I am just curious what cost effective shipping options most of you use to sell items in this forum. Priority shipping costs around $10 and really makes it difficult to make a price that is appealing to potential buyers while still making profit enough to justify the sale. Thanks
Everything I've bought from this forum has arrived priority. I dont think you're supposed to make a profit when selling used stuff.
Typically for all orders under 13 ounces I use USPS First Class, for orders any higher in weight than that I have found that it is best to look at USPS Priority Flat Rate or FedEx for the best prices. It is cheaper to send FedEx to a business than a residence. Prices for USPS go up very quickly once you get over 1 pound if you do not use flat rate shipping options, FedEx prices stay relatively low as you go up in weight. Thats just my experience.
As far as what Brownham said about making a profit, I do not think that there is an established rule, however it has been my experience that the best I can hope for is to break even, or turn something I do not use into money to purchase something I will use or to trade across for something I will use. 9 times out of 10 I end up losing money, but its on something that I no longer need or want, so if you consider that if I didn't sell it for 20% less than what I paid, I would have its full useless value instead of a diminished useful value.
I will add however that in a lot of cases I will pay a little more to ship Priority if for reasons of simplicity it works out that way, say if I am already going to the post office that day or whatever. I recently sold a $280 sleeping bag for $150, that was before the 17 dollars in shipping and paypal fees, but what I managed to do is turn something I no longer use, into most of the cost of a new summer quilt that I will use often. I don't see it as losing money, I see it as the price I paid to rent some gear, and learn a lesson. The gear was used 3 or 4 times, the lesson was that I prefer hammocks and quilts over tents and sleeping bags.
Last edited by dishonor39; 08-14-2012 at 20:33.
PO is nearby, so I use it. Take advantage of regional boxes and rates, if you can. More stuff can go in a Priority Bag or a Priority Mail cardboard envelope than you might think, and the envelope is an especially good deal. Just follow the rules that you MUST use the seal strip as expected to seal the envelope. After that, you may reinforce the cardboard as you wish.
1st class envelopes are only, here, for flat goods ie paper. Makes it much more expensive to mail lightweight cordage, which must go as a package. If you can't trust the PO and recipient, that can drive minimum costs from Paypal fees, delivery confirmation, package surcharge and 1st class for a 3 oz package to over $3.50.
I use flat rate boxes. Small is like 5 to ship, meduim is 11 and large is 15. Its worth it to be fast and quick and be in touch as soon as you can with buyers. Really helps alot, they appreciate it more when your fast and courtious.
Yup, USPS First Class for under 13oz, Priority Mail for 1-2 pounds, and flat rate from there. Parcel Post is a deal for larger packages. If you go UPS, Office Depot gives a better rate. It can be a game with FedEx Ground and UPS Ground, where FedEx can be better for the first increments of oversize packages. Spending a little time with the online calculators will tell all.
If you have time to order, Priority Mail boxes are free. The local post office usually carries only flat rate boxes. Order times and service are flaky, IMHO. You can use generic/recycled boxes for Priority Mail and must use them for Parcel Post.
My advice is to have the packaging in hand and everything weighed before deciding on a sale price. A couple ounces can hammer your wallet!
USPS 1st Class for items that'll fit in a 6x9 envelope. Priority mail for larger items. Delivery confirmation and tracking is a good thing. I'll insure expensive items at the receivers request.
"Any night in a hammock, is a good night."
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I tell buyer I will ship USPS because it is most convenient to me unless they've had problems with PO in past and would prefer another type of shipping. Delivery confirmation on anything I consider expensive.
Exercise, eat right, die anyway -- Country Roads bumper sticker
Fall seven times, standup eight. -- Japanese Proverb
Perhaps profit was not the correct term. Many items if you lose $10 on what you make from the sale, it is almost not worth selling. And thanks for all the feedback.
This is true. That's why I try to buy used or on clearance. You can usually get a good return on those items as opposed to trying to sell something you've bought at the full retail. You will rarely break even unless it's a cottage vendor product that has a long wait time. Then people will pay close to full price in order to get it quickly.
Exercise, eat right, die anyway -- Country Roads bumper sticker
Fall seven times, standup eight. -- Japanese Proverb
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