Sheeew, you didn't show one of my mailings lol. I do use the same photo envelopes for cheaper postcards, albeit I do not sell a lot of cards. Many of the postcards I have sold over the years from a specific collection were over $75 and a hundred plus years old. I would get queasy putting them in the photo mailers and have them go through the sorting machines. Mainly from a historical preservation angle rather than just the money involved. I would fold those inside of cardboard and put in a poly with First Class shipping. P.S. Loved the Fort Knox card. I was born there on the Army Base Hospital many years ago lol.
Since the eBay envelopes 10:53 are practically free $8.09 with your store coupon for 100 ... I would just cut it down to size. I'll cut a bubble mailer down in a minute. 🤣 but that's just me.
Thank you for a good video. Would the eBay paperboard mailjacket envelope (no padding) work with eBay standard rules for USPS... it seems "too rigid". You held one in the video... I think. The USPS rules talk about 40lbs bending, 11" or 14" drum turns and some Post Offices are different than others. Should I take the mailjacket envelopes to my local PO and ask them? Should I run a test purchase experiment? I am more concerned with low priced trading cards shipping, I did order some Ecoswifts for low priced post cards. Thank you in advance for your help.
I have use them for ESE mailings, the best test is to mail yourself some postcards using ESE (Buy from your store with a different account). I also use them for Naval Ship Covers all the time. Never an issue here.
So glad to hear the Ebay Standard Envelope is available for Postcards! Time to update my listings. I've had no problems using it for sports and trading cards so far.
Me to! I have sent out a bunch of cards with it already. I’m still people have issues with the scans. I think it is because of tape over the label causing the sorting machines not picking up the bar code. So I’m doing a test with 3 mailing all with tape on the label to a friend to see if they get scans or not,
The formula you are developing in your videos makes them even better; especially opening with an outline, we know what we have to look forward to. Thank you for explaining GSM and for including the note on eBay standard mailer now for postcards.
Thanks I'm still learning with every video! I have sent out a bunch of postcards with the new eBay label and so far so good. When I started selling Postcards there was not much out there so I'm trying to make sure I cover as much as possible to help people sell more cards!
Check out these videos. I go over a lot of different mailing methods in them th-cam.com/video/ZqbtbPEaowc/w-d-xo.html and this one th-cam.com/video/JRvop2mkDhk/w-d-xo.html
What types do you mostly sell: white border, linen or chrome? I just started listing some chromes and they've been selling. Most of my older cards aren't selling. It seems like most collectors these days are looking for chromes. Do you sell a lot of continental chromes? I haven't listed any of mine yet; I just bought a couple boxes of them for variety. Mixed decades, some as old as the 60's, others as recent as the aughts.
As you view my videos you will find I basically stay in the Chrome, Linen, White Border and Divided Back Postcards Eras. No, I do not actively list or source Continental Cards, to new and do not sell well for me. The subject is what really sells a postcard, age is a factor, but not as much. My videos should help you a lot there is a Continental Card Video, Chrome Video and all different videos for types of Postcards and information.
Before retiring I spent 30+ years in the printing business. Not once did I ever even hear about "GSM" we always talk in "points" and "weight". I read the details about the stock and it is 10 point. (ten one thousands of an inch) Now that makes sense a standard thin business card is 10 points. Heavier cards are 12 & 14 points. Everybody can imagine the weight of a business card. (just placed my order for 100, thanks for the tip)
Best way to do it is send one to yourself and see if you get it back ok. Just put the stamps on it for the weight and you address :). I have done that before. But I think you will be fine.
I've had customers ask me to write "Do Not Bend" on the envelope. Even if it's unnecessary, I think it can make the customer happy. By the way, I haven't bought the rigid mailers yet. : (
I think the "Do Not Bend" is mostly useful for when it's delivered. Up to the postman to follow the instructions I guess. But anything to make them likely to shove the envelope in the box to make it fit.
@@lepke1979 I bought a softcover text book for one of my wife's classes. I should have told the book seller to write DO NOT BEND on the package. The book was the size of a National geographic with a CD inside. The mailman folded it in half and broke the spine and creased the pages. I called the postmaster and what was the first thing she said? "Did you have it insured?" I never did get an apology and she would not give me the number of her main boss. She said he was a temp and still in training. Training to destroy the mail? I sent the book seller a message and he sent me a new book. (I never even asked for it)
Still loving all this content! Created my HipPostcard account! Not sure if you have a video yet, but are there any videos on how you have your account set up? You just explain everything SO well. Thank you so much for your time!
Thanks Hip is kind of different. I have not done much with the setup once a i got it working, I do have a call out to them to discuss some details and questions I have on the shipping and some other features. Still need to do some research before I finish setting up for the video. Hopefully in the next month or so, I have a bunch a videos coming out weekly. Glad you enjoy them I like putting them together.
@@SMPostcards Funny you say that about the shipping, because that is where I got stuck while I was looking it over before I actually subscribed for a seller account. I appreciate all that you do and will keep my eye out :)
As I posted earlier today, I am currently working through my stack of Ebay envelopes. Can't send for less than 2oz but it feels so much better to me that the eco. Still on the fence.
i am going to start selling first day cover envelopes on my ebay store. i am going to be putting them into Shield Sleeve for #6 3/4 Envelope and First Day Covers and then put them in normal #10 white envelopes with ebay standard envelope service. Is that fine, or should i use the eco mailers for postcards?
I mail my Naval Ship Covers in a eBay Brown 7x5 envelope with a 2 mil First Day Cover sleeve, .weighs 2oz. Fist Day Covers are normally just a little bit to big for the 6.5x4.5 Ecoswift envelopes.
Great video Mark. I agree, The envelopes from EcoSwift are the only ones I use however, I noticed recently that there 100 lot price (for 6.5 x 4.5 inch size) went way up. When I bought my first 100 lot, their price on their website was only $19.99 with free shipping. I just looked at their prices recently and now their price for that same 100 lot is $41.99. I'll still continue to buy those envelopes for shipping my postcards but it's sad that they doubled the price for the same 100 lot. I may have to start buying larger lots to get the price point down.
Thanks Ken, yes those envelopes doubled in price again due to a supply shortage and demand. I purchase like 3,000 at a time so I'm good for awhile. You can always use Styrofoam :) Thanks for Watching!
@@bartekdyszkiewicz1359 Yes, I am aware of that now. The thing is, when the price doubled, I had to order more to get the price point down close to what I originally purchased them at which means I had to spend more money. I had to order 250 envelopes (instead of 100) and with the price increase, i had to pay $63.99. Now the price for the 250 lot is only $45.99. And I haven't even got my order yet. It's been 15 days.
Great info. We just got our first lot of cards and I asked my husband.... hmmmm how in the world do we ship them now?!?! lol thanks for breaking it down. Gonna order some of the best envelopes right now!
Thanks Make sure you check out the other videos might be something's that can help you with getting things going. I know when I started I was constantly finding things to try etc. Mark
@@SMPostcards yes we’ve been binge watching your videos! The link you have for the clear sleeves says item can’t be found but the it shows other suggestions. - I was looking for a video that would show how to identify post cards that would be of higher value. My husband likes purchasing post cards in large lots and would like to sort them by condition and value first. I didn’t see that video yet so maybe you will consider it for a future show? Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!!
The sleeves lately have been hard to find. The best way to find out more on higher price cards is to find an eBay seller that sells in the higher end cards and check their solds and listings. Your higher end ones for example will be RPPC, Santa's other than Red Robe also take a look at cards with Krampus in the title. I have videos coming on all different types of cards this year. Also you never know what people will pay for a card. Experiment and see what market will bear!
I've had a few returned, marked that I had to pay an extra 85 cents to ship. They also go over an ounce with just a single card in them, so I won't be using them for standard envelope shipping any more.
@@SMPostcards I put 5 second videos in my Etsy listings similar to the one you made. I show the postcard then I show the new location. I don't know if they help sales or not.
Hi Mark great content’ have you ever worked out your average net profit per card sold on eBay? With close to 20000 listed is your insertion fees not crazy high?
With the new eBay structure I can have 50,000 listings in the category Postcard's are in for 59.95 per month. When I first started I had a anchor store and was paying 300.00 a month. First 100 cards went to paying that Anchor store fee. Now at 59.95 not an issue. With my model where I have to watch is time spent per item. Let's say I sell 5,000 cards this year and make 2.00 a card that is 10,000 in profit. It takes a long while to get up in Qty and at first was selling just enough to pay the fees etc.
@@SMPostcards that’s good to hear Regarding the listing quantity in postcards category. I am just getting started with post cards and I was looking at vintage photos completed listings and some sellers doing really well in terms of average sale price on those if it’s good content photo etc will do both to try and get average order value up. Do you do vintage photos?
I have not got into vintage photos as of yet. I have gotten some in lots but passed them on to others that sell them. I also sell in the the Action figure/toys category on my other eBay store www.shelmarksales.com.
I'm a top rated seller plus. Not worth taking a chance on losing that status if new ebay standard shipping of postcards is not showing delivered or leave myself open to scams. Yes It's probably better to open another store just for postcards but for me that doesn't make sense. I've read so many horror stories from TRSellers who sell trade cards and lost their TR seller status due to 'not delivered, late delivery or still in transit and buyers taking advantage of these loopholes. So, after ordering a ton of top loaders via your link, looks like it's not going to happen for me. So disappointed. Please Top Rated Sellers, beware!
I moved to a new store when I started to ensure my status is maintained in my Toy store. I view this not as a replacement for ful USPS tracking and shipping just an add on to my cards that I ship in envelopes.
Learn about Tips on Sourcing Postcards in this Video ► th-cam.com/video/QowMV5VkGVs/w-d-xo.html
Sheeew, you didn't show one of my mailings lol. I do use the same photo envelopes for cheaper postcards, albeit I do not sell a lot of cards. Many of the postcards I have sold over the years from a specific collection were over $75 and a hundred plus years old. I would get queasy putting them in the photo mailers and have them go through the sorting machines. Mainly from a historical preservation angle rather than just the money involved. I would fold those inside of cardboard and put in a poly with First Class shipping.
P.S. Loved the Fort Knox card. I was born there on the Army Base Hospital many years ago lol.
LOL! Yes any higher priced cards I always try to put in cardboard etc. Thanks for Watching!
Thanks again for the Great Tips!!
You bet!
Great explanation of the envelopes.
the best envelope ==> 08:28 I just bought some. I want to test it out on the magnets that I ship.
Hope they work out for you! I have used them forever and no issues here. Thanks for watching!
Since the eBay envelopes 10:53 are practically free $8.09 with your store coupon for 100 ... I would just cut it down to size. I'll cut a bubble mailer down in a minute. 🤣 but that's just me.
Thank you for a good video. Would the eBay paperboard mailjacket envelope (no padding) work with eBay standard rules for USPS... it seems "too rigid". You held one in the video... I think. The USPS rules talk about 40lbs bending, 11" or 14" drum turns and some Post Offices are different than others. Should I take the mailjacket envelopes to my local PO and ask them? Should I run a test purchase experiment? I am more concerned with low priced trading cards shipping, I did order some Ecoswifts for low priced post cards. Thank you in advance for your help.
I have use them for ESE mailings, the best test is to mail yourself some postcards using ESE (Buy from your store with a different account). I also use them for Naval Ship Covers all the time. Never an issue here.
So glad to hear the Ebay Standard Envelope is available for Postcards! Time to update my listings. I've had no problems using it for sports and trading cards so far.
Me to! I have sent out a bunch of cards with it already. I’m still people have issues with the scans. I think it is because of tape over the label causing the sorting machines not picking up the bar code. So I’m doing a test with 3 mailing all with tape on the label to a friend to see if they get scans or not,
Where is the heart button! lol SO happy they released this option for Postcards. And Stamps too!
The formula you are developing in your videos makes them even better; especially opening with an outline, we know what we have to look forward to. Thank you for explaining GSM and for including the note on eBay standard mailer now for postcards.
Thanks I'm still learning with every video! I have sent out a bunch of postcards with the new eBay label and so far so good.
When I started selling Postcards there was not much out there so I'm trying to make sure I cover as much as possible to help people sell more cards!
What's your thought on the eBay 6 x 8 mailers?
Check out these videos. I go over a lot of different mailing methods in them th-cam.com/video/ZqbtbPEaowc/w-d-xo.html and this one th-cam.com/video/JRvop2mkDhk/w-d-xo.html
What types do you mostly sell: white border, linen or chrome? I just started listing some chromes and they've been selling. Most of my older cards aren't selling. It seems like most collectors these days are looking for chromes.
Do you sell a lot of continental chromes? I haven't listed any of mine yet; I just bought a couple boxes of them for variety. Mixed decades, some as old as the 60's, others as recent as the aughts.
As you view my videos you will find I basically stay in the Chrome, Linen, White Border and Divided Back Postcards Eras.
No, I do not actively list or source Continental Cards, to new and do not sell well for me.
The subject is what really sells a postcard, age is a factor, but not as much.
My videos should help you a lot there is a Continental Card Video, Chrome Video and all different videos for types of Postcards and information.
@@SMPostcards Thanks.
See our Embroidered Postcards Video Click Here >>>th-cam.com/video/gj5bIjqHQZI/w-d-xo.html
Before retiring I spent 30+ years in the printing business. Not once did I ever even hear about "GSM" we always talk in "points" and "weight". I read the details about the stock and it is 10 point. (ten one thousands of an inch) Now that makes sense a standard thin business card is 10 points. Heavier cards are 12 & 14 points. Everybody can imagine the weight of a business card. (just placed my order for 100, thanks for the tip)
I have some envelopes that are 450 gsm. Do you think they will work, or will they be too thick?
Best way to do it is send one to yourself and see if you get it back ok. Just put the stamps on it for the weight and you address :). I have done that before. But I think you will be fine.
I've had customers ask me to write "Do Not Bend" on the envelope. Even if it's unnecessary, I think it can make the customer happy. By the way, I haven't bought the rigid mailers yet. : (
Good point!
I think the "Do Not Bend" is mostly useful for when it's delivered. Up to the postman to follow the instructions I guess. But anything to make them likely to shove the envelope in the box to make it fit.
@@lepke1979 I bought a softcover text book for one of my wife's classes. I should have told the book seller to write DO NOT BEND on the package. The book was the size of a National geographic with a CD inside. The mailman folded it in half and broke the spine and creased the pages. I called the postmaster and what was the first thing she said? "Did you have it insured?" I never did get an apology and she would not give me the number of her main boss. She said he was a temp and still in training. Training to destroy the mail? I sent the book seller a message and he sent me a new book. (I never even asked for it)
Still loving all this content! Created my HipPostcard account! Not sure if you have a video yet, but are there any videos on how you have your account set up? You just explain everything SO well. Thank you so much for your time!
Thanks
Hip is kind of different. I have not done much with the setup once a i got it working, I do have a call out to them to discuss some details and questions I have on the shipping and some other features. Still need to do some research before I finish setting up for the video. Hopefully in the next month or so, I have a bunch a videos coming out weekly. Glad you enjoy them I like putting them together.
@@SMPostcards Funny you say that about the shipping, because that is where I got stuck while I was looking it over before I actually subscribed for a seller account. I appreciate all that you do and will keep my eye out :)
I buy the same envelopes you do Mark. Just be sure to order them directly from EcoSwift. Getting them through Amazon you will pay more :(
Yes they can be expensive
As I posted earlier today, I am currently working through my stack of Ebay envelopes. Can't send for less than 2oz but it feels so much better to me that the eco. Still on the fence.
You will figure it out!. One day! :)
Like how you are emphasizing efficiency. Time is money!
I was a manager for 30 Years and Productivity was a very big part of my career. :)
i am going to start selling first day cover envelopes on my ebay store. i am going to be putting them into Shield Sleeve for #6 3/4 Envelope and First Day Covers and then put them in normal #10 white envelopes with ebay standard envelope service. Is that fine, or should i use the eco mailers for postcards?
I mail my Naval Ship Covers in a eBay Brown 7x5 envelope with a 2 mil First Day Cover sleeve, .weighs 2oz. Fist Day Covers are normally just a little bit to big for the 6.5x4.5 Ecoswift envelopes.
@@SMPostcards would buyers care if I use a regular business envelope to mail a FDC ?
I don't think so, I have never done it tho.
Great video Mark. I agree, The envelopes from EcoSwift are the only ones I use however, I noticed recently that there 100 lot price (for 6.5 x 4.5 inch size) went way up. When I bought my first 100 lot, their price on their website was only $19.99 with free shipping. I just looked at their prices recently and now their price for that same 100 lot is $41.99. I'll still continue to buy those envelopes for shipping my postcards but it's sad that they doubled the price for the same 100 lot. I may have to start buying larger lots to get the price point down.
Thanks Ken, yes those envelopes doubled in price again due to a supply shortage and demand. I purchase like 3,000
at a time so I'm good for awhile. You can always use Styrofoam :) Thanks for Watching!
They are at 21.99 now for 100
@@bartekdyszkiewicz1359 Yes, I am aware of that now. The thing is, when the price doubled, I had to order more to get the price point down close to what I originally purchased them at which means I had to spend more money. I had to order 250 envelopes (instead of 100) and with the price increase, i had to pay $63.99. Now the price for the 250 lot is only $45.99. And I haven't even got my order yet. It's been 15 days.
Great info. We just got our first lot of cards and I asked my husband.... hmmmm how in the world do we ship them now?!?! lol thanks for breaking it down. Gonna order some of the best envelopes right now!
Thanks
Make sure you check out the other videos might be something's that can help you with getting things going. I know when I started I was constantly finding things to try etc.
Mark
@@SMPostcards yes we’ve been binge watching your videos! The link you have for the clear sleeves says item can’t be found but the it shows other suggestions. - I was looking for a video that would show how to identify post cards that would be of higher value. My husband likes purchasing post cards in large lots and would like to sort them by condition and value first. I didn’t see that video yet so maybe you will consider it for a future show?
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!!
The sleeves lately have been hard to find.
The best way to find out more on higher price cards is to find an eBay seller that sells in the higher end cards and check their solds and listings. Your higher end ones for example will be RPPC, Santa's other than Red Robe also take a look at cards with Krampus in the title. I have videos coming on all different types of cards this year. Also you never know what people will pay for a card. Experiment and see what market will bear!
I enjoyed the envelope topic. What do you think of the new eBay stiff envelopes? Do you think they are safe to use since they are SO stiff?
Yes I did a test with some and they made it just fine. I do not use them as they are heavier and more expensive.
I've had a few returned, marked that I had to pay an extra 85 cents to ship. They also go over an ounce with just a single card in them, so I won't be using them for standard envelope shipping any more.
@@SMPostcards Cut the envelope down to the approx size of the post card then tape it up.
Are you putting your videos on Etsy?
These TH-cam Videos No
@@SMPostcards I mean those short videos about postcard locations.
I stopped doing the short videos as they were not getting the views I was looking for. I do have some on Tic Tok from before still.
@@SMPostcards I put 5 second videos in my Etsy listings similar to the one you made. I show the postcard then I show the new location. I don't know if they help sales or not.
I was thinking maybe one day do it for the Mechanical moving postcards, but never have yet.
Hi Mark great content’ have you ever worked out your average net profit per card sold on eBay? With close to 20000 listed is your insertion fees not crazy high?
With the new eBay structure I can have 50,000 listings in the category Postcard's are in for 59.95 per month. When I first started I had a anchor store and was paying 300.00 a month. First 100 cards went to paying that Anchor store fee. Now at 59.95 not an issue. With my model where I have to watch is time spent per item. Let's say I sell 5,000 cards this year and make 2.00 a card that is 10,000 in profit. It takes a long while to get up in Qty and at first was selling just enough to pay the fees etc.
@@SMPostcards that’s good to hear Regarding the listing quantity in postcards category. I am just getting started with post cards and I was looking at vintage photos completed listings and some sellers doing really well in terms of average sale price on those if it’s good content photo etc will do both to try and get average order value up. Do you do vintage photos?
I have not got into vintage photos as of yet. I have gotten some in lots but passed them on to others that sell them. I also sell in the the Action figure/toys category on my other eBay store www.shelmarksales.com.
Like the then and now videos. Your narration belongs in the video. Leave out the music a distraction.
I'm a top rated seller plus. Not worth taking a chance on losing that status if new ebay standard shipping of postcards is not showing delivered or leave myself open to scams. Yes It's probably better to open another store just for postcards but for me that doesn't make sense. I've read so many horror stories from TRSellers who sell trade cards and lost their TR seller status due to 'not delivered, late delivery or still in transit and buyers taking advantage of these loopholes. So, after ordering a ton of top loaders via your link, looks like it's not going to happen for me. So disappointed. Please Top Rated Sellers, beware!
I moved to a new store when I started to ensure my status is maintained in my Toy store. I view this not as a replacement for ful USPS tracking and shipping just an add on to my cards that I ship in envelopes.
@@SMPostcards thank you, understand..