Adivce on how to save money on postage costs for eBay sellers, please? :)

[aimeboutique]

Hi guys, I am new to eBay selling and still trying to figure out how this eBay business works 🙂
I want to learn how sellers save money on the cost in terms of shipping clothes, shoes or bags.

I normally just give flat rate and purchase prepaid satchel bags from local post office at $8.25 for 500g, $13.40 for 3kg.

I wonder if it is cheaper that I buy satchel bags on eBay and ship them based on the weight? (Australia only) 

There are blank mailing bags and eBay satchel bags, could anyone tell me what's the difference?

Does it make any differences in terms of shipping cost comparing to the prepaid bags I bought from post office?

I also have a dumb question... (I am totally new to this eBay selling, sorry...)
As if buyers pay for shipping cost, is it still better to look for a cheaper shipping opportunity?

If yes, do you still put regular postage like $8.25 or $13.40 while you actually ship it with lower cost?

Any advice please? or your own experiences? Thanks in advance! 🙂 

[*sparklz*]

Regular small parcel (up to 500gms) is $6.95

Click and send satchel 500gms is $7.15

Click and send 3kg satchel $11.70

Then there is the boxes that hold up to 15 kg through click and send that is a lot cheaper in postage

Google click and send to see the prices.

[stampingpaws]

I can still remember when I was a newbie. Now with a few years under my belt I have learnt a bit about postage.

Within Australia

Your buyers want cheap postage - they feel they are buying an item and not paying for it to be posted. EBay have realised this and offer free postage. After you have found the cheapest satchel that your items will fit into, say $5.80, just add $6.00 to your selling price and offer "Free Postage". While everyone wants a bargain the word FREE words a wonder.

All the best

Robert

[davewil1964]

That way the seller only ends up 40c out of pocket on postage, as eBay will take a 10% cut on that $6. Which is the real reason they encourage 'free' posting.

Also, the cheapest to post a parcel these days is $6.95. You are probably costing yourself money if you are only charging $5.80 for a parcel.

I would go with Click & Send, guaranteed Paypal seller protection, much cheaper than standard satchels and only a bit more expensive than having to find your own packaging. With C&S, though, you have to pay online (they accept Paypal) and print your own labels. Ensure you lodge it over the counter and get it scanned to make sure you have seller protection. The 500g satchels are 15c each if bought in lots of 20. 3kg are 21c. Best to get them from the AP eBay store as I believe the AP website has a minimum purchase of $10.