As a person who buys and sells online, one thing that drives me crazy is waiting for my packages to arrive. In a world of Amazon 2-day and 1-day shipping, the longer it takes you to ship an item, the less likely you’re going to sell that item! This article will show you how to reduce your shipping time and reduce your shipping costs.
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Have Your Shipping Supplies Ready!
There are a few shipping supplies you should have before making your first sale. By having your shipping supplies ready, you’ll cut down on time it takes to get your items out the door once they sell. The faster you can get your customers their packages, the happier they will be, and return to buy more!
If you’re selling items such as clothing or non-fragile items, poly mailers are the way to go. For larger or fragile items, boxes with bubble wrap are your best bet.
Another thing to consider is your item may be going across the country or around the world! For this reason, make sure you use good quality shipping tape.
I can’t stress this enough…
DO NOT BUY CHEAP TAPE!
Last update on 2023-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10 rolls for $15 is not a deal if your package comes open halfway to its destination and you have to refund the buyer!
Have These Items Before You Start Selling!
Last update on 2023-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Check Out My Article On How To Get Free Shipping Supplies!
Choosing The Right Shipping Box
When deciding which shipping box to use to ship your item, keep in mind the box you choose will need to be slightly bigger than the item you are shipping. You will need the extra space to fill with bubble wrap or other protecting material. This material will help protect your item while in transit to its destination.
Which Protective Materials / Void Fill Should You Use?
There are many different types of protective materials and void fill to choose from nowadays. The following are some of the most common.
Last update on 2023-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What you decide to use will mostly depend on the size and weight of what you are shipping. The goal of using protective materials and void fill is to protect your item and keep it from moving around the box.
Once you’ve packed your item, shake the box. Do you feel the item moving around inside? If so, you need to either add more packing materials or change the materials you’re using.
What Items Should You Mail In Polymailers?
Poly Mailers are great if you plan to ship clothing items. They are lightweight and very durable (depending on the style you purchase). Check the reviews of the poly mailers you consider buying; previous customers will let you know how they perform.
- Size10"x13",white
- Total 500pcs poly mailers
- High Quality Self Sealing Mailers
- Pressure sensitive adhesive provides a high strength durable closure
- High-efficiency mailers are perfect for shipping a wide variety of non-fragile items
Last update on 2023-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What Shipping Tape Is Best For Mailing Heavy Items?
Shipping tape may seem like a trivial thing, but it’s an essential part of shipping your items. When considering which shipping tape to purchase, keep in mind cheaper isn’t always better. If you plan on shipping heavy items, you should consider purchasing strapping tape. This tape has reinforced fibers woven into it for added strength. The last thing you want happening is your package coming open while in transit. People generally don’t like receiving boxes with their contents missing.
- Fiberglass reinforced for heavy jobs
- Can handle weight greater than 100 lbs per inch (tensile strength)
- Strong, durable hot melt adhesive seals and protects
- Super strong holding power
- Ideal for sealing, banding and bundling
Last update on 2023-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How To Use A Postage Scale To Save Money On Postage
This is how you save money on postage! This is achieved by not having to guess how much your package weights. Depending on the shipping carrier you choose to use, an ounce too much can cost you an extra dollar or two, or on the other hand, an ounce too less can cost your buyer an extra dollar or two as postage due at the post office.
I recommend the Dymo 25lb USB scale. This scale allows you to connect via USB to your computer. It also integrates with shipping programs such as Shipstation.
- Sold as 1 Each.
- LCD screen with easy-to-read digital readout.
- Connect via USB cable to PC or Mac to use online mailing and shipping software.
- "Hold" feature locks weight display for ten seconds.
- Operates on: Computer USB or 3 AAA Batteries (Sold Separately).
Last update on 2023-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
While prices vary from one manufacturer to another, you can usually get one on Amazon for $20 – $60. The price is usually based on the weight capacity of the scale.
If you know you will only be selling items under 5 pounds, there is no need to spend extra money on a 50lb scale. Save that money and invest it elsewhere in your business.
The Best Selling Scales On Amazon
Last update on 2023-02-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How To Use A Label Printer To Save Time And Money
A label printer is a special type of printer used to print shipping labels. It can be an investment, but it’s one of the best purchases I’ve made as an online seller for the time it saves. With a label printer, you don’t have to worry about buying shipping labels and loading them in your printer right, or ink/toner for your printer. Label printers use thermal technology; this means no ink and no more smudged labels!
I use and recommend the 4XL label printer by
- PRINT XL SHIPPING LABELS: Shipping label printer, prints 4" x 6" shipping labels, warehouse labels,...
- PERFECT FOR ECOMMERCE SELLERS: Compact printer prints shipping labels (USPS, FedEX, UPS) directly...
- NEVER BUY INK AGAIN: Direct thermal label printer—no expensive ink or toner required, saving you...
- FREE SOFTWARE & CRSYTAL CLEAR PRINTING: Select from over 60 professional label templates and...
- PRINT FAST & EASY: Up to 53 standard 4-line address labels or 129 high-capacity 4-line address...
Last update on 2023-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you get this printer, Don’t forget the
- PRINT EXTRA-WIDE: Print extra-large labels to make shipping out packages a breeze
- CONVENIENT AND COST EFFECTIVE: Peel-and-stick extra-large labels with strong self-adhesive backing;...
- NO WASTED LABELS: Packed in rolls so you can print as many labels as needed
- ALWAYS USE AUTHENTIC DYMO LABELS: For use exclusively with DYMO LabelWriter 5XL and 4XL label...
- INCLUDES 220 LABELS: One roll (4" x 6") of 220
Last update on 2023-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Seller Tip: If you need a place to find more items to sell, check out Amazon’s outlet section on their website. They have low prices on markdowns, clearance items, and overstock items.
