You may not consider your Packaging and Shipping details to be of much importance on eBay -"Hey; I’ve already sold the stuff…" right? Wrong! Proper packaging and shipping is one of the most important aspects of being able to bring Customers back for more purchases. These important details can make the difference in becoming an eBay Power seller - or not.

First; you must consider the overall presentation, what kind of impression does it make with your Customer. If you expect to be taken seriously as a seller, your packages must show this. You don’t get an opportunity to meet most of your Customers face to face or to show off your expensive looking office, lobby, location, or whatever. As far as your Customer is concerned, your packaging is your business as this is all they will physically see of it and it is how your business will be perceived.

Outer Packaging

The outer packaging, of course; needs to be sturdy and protective. Try to find packaging slightly larger than the item being shipped. The closer you can find to the size of the item, the less packing supplies you will need to use (saving cost) and ultimately the more secure the item will be.

In the same sense, trying to cram an item in a package that is obviously too small can damage the item and also just plain looks bad. *USPS has free shipping boxes in multiple sizes available on their website at usps.com. Hey;…they will even deliver them right to you for free also!

Inner Packaging

There are 2 important things to remember when packaging your eBay items.- Protection and Presentation. How well will the item be protected and how is it going to look to an excited buyer to have their purchase that they’ve been anticipating for 2 or 3 days to arrive wrapped carelessly in newspaper? - Not very Professional. Spend a few bucks on some bubble wrap or packing peanuts; the investment will definitely pay off with repeat customers. Not to mention the money and hassle you will save on replacements or refunds if the item shows up damaged.

* Check with some local Furniture stores as they often have packing supplies which their furniture arrives in that they just end up throwing away. They may even put it aside for you if they know you will be by on a regular basis to take it off their hands. (This helps their overhead also, as their dumpster is not filled up as fast) J

Shipping

If you ship a lot of items First Class (thru USPS); you can save a lot of money on Postage and/or gas back and forth to the Post Office by utilizing their Free pick up service. * Check out Stamps.com for First Class postage (you can print your own stamps) instead of rounding up to the next stamp. I should also mention that the boxes that USPS supplies are Priority boxes only, so if you offer the two choices in your listings; you’re all set.

Regardless of the type of shipping you do or the shipping company you choose; keep in mind what the Customer is going to see when your package arrives - Would you be excited to open it? Protect your merchandise, your Feedback and your Reputation and you will have tons of repeat customers.