I am new here, how can I get a low shipping cost for sells?

[zoeinryde]

Hi all,

I am new on ebay and I am planing to sell some cheap items. By browsing the existing listings, I found a lot of other sellers are selling similar items for around $6 and free shipping. BUT, the point is, I found the cheapest shipping cost which is from AUPost is $6.60 (other couriers even charge $2x.xx). I am confused here...how other sellers offering free postage for their listings? The item is about 5cmx6cmx6cm, 100g.

Can I have some advises please, which delivery service are you using for such a low delivery cost? Or, what kind of service are you purchasing from delivery company to lower your shipping cost? Bulk labels?

Thank you! I appreciate any reply!

Zoe

[sunartgallery]

They may be adding the price of postage to the item

[icollected]

I believe Zoe understands the concept of postage included in total. But the query is to how the total cost combined, is cheaper than just the postal rates.

Some countries ship to Australia with much cheaper rates than shipping within Australia itself- doesn't make any sense? Understandable, becauase it doesn't. Yet it is the way it works.

You can buy an LED book light for $1.99 shipped to your door from HK/China. The same light would cost you $2-3 just in postage fees (excluding the packaging and contents; the light itself).

It does take a bit of time to find the right products to sell. Basic novelty products would not do well on eBay due to the nature of the fierce competition.

[zoeinryde]

Hi everyone above, thanks a lot for answering my question. Just had been busy and travelling around the world in last couple of months.

I haven't found a solution for my topic yet, not shy to say. 😛

I am selling special made jewellery boxes, typically, ring boxes. I have read everyone's posts above there, but, after that, the reality knocks me.

Here is the story, I bought a LED light bulb on ebay then I found its package is really similar to my ring boxes, both size and weight. I bought this one for $5 with free 
shipping, as the address shown on the post bag, it from Alexandria NSW and I received it within just 3 working days, so it makes me believe it from where it says. 
Now here is the point I am always following, HOW THEY DID IT AS THE REGULAR POSTAGE IS $6.6!!! I guess the light bulb itself should worth no less than 
$2.5, that means this deal should worth at least $2.5+$6.6=$9.1 without any profit. But, the truth is they sell it for only $5! If anyone here willing to sell anything for 
losing $4/ea? Even for building up feedbacks that's too much...

I messaged the seller asking for what kind of post service they are using. No replys.

[lyndal1838]

Zoe, it is most unlikely that a seller will tell you anything about their business, especially if you are going to be a competitor.

Surely the packaging gave you a clue as to what service they are using?

You must remember that if they are very large sellers they are probably on a contract with Australia Post and will be getting far better rates than you can hope for as a new seller with a low turnover.

If you are going to sell the sort of ring boxes that I think you mean, then I can get them from Hong Kong/China for about $1-$2 with free postage.  Why would I be bothered buying them from someone in Australia for much, much more?

[zoeinryde]

hi lyndal1838, thanks for your reply. My ring box is custom made, unique which is can not buying from any Chinese sellers. Well, this is not the point. I guess you are right, maybe these sellers are under large customer contract. I guess I will just give up ebay. Cheers!

[lyndal1838]

Zoe, if your ring boxes really are unique then they should stand the test of higher postage costs.  Instead of trying to compete with the low postage sellers just list your items with a postage cost that covers your costs and a starting price or BIN that will cover your item cost and fees and go from there.

If you list with a good description and photos showing the boxes clearly you can test the waters so to speak and see if there is any interest in something unique.

[licoricebabyandfabmama]

If you are going to sell the sort of ring boxes that I think you mean, then I can get them from Hong Kong/China for about $1-$2 with free postage.  Why would I be bothered buying them from someone in Australia for much, much more?

I just want to point out as well   that many of us our competing against oversea sellers, selling the product for less.   All of my items you can buy for less from the states yet I still manage to sell based on the fact that people have a sense of urgency and dont always want to wait 2-4 weeks for an item to arrive.

As far as finding out what postage your competitor is using (may be too late now, if they are on to you)    use another ebay id and message them as a buyer who is concerned because they have been having trouble with other carriers that sellers have been using.

Im as confused as you though   I have no idea what postal service they could be using when I looked into couriers alot of them charged more then auspost to ship small parcels.

[***super_nova***]

If these parcels are under 2cm they can go as large letter.  It does not matter that they are not letters, although some PO staff may be arguing with you.  If you go to AP postage calculator and enter a parcel that is less than 500g, no more than A4 and under 2cm, you will be automatically sent to the letter section.

Most you will pay for large letter is $3, and light small and thin items can go for as little as 60c.