Australia post for small items

I sell very small items and I am wondering what’s the best way to post them by Australia post. When I went to my local Auspost shop the attended said I should get a mailer bag that costs $11 meanwhile that’s my profit I just want to post for $3. I have received other small parcels in the past from other ebayers so am wanting some guidance please. 

Postage charges vary depending on exactly what it is that you are planning on shipping. Large letter prices are currently $3.00 up to 125g, $4.50 for 126-250g and $7.50 for 251-500g. To be shipped as a large letter, the measurements of the item including packaging must not exceed 260 x 360 x 20mm. If the dimensions are greater, then the article becomes a parcel. If the weight is over 500g then the article becomes a parcel.

 

Without knowing what the product is, there's no way of calculating the most cost effective shipping method. For example, a tail light globe is a small item which weighs less than 125g - but it is 45mm x 28mm x 28mm, so it becomes a parcel. By the same token, a box of ball sinkers is also a small item which is within the measurements - but it weighs over 500g, so it too becomes a parcel... but then 2 DVDs can be shipped side by side in a polymailer as a 126-250g large letter for $4.50