Posting small objects through letter delivery

[sayf_mohtadi]

I'm very new to selling on eBay and I would love to get some help. The objects I intend to sell are very small (ie phone cases and protectors) and thin. I heard that such objects may be shipped using an envelope and through letter delivery, hence being very cheap. Can someone tell me the  risks associated with such a delivery method as well as how to avoid these risks. 

One more thing, do CD mailers count as envelopes (and hence cheap shipping)? 

Also, i noticed these CD mailers http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/100-152x132x16mm-CD-DVD-DISC-MAILER-Mailing-Box-Rigid-Envelope-Large-Lett... for a pretty cheap price. Ik this question may seem stupid, but I'm extremely new to all this... Would these envelopes need stamps before being shipped out? If so, how many stamps will they require? How do I know which envelopes need stamps and which don't?

I really need help and would really really really appreciate it if someone could help me solve my problems. Thanks 🙂

[tournamenttackleaustralia]

Many sellers ship large letter for basically one reason, Cheaper rates so they are competitive (price wise) and can offer "free shipping". Ebay loves free shipping, unfortunately free shipping is not free for instance those cd mailers you have a link to will need somewhere between 1.40 to 3.50 worth of stamps on each one when sending depending on weight . All letters will need some sort of stamps there is no free postage in this country see link below for letter rates

"cant insert link to even Auspost without post being deleted...."

There are also many risks involved that you have to consider and deem acceptable before you choose this method for shipping they are;
No tracking
Items go missing all the time so you will have to replace/refund the buyer (Auspost take no responsibility)
Items get damaged so will have to replace/refund the buyer (Auspost take no responsibility)

However you will find that in your category most people probably use this method to be competitive on price and deem the losses acceptable and covered by their turnover.

Hope that helps.
Cheers Chris

not sure where this reply went first time around?... Oh wait must have got deleted becuase of the auspost link??

[spottymeg53]

Postage can be very tricky at times I sell a lot of Magazines which I post in a Large Cardbord Envelope and Charge $3.00 to the buyer but as often happens a buyer will buy 5 or 6 at a time. To post these from SA to Vic would cost $13.40 but if I put them in 2 different envelopes it only costs $7.00 ant the buyer is always more than happy

Gayle

[treasuress.4207]

I use digital kitchen scales too but mine are free tupperware ones hehe  I returned my old analog scales to be fixed but they couldn't 

[aps1080]

I post DVD's in A5 paper envelopes as letters. Only ever had one case break and for what I saved over sending them as parce;s, I came out ahead.

Not sure I would post CD's without padding due to them being more fragile.

[sayf_mohtadi · Accepted solution]

Thanks for help guys.

Last thing, does having 2 stamps on the envelope make it fall under a "large letter". 

[sayf_mohtadi]

Ohhhhhh, just read through all the replies very carefully and now I understand everything. Thank you so much guys!!!!! You guys are awesome, voluntarily helping others. I can't thank you guys enough

[lyndal1838]

It depends on the size and weight whether it is a large letter.

[cq_tech]

I post single DVDs in a PB1 padded bag with 2 stamps as they weigh around 118g. Double DVDs unfortunately weigh over 125g so I cover them in bubble wrap and send them in prepaid C5 envelopes which cost $1.70 (but take up to 500g for the same price). I send 2 x DVDs in a PB2 padded bag with 3 stamps, and all of the above go as large letters as they are all under 50mm thickness.

[i-love-my-sheep]

Everyone is here to help. If you have any other questions in relation to starting up selling, don't hesitate to ask. Just start a new topic for each different query so they don't get jumbled and you can access the answers better.

It's so much better for new sellers to pick others brains, because in the early days, we all made silly mistakes that cost us money. In the very early days, I didn't know you could open a dispute against a non payer to get your fees back. I found out after the second one when i hit the help pages. At that point I didn't know about these forums, so went in search myself.

It's even useful picking other sellers brains when you start to create your listings because what may look good to you, may not look good to others. A lot of people use the phone app these days so listings need to look good on those too.

Anyway, don't be a stranger. Glad we all got you sorted on the very important issue of postage.

[aceantman]

Some tips

Get a post letter gauge. this is invaluable some post offices will give you one.

Buy padded bags in bulk from Aus post, about 50 cent each,

print your own return address labels quicker than writting it, enclose an invoice , .

charge a set rate ,when you get to now your products.

Anything more than 20mm will cost 7.20 minimum to post.

Use ebay Satchals , ebay postage if larger than a letter.

Remember to cover your selves in the case of loss. Add a little bit extra for handling and postage, eg where i live if i need to pick parcels up it cost me $10 if i need to pick up a parcel as i need to catch a bus, train ro get to the postoffice, car fuel.etc

remember to cover ebay and paypal fees mine run about 17% due to small cost of items and ebay paypal fees.  and 10% on postage .

Stick to your pricing structure.

hope this helps a little

Anthony