eBay...now that's what i'm talkin' about!

[joeyrose]

Flat rate mailers can hurt your costs too if the weight isn't heavy enough.

YES, for shipments that weigh 13oz or less i bought a lot of boxes that are perfect for what i sell on ebay for about 40 cents each and then ship first class mail cheaper than flatrate. had to buy an inexpensive postal scale on ebay...all these things are deductible. btw i buy ALL MY SUPPLIES ON EBAY, CHEAPER, NO TAX, AND TIME SAVING!

my postman picks up my packages daily from my garage. he has been great and i tip him (CASH) well at christmas and give him small things all along. you can go online and schedule pickups in your garage, but if you have a good relationhship with your carrier, it can save you time and money.

SALES - (COST OF GOODS SOLD + EXPENSES) = PROFIT

figure out ways to increase sales, minimize what you pay for merchandise, minimize expenses...three ways to increase your profit. takes awhile to learn what works in a given area, but there is great milk money potential here.

 

[ellone]

It might be worth considering, but as little as I sell just one loss could take me a long time to make up.

That's why you insure everything - I use shipcover insurance on ebay. You could always just ship to areas where they speak English (so there's no miscommunication issues). So UK, Canada, & Australia.

 

[joeyrose]

i worry about feedback with international sales. i think ebay has made some adjustments for international buyers. but i am a top seller, want to keep that 20% discount on final value fees.

also don't want to go to the po each time i have an international sale. i like my postman picking up my (usa) packages daily.

 

[richmond282]

i worry about feedback with international sales. i think ebay has made some adjustments for international buyers. but i am a top seller, want to keep that 20% discount on final value fees.

also don't want to go to the po each time i have an international sale. i like my postman picking up my (usa) packages daily.

My postman will pick up an international package. I just attach the customs form to the package. No problem.

 

[SandrA9810]

Many of the international forms can be printed and paid for online through ebay. It just depends on how you are shipping the item. I never had any issues with communications either, there's always translators available online.

One of the safest options for international shipping is Registered. It also requires signature delivery and more complete tracking as it is signed for each time it's passed off to the next person. I think we have better shipping international than domestic.

 

[nunzia]

i worry about feedback with international sales. i think ebay has made some adjustments for international buyers. but i am a top seller, want to keep that 20% discount on final value fees.

also don't want to go to the po each time i have an international sale. i like my postman picking up my (usa) packages daily.

You are now able to print International labels online through PayPal..I really have never had trouble with INternational buyers.

 

[joeyrose]

You are now able to print International labels online through PayPal..I really have never had trouble with INternational buyers.

i'

this is good to know.

 

[bpesch]

Anyone who's new at selling on Ebay and considering it really needs to go to the Ebay Discussion Boards--Sellers Central and spend some time browsing. It's a real eye opener about what can and does happen on Ebay on a regular basis.

 

[horseshowmom]

Horseshowmom: Have you tried the large mailer? They call it the game board box, which is like the medium long box, only bigger. Sometimes the post office will get them in, but you usually have to order from the website (for free).

You can also schedule package pick up by the post office for anything going first class, priority, or express. Although I've never had a delivery person not take prepaid packages for us.

We only go into the post office when we do international registered mail, as that can't be prepaid.

I did look at the game board box, but it wasn't large enough for the backpacks.

I do like that you can schedule pickup online. In my case, the mailman just pulls up, blows his horn, and I carry it out. If I'm not home, I leave it wherever I list on the request.

That's why you insure everything - I use shipcover insurance on ebay. You could always just ship to areas where they speak English (so there's no miscommunication issues). So UK, Canada, & Australia.

I'm about to be convinced.