I just listed something for the first time today and I am so nervous! I know that sounds crazy, but I am worried that I didn't charge enough for shipping, or I charged too much. I look at others that were selling what I am and I just went with a happy medium. I am just confused at how it all works, I guess. I know how to buy!!! But selling is stressing me out. I normally freecycle everything, but I was hoping to bring in a little bit of money for the next few months. Know what I mean..

By Dawnk777 on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 - 08:21 am:

I hope it works out well for you! My hubby has sold lots of stuff on Ebay and it usually goes off without a hitch.

By Angellew on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 - 08:54 am:

I tend to use US Postal Service You can put in the size and weight of what you are selling and they will calculate the shipping. Of course, this changes depending on where you are sending it, but, I aim for the farthest point in the continental US and start there! Don't forget your handling!! Boxes, packing material! They add up and you don't want to short change yourself on that end!

Good luck!

By Reds9298 on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 - 10:09 am:

You'll be fine! I've just familiarized myself with USPS Priority shipping options and go from there based on the size of the item. The USPS site is helpful in determining costs. Usually I make or lose $1 on S&H (by accident), unless it's a priority box/envelope. I've bought and sold lots of different items on ebay....good luck!

By Yjja123 on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 - 12:20 pm:

I sold on ebay for several years. I think you should invest in a postal scale. It takes the guess work out of shipping.
I also used both UPS and USPS.
You can print your postage on both sites without having to go to the post office or UPS (you schedule a pick-up).
UPS is cheaper for heavier items and insurance is free.
If you are shipping Priority and/or UPS, you can order supplies. The USPS are FREE!! Stock up on boxes, etc and you will not need to be hunting for packing supplies.
Selling on ebay is fun and can be quite rewarding (I paid for 3 cruises by selling on ebay).

By Jtsmom on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 - 01:02 pm:

WOW! Thanks for the info. I will have to check out their free supplies! I will let you guys know when I get my first sell!!

By Wandilu on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 - 10:38 pm:

Wow ! Yvonne, what kind of things do you sell? We have sold a few things, and did well. My DH bought a knife at a yard sale for $40.00 and sold it for $284.00.

By Reds9298 on Thursday, February 28, 2008 - 07:50 am:

Ditto on printing your postage or UPS labels online. I always do that and rarely have to go to the post office (which is nice since I don't live near ANYTHING!)

By Yjja123 on Thursday, February 28, 2008 - 10:54 am:

I sold new things (mainly clothing) that I purchased at the outlet stores.
I no longer sell, except for the occasional item (mainly my homeschool books). Since I started homeschooling, I do not have the time to do it.
I think ebay is an excellent way to start your own business with a low overhead. When I sold, I bought new items. If I could not sell something (rarely, but it did happen) I would return the item and start over with something else. I kept the receipts for everything.