Key Points:
- Self-service shipping lets you use any courier service you like, including USPS and other major couriers
- eBay dropshipping eliminates the need to keep inventory on hand. Instead, you can purchase products individually
- Consider offering free shipping in your eBay store to increase conversions
Selling on eBay is a great way to make some extra cash, but eBay shipping policies can be intimidating for newcomers. Have no fear, eBay shipping is easier than you think.
After an item sells, it’s time to pack and ship the item to the buyer. Before you do you’ll want to consider factors like which is the best courier service in terms of speed and cost.
In this article, we’ll talk about all the information you need to know on how to ship on eBay, so you can seamlessly ship your orders to their destination.
Easyship saves eBay merchants money with our pre-negotiated rates. You’ll save up to 91% off shipping with any courier worldwide.
Table of Contents
How to Ship on eBay
Not sure how to ship on eBay? No worries, we've got you covered. We have all the tips and tricks on eBay shipping, so you can keep your customers satisfied.
In this article, we’ll talk about the three ways how to ship eBay items, which include:
- Self-service shipping
- eBay dropshipping
- Third-party logistics providers
eBay shipping also allows you to use their eBay shipping methods, or use a courier service of your choice. Let’s talk about how to seamlessly ship on eBay.
Self Service eBay Shipping
Millions of eBay sellers ship packages from home every day and you can too.
Self-service shipping lets you use any courier service you like, including USPS. You'll want to compare rates from different couriers to find the cheapest option.
Customers can also use the eBay shipping calculator to calculate shipping costs, though Easyship’s free shipping calculator will save you up to 91% off discounted shipping rates with 250+ couriers.
Before posting an item, it’s important to know the final package size and weight. This way, you can offer an accurate shipping quote to potential sellers.
Here are some things to consider with eBay’s self-service shipping option:
- Package your items in an appropriately sized box
- Keep a variety of boxes on hand to ship items of various sizes
- Offer more than one delivery option to convert more buyers
Try our free shipping rate calculator to quickly compare courier rates for eBay shipping. eBay also offers its own eBay shipping calculator, though Easyship offers over 550+ courier solutions. Plus, you’ll save up to 91% off discounted shipping rates.
It’s a faster, easier way to compare prices than visiting the websites of individual couriers.
Dropshipping
eBay dropshipping eliminates the need to keep inventory on hand. Instead, you can purchase products individually. When you receive an order, helping to reduce expenses. Anyone with an eBay seller account can use drop shipping.
Once an item sells, the drop shipper fulfills the order via the drop shipping company that ships the item to the customer. As long as the seller guarantees delivery within 30 days of purchasing the product, sellers can use drop shipping.
Third-Party Logistics Providers (3PLs)
eBay partners with third-party logistics providers (3PLs) to help high-volume shippers save on shipping costs, like warehousing and transportation. The benefits of using 3PLs for eBay shipping include:
- Better packaging: Fulfillment partners often offer better packaging than shipping companies or individual shippers.
- Faster shipping: 3PLs accelerate delivery lead times thanks to efficient fulfillment processes and last-mile delivery.
- Less business overhead: Outsourcing fulfillment to a 3PL helps high-volume merchants save on labor costs associated with fulfillment.
Using 3PLs can be a good solution for eBay sellers who sell the same items in large quantities. Shipping with 3PLs isn’t a good fit for one-of-a-kind items such as valuable jewelry or collectibles.
eBay Shipment Tracking
eBay shipment tracking is a piece of cake. You’ll be able to track the progress of your package once a seller ships your item. Following that, you’ll also receive an email with your tracking information once it ships.
eBay sellers can also track the progress of a customer’s package via their eBay account. Below is a more detailed guide on eBay shipment tracking.
- Find the eBay guest order confirmation email
- Click on View Order Details
- Select the Show Shipping Details option
Now, you’ll see a delivery status bar along with the courier company, tracking number, and the package's exact location.
The Cost of eBay Shipping
Size, weight, dimensions, and delivery times all come into play when calculating the cost of shipping on eBay. This information is critical to know before posting an item for sale.
How much does it weigh? Does it need special packaging? These are all important questions to ask yourself as an eBay seller. In this article, we’ll talk about considerations you should make when you’re dealing with the cost of shipping on eBay.
Let’s get to it.
Picking the Cheapest Carrier with eBay Shipping
eBay shipping lets you use common couriers, including USPS, FedEx, and DHL for international shipping. If you drop ship or ship yourself, you’ll want to find a cost-effective shipping service that matches your item.
Regardless of your choice of courier or shipping service, your shipping costs are determined by the following factors:
- Weight of package
- Shipping distance
- Package dimensions
- Delivery speed
- Courier service
To compare shipping rates, you can visit the websites of all major couriers to get a quote. Alternatively, you can use Easyship’s Free Shipping Rate Calculator to compare all the best rates from all available couriers instantly for a specific shipment.
Let’s say you want to ship a 1-pound hoodie from Los Angeles to New York. Using the Free Shipping Rate Calculator, you can determine the cost of shipping your package without any tedious research.
In this example, the cheapest shipping option is from USPS for $2.89. Plus, you’ll save 19% when you use Easyship. But what if you need to ship a 3-pound package of makeup from Austin to Denver? Here the cheapest shipping option is still USPS at $4.57, and save 20% with Easyship. However you choose to find the best rates, Easyship always saves you up to 91% off retail on any shipment.
eBay International Shipping with Easyship
eBay international shipping is made easier with Easyship. Let’s say you want to ship a 3-pound package from the United States to China. Below are the estimated shipping rates for eBay international shipping with Easyship’s free shipping rates calculator.
For example, it costs $31.05 to ship a 3-pound package with DHL eCommerce - Packet Priority and takes 10-17 business days for delivery. Alternatively, UPS Worldwide Expedited costs $47.51 and takes up to 2 business days for delivery.
You can also choose from SF Express shipping options and APC for the same 3-pound package. For more options, sign up with Easyship to supercharge your shipping
Now, let’s say you want to ship a 3-pound package from the US to India. In this example, UPS Worldwide Expedited is the fastest shipping option and costs $94.50. Looking to cut corners for eBay international shipping? Easyship users can opt for DHL eCommerce - Packet Priority, which costs an estimated $35.17.
USPS and APC shipping services are also available for the 3-pound package from the US to India.
Tips for eBay Shipping
Let’s take a look at a few tips to help you understand eBay shipping, so you know how to ship eBay items.
Offer Free Shipping
Online shoppers today expect free shipping in many cases. In fact, 71% of eBay purchases are shipped for free.
Consider offering free shipping in your eBay store to increase conversions. To do this, you’ll need to build the price of shipping into the item’s price. Many online marketplaces like eBay give buyers the option to filter out sellers that charge for shipping. Offering free shipping ultimately gets you more views on your product listening for better sales. And, of course, customers love free.
Use an Inventory Management Software
Inventory management software like Easyship lets you view actionable insights into buyer behaviors that can help you improve business performance.
Want to see for yourself? Below is a screenshot of our All-In-One Dashboard.
Offer Insurance on High-Price Items
Shipping insurance protects shippers against lost, stolen, or damaged packages. An estimated 5-15% of shipments suffer these common delivery issues. Who wants a damaged item after patiently waiting for it? Not me. Purchasing shipping insurance can give you the peace of mind you need as an eBay seller.
Luckily, USPS Priority Mail will automatically cover packages that are either damaged or lost up to a value of $50 for all eBay sellers. FedEx and UPS will also automatically cover packages that are either damaged or lost up to a value of $100.
You can purchase shipping insurance from your courier or Easyship. Unlike couriers, Easyship uses third-party shipping insurance that pays more claims than that of USPS, UPS, or FedEx.
Consider Using a Fulfillment Center
Consider using a fulfillment center to shorten delivery times and increase customer satisfaction.
Easyship gives eBay merchants access to our global network of 3PL partners. With fulfillment help around the globe, you can reduce your delivery costs and accelerate deliveries for optimal customer experiences – and repeat sales, also.
Offer Custom Branding
Presentation is key. Incorporating a personal touch into your packaging is a simple way to curate an enjoyable experience for your customers. Using decorative tissue or wrapping candles with ribbon are easy ways to add that personal touch. You can also purchase branded boxes to spruce up the unboxing experience.
Easyship allows you to brand your post-purchase customer outreach. Add your logo and advertising materials to your tracking notifications, landing pages, and packing slips. That way you can provide a delivery experience that dazzles buyers and invites repeat business.
Connect Your eBay Account to Easyship
Start shipping in minutes. Connect your eBay account today for free. You’ll have exclusive access to our pre-negotiated discounted rates. Users save up to 91% on shipping costs, especially with international shipping. Who doesn’t like the sound of that?
With over 550+ courier solutions available, Easyship can satisfy your needs and more. Try our Easyship today! It’s free, and you only pay for what you ship.
Get started with Easyship’s premiere cloud shipping software for free here.
eBay Shipping FAQ
How does eBay shipment tracking work?
Log into your eBay account and hover over “My eBay” at the top right corner of the homepage. Then, click “Purchase History” from the menu. Locate the item you want to track, and you should be able to see the shipment status beside the image. For more information, click the displayed tracking number or click “View Order Details.”
How much do eBay shipping labels cost?
You don’t pay for the shipping label. Instead, you pay for what it costs to ship the item, which is determined by the shipment’s weight and dimensions.
Is it cheaper to use eBay shipping?
Connect your eBay account to our pre-negotiated discounted rates. Users save up to 91% on shipping costs, especially with international couriers.
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