I started two weeks ago and have been printing my labels at staples every morning, taping it on in my truck and heading to the post office lol. Got me to the point i could buy something with the gains. It was a good experience and really helped me to get a good schedule setup each day. My label printer is on the way. Stoked. Thanks for your videos. Been a good inspiration.
That’s amazing! It’s hard to get started because there are so many hurdles at first. Gotta just rip the band aid and get some sales rolling. Sounds like you did that and are going to be pain free before long!
I have so much to sell, but I couldn’t figure out the shipping. I cannot express my gratitude for this content with enough exclamation marks!!!!!!!!!!! I’m also autistic and need information in a very straightforward way, and you delivered without any extra fluff. Thank you! Just subscribed. 🎉❤
I have been selling on ebay for 20 years and am always learning more. THanks. Another thing to keep in mind is that ebay has better prices on flat rate envelope then pirate ship. Also, for those big items, fold up the legal flat rate an inch or so to flatten out the bottom... bigger things fit easier that way.
Good tips! I personally use both of those tricks too but I was trying to keep it simple! Shipping is so complex but becoming a master really helps with the savings!
Great video, for the flat rate envelopes, there is a legal size which is bigger than the letter size and padded one and less money than the padded one. It has saved me quite a bit of money through pirateship for bigger items.
Just wanted to thank you! I am just starting to take reselling more seriously + this is the most helpful video I’ve watched!! I appreciate this so much.
Hey! I have a question about the whole jeans to Puerto Rico thing. So for those, what did you select when listing? Did you select priority mail for some reason then based on weight? Because you obviously didn’t know they’d be sold to someone in Puerto Rico so that would be cheapest. So how did you originally list? I’m so lost with shipping but this is helping! I just don’t know what to start each listing with.
If you are lost with shipping I would recommend doing calculated shipping and putting in the weight and dimensions for every item when listing. Be sure to select USPS Ground Advantage because those are generally the most affordable for your customer. With this option eBay will charge what it cost to ship to the buyer based on both of your locations. Then if you find a cheaper way to ship then you can pocket the difference as long as the service you get is the same or faster than what the buyer paid for.
I'm still trying to figure out what the advantage of adding shipping policies is. I guess I don't understand how that is different than just choosing usps ground advantage with calculated shipping when you list?
How do you find out how long it takes your post office to process your deliveries? I figured we could drop our packages in the outgoing mail slots? (Idk exactly the name) Sounds more like you have to wait in line? 🤔
Those flat rate envelopes are gold. Look up the fold and crease bottom trick. Doing that allows boxes to fit. I've shipped some very heavy stuff in those that would be $25+ to California. The legal size flat rate envelopes, as mentioned elsewhere in comments, fit even bigger boxes.
I have started selling again. I have boxed of hair color, I use small poly bags and reinforce with cardboard so they don't get crushed. I don't come close to what other people are saying they are shipping them for? Mine are higher? What am I missing?
Should qualify for ground advantage cubic rate. They added it to eBay now so you don’t need pirate ship. Go in and put the weight and the dimensions. Make your dimensions as small as you can (tape loose areas of polybags down, cut boxes down to exact size, etc)
When I enter the same dimensions and weight into eBay it says $13+ for USPS Priority. How is yours only $7.20? I set my delivery zip code for the furthest away possible in the US (West Coast to East Coast). Thanks!
If I want my listings only sold to buyers in the 48 continental States, not Hawaii and Alaska, how to set up this policy to let the shoppers know? Is there something in the setting or in the listings I can do to specify that policy?
Yes I’m the policy there is a section for exclusions and you can select to exclude those regions if you desire. I would recommend if you are charging calculated shipping, to leave them included though because they will pay the extra in shipping anyway.
@@_calebsells I've had to come bak to this video a few times. Ordered my scale, plastic bags, and poly bags through you. So thank you. If you don't mind answering a question for me, I was wondering how you make your listing to reflect what the customer will pay before you go through the step of purchasing the label. I'm assuming you weigh everything as you're creating your listing and then select the appropriate option for the customer. This is where I get terrible anxiety about shipping things. As of now I just try to jam everything into a padded flat rate or flat rate box and call it a day. It's been the safe thing but I realize now I am losing money. Anyway, if you made it to the end of this message, thank you kindly. Appreciate your videos.
Probably a stupid question, but am always looking to optimize my setup. I noticed each of your clothing items goes into the clear bag and then has a number label on it. Question 1: If you don't already have a video of it, can you do a walkthrough of how you store and manage inventory? Question 2: Can you provide information and/or a link to what you use to create the labels - as well as how you identify within listings, which item goes with which label? Found this video so helpful! Heard of PirateShip before, but never looked into it. Top priority task this week after watching! Thanks so much! Looking forward to learning more from you.
Thanks for watching and no dumb questions around here. I haven’t made a dedicated video on my inventory system but it models the old daily refinement method. If you search that on TH-cam, I’m sure there’s a video on it. I do have the bags and boxes linked in the description if you do want to buy the materials. For the labels, dixons pickins has a video on how to create your own. But you can also buy them numbered cheap from Amazon. The number matches up to the custom sku on eBay so I can quickly identify which item is which when something sells. Hope that helps!
wait so setting your shipping for ground like you showed in the end of the video, is that making the shipping the buyer pays cheaper?? I'm trying to find a way to have the buyer pay the cheapest price for the shipping so that I can charge the most I can for my item I'm selling
That option just charges the buyer what the retails price for shipping. If you’d like it to be cheaper, there is a setting to offer then your business discount on shipping but I recommend leaving that buffer there so you don’t accidentally lose money
@@_calebsellsok. I am new to ebay just selling things I'm finding in the basement mostly stuff from my recently deceased father. Also lots of books and dvds and toys. I have almost 200 listings right now and have sold 12 items in a month already. Most of my items are cheap, like dvds and books $5 and I put in the weight and the dimensions of my polymailers and shipping usually is $4 something. I wish I could make it like $10 profit from a dvd but as a buyer I'd be less likely to pay $14 for an old dvd than $9. I thought the price of shipping would be cheaper using polymailers but you explained in the video that it depends on the weight. I'm really trying to get rid of all my stuff lol.
Yeah since you’re just starting I would let eBay calculate what to charge the buyer so you don’t lose money. 👍🏼 but once you get more experience you can tweak it to maximize sales
@@_calebsells crap! my ADHD impulsivity got the best of me and i already created a shipping policy like your video and posted 14 listings using it so now i can't delete the policy
I think you should go for it! I've never had an issue and its saved me hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Just make sure you are purchasing the correct label for it 👍
Thank you from the Alamo City I heard rumor bout free shipping supplies and thought it was jibba jabba but it was actually Free99 not even any cost for shipping just pay attention to what your ordering ready post is not Free 😎
Great Easy to Understand Video, Like to Keep Up to date with new info, I use Pirate Ship on Occasions I need to Go Back and see if items are cheaper. One Thing maybe to note Under a Pound increments are 1-4oz, 5-8oz, 9-12oz,and 13-15.9oz so if you say have 10oz you can put 12oz. Make sure to give wiggle room for the difference in scales too.
Hi, Caleb. I've been watching and rewatching your videos since you started them... I know it's redundant, but can you do a few packing & shipping videos because it seems that thats where most people are really stuck. Too, returns. Does eBay automatically refund the buyer?
ebay automatically refunds buyers for returns if you don't do it yourself. I recommend doing it yourself so you can see that its done the proper way. Good idea I'll have to do a live where I'm packing and shipping items. To be honest, 95% just go in a polybag and a label gets slapped on.
How would you ship socks? Wondering if I should use a bubble mailer since it is cardboard labeled on each pair. I wonder if it will get smashed if I use a poly mailer.
@@cyberedwing Polymailer bags can be put in the envelope category like on pirate ship, but I recommend putting in the dimensions of the bag once your item is inside and treating it more like a box or rigid structure. Typically this will result in a smaller cubic size which can save you money in some instances. So if you're using a 13x10 poly bag but your item is 12x8x4 when its packaged inside, I would use the 12x8x4 dimension.
This was great. I haven't started yet, but I think understanding shipping is one of the last things I need to master. Thanks so much for your time and efforts. I just subscribed.
Just found your video when I search "How to ship on Ebay items over 1lb?" Useful video but still struggling with how to figure out the cheapest shipping for items over 1lb so it is already selected for the buyer in the shipping costs. I use the flat rate envelope for anything I can stuff (btw I got a tip from you as I usually put shipping label on first and saw how you seal first which I am going to start doing) but for those items that are too big I keep getting stumped. Any tips?
Glad it was helpful! I would recommend charging calculated shipping via ground advantage as shown in the video. Just make sure your weight and dimensions are correct in the listing and eBay will charge plenty for you to ship it under that cost. For the flat rates, since you’re sending an upgraded service you can still use those and pocket the difference. Anything over 5 lbs you could add UPS Ground as an option as sometimes they can be a bit cheaper. Especially if the dimensions are bigger.
Great info on shipping. How do you handle insurance on items over $100? Example I have a watch that could sell for $675, seems the insurance falls on the seller only. Be nice to offer two types of shipping options to buyer, one with standard shipping and another with shipping and extra insurance.
If it’s expensive I just pay for the insurance because I’m the one who would take the hit if something happened. The buyer would just get a full refund regardless.
Hello, I just subscribed, but I do not know anything about how to locate the items you mentioned, like the scale, label printer, labels etc can you help, please? Thank you.
Did you add Pirateship fee, and any credit card or Bank fees that some people pay. Pirateship is good in many areas, depending on cost, and how large your package is. If you are a person that has credit card fees everytime you use it, add that fee, plus pirateship fee to your total.
@@_calebsells It would have just been good if that would have been mention in the video. I seen many video's about pirateship, and this is nearly never mention.
@@DueInfomation I’m sorry I genuinely have never used a card that charged me to use it. Some cars do charge an annual fee but I’ve earned about $2k in cash back and most of the annual fees are less than $100. They do charge the vendor a processing fee. So most credit cards collect fees from pirate ship not the customer. You could make your own video to explain this if you think it would be helpful.
so when you're making your listing do you just use eBay calculated shipping until the item sales and then you figure out what shipping is best after purchase?
When you list you have to input shipping.. but you wont know where its going till someone buys it.. can you change shipping method and reimburse the buyer after? how does that work??
You can use the “calculated shipping” option on eBay. This will use the weight and dimensions you select to charge the buyer the appropriate amount. If you can send it another way cheaper and still meet the promised delivery date, you can pocket the extra or refund the buyer. It’s your call.
The data about “the buyer pays retail at the shipping rate” doesn’t seem to be a thing. If I purchase a shipping label from USPS through eBay it will say, for example: you pay $7.99; and below that “buyer paid $7.99 for shipping”
This is only if you do the calculated shipping policy as I mentioned in the video. There is a setting where you can charge the buyer your discounted rate instead of the retail rate so go into your policy and make sure that box is unselected. 👍🏼
Discounts only apply to certain sellers, like if you don't have a store for example I don't think you get a discount. Top rated sellers get a discount, etc. I could me wrong on this but I'm pretty sure. 🤷♀🤷♀
I've been selling a little bit here and there for years. Great video. This last week on Friday I just sold an item to a buyer in Puerto Rico I live in Oregon. Any tips for cheap shipping bulky sweatpants? Thanks so much
@@_calebsells I was able to prepay on eBay for a label and saved $5 for ground advantage and using my own box. It was the first time ever trying that method. My local USPS worker took loads of time with me even with a long line of customers and was able to help me save a ton. Thanks for your video on all the tips. Been a huge help. 🤙
For items in poly bag over 1 lb -What do you 'list' as the shipping that a buyer would see before they purchase? Do you still list Ground Advantage, even though you'd buy the Ground Advantage from Pirate ship? Thanks
Can you use USPS ground advantage for anything shipped in a box of poly bag? Can you ship things in a flat rate box and ship it ground advantage? Just not sure how these shipping charges work.
The flat rate box costs a certain amount. Thats why they call it a flat rate because anything in that box costs the same no matter the weight. The flat rate boxes are priority mail which is an upgrade from ground advantage. Both are products from USPS. Bags and boxes can be shipped USPS Ground Advantage and is 99% of the time cheaper.
I’m confused. I thought you said if the item weighs more than 1lb you can’t use ground advantage because you’re shipping it in a flat rate priority envelope?
Hi. Im new to reselling and I am trying to figure this shipping out, lol. I have been binge watching your videos. Pretty sure we thrift at the some of the same locations!! Question is if I put the calculated ground advantage shipping in when I list, am I allowed to use and purchase a flat rate envelope if that’s cheaper for me? I also don’t have a printer yet so I’ve been doing the QR code at the post office, does this work for the flat rate envelopes also?
Yes and yes! The calculated information you put in is just to get the cost for the buyer. You can ship any way you'd like to as long as it is the same expected delivery time OR faster (which priority is faster than Ground Advantage). QR Code works for priority same way as ground advantage. Thanks for watching and dont be afraid to say hello if you see me!
Sorry, let me ask my question in a different way - If you use the shipping policy for GA, won't the buyer be put off by the package coming in a slower flat rate envelope? THanks
So as long as it's under a pound I can ship a shirt in a black poly bag and I don't have to put it in anything else? Just put a shipping label on the poly bag itself?
@@_calebsells hey thanks for the quick response. I've been out of work for some time so I got into this about a month ago and it's been pretty slow going. Kinda tough to buy things to resell when I don't have a job to pay for products. I appreciate your advice though. It was very helpful
I recently created a snail mail shipping preference for .73 cents & now that’s the only option I see for shipping but I’d like to also see the list of shipping options for other listings I use to see before doing so, how do I get back to that & still keep the preference I created? HELP!
Hmm I’m not sure exactly what you mean. Once you turn on business policies you can’t go back. But it would still show all of your options for all the listings you have
Hold on, at 5:15 you claim this package costs only 6.26 for a 1lb 10oz package using cubic at Pship. How is that possible? My cubic packages always come out MORE than Ebays using PShip so the only time i use PShip in general is when i ship international. How are you getting better prices at PShip?
I still use PS because they have shipping presets and I’m used to using it. But the prices are the same domestic as eBay. I don’t ship international other than through eBay’s program
Very helpful! But if you don't know where your package will go, how can you accurately put a shipping amount in your listing? I'm just starting and shipping is quite a hurdle.
When creating the shipping policy, make sure to select the calculated option. Then you can just put the weight and measurements in your listing and eBay will make sure to charge the right amount.
So question.. I have it set up to accept returns...I got my first return request. It's set up that buyer pays returns, do you refund the original amount they paid for shipping? I get mixed messages some people says it's just part of business being out the shipping costs, others say they don't return original shipping costs unless seller is at fault (which I'm not, they said just didnt like it). I'm just starting out so this part is slightly confusing. Love your videos!
Yes that is a confusing area and it depends on a lot of things. In your case, if you have buyer paid returns and it was for "didn't like it", then once you receive the item and confirm it is in proper condition you would refund just the purchase price and not the original shipping costs. Then ebay will deduct the return shipping from the refund you provided.
My sold item is in a flat poly bag 7x6 @3oz…why won’t it show the first class mailer instead of ground advantage? I have it at first class in the listing…and at free shipping… I lose money with not getting the first class option
@@_calebsells even when it’s a 3oz envelope? They’re charging 3.96 to ship? If that’s the case can I just go to the post office? It’s only a flat letter size not quite 3 oz envelope
Ground advantage is different than a stamp. If you item qualifies for a stamp then yes that’s cheaper but as soon as it qualifies as a package that’s the cheapest option. It will be more expensive at the post office than online
If you ship with Pirate ship?, Is it still covered under EBay protection? As in… if buyer wants to return , they have to pay the shipping? Also, if someone tries to swindle you by sending back an item that is- replaced with another, not the original you sent?
How is pirate ship impacting your eBay shipping cost? I feel now with the USPS changes it’s the same prices as eBay offers now. As far as posh/Mercari I am sure it still makes a big difference.
Yes the ebay shipping update came out since I made this video. So both pirate ship and ebay have the cubic rate option which saves you the most money. I still prefer the user interface, ease of access to a USPS Scan Form, and CC Payment (for rewards points) that pirate ship offers over ebay. But there are not any direct financial savings. The flat rate envelope still saves me lots of money tho!
@@_calebsells Thank you, what is the best CC for the shipping, because I know there are some that cater more towards the business owner, I just use the chase freedom and its meh, 1.5% back. I heard that you can get a paypal CC and it's a 3% which seems nice and then you can link it to ebay that way thus not having to really mess with pirate ship.
Honestly I haven’t really dove into it but will be more this year. There is a chase business one that gets you 3% on shipping I think so I’ll probably be getting that
When did Ebay start making you round up to 2 lbs if over a pound? I never round up pounds, just ounces but it has been a couple months since shipping over a pound.
I had not heard of Pirate Ship before, and I do have a question: The buyer likes to have the tracking number if using Ebay shipping...so how does that work with PS?
Need little help. I'm still new. I've sold few items. I've gotten my own thermal label printer and purchased the ebay label for ups ground advanced. I've got the tracking number. Packed everything and sent the packages to my local ups store. Does the tracking take a little time to show its working on its tracking? Haven't seen a change on the shipment history and worried the buyer will suddenly put not delivered
When you take them to the post office I recommend having them scan the packages so you know they received them. Once they post office scans them the tracking will start to update
The shipping policy is your promise and price to the customer. Buying the shipping is a separate process. eBay will hold you to your promise of shipping it Ground Advantage if that is what is in your policy. BUT you can upgrade them to Priority Mail (a faster and better service) by using the Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope. This saves you money and actually helps the customers delivery speed. Its a complex thing so hopefully that helps.
I have before but usually new in box stuff when I just enter weight and dimensions and slap a label on the box. Not many ways to save on those big items. If you do it often enough you can try to negotiate rates directly with fed ex or ups.
My Local USPS charged me $8 Dollars to ship ONE Hot Wheels car! Is that correct or did I get ripped off? I shipped it in the smallest $1.99 bubble bag offered right on the USPS shelf. I shipped to a guy that lived only 2.5 hrs away from.. they charged me $5 to ship it! Plus the bag + plus taxes $8 dollars! WTF! Rip off how does anyone make money selling Hot wheels cars?
Sounds about right for paying at the store. You get significant discounts for purchasing your postage online before going to USPS. Probably would be about $4 for the postage online and you can reuse an amazon bubble mailer next time to do it for half the cost!
It was $7.35 for GA through eBay. I forgot to show me scrolling down. eBay doesn't have cubic rates which are the cheapest for zones close to your location.
It does not remove protections if you link your actual ebay account because it integrates into ebay and pulls the information directly. It also uploads tracking directly to each order. I've had multiple "item was not delivered" cases and have won by showing tracking as delivered even when purchased through pirate ship.
Another plus for Pirate Ship is that they use a different insurance company for our shipments. Their insurance is much better than USPS's insurance. First off, Pirate Ship's insurance covers our packages up to $200.00 (at no extra cost to us) whereas USPS's only covers up to $100.00. Secondly, many sellers have reported that it is extremely difficult to get USPS to pay up on damaged or lost packages due to their negligence. The Pirate Ship insurance always pays out with no issues. 🙂🍀
Thermals do have a expiration on them if you look at your manufacture it will tell you about how many prints you will have. Also I couldn't use the cheap labels with my rollo. It came out faded and liney. Once I bought rollo labels it has worked great.
Even if it is tedious (I don't find it to be at all) you're throwing away thousands of dollars a year by not using it. I'm assuming you sell a lot if you're considering it to be tedious. If you only sold a couple of things a day I can't imagine you'd think it was tedious. Just use it. Plus, the more you use something, the faster you get at it.
@@_calebsells as I explained I'm trying to ind a way to have the buyer pay the cheapest price for the shipping so that I can charge the most I can for my item I'm selling, so would using pirateship do that?
When you sort by price on eBay it includes the item price and shipping so I would just price your item competitively and have eBay calculate shipping while you learn and grow your business
You’re very good at explaining how to shipping!! You don’t run fast on the how to’s….simple and to the point. Thank you
For Thermal Printers get the DYMO labelwriter 4XL and 450. Had them for almost 8 years and they are AWESOME. No buying ink again, ever.
Yep thermal printers are the way to go 100%
Thank you Caleb for going over that very calmly, and at an ease. Most resellers go to fast. ❤
My pleasure!
I started two weeks ago and have been printing my labels at staples every morning, taping it on in my truck and heading to the post office lol. Got me to the point i could buy something with the gains. It was a good experience and really helped me to get a good schedule setup each day. My label printer is on the way. Stoked.
Thanks for your videos. Been a good inspiration.
That’s amazing! It’s hard to get started because there are so many hurdles at first. Gotta just rip the band aid and get some sales rolling. Sounds like you did that and are going to be pain free before long!
How much do you charge the customer for shipping charges?
Does it cost more to print the labels at the post office with a QR?
nope!@@andrewwashere82
In this video I recommend calculated shipping so ebay charges the customer the amount that it costs for that specific item.@@christinamycoff7302
Thank you just watched your video and followed your directions. You explained a lot of my questions. I hate the shipping part.
So glad it helped!
I have so much to sell, but I couldn’t figure out the shipping. I cannot express my gratitude for this content with enough exclamation marks!!!!!!!!!!! I’m also autistic and need information in a very straightforward way, and you delivered without any extra fluff. Thank you! Just subscribed. 🎉❤
Thanks for the kind comment! Glad it was helpful!
I have been selling on ebay for 20 years and am always learning more. THanks. Another thing to keep in mind is that ebay has better prices on flat rate envelope then pirate ship. Also, for those big items, fold up the legal flat rate an inch or so to flatten out the bottom... bigger things fit easier that way.
Good tips! I personally use both of those tricks too but I was trying to keep it simple! Shipping is so complex but becoming a master really helps with the savings!
I believe the padded flat rate price will be going back to $8.30 on Pirate Ship soon. Not 100% sure of that, but I think I heard that.
I hope! Annoying to switch back and forth. I check every day lol
Thank you both for these great tips. I'm a newbie and am so frustrated with shipping. I feel so overwhelmed at times.
Great video, for the flat rate envelopes, there is a legal size which is bigger than the letter size and padded one and less money than the padded one. It has saved me quite a bit of money through pirateship for bigger items.
Those are great too! Just that little extra space you can fit so much more
Just wanted to thank you! I am just starting to take reselling more seriously + this is the most helpful video I’ve watched!! I appreciate this so much.
So happy to hear it! 😊
Shipping is my biggest hurdle. Thanks for the very useful information. I believe this will make the learning curve much easier
Glad it was helpful! Keep it simple at first and it will get easier!
Thanks for the informative video! I knew about Pirate Ship, but didn't realize it integrated with eBay. I will check it out.
Glad I could help!
I'm lost do I need to pay for pirate ship to?
1st i've seen your video....well executed, to the point...no chit chat....like your ideas
I appreciate that!
Hey! I have a question about the whole jeans to Puerto Rico thing. So for those, what did you select when listing? Did you select priority mail for some reason then based on weight? Because you obviously didn’t know they’d be sold to someone in Puerto Rico so that would be cheapest. So how did you originally list? I’m so lost with shipping but this is helping! I just don’t know what to start each listing with.
If you are lost with shipping I would recommend doing calculated shipping and putting in the weight and dimensions for every item when listing. Be sure to select USPS Ground Advantage because those are generally the most affordable for your customer.
With this option eBay will charge what it cost to ship to the buyer based on both of your locations.
Then if you find a cheaper way to ship then you can pocket the difference as long as the service you get is the same or faster than what the buyer paid for.
Great tips! Pirate ship is great. I use it a lot.
It really is!
Could you do a video on developing inventory system using those bags , I have things grouped in categories but would love to transition to your system
I’ll be doing one eventually but probably not for a while. Daily refinement has some videos on it!
Thank you for reminding me about pirate ship. New subscriber.
Welcome aboard! You’re welcome!
Excellent video, Caleb. So much good info! Thanks!
Thanks! Glad it helped!
Shipping charges are outrageous, haven’t shipped in 15 yrs and I’m blown away by the charges, wow
Yep they’re always going up so we have to always find the cheapest way
Yes, the shipping costs are really hurting my sales and profits.
Higher wages for postal employees = big $$ out for those shipping anything...
I'm still trying to figure out what the advantage of adding shipping policies is. I guess I don't understand how that is different than just choosing usps ground advantage with calculated shipping when you list?
It just saves a few clicks but as you add more you can have multiple customized settings within 1 click. It also helps with return policies
@@_calebsells thanks for the response, that makes sense. I didn't know if I was missing something major haha. Thanks again.
No problem!
Is there a program or site that filters through all the shipping methods and gives you the cheapest way to ship each particular item?
I use pirateship.com and when you put the weight and dimensions in, it shows you all of your options for shipping.
@@_calebsells thanks!
How do you find out how long it takes your post office to process your deliveries?
I figured we could drop our packages in the outgoing mail slots? (Idk exactly the name) Sounds more like you have to wait in line? 🤔
You can do it that way but if the packages don’t fit you have to drop them off inside 👍🏼
Those flat rate envelopes are gold. Look up the fold and crease bottom trick. Doing that allows boxes to fit. I've shipped some very heavy stuff in those that would be $25+ to California. The legal size flat rate envelopes, as mentioned elsewhere in comments, fit even bigger boxes.
yep those can save tons of money!
Thank you so much Caleb! I really appreciate your video.
glad you liked it!
Excellent video, well presented. Nice work, Caleb!
Thank you!
Thank you Caleb for going out of your way to assist everyone that is interested in improving sell online! Much appreciation!
You’re welcome!
I have started selling again. I have boxed of hair color, I use small poly bags and reinforce with cardboard so they don't get crushed. I don't come close to what other people are saying they are shipping them for? Mine are higher? What am I missing?
I need to add pirate ship to my shipping options?
Should qualify for ground advantage cubic rate. They added it to eBay now so you don’t need pirate ship. Go in and put the weight and the dimensions. Make your dimensions as small as you can (tape loose areas of polybags down, cut boxes down to exact size, etc)
When I enter the same dimensions and weight into eBay it says $13+ for USPS Priority. How is yours only $7.20? I set my delivery zip code for the furthest away possible in the US (West Coast to East Coast). Thanks!
7.20 is with the priority flat rate envelope (but the price has now gone up from there)
If I want my listings only sold to buyers in the 48 continental States, not Hawaii and Alaska, how to set up this policy to let the shoppers know? Is there something in the setting or in the listings I can do to specify that policy?
Yes I’m the policy there is a section for exclusions and you can select to exclude those regions if you desire.
I would recommend if you are charging calculated shipping, to leave them included though because they will pay the extra in shipping anyway.
Finally, a video that made sense for me. THANK YOU!!!!
Glad it helped!
@@_calebsells I've had to come bak to this video a few times. Ordered my scale, plastic bags, and poly bags through you. So thank you. If you don't mind answering a question for me, I was wondering how you make your listing to reflect what the customer will pay before you go through the step of purchasing the label. I'm assuming you weigh everything as you're creating your listing and then select the appropriate option for the customer. This is where I get terrible anxiety about shipping things. As of now I just try to jam everything into a padded flat rate or flat rate box and call it a day. It's been the safe thing but I realize now I am losing money. Anyway, if you made it to the end of this message, thank you kindly. Appreciate your videos.
Killer tips man!!
Thanks!!
Probably a stupid question, but am always looking to optimize my setup. I noticed each of your clothing items goes into the clear bag and then has a number label on it. Question 1: If you don't already have a video of it, can you do a walkthrough of how you store and manage inventory? Question 2: Can you provide information and/or a link to what you use to create the labels - as well as how you identify within listings, which item goes with which label? Found this video so helpful! Heard of PirateShip before, but never looked into it. Top priority task this week after watching! Thanks so much! Looking forward to learning more from you.
Thanks for watching and no dumb questions around here. I haven’t made a dedicated video on my inventory system but it models the old daily refinement method. If you search that on TH-cam, I’m sure there’s a video on it. I do have the bags and boxes linked in the description if you do want to buy the materials. For the labels, dixons pickins has a video on how to create your own. But you can also buy them numbered cheap from Amazon. The number matches up to the custom sku on eBay so I can quickly identify which item is which when something sells. Hope that helps!
wait so setting your shipping for ground like you showed in the end of the video, is that making the shipping the buyer pays cheaper?? I'm trying to find a way to have the buyer pay the cheapest price for the shipping so that I can charge the most I can for my item I'm selling
That option just charges the buyer what the retails price for shipping. If you’d like it to be cheaper, there is a setting to offer then your business discount on shipping but I recommend leaving that buffer there so you don’t accidentally lose money
@@_calebsellsok. I am new to ebay just selling things I'm finding in the basement mostly stuff from my recently deceased father. Also lots of books and dvds and toys. I have almost 200 listings right now and have sold 12 items in a month already. Most of my items are cheap, like dvds and books $5 and I put in the weight and the dimensions of my polymailers and shipping usually is $4 something. I wish I could make it like $10 profit from a dvd but as a buyer I'd be less likely to pay $14 for an old dvd than $9. I thought the price of shipping would be cheaper using polymailers but you explained in the video that it depends on the weight.
I'm really trying to get rid of all my stuff lol.
@@_calebsells I thought about selecting free or flat rate shipping for some things, but I don't know how much that would cost for me
Yeah since you’re just starting I would let eBay calculate what to charge the buyer so you don’t lose money. 👍🏼 but once you get more experience you can tweak it to maximize sales
@@_calebsells crap! my ADHD impulsivity got the best of me and i already created a shipping policy like your video and posted 14 listings using it so now i can't delete the policy
Thanks for the info! I got overcharged for a flat rate package one time, so Ive avoided them since. Maybe its time to try them again.
I think you should go for it! I've never had an issue and its saved me hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Just make sure you are purchasing the correct label for it 👍
Hey there Caleb, is there a way to exclude Hawaii and Puerto Rico for all of my active listings without creating a shipping policy??
Yep! At the bottom of the policy there is an exclude section. 11:40
These Tiny Tips provided Big Help ! Thanks dude !
You’re so welcome!
Thank you from the Alamo City I heard rumor bout free shipping supplies and thought it was jibba jabba but it was actually Free99 not even any cost for shipping just pay attention to what your ordering ready post is not Free 😎
not much is free these days so good to double check anything labeled as free!
Great Easy to Understand Video, Like to Keep Up to date with new info, I use Pirate Ship on Occasions I need to Go Back and see if items are cheaper. One Thing maybe to note Under a Pound increments are 1-4oz, 5-8oz, 9-12oz,and 13-15.9oz so if you say have 10oz you can put 12oz. Make sure to give wiggle room for the difference in scales too.
For sure! I tried to keep it as simple as possible so I left out some stuff. Maybe a video on more advanced techniques will be good later on!
Killing it bro! Dense with info and moves a good pace.
Thanks brother!
Hi, Caleb. I've been watching and rewatching your videos since you started them... I know it's redundant, but can you do a few packing & shipping videos because it seems that thats where most people are really stuck. Too, returns. Does eBay automatically refund the buyer?
ebay automatically refunds buyers for returns if you don't do it yourself. I recommend doing it yourself so you can see that its done the proper way.
Good idea I'll have to do a live where I'm packing and shipping items. To be honest, 95% just go in a polybag and a label gets slapped on.
Great video! Thanks for the tips. Quick queastio, how do you print your skus so nicely?
I followed a tutorial from dixons pickins! If you go to his channel I’m sure you can find it
How would you ship socks? Wondering if I should use a bubble mailer since it is cardboard labeled on each pair. I wonder if it will get smashed if I use a poly mailer.
I would send socks in a polymailer 100% of the time unless they were gucci or a designer of that level. Just my opinion!
Thank you!
@@_calebsells do polymailer bags count as large envelopes for Ground advantage?
@@cyberedwing Polymailer bags can be put in the envelope category like on pirate ship, but I recommend putting in the dimensions of the bag once your item is inside and treating it more like a box or rigid structure. Typically this will result in a smaller cubic size which can save you money in some instances. So if you're using a 13x10 poly bag but your item is 12x8x4 when its packaged inside, I would use the 12x8x4 dimension.
@@_calebsells thank you very much for the insight!
This was great. I haven't started yet, but I think understanding shipping is one of the last things I need to master. Thanks so much for your time and efforts. I just subscribed.
Yes! Shipping is one of the confusing parts about this whole thing
Just purchased poly and bubble mailers, thank you Caleb for coupon code.
Appreciate it!
Just found your video when I search "How to ship on Ebay items over 1lb?" Useful video but still struggling with how to figure out the cheapest shipping for items over 1lb so it is already selected for the buyer in the shipping costs. I use the flat rate envelope for anything I can stuff (btw I got a tip from you as I usually put shipping label on first and saw how you seal first which I am going to start doing) but for those items that are too big I keep getting stumped. Any tips?
Glad it was helpful! I would recommend charging calculated shipping via ground advantage as shown in the video. Just make sure your weight and dimensions are correct in the listing and eBay will charge plenty for you to ship it under that cost. For the flat rates, since you’re sending an upgraded service you can still use those and pocket the difference. Anything over 5 lbs you could add UPS Ground as an option as sometimes they can be a bit cheaper. Especially if the dimensions are bigger.
Great info on shipping. How do you handle insurance on items over $100? Example I have a watch that could sell for $675, seems the insurance falls on the seller only. Be nice to offer two types of shipping options to buyer, one with standard shipping and another with shipping and extra insurance.
If it’s expensive I just pay for the insurance because I’m the one who would take the hit if something happened. The buyer would just get a full refund regardless.
Thank you for all your information and tips I really appreciate it! Blessings!
You are so welcome!
If you use a polybag do you only put in 2 dimensions? What if there is an inch or two of height?
I just measure the size of the package once its sealed up.
When you first start reselling on eBay, how long does eBay hold your funds?
I can't remember exactly but its a pretty quick turnaround now that ebay has their own payment system.
Ace presentation! Thanks so much for the info.
Glad it was helpful!
I’ve been selling on eBay since 2022, and my question is, what hair conditioner do you use?
ACV does it all
Do you have a video showing how to connect/join pirate ship to eBay?
Go to pirate ship and click import. Then follow the steps. I don’t have a video on that
@@_calebsells Okay thank you, I'll give it a try!
Hello, I just subscribed, but I do not know anything about how to locate the items you mentioned, like the scale, label printer, labels etc can you help, please? Thank you.
In the description of the video there are links for those things 👍🏼
Did you add Pirateship fee, and any credit card or Bank fees that some people pay. Pirateship is good in many areas, depending on cost, and how large your package is. If you are a person that has credit card fees everytime you use it, add that fee, plus pirateship fee to your total.
@@DueInfomation i actually get cash back on my credit card instead of paying a fee so it saves me even more money 👍🏼
@@_calebsells That's great, but many don't, and that cash back don't equal to the amount you spend.
@@_calebsells It would have just been good if that would have been mention in the video. I seen many video's about pirateship, and this is nearly never mention.
@@DueInfomation I’m sorry I genuinely have never used a card that charged me to use it. Some cars do charge an annual fee but I’ve earned about $2k in cash back and most of the annual fees are less than $100. They do charge the vendor a processing fee. So most credit cards collect fees from pirate ship not the customer. You could make your own video to explain this if you think it would be helpful.
so when you're making your listing do you just use eBay calculated shipping until the item sales and then you figure out what shipping is best after purchase?
Yes as long as the cheapest service is the same shipping speed or faster
When you list you have to input shipping.. but you wont know where its going till someone buys it.. can you change shipping method and reimburse the buyer after? how does that work??
You can use the “calculated shipping” option on eBay. This will use the weight and dimensions you select to charge the buyer the appropriate amount. If you can send it another way cheaper and still meet the promised delivery date, you can pocket the extra or refund the buyer. It’s your call.
Thank you so much Caleb for the tips 🤩
You bet!
The data about “the buyer pays retail at the shipping rate” doesn’t seem to be a thing. If I purchase a shipping label from USPS through eBay it will say, for example: you pay $7.99; and below that “buyer paid $7.99 for shipping”
This is only if you do the calculated shipping policy as I mentioned in the video.
There is a setting where you can charge the buyer your discounted rate instead of the retail rate so go into your policy and make sure that box is unselected. 👍🏼
Discounts only apply to certain sellers, like if you don't have a store for example I don't think you get a discount. Top rated sellers get a discount, etc. I could me wrong on this but I'm pretty sure. 🤷♀🤷♀
Where do you bough your photo background? I like that gray! Cheers
It’s an outdoor rug from Home Depot
Great video! Thanks!
You're welcome!
Thanks! Learned some things I didn’t know about eBay shipping! 👍
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks man your good at explaining stuff
I appreciate that!
I've been selling a little bit here and there for years. Great video. This last week on Friday I just sold an item to a buyer in Puerto Rico I live in Oregon. Any tips for cheap shipping bulky sweatpants? Thanks so much
Priority mail flat rate envelope is probably best 👍🏼
@@_calebsells I was able to prepay on eBay for a label and saved $5 for ground advantage and using my own box. It was the first time ever trying that method. My local USPS worker took loads of time with me even with a long line of customers and was able to help me save a ton. Thanks for your video on all the tips. Been a huge help. 🤙
For items in poly bag over 1 lb -What do you 'list' as the shipping that a buyer would see before they purchase? Do you still list Ground Advantage, even though you'd buy the Ground Advantage from Pirate ship? Thanks
Can you use USPS ground advantage for anything shipped in a box of poly bag? Can you ship things in a flat rate box and ship it ground advantage? Just not sure how these shipping charges work.
The flat rate box costs a certain amount. Thats why they call it a flat rate because anything in that box costs the same no matter the weight. The flat rate boxes are priority mail which is an upgrade from ground advantage. Both are products from USPS.
Bags and boxes can be shipped USPS Ground Advantage and is 99% of the time cheaper.
I’m confused. I thought you said if the item weighs more than 1lb you can’t use ground advantage because you’re shipping it in a flat rate priority envelope?
You can use it but sometimes the flat rate envelope is cheaper. I use whatever is cheapest of those two 👍🏼
Hi. Im new to reselling and I am trying to figure this shipping out, lol. I have been binge watching your videos. Pretty sure we thrift at the some of the same locations!! Question is if I put the calculated ground advantage shipping in when I list, am I allowed to use and purchase a flat rate envelope if that’s cheaper for me? I also don’t have a printer yet so I’ve been doing the QR code at the post office, does this work for the flat rate envelopes also?
Yes and yes! The calculated information you put in is just to get the cost for the buyer. You can ship any way you'd like to as long as it is the same expected delivery time OR faster (which priority is faster than Ground Advantage). QR Code works for priority same way as ground advantage. Thanks for watching and dont be afraid to say hello if you see me!
Thank you for the tips!
No problem!
Sorry, let me ask my question in a different way - If you use the shipping policy for GA, won't the buyer be put off by the package coming in a slower flat rate envelope? THanks
Flate rate envelope is faster so they would think you upgraded them for free
With the GA shipping policy you created, can that be used for something that weighs over a pound?
Yes you would just put in the weight and dimensions when you go to list
Thanks Kaleb, so I mostly sell products that are below 10oz so should I go with the $5 package option at the post office? Are their cheaper options?
10 oz usps ground advantage is going to be your best bet for price and consistency
@@_calebsells thanks
So as long as it's under a pound I can ship a shirt in a black poly bag and I don't have to put it in anything else? Just put a shipping label on the poly bag itself?
Yes!
@@_calebsells hey thanks for the quick response. I've been out of work for some time so I got into this about a month ago and it's been pretty slow going. Kinda tough to buy things to resell when I don't have a job to pay for products. I appreciate your advice though. It was very helpful
starting is the hardest part so good job for starting
I recently created a snail mail shipping preference for .73 cents & now that’s the only option I see for shipping but I’d like to also see the list of shipping options for other listings I use to see before doing so, how do I get back to that & still keep the preference I created? HELP!
Hmm I’m not sure exactly what you mean. Once you turn on business policies you can’t go back. But it would still show all of your options for all the listings you have
@@_calebsellsI need to learn more about shipping side of eBay
Hold on, at 5:15 you claim this package costs only 6.26 for a 1lb 10oz package using cubic at Pship. How is that possible? My cubic packages always come out MORE than Ebays using PShip so the only time i use PShip in general is when i ship international. How are you getting better prices at PShip?
This video was made before eBay had cubic shipping. They are the same price now
@@_calebsells Oh ok thanks, i though you were still shipping everything though PS still. Are you doing Intl though PS as well?
I still use PS because they have shipping presets and I’m used to using it. But the prices are the same domestic as eBay. I don’t ship international other than through eBay’s program
Very helpful! But if you don't know where your package will go, how can you accurately put a shipping amount in your listing? I'm just starting and shipping is quite a hurdle.
When creating the shipping policy, make sure to select the calculated option. Then you can just put the weight and measurements in your listing and eBay will make sure to charge the right amount.
So question.. I have it set up to accept returns...I got my first return request. It's set up that buyer pays returns, do you refund the original amount they paid for shipping? I get mixed messages some people says it's just part of business being out the shipping costs, others say they don't return original shipping costs unless seller is at fault (which I'm not, they said just didnt like it). I'm just starting out so this part is slightly confusing. Love your videos!
Yes that is a confusing area and it depends on a lot of things. In your case, if you have buyer paid returns and it was for "didn't like it", then once you receive the item and confirm it is in proper condition you would refund just the purchase price and not the original shipping costs. Then ebay will deduct the return shipping from the refund you provided.
Thank you! I really appreciate your help.
My sold item is in a flat poly bag 7x6 @3oz…why won’t it show the first class mailer instead of ground advantage? I have it at first class in the listing…and at free shipping…
I lose money with not getting the first class option
First class was replaced by ground advantage. It no longer exists. But ground advantage under 1 pound is the same as first class
@@_calebsells even when it’s a 3oz envelope? They’re charging 3.96 to ship? If that’s the case can I just go to the post office? It’s only a flat letter size not quite 3 oz envelope
@@_calebsells I also sell on Etsy and the same envelope was mailed first class last month for .88 with tracking…so this is really confusing
Ground advantage is different than a stamp. If you item qualifies for a stamp then yes that’s cheaper but as soon as it qualifies as a package that’s the cheapest option. It will be more expensive at the post office than online
If you ship with Pirate ship?, Is it still covered under EBay protection? As in… if buyer wants to return , they have to pay the shipping? Also, if someone tries to swindle you by sending back an item that is- replaced with another, not the original you sent?
pirate ship is covered under ebays protections because it integrates directly.
@@_calebsells I’ll have to look into integrating it. Thank you 😀
Why did you use the actual size of the package for ebay and on Pirateship you used the size of the poly mailer?
On eBay your required to do dimensions LxWxH. On pirate ship they have a polybag option because the height is 0 so it’s just LxW
Thank you darling!
No problem 😊
How is pirate ship impacting your eBay shipping cost? I feel now with the USPS changes it’s the same prices as eBay offers now. As far as posh/Mercari I am sure it still makes a big difference.
Yes the ebay shipping update came out since I made this video. So both pirate ship and ebay have the cubic rate option which saves you the most money. I still prefer the user interface, ease of access to a USPS Scan Form, and CC Payment (for rewards points) that pirate ship offers over ebay. But there are not any direct financial savings.
The flat rate envelope still saves me lots of money tho!
@@_calebsells
Thank you, what is the best CC for the shipping, because I know there are some that cater more towards the business owner, I just use the chase freedom and its meh, 1.5% back. I heard that you can get a paypal CC and it's a 3% which seems nice and then you can link it to ebay that way thus not having to really mess with pirate ship.
Honestly I haven’t really dove into it but will be more this year. There is a chase business one that gets you 3% on shipping I think so I’ll probably be getting that
When did Ebay start making you round up to 2 lbs if over a pound? I never round up pounds, just ounces but it has been a couple months since shipping over a pound.
You can put pounds and ounces but 1 lb 2 oz is the same price as 2 lbs. So I just round to the pound to keep it simple
I had not heard of Pirate Ship before, and I do have a question: The buyer likes to have the tracking number if using Ebay shipping...so how does that work with PS?
You connect your ebay store and pirate ship pulls the buyers info from ebay and uploads your tracking back to ebay automatically
Thanks for the great videos. I took advantage of all your codes and links. Thanks again and keep on thrifting!
Thank you! I appreciate the support!
You just answered so many questions! Thanks for this!
Glad it was helpful!
Need little help. I'm still new. I've sold few items. I've gotten my own thermal label printer and purchased the ebay label for ups ground advanced. I've got the tracking number. Packed everything and sent the packages to my local ups store. Does the tracking take a little time to show its working on its tracking? Haven't seen a change on the shipment history and worried the buyer will suddenly put not delivered
When you take them to the post office I recommend having them scan the packages so you know they received them. Once they post office scans them the tracking will start to update
@@_calebsells ok, thank you!
So even thought it is a flate rate I can ship it using the ground advantage or do I have to ship it at the flate rate in the shipping policy
The shipping policy is your promise and price to the customer. Buying the shipping is a separate process. eBay will hold you to your promise of shipping it Ground Advantage if that is what is in your policy. BUT you can upgrade them to Priority Mail (a faster and better service) by using the Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope. This saves you money and actually helps the customers delivery speed.
Its a complex thing so hopefully that helps.
Have you shipped large items like furniture?
I have before but usually new in box stuff when I just enter weight and dimensions and slap a label on the box. Not many ways to save on those big items. If you do it often enough you can try to negotiate rates directly with fed ex or ups.
My Local USPS charged me $8 Dollars to ship ONE Hot Wheels car! Is that correct or did I get ripped off? I shipped it in the smallest $1.99 bubble bag offered right on the USPS shelf. I shipped to a guy that lived only 2.5 hrs away from.. they charged me $5 to ship it! Plus the bag + plus taxes $8 dollars! WTF! Rip off how does anyone make money selling Hot wheels cars?
Sounds about right for paying at the store. You get significant discounts for purchasing your postage online before going to USPS. Probably would be about $4 for the postage online and you can reuse an amazon bubble mailer next time to do it for half the cost!
@@_calebsells thank you!! I didn't know this!
For the flannel lined pants, wouldn't the Ground advantage also be cheaper if you bought through the eBay site instead of Pirate Ship?
It was $7.35 for GA through eBay. I forgot to show me scrolling down. eBay doesn't have cubic rates which are the cheapest for zones close to your location.
@@_calebsells 🐐
By using pirate ship doesn’t it take away certain seller protections?
It does not remove protections if you link your actual ebay account because it integrates into ebay and pulls the information directly. It also uploads tracking directly to each order. I've had multiple "item was not delivered" cases and have won by showing tracking as delivered even when purchased through pirate ship.
@@_calebsells does pirate ship cover the eBay envelope for trading cards. I have so many problems with tracking with cards under 20 dollars
No they don’t do the standard envelope
Another plus for Pirate Ship is that they use a different insurance company for our shipments. Their insurance is much better than USPS's insurance. First off, Pirate Ship's insurance covers our packages up to $200.00 (at no extra cost to us) whereas USPS's only covers up to $100.00. Secondly, many sellers have reported that it is extremely difficult to get USPS to pay up on damaged or lost packages due to their negligence. The Pirate Ship insurance always pays out with no issues. 🙂🍀
@@westcoastpicker167 that sounds actually very good I might start using them
So on my eBay post I put free shipping ..right?
I don’t recommend putting free shipping unless you have a lot of experience. I recommend using calculated shipping
@@_calebsells im lost on it I just can't figure it out.
New sub here ! Thanks for sharing this info !
You’re welcome!
How long can that label maker not be used and dry up and give problems with printing. That’s my biggest problem.
It’s thermal so it uses heat instead of ink. Never dries up 😊
Thermals do have a expiration on them if you look at your manufacture it will tell you about how many prints you will have. Also I couldn't use the cheap labels with my rollo. It came out faded and liney. Once I bought rollo labels it has worked great.
@@_calebsells ok nice 👍🏼 thx for the info
Is there a away to bulk ship with Pirate ship? I find the site tedious to use so I only ship large coats and shoes on there
For me, doing bulk shipping on eBay takes longer than doing one by one so I just do them one by one on pirate ship
On pirateship in their website questions area, they have instructions with video for bulk shipping, you might find it informative.
Even if it is tedious (I don't find it to be at all) you're throwing away thousands of dollars a year by not using it. I'm assuming you sell a lot if you're considering it to be tedious. If you only sold a couple of things a day I can't imagine you'd think it was tedious. Just use it. Plus, the more you use something, the faster you get at it.
Thank You so much God bless you🙏
You are so welcome
Thank you
No problem! Glad it helped
if I use pirateship do I still have the buyer pay for shipping cost on ebay?
You can still have the buyer pay for shipping!
@@_calebsells as I explained I'm trying to ind a way to have the buyer pay the cheapest price for the shipping so that I can charge the most I can for my item I'm selling, so would using pirateship do that?
When you sort by price on eBay it includes the item price and shipping so I would just price your item competitively and have eBay calculate shipping while you learn and grow your business
@@_calebsells hen you use pirate ship with ebay, and list and item for sale, does the pirate ship price of shipping show with your listing?
Thank you so much!
You're welcome!
Never knew how to link ebay to pirate ship
It’s easy to use once it’s set up!
@_calebsells I've been trying to get vendoo to work correctly as well without any luck
I use autoposher and love it! My code is “calebsells” if you want a free trial
Thank you
Appreciate it!