Should I use eBay lables?

[apx_frm1]

Hi,

I am new here. I need expert help to learn a few things about selling on eBay. Your help is greatly appreciated.

After listing my items, eBay redirected me to a page for "shipment label".

Apparently, when I want to mail an item to customers, these eBay labels need to be printed & added to my package.

1. Is it worth it to use these labels?

2. How much do I have to pay for each?

3. I am selling some pre-owned & new clothes (my own clothes), what is the best packaging for clothes you suggest? And also something with a reasonable price.

4. And lastly, the shipping fee I have added for each of my listings is Approx. I also explained this in my item descriptions. As I don't know the exact dimensions & weight of each item. I checked the fee on the Canada Post website. Is it okay that I have provided an approximate price?

Thank you in advance for any help you would be able to provide!

[femmefan1946 · Accepted solution]

Bookmark this link.

https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/information/app/far/business/findARate?execution=e1s1

You will need it to work out Flat Rate Shipping if you use that, but better is to use Calculated Shipping.

With Calculated Shipping you enter the dimensions and weight of the packaged item, and the program tells the customer what he will pay to his doorstep.

Sign up here for a Solutions for Small Business card.

https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/business/small-business.page?

This gives you access to Expedited parcel service, which costs the same are Regular Domestic but is faster. There are also small discounts (~4.9%) on other services.  And occasional perks like the current Tuesday promotion.

You may find it useful always to use the same size of boxes or envelopes * to make estimating shipping cost/dimensions easier.

You don't HAVE to use the label, but you do have to tell eBay the tracking number of the shipment. When you use eBay labels this is automatic, otherwise you do it manually.

And if you are not printing out a label, you will spend more time at the PO counter as the clerk makes one for you.

Full disclosure: I rarely use labels because I have an almost infinite supply of mint postage, purchased at a discount.

*Poly or tyvek envelopes are best for clothing. They are waterproof and difficult to tear.

[apx_frm1 · Accepted solution]

Thank you so much! I learned a lot from you!! Again, sorry for the delay,I just realized I have received responses here. Thanks!

[flipistics]

You've already gotten some good advice here, but I'll add a few things:

1. Is it worth using the labels? It depends. If you're a casual seller just wanting to get rid of a few things around the house, then it will probably be the easiest solution. If you're planning on selling a lot, then a business account with Canada Post is a better option.

2. How much do they cost? They're slightly cheaper than the Canada Post over-the-counter rate that you would play if you brought the item to your post office and had the clerk do the label. The exact cost depends on where the item is being shipped and how bulky it is.

3. Packaging. I don't sell much clothing, but poly bags are pretty popular (although I would probably double bag them just to be sure, especially if they're higher priced). Most of your items would probably fit in the Canada Post small flat rate boxes also, so that might be a good solution for you - and they come with a fixed cost no matter where in Canada they're sent to.

4. Shipping dimensions. You need to know this. If you get this wrong, it comes out of your own pocket (or makes the item harder to sell if you overestimate by too much). Figure it out and get rid of any mention of approximate costs. When you enter an amount, you're expected to honor it even if it costs you much more to actually ship it.

5. You didn't ask this, but don't use stock photographs of your items. Take pictures of the ACTUAL item. This is very important, especially for pre-owned clothing. Make good and sure you include actual measurements as well as describe in detail any and all flaws.

[apx_frm1]

Thank you so much! Sorry, I just saw your response. As you know I am a newbie, I didn't know how to find responses. All information was very helpful. Thanks again!

[apx_frm1]

Just doubted something! So for my items, you mean it is better that I use "poly bags", not the "Canada Post small flat rate boxes". Did I understan correctly? Asking because, I doubted why Canada post boxes are the same price regarless of where they are sent to. Or do you mean only the packaging is the same price, not the shipment?

[flipistics]

I don't personally think there's much difference between poly bags and boxes. The advantage to the bags is really that they take up less room to store and are likely a little lighter. The disadvantage is they could be harder to accurately measure. The poly bags will be a variable rate cost. It might be cheaper than the flat rate boxes for buyers who are close to you and more expensive for buyers further away. The flat rate boxes are one cost no matter where it's sent to (in Canada).

[apx_frm1]

Yes, all make sense.Thank you so much!

[kawartha-ephemera]

Some sellers use eBay's in-house shipping service, many do not for various reasons.

Absolutely do provide a clearly defined and firm shipping cost in every listing ... no estimates.

Some products are suitable for flat rate shipping, otherwise use the shipping calculator. The third option is free shipping.

Shipping is a complex subject that can generate lengthy discussions, In my opinion Q & A is not the best format for this. Maybe start a new conversation here ... https://community.ebay.ca/t5/Seller-Central/bd-p/213

[apx_frm1]

Thank you so much! Sorry, I just saw your response. I am a newbie, I didn't know how to find responses. Sure, I will start a new conversation for shipping. Thanks again!