Shipping is scary. I actually choose my inventory based on how hard it would be to ship. I would love to sell beautiful coffee mugs and dainty pastel plates but I just can’t take the anxiety of worrying about them surviving the trip across the US. The easiest things to ship (aka unbreakable) are clothes, books, and shoes, so that makes up the majority of my store. I do have the occasional fragile item, which drives me out of my mind. This weekend I had to ship a bulky and valuable saucepan with glass beads on the top. It took me about an hour to pack and I was sweating and cursing the entire time. If you do have something breakable or bulky, check YouTube because people will give you step-by-step instructions on packing it (God Bless YouTube).
Handling Time
My listings are all set for 2-day handling, but I try my hardest to ship everything the same day if possible. I know when I order something, I want it NOW, so I try to stay on top of it. And we’re competing with Amazon who can sometimes get it there within the hour, so try to ship out as quickly as possible.
Thank You Note
I always include a short thank-you note, but I know this is because my shop is very small and hopefully someday I won’t have time to do this (fingers crossed). I know many eBay resellers get “Thank You” stickers made and they just attach it to the item. I look forward to the day when I can justify a roll of “Thank You” stickers.
Prepping Clothes
For clothes, I make sure they are as wrinkle-free as possible and folded nicely. I fold my inventory and store it in a ziplock bag, and sometimes it slips to the side and gets a little wrinkled. If this happens, I go ahead and re-steam and re-fold it. If you have more space for inventory than I do, hopefully you won’t have to deal with this. After it’s folded, I wrap it up in a piece of packing paper. I know this isn’t necessary, and I’ve even heard resellers say that customers complain if you use too many wrapping supplies, because it’s wasteful. But once I ordered a pretty pricey shirt and it looked like they wadded it up and stuffed it in the envelope which was not a good look. After it’s folded and wrapped in packing paper, slip it into a poly mailer. Weigh it on a postage scale, measure the actual dimensions, and enter them into eBay. They’ll adjust the cost if necessary. Print the label and tape it on. Most big sellers have thermal label printers, but I am definitely not to that stage yet. Something else to look forward to!
Prepping Shoes
Shoes are also easy. Wrap them in some packing paper or tissue and put them in as small a box as you can (I reuse Amazon boxes). Stuff either bubble wrap or packing paper around the sides. Ideally, if you shake the box, you won’t feel anything move. Tape up the box, weigh, measure, and enter into Amazon to get your shipping label.
Prepping Books
Books are my favorite because they are the easiest. Tough and unbreakable – that’s the way I like it! Wrap the book in saran wrap in case it gets left on a patio during a storm. Get a roll of B Flute. Cut off the amount you need and tape up the edges. It’s an instant box and doesn’t require any extra packing.
Done, Whew!
After that, it’s off to the Post Office! I’m lucky to have one just up the street, but if you don’t, eBay will give you the option to have it picked up.
Conclusion
Packing is scary. But you got this! If you sell anything oddly-shaped, just be sure to check YouTube for specific tips. And go for those unbreakable items! What tips can you give me so I can get over my irrational fear of shipping?