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Ship from Home: What You Need to Get Started.

Ship from home: What You Need to Get Started.

package on doorstep

Let's talk shipping from home. One of my favorite side hustles is selling online and shipping from home. It's one of the ways I avoid overspending. 

Whether you're sending packages often or only on holidays or special occasions, you should ship from home.

You can go to the local United States Postal Service (USPS) post office or other shipping giant such as UPS or Fedex, but nothing beats the convenience of shipping from home. Let's take a look at what you need to get started. 

Stock up on Shipping Supplies

USPS free shipping supplies
USPS delivers FREE shipping supplies! Create an account on USPS.com if you haven't already. Choose from a number of supplies to fit your shipping needs, and pay the appropriate fee when you ship.

I mostly ship clothing items that are less than one pound (16 oz), so I ship them first class cheaper than priority mail using 10x13 polymailers. The poly mailers are self-sealing, but I add Scotch heavy duty packaging tape to be safe (commissions earned). 

I also use Ziploc gallon storage bags to double bag the items (commissions earned). It's not uncommon for bags to rip or get wet during transit, and the last thing you want is a damaged item upon delivery. 

**PRO TIP: keep and reuse packing materials from items you purchased if they're in decent condition. Cover personal information with the label, or use the Guard Your ID rolling stamp (commissions earned).

Pack and Print Like a Pro

shipping supplies
Invest in items for precision and professionalism. Weight determines materials needed and shipping cost. Get a Fuzion digital postal scale to weigh packages and choose the most affordable shipping options (commissions earned).

Use your HP OfficeJet Pro All-in-one Wireless Printer and Half Sheet Self Adhesive Shipping Labels for professional looking packages (commissions earned).

Sometimes I throw bonus items into the packages as a small token of thanks: a handwritten thank you note on my business card, hair clips or stickers (commissions earned). 

Now that you have your items protectively packed and professionally labeled, it's time to get the package on the way to the buyer!

Schedule Pick-ups for Convenience 

Remember that account you created on usps.com? Use it to create shipping labels and schedule pick-ups. As long as you schedule pick-up during your regular mail delivery, there is no fee! 

Select the type of service (first class, priority, etc.). the quantity and weight of the packages being picked up - this determines whether your mail carrier can throw them in their sack or if someone else will do the pick-up. 

It may be worthwhile to shop around for the best rate if you're shipping bulky items, but pick-up fees could apply with other service providers. You can always drop-off packages if you don't mind doing that .

Don't Ghost the Buyer!

If I make a sale on a buy, sell, trade (BST) facebook page, then I follow a system to reduce liability. I document action on the facebook page, notify the buyer when the invoice is sent, when I receive payment, and when I ship. While tracking information may be provided through PayPal, I also send the buyer a private message with the description of the item and the tracking number. 

Items are delivered without incident most of the time. If a case is opened because a seller didn't receive an item, I can easily find the tracking number to find out what's going on with the package.

Oftentimes, if you have proof that you shipped the item(s), then you're not technically liable to send a refund. If PayPal will not issue a refund, then you can strike a deal with the buyer at your discretion. 

It stinks to be out money and the item, whether you're the buyer or the seller, so I've done 50% refunds before. Consider purchasing additional insurance for pricey items. 

Finally, leave feedback if it's an option. Reputation can make or break you when it comes to selling online. And in the BST world, buyers will often shout out sellers who provide honest descriptions, ship quickly and go the extra mile. 

Summary

Shipping from home is a great convenience to selling online. You can pack and ship items with precision and professionalism with some forethought and the right supplies. Take advantage of free services and supplies offered by the USPS. Pack items with care to avoid damage in transit, and be transparent with buyers throughout the entire transaction process. Finally, keep tracking information in an easily accessible place for the buyer and yourself to access if needed. 


What other questions do you have about shipping from home?

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