Shipping & Packaging Guide

Choosing the right carrier can save you hundreds of dollars monthly. Here's how they compare:

USPS (Best for small, light items): - First Class (under 1 lb): $4-6 - Priority Mail: $8-15 for most items - Cubic pricing for dense, small items - Free supplies for Priority Mail - Delivers to PO Boxes

UPS (Best for heavy items): - Ground is cheaper than USPS for 2+ lbs - Excellent tracking and reliability - Good for fragile items (less handling) - UPS Store drop-off is convenient

FedEx (Best for time-sensitive): - SmartPost for light items - Ground competitive with UPS - FedEx Office for supplies and drop-off

Pirate Ship Tip: Use Pirate Ship for discounted USPS and UPS rates—it's free!

Poly Mailers: Best for clothing and soft goods. Buy in bulk on Amazon or eBay. Sizes: 10x13, 12x15, 14.5x19.

Boxes: Save money by reusing boxes. Amazon boxes work great. Buy new boxes in bulk when needed.

Bubble Wrap & Packing Paper: Essential for fragile items. Packing paper is cheaper and eco-friendly.

Tape: Invest in a good tape gun. 2-3 inch packing tape is standard.

Tissue Paper: Adds a professional touch, especially for clothing.

Labels: Thermal label printer (Rollo, DYMO) saves money long-term. 4x6 labels are standard.

Where to buy supplies: - Amazon (bulk poly mailers, tape) - USPS (free Priority Mail boxes) - Uline (professional quality) - Dollar Tree (tissue paper, bags)

General Rules: - Use boxes slightly larger than the item (1-2 inches clearance) - Fill empty space to prevent movement - Double-box fragile or valuable items - Waterproof the contents (plastic bag inside) - Secure tape on all seams

Clothing: - Fold neatly with tissue paper - Use poly mailers for most items - Box delicate items (sequins, embellishments) - Include a thank-you note for personal touch

Electronics: - Anti-static bags for sensitive components - Original packaging when available - Generous bubble wrap - "Fragile" stickers (though carriers often ignore them)

Books: - Wrap in plastic or poly mailer - Cardboard stiffeners prevent bending - Media mail is cheapest but slowest

Use Pirate Ship: Free to use, discounted USPS and UPS rates. Cubic pricing can save 50%+ on dense items.

Offer Free Shipping: Build shipping into your price. Buyers prefer "free shipping" psychologically.

Reuse Materials: Save boxes, bubble wrap, and packing materials from your own purchases.

Weigh Accurately: A 1 oz difference can move you to a higher rate tier. Invest in a good scale.

Understand Dimensional Weight: Large, light boxes are charged by size, not weight. Pack efficiently.

Platform Shipping Labels: eBay, Mercari, and Poshmark offer discounted labels. Always use them.

Batch Shipping: Schedule one or two shipping days per week. More efficient than daily trips.

Lost Packages: - Always use tracking - File claims with the carrier - Keep proof of shipment - Consider insurance for high-value items

Damaged Items: - Document packaging process (photos) - File carrier claims promptly - Pack more carefully next time - Factor damage risk into pricing

Returns: - Have a clear return policy - Provide return labels when required - Inspect items upon return - Document condition for disputes

Shipping Delays: - Communicate proactively with buyers - Check tracking regularly - File inquiries for stuck packages - Be patient during peak seasons