With 138 million active buyers worldwide, eBay is undoubtedly one of the best-selling platforms on the market. Setting up a store may require little effort, but breaking down the question “how to ship on eBay” does not resemble that.
Deeply aware of this matter, LitCommerce has done some research to give explanations in terms of the following:
- An overview of eBay shipping
- How shipping works on eBay
- The ultimate instructions on shipping for eBay sellers
- How to do combined shipping on eBay
- How to deal with eBay international shipping
- How to reprint a shipping label on eBay
- How to ship large items on eBay
- How to cancel shipping label on eBay
- How to offer free shipping on eBay as a seller
- How to calculate shipping on eBay
- How to know what shipping to use on eBay
- Smart tips on eBay shipping management
Let’s now kick it!
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How to Ship on eBay: The Basics
Being one of the top marketplaces, eBay provides more than one eBay delivery service to ship out the items to your customers. From local pick-ups to utilizing other eBay shipping options, you will surely find a way that works best for your business and, at the same time, attract different types of customers.
What are eBay shipping options?
Local pick-up
As you create a listing on eBay with large items that are too difficult to ship, local pickup will be the best option. Buyers will then come to your place or other locations of your choosing to pick up the item themselves. Furthermore, enhancing customer experience through the use of custom QR codes can significantly streamline the pick-up process. By integrating these into your product or shipping labels, customers easily access details like pickup locations or shipping updates, directly linking to your eBay store’s unique offerings.
When you choose eBay local pickup, you must offer your customers at least one of the approved electronic payment methods (Paypal, ApplePay, GooglePay, etc.). In case you select other ways, avoid ones that take time to clear, and keep proof of pickup to protect yourself against item not received claims.
Domestic eBay shipping options
If local pick-up doesn’t work for your business, you can either choose between the following options: calculated shipping, flat shipping, and freight shipping.
- Calculated shipping is when you use the eBay shipping calculator to automatically apply an estimated charge based on the buyer’s location and the package’s weight and dimensions.
- Flat shipping: Your buyers will then pay the same shipping charges based on your own shipping rates for specific items or areas.
- Freight shipping: If you are selling heavy items (such as furniture, gym equipment, or home appliances) but cannot offer local pickups, you can choose freight carriers. By this, you will have full control over the shipping fees and can save the charges table for future use.
eBay global shipping program
You are selling out of the US, and the mentioned options don’t work for your business. Then you might want to consider joining the eBay global shipping program, one of the notable benefits of eBay store.
This global shipping program enables you to use eBay’s international standard delivery and reach more than 60 million buyers from almost anywhere in the world. You only need to ensure that your items arrive safely at eBay’s domestic shipping center, and they will handle the international shipping and customs process on your behalf.
Adding to that, you will be protected from negative or neutral feedback and have complete control over your shipping.
Notes: To check if your items are eligible for eBay global shipping program, browse the My eBay section or find the information in the Active Selling section under the Activity tab in Seller Hub.
The basic process of eBay shipping
The brief outlook on the eBay shipping process contains four primary steps:
- Pick out a suitable shipping option;
- Decide the delivery dates;
- Offer local pickups (if needed) or deal with packaging and shipping labels;
- Hand over your items and upload the tracking information.
You will learn the details on how to ship items on eBay in the following passages.
Learning to ship on eBay is a crucial part of your selling process on this marketplace. Curious how other stages work? Check our ultimate guide of How to sell on eBay now!
How to Ship on eBay – A 2024 Complete Guide
Now you’ve learned the fundamentals of eBay shipping, it’s time to tackle the nerve-wracking question of how to ship on eBay. Everything from creating an eBay shipping profile to setting up your own shipping policy will be covered in the following lines.
#1. Start an eBay shipping profile
As aforementioned, having a store on eBay may not trigger any problem, but handling all the shipping processes does not share the same pattern. Apparently, this is particularly true for new e-sellers on eBay. But not to worry, here is a detailed indication of eBay shipping services, procedures, and everything arising from them.
eBay shipping calculator
When learning how to ship on eBay, we can not skip the eBay shipping fees required for each seller, one of the most important components of eBay fees.
All shipping charges will depend on your item’s details, including packaging, weight, location, and chosen delivery service. These might sound complicated if you are new to eBay. Don’t freak out yet! By using the eBay shipping calculator, you can learn how much it costs to ship the item.
Here’s how to use the calculator when you create listings:
- Choose Calculated: Cost varies by buyer location in the Shipping section of your eBay listings.
- Click Calculate Shipping, which stands next to Services.
- As the Your Details section pops up, fill in the ZIP codes and any handling fees (if needed).
- Add a destination (optional) or choose the Global Shipping Program if you sell internationally.
- Hit Calculate shipping.
- Go with the Offer shipping service button.
- Complete your listings on eBay.
Processing time
When asking how to ship on eBay, you must have been curious about the processing time. Exactly how long will your items reach the final hands? Answering that, the processing time is muchly based on three factors: handling time, eBay shipping services, and item location and destination.
Handling time
As your customers place an order, it should take you some time to prepare the item, deal with packaging, and handle the carriers. Remember that handling time measurement is in business days.
Once you have received payment from buyers, the clock starts ticking and ends when the carrier scans your package. Should you set the handling time as 1 day, you need to have the acceptance scan by 11:59:59 p.m., following the local time zone. Here is a guide to set handling time.
eBay shipping services
Normally, buyers will choose among the available shipping services. As you already know, some services are faster, and vice versa. Hence, it contributes to the whole shipping process.
Item location and destination
It is crystal clear that the more distant your customers are, the longer it takes to ship items on eBay. This comes as no surprise for all sellers.
Notes: Weekend and holiday deliveries can also interfere with the processing time because some shipping services aren’t available for them. Thus, when you ship items on eBay, excluding weekends and holidays is a “should”.
Flat rate shipping
Continuing with how to ship on eBay, let’s take a closer look at what refers to as flat-rate shipping. The USPS has allowed flat-rate shipping, and the options include:
The “Envelope” options
Options | Pricing | Dimension | Recommended for |
Flat rate envelope |
● $8.50 Commercial Base● $9.90 at Post Office & Online |
12 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ | Manuscripts, documents, passports & passport applications |
Window flat rate envelope | 10″ x 5″
12 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ |
Pre-addressed envelopes | |
Small flat-rate envelope | 10″ x 6″ | Small documents, gift cards, oversized greeting cards | |
Padded flat rate envelope | ● $9.20 Commercial Base
● $10.60 at Post Office & Online |
12 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ | Clothing, books, and boxed jewelry |
Legal flat rate envelope | ● $8.80 Commercial Base
● $10.20 at Post Office & Online |
15″ x 9 1/2″ | Legal documents |
The “Box” options
Options | Pricing | Dimension | Recommended for |
Small flat rate box | ● $9.00 Commercial Base
● $10.40 at Post Office & Online |
Outside: 8 11/16″ x 5 7/16″ x 1 3/4″
Inside: 8 5/8″ x 5 3/8″ x 1 5/8″ |
Small electronics and brochures |
Medium flat rate box (top-loading) |
● $15.00 Commercial Base● $17.05 at Post Office & Online |
Outside: 11 1/4″ x 8 3/4″ x 6″
Inside: 11″ x 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ |
Shoes and office supplies |
Medium flat rate box (side loading) | ● Outside: 14″ x 12″ x 3 1/2″
● Inside: 13 5/8″ x 11 7/8″ x 3 3/8″ |
||
Large flat-rate box | ● $19.95 Commercial Base
● $22.45 at Post Office & Online |
Outside: 12 1/4″ x 12 1/4″ x 6″
Inside: 12″ x 12″ x 5 1/2″ |
Laptops, computers, and gifts |
APO/DPO/FPO flat rate box | ● $18.45 Commercial Base
● $20.95 at Post Office & Online |
Outside: 12 1/4″ x 12 1/4″ x 6″
Inside: 12″ x 12″ x 5 1/2″ |
Gifts |
Large flat-rate board game box | ● $19.95 Commercial Base
● $22.45 at Post Office & Online |
Outside: 24 1/16″ x 11 7/8″ x 3 1/8″
Inside: 23 11/16″ x 11 3/4″ x 3″ |
Board games |
eBay shipping labels
Since you have acknowledged the fees and shipping options on eBay, why don’t we check how to manage eBay shipping labels? This is a remarkable part of “How to ship on eBay”.
While using shipping labels from the marketplace, you can have several benefits, such as time-saving, automatically uploaded item details, etc. Furthermore, it is easy to print a shipping label from Sold in My eBay or Orders in Seller Hub.
Here’s how you print shipping labels via My eBay:
- Sign in to your eBay account, choose My eBay, then go to Sold.
- Click Print shipping label.
- Double-check your and the buyer’s address. Should you need to adjust anything, click Edit underneath each address.
- Enter your package details (type, weight, dimensions, etc.).
- Determine your mailing date on the dropdown menu (from the Ship).
- Choose shipping services as well as additional ones needed (shipping fees on eBay may depend on this).
- Review the shipping fees before selecting Purchase and printing your label.
In case you want to print shipping labels via Seller Hub, follow these steps:
- Choose Orders in your Seller Hub.
- Select the Print shipping label beside your sold items.
- Click on Print Shipping Label.
- Enter all information required and double-check the addresses.
- Purchase and print your label.
Shipping upgrade offerings
Among the questions arising from how to ship on eBay, there have been ones about shipping upgrade offerings. Hence, it is time to clear this out. As a seller on any eCommerce platform or marketplace, you surely engage in situations where shoppers rush for their deliveries. But is that possible on eBay?
The answer is Yes. However, according to sharings on the eBay community, it is more of a trouble than a benefit. They say there are reasons for such a case.
On the first hand, when the customers have already paid for their items, you cannot maneuver or make changes regarding the eBay order status or payment. This may not apply to businesses with self-managing shipments since there is no involvement of third parties. Nonetheless, it is common on eBay.
Secondly, some sellers even said the shipping upgrade might arrive on the same date but at higher costs. Not to mention, it takes time and effort for both buyers and sellers.
#2. Set up eBay shipping policy
In our guide on how to ship on eBay, setting up a shipping policy plays an important part, along with payment and return details. These are within the Business Policies.
Follow the below steps, and you will be able to set up your own eBay policy on shipping in no time:
- Sign in to your eBay account, go to My eBay, choose Account, then Shipping.
- Fill in your policy’s name and description.
- Choose Set as the default shipping policy to apply to every order automatically.
- Set up information about Domestic or International shipping (fees, rate tables, services, handling time, etc.).
- Double-check and click Save once you have done setting up.
Notes: You have two options for international shipping, including Flat (same costs to all buyers) and Calculated (cost varies by buyer location).
How to Combine Shipping on eBay?
Following our topic on how to ship on eBay, we will now go further into the combined shipping issue. So, what is combined shipping on eBay, and why should sellers include this service when selling on this marketplace?
When a customer purchases multiple items from your eBay store but in separate transactions, eBay allows you to combine shipping and ship the items together in one package. This makes life easier for both parties. You can reduce shipping costs and pass any reduction on to buyers while they save time and effort collecting their purchases.
It’s also possible to decide whether or not to use combined shipping on eBay, providing that the decision goes along well with your business. eBay allows you to offer before or after buyers make payment, and below is the detailed guide for each case.
In case you need more details on How to combine shipping on eBay, we’ve got you covered with all the latest updates!
Before buyers pay for their items
- Go to Shipping Preference on eBay and look for the Allow combined payments and shipping section.
- Click Edit on the same row.
- Select the time during which you are willing to offer combined payment and shipping to customers, then Save.
After buyers pay for their items
In case the customers have already made their payment, you can still offer them a combined shipping discount via a partial refund. It works on Orders (in the Seller Hub), or My eBay Sold, according to eBay itself.
How to Deal with eBay International Shipping?
eBay has two options for worldwide shipping, which are eBay international standard delivery and the eBay global shipping. The major difference between these shipping choices is the duties and taxes that buyers have to pay.
When sellers ship items on eBay using international shipping choice (standard), buyers may not pay for duties and taxes at checkout on eBay but to carriers. For the other option, buyers have to pay for fees mentioned at checkout via the GSP (Global shipping program).
Hence, when dealing with international shipping, you can choose the Standard or GPS, depending on which is the most beneficial for you. Explaining it more clearly, the international standard allows you to take your package to any USPS drop-off location or arrange a normal pickup.
In case you use the GPS, all you have to do is ship your packages to eBay’s US-based Global Shipping Center. Then, the GPS will take care of all the shipping procedures.
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How Does eBay Shipping Work? (with Details about eBay Integrated Carriers)
If you are learning how to ship with eBay, it’s important to know the significant eBay delivery service providers. When using eBay integrated carriers, you will not only have your shipping services handled by pros, but you will also be shielded from item not received claims.
Whether you are shipping domestically or internationally, you will surely find an eBay shipping carrier that offers quality eBay shipping services and free automatic tracking. Choose the option that provides the most value and convenience for you and your buyers, and upload the tracking information to eBay within your stated handling time.
USPS shipping services
If you are finding a carrier that saves you time and money, USPS is an ideal option to ship your items on eBay. With over 30,000 U.S. post office drop-off locations, USPS makes it easy to ship your items anywhere domestically.
What’s more, they offer fairly competitive rates for both below 1lb. packages and below 5lb. parcels, not to mention the free scheduled and residential pick-up. You will get up to 30% off retail rates with eBay labels, and it’s possible to apply eBay QR codes on your packages.
UPS shipping services
The next ideal option is UPS shipping services. By featuring over 85.000 drop-off locations and shipping on Saturdays (6 days per week), you can save significant time on eBay shipping. Adding to that, UPS allows you to use eBay QR codes and discounts of up to 65% on next-day delivery service.
FedEx shipping services
If you want a commercial shipping service that is available 7 days per week yet offers best-in-class rates, you can count on FedEx. This eBay shipping carrier comes in extremely helpful when you prefer 2-day air delivery options, as they apply flat rate charges that are competitive with slower shipping alternatives.
FedEx also accepts eBay QR codes and is currently featuring more than 50.000+ drop-off locations throughout the country.
eBay standard envelope
In case you are selling collectibles weighing less than 3oz (such as trading cards, coins, currencies, postcards, or stamps), you might be interested in eBay standard envelope. By integrating tracking and easy-to-print eBay labels, this eBay standard shipping provides a secure delivery service at an affordable price (compared to USPS First Class Package Service). Instead, you can use the best QR code generator that helps you to create dynamic and trackable QR codes.
When using eBay standard envelope, you can drop your packages at regular USPS locations, yet you will not be able to use eBay QR codes. Instead, you can use the best QR code generator that helps you to create dynamic and trackable QR codes.
Other eBay shipping carriers
Besides these significant eBay shipping carriers, there are more options for your consideration listed in the table below.
Domestic carriers | eBay delivery services, USPS, FedEx (FDX), UPS, DHL eCommerce, OnTrac, Lasership, Spee-Dee delivery, Lonestar Overnight… |
Export carriers | eBay delivery services, USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL eCommerce, RR Donnelley, Pitney Bowes, Globgistics, Landmark Global, Asendia, and SkyPostal… |
Import carriers | UPS, FedEx, DHL eCommerce, SpeedPAK, Pitney Bowes, Russian Post, ELTA Hellenic Post, Lietuvos Pastas, Colissimo, Ceska Posta, Purolator, La Poste, Israel Post, Japan Post… |
Domestic freight carriers | A Duie Pyle, AAA Cooper, ABF Freight System, AIT Worldwide, Averitt Express, Best Overnite, Central Arizona Freight, Central Freight Lines, Central Transport, CH Robinson, and more are on eBay’s official integrated list. |
How to Reprint a Shipping Label on eBay in 4 Steps?
If there are some errors with your lavle, you can reprint your shipping label free of charge within 5 days of purchasing it. Here is how you can reprint your label:
- From eBay homepage, click on Sell in the bar menu.
- In Orders dropdown menu, choose Shipping labels.
- Click Actions next to the product you want to reprint its label.
- Hit Reprint label.
How to Cancel Shipping Label on eBay in 6 Steps?
As an eBay seller, you may need to cancel a shipping label for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you made a mistake in the address, or the buyer changed their mind about the purchase. Whatever the reason, it’s important to know how to cancel a shipping label correctly.
- Navigate to Manage shipping labels.
- Find the item you want to cancel the label for.
- Click on the “More actions” dropdown menu next to the item.
- Select “Void shipping label.”
- Choose a reason for voiding the label (e.g., buyer canceled order, incorrect address).
- Click “Send Request“.
Note: You only have 5 days to void a shipping label you printed on eBay, and it can take up to 21 days to approve or reject the refund. If approved, you’ll receive an email that you have been refunded.
How to Offer Free Shipping on eBay as a New Seller?
Free shipping is a popular selling tactic on eBay. It can help you attract more buyers, increase your sales, and improve your seller metrics. To offer free shipping on eBay, follow these steps:
- Create a new listing.
- Fill out product info.
- Select your preferred shipping service.
- Choose the option “Offer free shipping”.
How to Calculate Shipping on eBay in 2024?
Calculating shipping on eBay involves a few steps:
- Decide on your shipping type:
- Free shipping: You need to cover shipping costs within your item cost. For most returns, you will lose the initial shipping cost that you have paid.
- Calculated shipping: You need to fill the proper weigh & dimensions so that eBay can correctly calculate the shipping cost. With this shipping type, you are protected from losing money on shipping.
- Flat rate shipping: You won’t need to consider shipping when making offers. And the shipping costs appear cheaper than calculated shipping.
2. Gather information:
- Item size and weight: Measure your item and determine its weight.
- Buyer’s location: Knowing the buyer’s zip code or city is crucial for accurate calculations.
- Desired shipping service: Decide if you want to offer standard, expedited, or international shipping.
This is the simplest and most accurate way to estimate shipping costs.
3. Get eBay shipping coupons:
- From Seller hub, navigate to the Selling tool section.
- Under Selling tool, choose Manage Store.
- Click on Subscriber discounts, then See details.
- Get the coupon code.
How to Know What Shipping to Use on eBay?
Here is the pros and cons of each shipping type so that you can choose the best fit:
Shipping Option | Pros | Cons |
Free Shipping | - Attractive to buyers | - Not free for sellers |
Calculated Shipping | - Protect sellers from losing money on shipping | - Require accurate measurements (weight and dimension) when listing |
Flat Rate Shipping
| - No need to consider shipping when making an offer | - The shipping charge is still showed |
How to Ship Large Items on eBay for Beginners?
Here is how you can ship large items on eBay.
- Measure and Weigh Your Item:
- Ensure you package it tightly and then measure/weigh.
- Mention the size and weight of the package in your listing description. Always provide accurate estimates but round up a little to avoid underestimating costs.
2. Choose a shipping service. Large items are cheaper to ship using:
- USPS Parcel Select: Cost effective for big light parcels (up to 70lbs and 130”).
- UPS Ground: Good quality and economically viable for larger commodities (weighing as much as 150lbs and length of up to 108inches) over greater distances.
- FedEx Ground: Just as UPS ground, but may be cheaper on certain routes.
- Freight carriers: For example, if your shipment exceeds 150 lbs , you may want to opt for freight companies such as YRC Freight or Roadrunner Transportation.
3. Package Securely for Large Items:
- Utilize strong boxes for shipping and pack by using double walled card boards, bubble wrapping and packing peanut.
- Wrap any joints and corners with cellophane tape for added security against damage when shipped.
- Items which are very delicate or expensive are best protected by adding extra precautions such as crating or palletizing.
Shipping on eBay: Smart Tips for eBay New Sellers
As we have discussed thoroughly the question of how to ship on eBay and what might arise from it, why not reveal some tips for shipping that eBay sellers will need?
- Optimize your packaging: Believe it or not, packaging can affect your eBay shipping fees and buyer experience. One of the smart tips for shipping on eBay is optimizing your packaging, from how you wrap it to what materials are used. Furthermore, ensure to secure your items with the most effective but affordable materials.
- Select the right shipping method: Free, calculated, and flat-rate shipping is available on eBay. Before choosing the shipping method, search for insight from customers to see what they want. However, provided that you are about to ship items such as books, DVDs, etc., jump right to the flat rate shipping.
- Make combined shipments: Remember that whenever you have a customer purchasing different items separately, offering combined shipping and payment will do more good. It saves money and time. Adding to that, consider adding shipping discounts is advisable.
- Make use of eBay shipping labels and tools: Whether you are new or experienced on eBay, don’t hesitate to use its labels and tools for shipping. It may help you a lot, and the process is not complex at all.
- Check carefully what you pack: Always check what you pack, notably those who sell internationally. Hence, besides learning what sells best on eBay, it’s also crucial to find out more about eBay’s prohibited items.
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How to Ship on eBay: FAQs
eBay does not pay for shipping. These fees will be charged to buyers. Many factors can affect such fees, including locations, seller’s policies, and delivery services. According to eBay shipping policy, sellers on this marketplace have to use the eBay shipping service that buyers choose during checkout and ship the items within the stated handling time. Normally, the handling time will be set up by the sellers and ranges from one day to a maximum of 30 days. If your shipping time exceeds this duration, the buyers will be able to file an “item not received” claim. Hence, make sure to ship the items within your stated handling time and inform your buyers in advance if there is any shipping delay due to holidays or unwanted circumstances such as strikes… Follow the below steps and you will be able to allow combined shipping on eBay for buyers who haven’t paid for their items: In case your buyers have already paid for their items, you can offer them a combined shipping discount via a partial refund. Make the changes on Orders (in the Seller Hub) or My eBay Sold. Different carriers (USPS, FedEx, UPS, etc.) have different pricing structures and may offer discounts for eBay sellers. Here are some cheapest ways to ship different types of items: For most of the cases, the buyer pays for shipping on eBay. This is because sellers often include shipping in their listing price. However, there are a few exceptions like: In this case, you should go for Calculated Shipping. When you enter your package size and weight during listing creation the software will automatically calculate shipping costs based on the buyer’s zip code. After that, choose your shipping method like First Class, Priority Mail, UPS, or FedEx and the system will calculate the shipping for you. Note: Don’t depend on carrier accuracy: UPS and FedEx estimates can be inaccurate, so use the eBay Shipping Calculator for a more reliable estimate. No, you typically don’t pay shipping for each individual item on eBay if the seller offers combined shipping. Combined shipping allows the seller to group multiple items you purchase into one package and charge a single shipping fee based on the total weight and size of the package, rather than charging separate fees for each item. The shipping time can range from 24 hours to 30 business days from when the customer placed the order.
Ship Fast and Smart on eBay Today!
Shipping is seemingly not the trickiest problem to solve for new sellers or small-scale shops on eBay. However, the workflow gets more complex as your business grows. And that’s certainly a good reason to acknowledge and update about eBay shipping. Hopefully, our article has answered your big question about how to ship on eBay.
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