Make sure it weighs grams, oz and pounds. Also check that the screen is not placed on the weighing platform. My old food scale was like that and when I would put bigger items on I wouldn’t be able to read the screen. Some scales also have a top that folds up 90 degrees to hold bigger items, but a shoe box also works for that. I use a smaller “jewelry” scale for items less than an oz. or two
ACCUTECK All-in-1 Series W-8250-50bs A-Pt 50 Digital With Ac Adapter, Silver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SMHWZ42/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_eCdMAbG14WMAW
I have this one now, that I got on amazon for about $17. It’s nice because it takes batteries but also can plug into the wall and has all of the features I talked about above.
if you have enough to sell to make the investment worth it, i’d grab one of these https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SMHWZ42/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdb_btf_t1_0pJCFbH46TSDV
makes a world of difference. i assume you offered free shipping so it’s good that the postage due wasn’t owed by the buyer, but i personally prefer not to offer free shipping—not only does mercari take their fee from your total price, not sans shipping cost, but it’s much easier to figure how much you’re making when it’s all upfront. plus, though you will still get lowballers, at least you’ll know they’re doing it on purpose and not just ignorant to the hidden shipping costs that you’re fronting.
i’d also say to price high enough that you can set smart pricing—and i still wouldn’t have the floor price be your lowest price—so that you get a few days of promotion in search as your price decreases.
not sure if this would work in your situation but i haven’t gone to the post office at all in the short time i’ve been selling. i schedule a pickup with my regular mail delivery and leave my packages on the porch or in a box by the mailbox.
It will most likely weigh over 1lb. I'd agree with other posts that 2lbs is around what it'll be. 1-3lbs via FedEx smartpost will be $9.99 and anything over 1lb-5lbs will be $11.50 via UPS. I usually round up just in case so I or the buyer doesn't get stuck with paying the extra postage fee.
Here is the scale I have and would recommend: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SMHWZ42/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_4P3ETXAR1FBXGK1WEWYP?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This is a good investment for shipping Also, if you want to ship for free, with usps, you can use pirate ship which is a bit cheaper than the Mercari labels.
ACCUTECK All-in-1 Series W-8250-50bs A-Pt 50 Digital Shipping Postal Scale with Ac Adapter, Silver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SMHWZ42/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_2AH7JCGKV19Y1J7SAG4K
Here is the link to the one I have! I used to sell a lot and this was a life saver. Just make sure you weigh your items with packaging and any protective stuffing.
Good luck!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SMHWZ42/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_ECE02WSX1NN1J7FTDGJM
You should probably be looking for a postal scale. I use this one, and have gotten a lot of use from it.
ACCUTECK All-in-1 Series W-8250-50bs A-Pt 50 Digital Shipping Postal Scale with Ac Adapter, Silver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SMHWZ42/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_2PZ68HBVQ2H8FZRRZ5J9
Seconded, I bought this one and it works great for clothing items or small boxes!
Yep, I bought this small scale on Amazon for $20 and it works great! You may need one with a bigger platform if you sell bigger items, but I sell mostly clothing using small boxes or poly mailers, and it's perfect for that.
All-in-1 Series A-Pt 50 Digital Shipping Postal Scale with Ac Adapter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SMHWZ42/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_99325Z1E94C2YWZ71X1E?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This is what I use. It has been accurate so far, but I still usually double check with the post office just to make sure it's correct. I've had it for several months and it seems to be working perfectly for items between 2 oz - 2+ lbs. The heaviest thing I've weighed and shipped was 7lbs for a box of comics.
I just got the Amazon recommended shipping scale a few days ago. It was $20. Goes to 50lbs.
I got the free one from the stamps.com free trial many years ago, works great but it only goes to 10lbs.
I got this one because it uses batteries and electricity and I want to try selling larger items like kitchen appliances and electronics.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SMHWZ42/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_9R9FBCFAEZGKC72E2MK5
I finally picked up a really inexpensive decent scale a couple of weeks ago on Amazon that I highly recommend:
https://www.amazon.com/ACCUTECK-W-8250-50bs-Digital-Adapter-Silver/dp/B00SMHWZ42
I got it after the janky old plastic analog kitchen scale I used to use finally broke, since then the options were to either take the risk of estimating weights incorrectly or go to the post office every time.
I had some 5 lb max one w/ stamps.com branding on it I got off ebay over 15 years ago. Since I didn't do much heavy stuff, it was fine for me. Accuracy to 0.1 oz.
Recently got this one off Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SMHWZ42/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Goes up to 50 lb, larger weighing platform, quick on/off button, backlit easy to read display, still accurate up to 0.1/0.2 oz. It's $20 now, but I got it a few months ago it was on sale for less than $10.
I'd say re-stocking with items.
Boxes: If you live in a building, use the ones people throw away that you can find in the basement or go around your neighborhood and get some from the curb. I also like to reuse Amazon mailers.
Label printer: At an entry level, it's probably most cost effective to use the printer you already have or to buy a cheap laser printer like a Brother HL-L2300D that you can use to also print other stuff.
Scale: You can buy one for Amazon for ~$20-30, so I'd definitely say buy one if you don't already have one, as buying USPS (especially) labels of the correct weight via ebay/PayPal is cheaper than paying retail at the post office.
I love this one. Option of using it battery operated or plug in, small footprint, extremely accurate, if the box is too big to be able to see the screen there's a button that you can push to make it hold after the box is removed and it works up to 50lbs.
Accuteck All-In-One Series W-8250-50BS A-PT 50 Digital with AC Adapter (Silver) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SMHWZ42?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
Something like a lower capacity mailing scale may have decent enough accuracy to show a better idea of the real weights, although the cheaper ones may not be super accurate themselves. This one has a sensitivity of around 3 grams for lighter weights, and 6 grams for heavier weights with a max weight of around 23kg (50#). But I still wouldn't trust that to be super accurate unless you also have calibrated weights to check the accuracy first.
Something like this Accuteck will do fine for most sellers until you get into shipping big & heavy stuff, otherwise it's all about getting your own packaging as you will get gouged at the post office(or wherever you're shipping from) if you don't use something like their Flat-Rate packaging(that's free).
Ebay is very a good source for packaging though you do want a general idea of what kind of packaging you need.
I have this one. It goes up to 50 lbs. I've had it for 15 months and gets the job done. It can be purchased on eBay too.
Here's the one we use at our house. Never had a problem. Just a tip, with my old college email address, we set up Amazon Prime for 6mos for free. Which means free shipping!
Accuteck All-In-One Series W-8250-50BS A-PT 50 Digital with AC Adapter (Silver) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SMHWZ42/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_CAz7xbP00JRYE
I mostly sell clothing. But I do occasionally sell electronics and glassware. Now that I've gotten pretty good at estimating weight on clothing, I don't weigh them until I actually go to ship. I know that a pair of jeans is almost always going to be over 16oz, so it will go priority mail... etc.
Here's the scale I have (and LOVE)... it can run off batteries or plug into the wall, and is on sale for $17 - https://www.amazon.com/Accuteck-Digital-Shipping-Postage-W-8250-50BS/dp/B00SMHWZ42/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1466110683&sr=8-3&keywords=shipping+scale
You can order free priority mail shipping supplies on the usps.com website. My favorite is the flat rate bubble mailer, it's under $6 to ship regardless of weight. The small flat rate is also a good one. The medium/large flat rates are only good if it's your cheapest option. If you are mailing a 3-4 pound item across the country, flat rate will be cheaper... but if it's going just a short distance it's probably cheaper to mail it based on weight. ALWAYS ship first class if it weighs under 16oz, it's much cheaper. I buy padded bubble mailers in bulk on amazon/ebay, and they end up costing around 20-25 cents each. When I worked as an office manager, I had to routinely take items up to the UPS store to mail and they charge an arm and a leg for their boxes and shipping supplies. Also, UPS probably isnt your best option on most items. I've only had to ship FedEx twice, because the items were very bulky/heavy. Other than that, I exclusively use USPS first class and priority mail.
AFAIK, insurance is free for up to $50. I rarely purchase insurance if the item sells for more than that, because most of my inventory is clothing and I pay very little for my items. If you're shipping electronics, I would probably splurge and pay extra to get them insured.
Accuteck S 50 lb x 0.2 oz All-In-One Digital Shipping Postal Scale with AC Postage (W-8250-50BS) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SMHWZ42/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_X0S.wb2J9RHM7 We use this one, it's a postal scale, but goes up to 50 lbs, is accurate and easy to use.
Here's the scale I was talking about.... I paid around $25 but it's on sale for $17. So much better than the food scale I used to use! And a food scale will run you around $10 or more and takes watch batteries. This one plugs into the wall or takes AA/AAA batteries.
Accuteck S 50 lb x 0.2 oz All-In-One Digital Shipping Postal Scale with AC Postage (W-8250... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SMHWZ42/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_FHwgxbA2KDK1S
Amazon. It is a worthy investment and only cost me ~ $18. The max weight is 50 lbs. Definitely beats using a kitchen scale –– I was very off on weight at times. Here's the link: https://www.amazon.com/ACCUTECK-W-8250-50bs-Digital-Adapter-Silver/dp/B00SMHWZ42/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=accucheck+scale&qid=1597338451&sr=8-3
You've already checked but be aware that the dimensions could be an issue where the dimensional "weight" for bulky items costs more than the actual weight and has a higher postage cost or could incur a surcharge.
Lastly, invest in a scale and stop overpaying for postage - this is more money in your pocket. Scales are relatively cheap; available on amazon and accurate enough for postal use.
I use this scale and is good for up to 50lbs with an accuracy of .1oz for items less than 20lbs and .2oz for 20-50lbs.
u can get a small one for about $20 from Amazon. This is the one I use currently.
I went thru my Amazon orders to find the one I have, which I love, and sheesh, I guess I ordered some stuff last year :)
Try this one - it's 19.99, I've had it for 3+ years, and the one before it lasted 8 years:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SMHWZ42/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The rates aren't cheap... but the buyer pays the shipping.
I use this scale: https://www.amazon.com/ACCUTECK-W-8250-50bs-Digital-Adapter-Silver/dp/B00SMHWZ42/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=postal+scale&qid=1609456836&sr=8-5
The Accuteck has a 50 lb capacity
I use the Accuteck scale.
Bought this on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SMHWZ42?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
ACCUTECK All-in-1 Series W-8250-50bs A-Pt 50 Digital Shipping Postal Scale with Ac Adapter, Silver $19.99
It is WORTH it. Every oz matters. Round up if you're not sure.
This is the one I have:
https://www.amazon.com/-/es/dp/B00SMHWZ42/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_R97AAJ7G94D7NXVDXG5A
Damn, your list is so much more well put-together than mine is! I will eventually organize mine to look like that and be as detailed. Thanks for sharing!
This is the scale I use: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SMHWZ42/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Less than $20. I already have it on had for shipping stuff, but at under $20, it might be worth it for you.
ACCUTECK All-in-1 Series W-8250-50bs A-Pt 50 Digital Shipping Postal Scale with Ac Adapter, Silver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SMHWZ42/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_XM3bGbDE3DTJ5
Is this the best one? If the price was $14.
You can start the auction at a price that, below which, you wouldn't be interested in selling the item. So, if you're not interested in selling it for anything less than $50, price it to start at auction at $51 for a 10-day auction and if anyone at the end of the auction has bid $51 or above, they win the item, and Ebay takes its fee from the proceeds (typically about 10%). You can probably ask Ebay to cancel the order, but you may still be on the hook for Ebay's fee.
Otherwise, if the auction ends without a bidder and you don't relist it, there's no fee, and you're now back where you started before your Ebay attempt. (You just know how much the item is likely worth if no one bid above a certain price point.) Then, if you wanted to actually sell it, you just lower the starting bid price a little, or a lot, depending on how quickly you want to sell it.
I would highly recommend going for a 10-day long auction, though, since that's the longest Ebay auction duration (that I know of), which exposes the item to the widest possible audience to determine how much it's worth.
You can also search Ebay for sold listings to see how much similar items have sold for in the past. I tried searching for the player and "Gatorade Autograph", but didn't come up with anything, so I guess that means you have less competition ;)
Here's some other memorabilia from the player that has been sold, it appears:
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fsrp=1&_sacat=0&_nkw=Karl+Anthony+Towns+gatorade+autograph&_from=R40&rt=nc&LH_Sold=1
... so people do seem to be buying his autographs.
Also, here's more on Ebay auctions:
https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/listings/selling-auctions?id=4110&st=3&pos=1&query=Selling%20through%20auctions&intent=acution&lucenceai=lucenceai
One thing that I can think of right now to keep in mind is to make sure you know how much it would cost you to ship the item beforehand. Usually, I just put the item in whatever package I think is safe to ship it in (usually an appropriately-sized empty box that I get from another shipment or that I pick up as a discard from a local store), packed so that I can shake or drop the package and make sure the item stays secure and intact, and then take the measurements and weight of the package to be mailed. That way, you can use those measurements and weight when you list the item, and the buyer can pay calculated shipping based on those measurements so you don't end up having to pay any of the shipping cost. I picked up a postal scale to weigh my items that I also use for cooking :p, and a scale seems to be a pretty popular item among online sellers.
My scale was a model like this, and I use it all the time:
https://www.amazon.com/ACCUTECK-W-8250-50bs-Digital-Adapter-Silver/dp/B00SMHWZ42/ref=sr_1_1?_encoding=UTF8&c=ts&dchild=1&keywords=Postal+Scales&qid=1609401218&s=office-products&sr=1-1&ts_id=1068986
Without a scale, it's tough to determine how much shipping will cost.
Once the item sells, I usually import the order through pirateship.com and use their discounted shipping rates to print a USPS label, which I tape onto the package with clear packing tape. That's definitely cheaper than shipping it through the post office, and almost always cheaper than Ebay's shipping label prices.
Then I just either find a USPS mail carrier to give the package to, drop it into a blue box if it fits, or get it to the post office either at their self-service kiosks or the counter when they're open. (The counter might be a good option to make sure you shipped it right, but usually the USPS counter representatives just tell you to put the package aside when they realize you already have a label, and they take it back to mail later. Still, I don't think it ever hurts to have USPS doublecheck to make sure the item is being shipped properly. If there's an issue you can then reach out to the buyer *before shipping the item* to cover any unexpected shipping costs.)
A common issue with new Ebay sellers is that many often fail to price in their shipping and, for low-value items, can actually lose money as a result.
That's way more in-depth than I was planning on getting, but I hope it helps. Good luck with the sale :)
Other things to keep in mind with eBay for sellers coming from Poshmark:
Give yourself a realistic handling time. When something sells, your handling time is how long you have to get it to the post office and scanned. I used to keep a 1 day handling time, but I'm not able to make it to the PO daily due to work and life in general. My USPS pick ups didn't always scan right away and dropping items in Blue Boxes is also not the most reliable, so selling something was usually really stressful for me and left me scrambling to get to the PO to ship. I ended up switching my handling time to two days because of the holidays and have since left it at that. I have more wiggle room to go to the PO or delays in scans to happen and I don't have to worry. You are penalized if you do not get something scanned within your handling time. I have not seen a reduction in sales since moving to a two day handling time, so I would highly recommend giving yourself the time if you need it.
Purchase a small scale for postage and learn how USPS works. Buy your shipping on eBay, it is more expensive at the PO. Remember that if you're going to use a Priority or PFR box, your label as to be a Priority label or the appropriate PFR label. Poshmark makes us all lazy in that regard. You can still ship in your pretty polymailers and recycled Amazon boxes, but just watch your Priority stuff. This is the postage scale I use, I like it, it works well. It used to be the cheapest option on Amazon, but looks like there is cheaper available. Alternatively, if you have an old food scale you don't use or can find a scale at the thrift, that would be an even better option.
I don't personally do auctions. I have done them, I just prefer not to. If I do list some for auction, it's usually damaged as fuck and I put a starting bid at $0.99 and take a loss just to get the item out of my life and recoup some costs of it. However, as of late, I've been just listing these items fairly cheap and letting them sit as BIN until somebody buys them.
/r/Flipping has a really helpful Daily Newbie Thread and I have always gotten my eBay questions answered there with reliable information. I highly recommend reading that thread to learn more and if a specific question about eBay arises, definitely post it! People are usually really helpful. They also have a few selling guides linked in that thread.
Use a shipping calculator here is the one I have, I like it and eBay's shipping calculator to get a good idea of the shipping cost. Unless if the item is very heavy, priority flat-rate is generally more expensive than a non-flat-rate box. I'd just do media mail for a dvd set through, you aren't amazon and buyers generally don't mind the "delay" of the media mail.
I just picked one from Amazon. It is this one and has been accurate. For the most part, a scale is a scale.
ACCUTECK All-in-1 Series W-8250-50bs A-Pt 50 Digital with Ac Adapter, Silver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SMHWZ42/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_U67ADbB728ZH4
I'm upgrading to this one this week because I am tired of dealing with trying to see the weight with large boxes:
Accuteck ShipPro 110lbs x 0.1 oz. Digital Shipping Postal Scale, Black (W-8580-110-Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KYA0RC2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_V77ADbZ3Q0C8H
I have a 300 lb floor scale for the super heavy stuff, but I mostly use a 25 lb digital scale.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SMHWZ42/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_llSpFbGFTVWN6
Hi! So I'd suggest a scale that looks something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Accuteck-serie-W-8250-50BS-digital-adaptador/dp/B00SMHWZ42/ . Lots of very similar options on Amazon, too. Just make sure it's got a high enough weight limit for the items you plan to sell (the one I linked goes up to 50lb which is plenty; others have a much smaller capacity, even down to like 5lbs).
You should absolutely be printing Priority Mail labels through eBay. It's much less expensive than at the post office! eBay already knows the buyer's address, so all you need to enter is the size and weight of the package, and it will create a shipping label for you to print out.
I use this shipping scale i got from amazon & pirate ship!
Bought this one yesterday and should get it tomorrow! ⤵
ACCUTECK All-in-1 Series W-8250-50bs A-Pt 50 Digital with Ac Adapter, Silver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SMHWZ42/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_-7MWCbE3973CQ
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SMHWZ42/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
$16.99 prime and goes from 1oz to 50lbs (iirc)
I use this one and am happy with it for what I need.
Cheap, should work for all your clothing needs, accurate.
I have this postal scale All-in-1 Series A-Pt 50 Digital Shipping Postal Scale with Ac Adapter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SMHWZ42/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_Z47RK68KK1TH9C9PNC32
The plastic part folds up so you can lean bigger things on it. Every once in a while its a little eh but it gets the job done 99% of the time.
So I'm just starting out - like haven't started yet. I'm going to try and sell some of my old stuff first to see how this goes. I'll be moving accross the country in the next year, so this coincides with me wanting to get rid of things so I don't have to pay to move it. If I like it though, I'll buy more stuff to sell when I get to my new location. However, the logistics of packing and shipping is really confusing.
Here are my questions:
Is Amazon strictly for high frequency sellers, or could people like me, who are just trying to sell off old stuff - also use the platform? Not many things I'm selling will have original boxes etc. As of right now, I'm leaning more towards eBay and Craigslist. However, I'm not near a big city right now so I'm not too confident in Craigslist.
What type of package scale do I buy? The things I'll be buying range in sizes. I've seen people link little scales like this. I'm not concerned about how much weight it can measure, more that it's too small to efficiently weigh bulkier packages and items. For instance, I have some bulky coats that I plan to sell. I can't imagine that little scale will be able to weigh that.
Is it better to explicitly charge shipping or to increase the price of the item and sell it with "free shipping?"
The logistics of how much to charge for shipping (or account for shipping in your price) is completely lost on me. Like, I'm supposed to weigh the item fully packed - but if someone orders more than one thing, I'd have to re-calculate weight or re-pack it entirely. Also, with shipping services like First Class, they charge more depending on how far it's going. So how am I suppose to list a price if it completely depends on who buys it? Similarly, it might make sense to ship it priority mail flat rate. So like, am I supposed to just throw out that perfectly good packaging material every time I decide to use a flat rate envelope/box instead?
Which packaging material am I suppose to buy? I have zero experience shipping anything that isn't a prepaid return item in its original box. No idea which boxes will fit which things. I've heard to use poly-mailers for non-bulky clothing. And to use cushioned-envelope mailers for small things. But which sizes? Is it better to buy an assortment of different things and just hope I have things that use them all - or to just go big and pay for the extra postage?
Is it better to pay for postage online or to do in the post-office? Should I do it through ebay (ebay seller portal) What happens if I unintentionally underestimate how much it weighs when buying postage online? Is it returned to me? Do I get billed? Is the customer billed?
Which shipping options should I always include? When should I require a signature? Should I always get a tracking number?
I don't understand how many ebay sellers are able to turn a profit for things. For example, I see many people selling things on ebay for less than a $1 with free shipping. Wouldn't the cost to ship that item cost more than that though?
I have an ebay account that uses my real name. I've never sold anything on it - I just use it to buy things. It's about 9 years old. Should I create a new account if I plan to sell things? I notice that most sellers have a name for their ebay business