Also - I always just drop the packages in my work place's outgoing mail box and never had an issue.
Even if I am breaking the rules, the PO has two choices - return to sender or deliver the item. They always chose the latter. >>
I may be wrong on the drop-box, but it is definitely a rule that the label must be dated the same day as it is shipped. The reason is that it's entered in the system electronically as "accepted" when it's processed and the post office wants that date to match. That said, if it is allowed to just drop them in the box, then the rule about same day shipping would only apply to carrier pickup or across the counter dropoff since the post office processes those "face to face".
I do know that one of my customers, (a school supplies seller), who does huge volume ran in to this problem when we transitioned their USPS shipping over to electronic. Some of the stuff they processed was bounced because the shipping gal entered it the night before and didn't change the date to the next day.
Russ, NCNE
(Reason a few were weeks ahead on the label, versus the day dropped off to my carrier, was because people were on holiday and asked me to hold on shipping until they got back. )
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
<< <i>Yes, drop it in any old mailbox if it's less than a pound. Above a pound I think you have to take it to the PO. >>
New 13-Ounce Mail Rule to Take Effect July 30
WASHINGTON, DC — A new Postal Service rule goes into effect next week for packages and envelopes that weigh more than 13 ounces, if they’re being mailed with only stamps as postage at a location other than a Post Office retail service counter.
Starting Monday, July 30, customers can use one of several convenient online postage applications — available 24/7 — or an Automated Postal Center, if they wish to mail items that weigh more than 13 ounces in Postal Service collection boxes or Post Office lobby mail slots; or if they wish to leave the items for pickup by their letter carriers. Online postage applications include the Postal Service’s Click-N-Ship service on usps.com and PC Postage from an authorized USPS vendor.
If a customer is unable to use one of the above methods to prepare and affix postage, items weighing more than 13 ounces must be presented for mailing to an employee at a Post Office retail service counter. Business customers who use postage meters may continue to use meter postage for packages of any weight and mailing method.
Customers will notice new decals on USPS collection boxes, and Post Office lobby and Automated Postal Center mail drop slots. The new red, white and blue decals inform customers that deposit of stamped mail over 13 ounces is prohibited, and any such mail will be returned.
Previously, the prohibition applied to mail over 16 ounces. The change is part of ongoing security measures established by the Postal Service, in cooperation with other government agencies to keep the public, customers, employees and the U.S. Mail safe.
<< <i>The reason is that it's entered in the system electronically as "accepted" when it's processed and the post office wants that date to match. >>
It just says that the shipper has notified the USPS that the package is coming. All that said, I am often a day off (read almost always) because I package stuff late at night (midnight-2am usually) which is the next day for me, but a different day on the west coast where PayPal is. They date my stuff on a date that's gone by, but it's a pain to change, so I don't... and never a problem.
<< <i>
<< <i>The reason is that it's entered in the system electronically as "accepted" when it's processed and the post office wants that date to match. >>
It just says that the shipper has notified the USPS that the package is coming. All that said, I am often a day off (read almost always) because I package stuff late at night (midnight-2am usually) which is the next day for me, but a different day on the west coast where PayPal is. They date my stuff on a date that's gone by, but it's a pain to change, so I don't... and never a problem. >>
Same here. I've occasionally kept a label a week before shipping.
<< <i>What if I print a Click-N-Ship® label and don't use it on the ship date selected?
Your item must be mailed on the date that you select. An electronic record is generated on that date indicating that your mailpiece has been mailed. If you do not mail the item on the date, printed on your label, print a new label with the correct date. >>
Russ, NCNE
<< <i>From the USPS web site:
<< <i>What if I print a Click-N-Ship® label and don't use it on the ship date selected?
Your item must be mailed on the date that you select. An electronic record is generated on that date indicating that your mailpiece has been mailed. If you do not mail the item on the date, printed on your label, print a new label with the correct date. >>
Russ, NCNE >>
I think that it depends on where you are and the mood of the clerk. I like PP shipping for the same reasons PCC mentioned - and I always print on plain paper and tape it to the package. Never lost a package in 200+ I've sent, nor had one returned for a day's discrepancy.
Check out my current listings: https://ebay.com/sch/khunt/m.html?_ipg=200&_sop=12&_rdc=1
Yes. I have been using it for about 3.5 years without a single problem yet. It is extremely easy and when you ship in PayPal, it tracks it in eBay so you don't have to figure out what you have and have not shipped.
- Where do you buy the labels? My local PO doesn't offer them and had no idea where to go.
USPS Labels are free, USPS Web Store - EVERYTHING IS FREE! If you don't want to get labels, get a glue stick and some scissors, save youself the time. If you know your items are under a pound, just put in a pound in PayPal, they charge the same for priority mail if it is under a pound and the post office doesn't care either way, as long as it is not over a pound.
- To protect against chargebacks, what are the proof of delivery requirements? I think I read here that up to $200 in insured value Delivery Confirmation is sufficient, but over $200 you need Signature Confirmation.
There is no way to avoid that, especially if the person you are dealing with is a crook. You get delivery confirmation for free on every single item you ship through PayPal (except first class mail, it is $0.18). Read the boards to see all the horror stories about crooks getting merchandise AND their money back.
- Can I assume that USPS Postal insurance, Delivery Confirmation and Signature Confirmation are all available through the PayPal shipping? Or will higher value packages require a trip to the PO counter?
Yes, absolutely. You can insure up to $500 online. If you need to insure if for more, you have to go into the post office. They will not combine insurance so either buy it all online or all in the store. You can still print/pay for the shipping label, you just have to add insurance later.
- Can you drop the finished packages into any old mailbox, or must they be dropped off at the PO?
You can drop packages in "any old mailbox" if they are 1lb or less (I think there is some law in place to keep postal carriers from having to lug heavy packages). If I have something that I want to make sure gets to the post office (like an expensive item) i will drop it off at the counter. You don't have to wait in line, just walk in and hand it over.
Fnially, since I'm not familiar with the new rates and my estimating efforts stink, I'm thinking of either going with completely free shipping, or free postage with the buyer required to buy insurance (at cost) based on the final value. Anyone had luck with (or want to talk me out of) either approach?
I created a postal calculator in excel that I use to determine which method of shipping is cheaper; flat rate vs priority, express mail vs priority when insurance is involved... The insurance rate is different for Express Mail, Priority Mail, and Registered mail. There is a cross-over point for each so it is actually cheaper to ship something express mail than priority mail when you have to purchase a lot of insurance.
I would say offering free shipping is great and all but you will probably end up losing money in the long run. Most people don't care too much about shipping costs if they know they are getting EXACTLY what they are looking for. I would spend the time/money taking good pictures and posting them, rather than offering something on the cheap.
<< <i>From the USPS web site:
<< <i>What if I print a Click-N-Ship® label and don't use it on the ship date selected?
Your item must be mailed on the date that you select. An electronic record is generated on that date indicating that your mailpiece has been mailed. If you do not mail the item on the date, printed on your label, print a new label with the correct date. >>
Russ, NCNE >>
WRONG!!! The USPS could care less. I have dropped a package in my car and found it a week later once, they didn't make me reprint the label. In fact, I don't ever change the ship date on items I ship through PayPal. I usually get everything I sell out the day after I receive payment anyway so maybe I just get in under the window.. But I have never, ever been questioned about the shipping date in printing shipping labels throgh Paypal in the last 3.5-4 years.
<< <i>- Can you drop the finished packages into any old mailbox, or must they be dropped off at the PO? >>
No, you can't just drop them in the box. They either need to go to the post office, or your carrier can pick them up. BUT, the label MUST be dated the same day they go out.
Russ, NCNE >>
WRONG!!! You can drop any package, insured or not, in any mailbox as long as it is under one pound. There might be size restrictions too but I figure if it is under one pound and you can fit it in a mailbox, you have got to be good to go!
<< <i>You can now insure for $2000 or less. >>
I have seen recently that this option is now available in PayPal. I thought it came when I got my Platinum Powerseller rank ~3 weeks ago but I tried to insure a package yesterday for $1,600 and it would only let me insure for the regular $500... Have you insured something over $500 through paypal yet?
<< <i>WRONG!!! The USPS could care less. >>
What Russ posted is direct from the USPS website. The fact that your post office doesn't care should not be taken as proof that all post offices in the country don't care.
<< <i>
<< <i>You can now insure for $2000 or less. >>
I have seen recently that this option is now available in PayPal. I thought it came when I got my Platinum Powerseller rank ~3 weeks ago but I tried to insure a package yesterday for $1,600 and it would only let me insure for the regular $500... Have you insured something over $500 through paypal yet? >>
<< <i><< - Can I assume that USPS Postal insurance, Delivery Confirmation and Signature Confirmation are all available through the PayPal shipping? Or will higher value packages require a trip to the PO counter? >> >>
Over $500 is correct......off to the post office.
WRONG!!! You can drop any package, insured or not, in any mailbox as long as it is under one pound. There might be size restrictions too but I figure if it is under one pound and you can fit it in a mailbox, you have got to be good to go!
NO!!!
Next time you go to the counter with a package over one pound (now over 13 oz's) and have your Click-N-Ship or PayPal labels on afixed to that package, ask the clerk if you can avoid the line by putting it in the Drop Box..... They will tell you that you can because the online labels you've printed ID you as the purchaser through your online account, credit card and address.
The counter rule for packages over the weight limit applies only to packages the are posted using regular postage stamps. The size of the package must be within the Drop Box size limits. If it doesn't fit take it to the counter. You can also mail them from your home by placing them in your mail box and putting the flag up.
I learned by standing in line and having the counter worker ask why I brothered waiting in line when I could just put them in the Drop Box or mail them from my home regradless of the weight. The weight limit only applies to packages that are sent with stamps.
Ask about it next time you're at the counter and save yourself the hassle of the line wait.
One last question - I've noticed many packages I receive with the PayPal shipping label have a foam peanut or folded piece of cardboard inside to make the package 3/4" thick. I assume this is to meet the minimum requirements for Signature Confirmation. Is that really necessary to qualify, and does it apply to Delivery confirmation as well?
Sean Reynolds
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
I sell very little and that has been through consignment. Not been too pleased there either, so the next batch will definately go to Russ.
Forgive a newbie question from a non-newbie, but with eGrab and painpal fees combined, doesn't it cost somewhere in the neighborhood of 10% or more on items in the $100-$750 range?
Is that really worth it? If you are only selling a few uncommon items, wouldn't one be better off just dealing with paypal's ever increasing fees and skipping painpal altogether?
I know some use eBay as a dumping ground for lots of widgets, so I suppose time is valuable there.
Still....... am I missing something here? I think if you have something fairly rare and list only a few items annually, not having paypal as an option wouldn't really have that much of an effect.
John Marnard Keynes, The Economic Consequences of the Peace, 1920, page 235ff