Lindey...OMG! I've been selling on eBay for over 15 years and just recently I received a Zebra label printer, while it's so much faster in printing shipping labels, it looks much more professional AND the biggest benefit is you can order labels from UPS for FREE! Yes Free! I use to print labels on 8.5 x 11 paper cut it out and tape in on the package...no more. Keep up the great videos...
You can totally ask any retailer to save you bubble wrap for shipping. I had a manager from a home furnishings store save me foam pieces, boxes and bubble wrap which I then picked up weekly. I've moved so now I'm starting over but it saved me a ton of cash. They recycle it anyway so no loss for them.
Illinois Picker yup! I buy in bulk on Amazon. the dollar tree tape did pretty well for a while but I used more to make SURE it stayed closed. the amazon tape is higher quality and you get more per roll for a few cents more. I usually get a 6pk that lasts me several months. postal ppl throw those boxes. nothing worse than a box that pops open bc of cheap tape!
Just a good idea with end bits of used bubble wrap....credit to my younger sister Pam, get a cheap stand up type laundry mesh style cart and its brilliant to stuff your used bubble wrap and even reuseable poly bags from items you purchase...you can cram an amazing amount of bubble wrap in the cheap laundry carts and takes much less space then letting the random bits of bubble wrap fly all over the place. Corie
SMALL PADDED ENVELOPES (GOOD PRICE): you can get a small box of padded envelopes (sized to fit a DVD, VHS, SMALL BOOK) at Sams Club for $5.00. Then you can use the box to ship something out as well. Really a good deal.
Hi Lindey. Another awesome video. Thanks for sharing I picked up some very helpful tips I am going to start using. And I know you don't use a thermal printer but you can get 4" by 6" thermal self stick labels for free from FedEx and they don't have any logo on them. They ship to your door for free and they come in a nice box. They are flat stacked in the box not on rolls and the minimum you can ask for is 5000 which took only a couple days to get. And also you can get the free priority tape from USPS but as you already know you can't use it on anything you want to ship that is not going out as priority shipping. Have a great day. AND OMG YOUR CHANNEL IS GROWING REALLY FAST I AM SO PROUD OF YOU.
You can put them through the back of the printer they don't have to be on a roll. But I just roll some up because I don't have much room left on my desk for the labels sitting there flat stacked.
Last week I shipped a 9# box of linens from Phoenix to the East Coast. I drove to my 3 local shipping centers. The Post Office wanted $28. UPS wanted $24. FedEX took it for $21. For bulky items, FedEX is cheaper. It was just an experiment. Luv ya, Lindey!
I have done FedEX once because it was definitely cheaper but I rarely have a package so heavy that I have to stray from USPS. But that's one reason I love about doing the shipping option within eBay. You can select different options with the weight and see your cost and pick the cheapest one! :)
Ever consider using a thermal printer instead of laser jet for labels? I've had a dymo and haven't had to change the ribbon for a few years now. The labels are inexpensive as well. Also, I've buddied up with a few local business that save the packing supplies from packages they receive for me. I get giant bags of packing peanuts and boxes on a regular basis at no cost.. and it's recycling too!
As far as boxes goes. I grab them at the local liquor store. They are more than happy to get rid of their boxes. All you have to do is cover any existing bar codes.
I occasionally check Craigslist to find packing peanuts and padding. Last time, I picked up a huge bag from a company the next town over. She thanked me more than I thanked her for taking it off her hands. It saved me money and time. I also Dumpster dive for cardboard boxes at my local dollar stores. I usually include a note in the box about recycling cardboard.
You speak so well in front of the camera......very refreshing & easy to watch! A lot of the other ebay videos are so difficult to watch because they do not come across well in front of the camera. Glad I found your channel!!
Great video. Here's my cheapskate shipping supplies tips: I hate (read: HATE WITH A PASSION) buying bubble wrap. It's way too expensive for my usage. Almost every item I sell has to be shipped in boxes. So I'd go through way too much money in bubble wrap way too quickly. What I do is raid the dumpster from a local Belk store. They regularly toss a half dozen or so large clear bags crammed full of plastic bags that t-shirts come in. So I get a tons of plastic bags that are perfectly clean and in excellent condition. I use those bags to put items in AND I can tie them up with some air inside and, voila`, free jumbo bubble wrap that's perfect for filling large voids in boxes! For the bubble wrap and packing peanuts I do use, I'm always on the lookout on Craig's List and the local Facebook yardsale/swap groups. I also know a couple people who do a lot of online buying and have them save all the shipping supplies for me. Also, in the same shopping center, there is a Dollar Tree that have a dumpster that's always overflowing with tons of clean boxes for the taking. I use a jumbo black Sharpie marker to black out brand names, bar codes and other stuff on the boxes. For shipping tape, I spend my eBay coupon on tape. The $25 credit gets you 12 rolls of that pretty eBay branded tape, shipping included. My poly mailers and bubble mailers are purchased in bulk off eBay. There are deals to be had but you really have to take the time to search listings.
I worked for a company for a while that used dry popped popcorn as packing peanuts. They kept two or three air poppers sitting on a counter with trash cans below with clean liners. You just feed the bagged popcorn into the dry air popper and it would blow out into the liner. Bonus was getting to snack on the popcorn as you were packing boxes! This is my plan for packing things that need to go in packing peanuts. Second bonus is the receiver can use the "peanuts' to feed the birds!
Mark Schneider True, but only if you were planning to ship Priority to begin with. Anything with priority taped will be charged Priority shipping rates.
I use the clear bags from Walmart, as well. I firmly believe the extra protection is worth it, AND, I think it shows the buyer you've taken care with their purchase :)) Great video, as always. .... and Beach Boys! yay! :D
I'm so glad I found your channel! I think that you should start a blog that has the basis of what you were explaining in each video and whatever else. That way I can listen to you while I'm running around getting stuff done and if I wanted to have something written down or as a note on my laptop/phone I could look at the blog. Plus, getting a certain amount of traffic will get you paid as well!
I spend almost zero money on shipping supplies. I re-use every box I get including cereal boxes. You can find free boxes on Craigslist in the Free section. If you keep an eye on your neighborhood on garbage day you will see that many people throw out the shipping boxes, peanuts, packing material they get, just take them. Behind stores you will find boxes, at the post office people throw away boxes, paper and other packing material. I have so many boxes collected that I never run out.
You might think I'm insane, but I find a ton of shipping supplies in the dumpsters of local stores. I find tape, markers, bubble mailers-all kinds of stuff! I guess it all depends on your area, but office supply stores are the most wasteful and I LOVE getting their FREE shipping stuff!
Another awesomely informative video Lindey! Keep up the great work! I was a huge fan of the Scotch packaging tape, until I discovered Duck HP260 Packing Tape Refill, 8 Rolls, 1.88 Inch x 60 Yard, Clear, on Amazon. This pack of 8 rolls is currently being sold for $23.64. It has extremely high reviews and is the strongest clear packing tape ever! On eBay I just found 6 rolls of this tape for $17.98 with free shipping!
Hi Bonnie, my name is Kirk. I know you left this message almost a year ago, but based on your comment, i am in the same boat. Trying to get the courage to get my Ebay going, need the $$$ as well as what supplies are necessary too. We all start out with some degree of hesitation (some more than other's !! ) Can you tell me where you are at with your Ebay biz, and maybe offer a bit of insight to help me get mine going? I know there are so many UA-cam vids to see on this but none have really created that Spark. Thank you kindly.
One great way to get many small boxes for FREE is go to Walmart around 10-11PM. This is when most start restocking shelves and the employees will have shopping carts full of boxes. The cleaning supplies and automotive departments will have strong ones.
I have saved all the packing from ebay orders. I got a lot of bubble wrap and popcorn, not to mention all the little cardboard boxes. I will put the newly restored watch in a brand new watch box put that in a glad zip lock bag. Then wrap all that in some bubble wrap and send off the little card board box someone sent the watch I bought to be restored. I don't think I have ever bought packing lol! My items are all one size though so that helps as well.
Hi there! I'm a seller on eBay too and noticed you use rolls of bubble wrap and I dont know if what I do will work for you but I use the priority mail bubble mailers you get for free to package everything! And i've never gotten a complaint! Love your videos
I love you! I wish you were my daughter and we could go kicking around together- junkin' ! No one in my family has the bug but me. I can"t get anyone else interested, and I get tired of slugging it out by myself lol or maybe " col"- crying out loud! I really appreciate your candor!
I should have watched this before i packed a couple packages... I have bread bags in our cupboard and I usually use my extra polymailers for extra protection lol. Great video!
I could see if you were my neighbor and friend. We would team up and have a blast.... Watching your videos I can't believe how much I agree with every detail of how you and I do things identical. I could make some Chinese food and have a packing and shipping party...
I just keep an eye out on garbage day for boxes poking out of peoples recycle bins. People are too lazy to crush them up and usually there is packing in them too. But i usually use flat rate anyway
I know this is unpopular, BUT, I use the cheap tape. I have shipped nearly 10,000 items at this point and NEVER had one open in the mail. The trick is to make sure that tape touches tape. If the tape goes all the way around and touches the other end of the tape, it is plenty strong. Even if you did two layers you are still saving over the heavy tape.
I was at a dollar general one day when they were re stocking shelves. I noticed that they had bubble wrap around some of the items are were throwing them out with the boxes. I asked for them and got quite a bit of free shipping supplies out of it.
12*16 polymailers, 200 for $21.00, 14*19 polymailers 100 for $15.00. priority mail shipping supplies are free , prefers flat rate shipping. Medium, ships for 12.00, large for $17.00. flat rate is not always cheapest. Compare. Padded $6.00 flat rate. Bread bags Twist Tie from for 2.00. polymailer
If you sell on Poshmark or Mercari you have to use priority and you can put up to 5 lbs in them so it makes it sooooo easy. But for ebay i use my polys, padded flat rate or flat rate boxes.Great video :)
this is perfect conversation we started buying all kinds of sizes but no we feel like really all we need is 10x13 for smallest 12x15 is great when using USPS flatrate bubble wrap for supplies n sliding the finish wrap items into ac12x15 and 14x17 is the best for coats and big jacket or bigger jeans that's so cool we do usps prioty boxed small n slide into a poly bag for buy
I just realized that a priority legal envelope is same price as the normal cardboard envelope, but it holds more like the padded size for cheaper omg i wish i knew this earlier
So, my husband advised me that we are not cheapskates, A nicer definition for money savers like us is that we are "Thrifty"! ;) Thanks for Another great tutorial!
Great video! Thank you for sharing this information. I'm trying to get started on eBay and this helps so much! I can't wait to watch all your other videos.
Just binged watched a bunch of your videos and I'm still going lol...just subscribed 😘 keep up the great work...I really love your advice and tips. 👍🏻👍🏻
Fortunately I get 80% of my shipping and office supplies from work they practically give excess away if you're ever in the neighborhood drop by lol great informative video :)
Ok this might sound weird........but i almost never buy bubble wrap..........i just save the bubble wrap that comes in packages i receive myself! I also usually end up getting a bunch for like Christmas or something because my family members know i ship alot. As far as boxes and packing materials go.........i save tons of stuff around the house that ordinarily might have been thrown out. Like boxes that snacks or food (clean ones, obviously) came in, tissue paper from packaging, empty pill bottles (washed out) to protect smaller items, things you don't want squished or jewelry. Pieces of foam, etc. The sticker labels for the printer for postage i usually get on a site called Listia, with my credits from other stuff i sold, as well as tape. Polymailers are great, but i only buy them when i need them. Manila envelopes can be good for certain items too, especially if they are flattish.
I use the free priority mail boxes and envelopes for things that arent priority mail and i never had a problem they never wouldnt ship it. If you really cared you could just spray paint over the logos.
im not a fan of the ebay tape for taping boxes-its too thin and does come off the boxes. But i do use that tape when im packing stuff in bubble wrap. For the plain polys i buy from amazon-you can get them within days if you have an amazon prime membership. The only flat rate priority supplies i use are the padded flat rate mailers. Good video lindey!
I like this idea about the clear bags here 13:36 but, if you don't have a Walmart near you..... you can get these at your regular grocery store they are called *FOOD STORAGE BAGS* they are the same size as these 10x14 I've always had these in my house and didn't realize they were the same as the ones in video just with a different name.
I know this is an old video, but I wanted to share this tip. My mother, aunt and I sell on eBay and when we need to buy supplies, we would go in together to get a bigger quantity, which was usually cheaper and just split them up.
theres clearly some stuff i still need to learn about shipping but im in Canada idk if they have flatrate fees to ship stuff from here and those boxes cost money at our post offices as far as i know...and for that large box you showed that thing costs 20-30 dollars to go across the country or to Florida from where i am.. 5-6 dollars doesnt seem bad for shipping at all but 20-30 dollars for that big box is ridiculous....and here from my understanding is even if im at 1.1kg im over the limit so my shipping would double to 40 dollars.
A real cheapskate doesn't. Buy shipping supplies. . I reuse mailers and packing. .and I only use stamps to mail anything. . I buy them 25%-50% off face value
thank you for the tip on the bread bags. I bought some small clothes, and I went and bought the bags. Some of the plays take two bags but that's okay. And they have the suffocation stamp on them to. Great tip.
Thanks for answering so quick, you answered very well my question I had. Know now I can open a store anytime & get the full months of benefits until the invoice comes for the month. Like also that you are not all over the place on your channel but on one subject which is really great, maybe that why I enjoy watching you everyday since I found your channel beside you being very funny & entertaining which I don't care to follow many on here on a daily basis. Keep up the great videos you are doing on selling that everyone can learn from and you as well learn from others. Looking forward to your next video.
You are paying for the flat rate boxes and mailers when you pay the flat rate. The price of the packaging is just built into it. Try sending something in a flat rate box by weight. They’ll make you get a different box..
Great video Lindey! I get Scotch bubble wrap at Sam's Club. It's cheaper than the Duck bubble wrap--$12.88 for 240 1-ft sheets and it comes in a nice dispenser box. Check it out!
Why have multiple sizes poly mailers? Because so much plastic is being trowed in the garbage and sending a tank top in a 12x16 seems so wasteful. And besides the smaller sizes are also cheaper so if you want to save you get the smaller sizes.
For bubble wrap you can look on Craigslist. one of these businesses around my area gives it away every week I got 2 bags worth today. so happy I don't have to spend on bubble wrap.
you are great i am even cheaper then you i sell larger items mostly and dont pay for any shipping supplies only tape. all my boxes come from dumpsters!!
Just found out our next door neighbor was an EBAY TOP SELLER!! He said we are welcome to his boxes Styrofoam bubble wrap....YAY!! Still..I don't want to be a constant bother..I'll use your tips and use him as a back up!!
I go to my neighborhood recycling bins and seems like every house dumps their boxes AND the bubble wrap into the recycling. I dont think they know that you cant recycle bubble wrap, but i pick it up and save the planet and my wallet. win win :)
Great video....good tips. I am one who went to the dollar store for a while thinking two bubble mailers for a buck is good...but you are right in the long run even thst is a lot more expensive...li will be buying in bulk soon. Good tip on the tape too,staples wants 36.00 plus fora package of 6...crazyyyy
Love, love, love your videos! My question is, when using recycled boxes, do you have to black out the company logo such as Walmart's logo when using for shipping? I have my groceries delivered every month from Walmart and have taken all of the boxes to the recycling center. I am going to start selling again on Ebay after taking the last few years off from selling and did not know if these boxes can be used as-is without blacking out the logos. Would appreciate your comment!
The priority boxes that are not "flat Rate" are they called Regional Priority boxes? The only ones I see on the usps website are express, flat rate and regional priority boxes. Thanks!
The regional priority are different. I just took a peek. They have regular priority mail boxes that are 7"x7"x6", 12"x12"x8" and a "shoe box". It's all under the FREE SHIPPING SUPPLIES tab: store.usps.com/store/browse/subcategory.jsp?categoryId=free-shipping-supplies&categoryNavIds=shipping-supplies%3Afree-shipping-supplies Hope that helps! :)
I like watching all of your videos and was wondering if you have ever made a video or plans to make one on how to tell if an item is actually a vintage item when your checking it out somewhere.
No plans to make a video like that really mainly because I am not very confident in my knowledge! I have made mistakes before so I try to steer clear of vintage items unless i'm 90% sure and then I really only tell by looking and handling them!
I still use copy paper to print labels...and I am so cheap that I use the ink refills from amazon that I have to squeeze into the old cartridge lol... I haven't even purchased a laser printer yet...I have been considering it...but just not wanted to spend the money yet. I only have a Basic Store and basically do only part time so what I have is still serving me pretty well I guess. Great videos thanks for sharing!!!
Nothing wrong with copy paper labels! I just switched to actual labels about a month ago. I'd have no problem going back to copy paper but I do use a LOT more tape with copy paper labels :)
This is what I like to see, people helping out one another. I haven't even got started yet and i'm excited for everyone haha:)
Lindey...OMG! I've been selling on eBay for over 15 years and just recently I received a Zebra label printer, while it's so much faster in printing shipping labels, it looks much more professional AND the biggest benefit is you can order labels from UPS for FREE! Yes Free! I use to print labels on 8.5 x 11 paper cut it out and tape in on the package...no more. Keep up the great videos...
You can totally ask any retailer to save you bubble wrap for shipping. I had a manager from a home furnishings store save me foam pieces, boxes and bubble wrap which I then picked up weekly. I've moved so now I'm starting over but it saved me a ton of cash. They recycle it anyway so no loss for them.
CHEAP TAPE: I completely agree NEVER use cheap tape. It is SO worth it to use solid/thick tape for shipping. :)
Never buy dollar store tape.
Illinois Picker yup! I buy in bulk on Amazon. the dollar tree tape did pretty well for a while but I used more to make SURE it stayed closed. the amazon tape is higher quality and you get more per roll for a few cents more. I usually get a 6pk that lasts me several months.
postal ppl throw those boxes. nothing worse than a box that pops open bc of cheap tape!
I've been buying dollar store take for 15 years and haven't had an issue once.
Just a good idea with end bits of used bubble wrap....credit to my younger sister Pam, get a cheap stand up type laundry mesh style cart and its brilliant to stuff your used bubble wrap and even reuseable poly bags from items you purchase...you can cram an amazing amount of bubble wrap in the cheap laundry carts and takes much less space then letting the random bits of bubble wrap fly all over the place. Corie
I use a plastic storage unit to store my poly bags, each drawer holds a different size bag...=)
Good idea! :)
SMALL PADDED ENVELOPES (GOOD PRICE): you can get a small box of padded envelopes (sized to fit a DVD, VHS, SMALL BOOK) at Sams Club for $5.00. Then you can use the box to ship something out as well. Really a good deal.
This is the best video on how to save on shipping costs! Practical and straight to the point. Thank you!
The priority mail REGIONAL RATE BOX A and B are free from USPS website also. The RATE A is the one you are most likely to use of the two.
I'm even cheaper on labels. I use the backside of my kids old homework sheets. So I don't even pay for the label paper. LOL
Omg I do the same! I always save my scrap paper, cut them into quarters, and it becomes a 4.25x5.5 label. I never buy labels
Hi Lindey. Another awesome video. Thanks for sharing I picked up some very helpful tips I am going to start using. And I know you don't use a thermal printer but you can get 4" by 6" thermal self stick labels for free from FedEx and they don't have any logo on them. They ship to your door for free and they come in a nice box. They are flat stacked in the box not on rolls and the minimum you can ask for is 5000 which took only a couple days to get. And also you can get the free priority tape from USPS but as you already know you can't use it on anything you want to ship that is not going out as priority shipping. Have a great day. AND OMG YOUR CHANNEL IS GROWING REALLY FAST I AM SO PROUD OF YOU.
Awesome! Thank you!! I might need to invest in a thermal printer here soon... free labels sound amazing!!
Thank you so much! :-D
I use a Canon MG6820 that I got at Target for $50 on sale. I have printed over 200 labels and it's still going strong I love it.
But will the flat (not rolled) labels go into the thermal printer? How does that work? One at a time?
You can put them through the back of the printer they don't have to be on a roll. But I just roll some up because I don't have much room left on my desk for the labels sitting there flat stacked.
Thank you Scott!
I LOVE the 7x7x6 Priority Mail Boxes. Not flat rate, but great for small items like coffee mugs.
Last week I shipped a 9# box of linens from Phoenix to the East Coast. I drove to my 3 local shipping centers. The Post Office wanted $28. UPS wanted $24. FedEX took it for $21. For bulky items, FedEX is cheaper. It was just an experiment. Luv ya, Lindey!
I have done FedEX once because it was definitely cheaper but I rarely have a package so heavy that I have to stray from USPS. But that's one reason I love about doing the shipping option within eBay. You can select different options with the weight and see your cost and pick the cheapest one! :)
Ever consider using a thermal printer instead of laser jet for labels? I've had a dymo and haven't had to change the ribbon for a few years now. The labels are inexpensive as well. Also, I've buddied up with a few local business that save the packing supplies from packages they receive for me. I get giant bags of packing peanuts and boxes on a regular basis at no cost.. and it's recycling too!
Ya, great Idea
I have a Brother label printer and it prints beautiful shipping labels with a single click from eBay. Much cheaper than buying sheet labels!
As far as boxes goes. I grab them at the local liquor store. They are more than happy to get rid of their boxes. All you have to do is cover any existing bar codes.
I just ordered some 8x10 zip lock bags, more expensive than what you suggested. so next time am getting the bread bags. Thanks for the tip!
You're welcome! :)
Keep the vids coming Lindey, I really love your enthusiasm and your energy! You make it fun under all circumstances!
I occasionally check Craigslist to find packing peanuts and padding. Last time, I picked up a huge bag from a company the next town over. She thanked me more than I thanked her for taking it off her hands. It saved me money and time. I also Dumpster dive for cardboard boxes at my local dollar stores. I usually include a note in the box about recycling cardboard.
You speak so well in front of the camera......very refreshing & easy to watch! A lot of the other ebay videos are so difficult to watch because they do not come across well in front of the camera. Glad I found your channel!!
Thank you so much!
Great video. Here's my cheapskate shipping supplies tips:
I hate (read: HATE WITH A PASSION) buying bubble wrap. It's way too expensive for my usage. Almost every item I sell has to be shipped in boxes. So I'd go through way too much money in bubble wrap way too quickly. What I do is raid the dumpster from a local Belk store. They regularly toss a half dozen or so large clear bags crammed full of plastic bags that t-shirts come in. So I get a tons of plastic bags that are perfectly clean and in excellent condition. I use those bags to put items in AND I can tie them up with some air inside and, voila`, free jumbo bubble wrap that's perfect for filling large voids in boxes!
For the bubble wrap and packing peanuts I do use, I'm always on the lookout on Craig's List and the local Facebook yardsale/swap groups. I also know a couple people who do a lot of online buying and have them save all the shipping supplies for me.
Also, in the same shopping center, there is a Dollar Tree that have a dumpster that's always overflowing with tons of clean boxes for the taking. I use a jumbo black Sharpie marker to black out brand names, bar codes and other stuff on the boxes.
For shipping tape, I spend my eBay coupon on tape. The $25 credit gets you 12 rolls of that pretty eBay branded tape, shipping included.
My poly mailers and bubble mailers are purchased in bulk off eBay. There are deals to be had but you really have to take the time to search listings.
Wood 'n' Stuff w/ Steve French
You can always break down boxes and use them inside out and retape to cover markings..even cereal boxes
I worked for a company for a while that used dry popped popcorn as packing peanuts. They kept two or three air poppers sitting on a counter with trash cans below with clean liners. You just feed the bagged popcorn into the dry air popper and it would blow out into the liner. Bonus was getting to snack on the popcorn as you were packing boxes!
This is my plan for packing things that need to go in packing peanuts. Second bonus is the receiver can use the "peanuts' to feed the birds!
Also, ask for a roll of Priority mail tape when going to the Post Office, saves on using your own clear tape! :]
Mark Schneider True, but only if you were planning to ship Priority to begin with. Anything with priority taped will be charged Priority shipping rates.
You can't anymore u have to buy it on line usps.com
I use the clear bags from Walmart, as well. I firmly believe the extra protection is worth it, AND, I think it shows the buyer you've taken care with their purchase :)) Great video, as always. .... and Beach Boys! yay! :D
Thank you so much! :)
Lindey Glenn How do you seal the breadbags? Tape?
I'm so glad I found your channel! I think that you should start a blog that has the basis of what you were explaining in each video and whatever else. That way I can listen to you while I'm running around getting stuff done and if I wanted to have something written down or as a note on my laptop/phone I could look at the blog.
Plus, getting a certain amount of traffic will get you paid as well!
I spend almost zero money on shipping supplies. I re-use every box I get including cereal boxes. You can find free boxes on Craigslist in the Free section. If you keep an eye on your neighborhood on garbage day you will see that many people throw out the shipping boxes, peanuts, packing material they get, just take them. Behind stores you will find boxes, at the post office people throw away boxes, paper and other packing material. I have so many boxes collected that I never run out.
You might think I'm insane, but I find a ton of shipping supplies in the dumpsters of local stores. I find tape, markers, bubble mailers-all kinds of stuff! I guess it all depends on your area, but office supply stores are the most wasteful and I LOVE getting their FREE shipping stuff!
That's not insane... That's friggin' BRILLIANT! :-D
Another awesomely informative video Lindey! Keep up the great work! I was a huge fan of the Scotch packaging tape, until I discovered Duck HP260 Packing Tape Refill, 8 Rolls, 1.88 Inch x 60 Yard, Clear, on Amazon. This pack of 8 rolls is currently being sold for $23.64. It has extremely high reviews and is the strongest clear packing tape ever! On eBay I just found 6 rolls of this tape for $17.98 with free shipping!
Hi. Love your videos. Trying to get the courage to jump into eBay. I definitely need the extra money .I love all your healtful tips thank you
Hi Bonnie, my name is Kirk. I know you left this message almost a year ago, but based on your comment, i am in the same boat. Trying to get the courage to get my Ebay going, need the $$$ as well as what supplies are necessary too. We all start out with some degree of hesitation (some more than other's !! ) Can you tell me where you are at with your Ebay biz, and maybe offer a bit of insight to help me get mine going?
I know there are so many UA-cam vids to see on this but none have really created that Spark. Thank you kindly.
Thank you for this video, I'm having such a hard time with shipping. It's bad, a couple times lost $$ and another couple times broke even.
It's all about learning from the mistakes! I made SO MANY it's embarrassing! LOL
One great way to get many small boxes for FREE is go to Walmart around 10-11PM. This is when most start restocking shelves and the employees will have shopping carts full of boxes. The cleaning supplies and automotive departments will have strong ones.
I never buy padded envelopes. I use the bubble plastic around dvds and put them in a normal envelope. Same effect.
Exactly! Bubble mailers can be so expensive!
I have saved all the packing from ebay orders. I got a lot of bubble wrap and popcorn, not to mention all the little cardboard boxes. I will put the newly restored watch in a brand new watch box put that in a glad zip lock bag. Then wrap all that in some bubble wrap and send off the little card board box someone sent the watch I bought to be restored. I don't think I have ever bought packing lol! My items are all one size though so that helps as well.
Hi there! I'm a seller on eBay too and noticed you use rolls of bubble wrap and I dont know if what I do will work for you but I use the priority mail bubble mailers you get for free to package everything! And i've never gotten a complaint! Love your videos
I love you! I wish you were my daughter and we could go kicking around together- junkin' ! No one in my family has the bug but me. I can"t get anyone else interested, and I get tired of slugging it out by myself lol or maybe " col"- crying out loud! I really appreciate your candor!
I should have watched this before i packed a couple packages... I have bread bags in our cupboard and I usually use my extra polymailers for extra protection lol. Great video!
How funny! Now you know for next time! :)
Shipping Supply Tip - Toner Cartridge Printer over Ink Jet Printer for Shipping Labels and Invoice printout
I've been selling for years and truly loved your tips. I've been binging on your videos! Thank you!
I could see if you were my neighbor and friend. We would team up and have a blast.... Watching your videos I can't believe how much I agree with every detail of how you and I do things identical. I could make some Chinese food and have a packing and shipping party...
I just keep an eye out on garbage day for boxes poking out of peoples recycle bins. People are too lazy to crush them up and usually there is packing in them too. But i usually use flat rate anyway
Thank You Lindey, enjoy watching you & you're great at responding back quick!
You're welcome! Thank you for watching!
I know this is unpopular, BUT, I use the cheap tape. I have shipped nearly 10,000 items at this point and NEVER had one open in the mail. The trick is to make sure that tape touches tape. If the tape goes all the way around and touches the other end of the tape, it is plenty strong. Even if you did two layers you are still saving over the heavy tape.
ahhh... I might have to try that trick!
I agree, and some cheap tape seems to be better than others. I like the stuff at Dollar Tree. It's pretty sticky and good for lighter weight packages.
That is my favorite tape!
I was at a dollar general one day when they were re stocking shelves. I noticed that they had bubble wrap around some of the items are were throwing them out with the boxes. I asked for them and got quite a bit of free shipping supplies out of it.
Awesome score!!
12*16 polymailers, 200 for $21.00, 14*19 polymailers 100 for $15.00. priority mail shipping supplies are free , prefers flat rate shipping. Medium, ships for 12.00, large for $17.00. flat rate is not always cheapest. Compare. Padded $6.00 flat rate. Bread bags Twist Tie from for 2.00. polymailer
If you sell on Poshmark or Mercari you have to use priority and you can put up to 5 lbs in them so it makes it sooooo easy. But for ebay i use my polys, padded flat rate or flat rate boxes.Great video :)
It does! I have only sold one item on Poshmark so far (been slacking on posting over there!) and they make the shipping SO EASY!
this is perfect conversation we started buying all kinds of sizes but no we feel like really all we need is 10x13 for smallest 12x15 is great when using USPS flatrate bubble wrap for supplies n sliding the finish wrap items into ac12x15 and 14x17 is the best for coats and big jacket or bigger jeans that's so cool we do usps prioty boxed small n slide into a poly bag for buy
I used to have lots of sizes but realized it didn't matter really. Things were similar size and could fit in all of them so I cut it down!
Omg! If I lived near you, you’d be my best friend, cuz I freakin’ love you! Thanks for all the awesome tips!
I just realized that a priority legal envelope is same price as the normal cardboard envelope, but it holds more like the padded size for cheaper omg i wish i knew this earlier
So, my husband advised me that we are not cheapskates, A nicer definition for money savers like us is that we are "Thrifty"! ;) Thanks for Another great tutorial!
Hahaha! See I am willing to dig in a dumpster for free stuff - so that's Cheapskate territory right there!
Hi Lindey, I love your videos! I am starting out and a bit nervous. You make this lots more fun! Thanks for all the info!
Great video! Thank you for sharing this information. I'm trying to get started on eBay and this helps so much! I can't wait to watch all your other videos.
Just binged watched a bunch of your videos and I'm still going lol...just subscribed 😘 keep up the great work...I really love your advice and tips. 👍🏻👍🏻
Fortunately I get 80% of my shipping and office supplies from work they practically give excess away if you're ever in the neighborhood drop by lol great informative video :)
Ok this might sound weird........but i almost never buy bubble wrap..........i just save the bubble wrap that comes in packages i receive myself! I also usually end up getting a bunch for like Christmas or something because my family members know i ship alot. As far as boxes and packing materials go.........i save tons of stuff around the house that ordinarily might have been thrown out. Like boxes that snacks or food (clean ones, obviously) came in, tissue paper from packaging, empty pill bottles (washed out) to protect smaller items, things you don't want squished or jewelry. Pieces of foam, etc. The sticker labels for the printer for postage i usually get on a site called Listia, with my credits from other stuff i sold, as well as tape. Polymailers are great, but i only buy them when i need them. Manila envelopes can be good for certain items too, especially if they are flattish.
I use the free priority mail boxes and envelopes for things that arent priority mail and i never had a problem they never wouldnt ship it. If you really cared you could just spray paint over the logos.
im not a fan of the ebay tape for taping boxes-its too thin and does
come off the boxes. But i do use that tape when im packing stuff in
bubble wrap. For the plain polys i buy from amazon-you can get them
within days if you have an amazon prime membership. The only flat rate priority supplies i use are the padded flat rate mailers. Good video lindey!
Thank you so much! :)
I like this idea about the clear bags here 13:36 but, if you don't have a Walmart near you..... you can get these at your regular grocery store they are called *FOOD STORAGE BAGS* they are the same size as these 10x14 I've always had these in my house and didn't realize they were the same as the ones in video just with a different name.
I know this is an old video, but I wanted to share this tip. My mother, aunt and I sell on eBay and when we need to buy supplies, we would go in together to get a bigger quantity, which was usually cheaper and just split them up.
I loved all your videos. But this one helped me the most. Thank You for sharing!!
As usual, outstanding video and sooo helpful. I am looking forward to watching you and Casey, Mr. BMW I8, on this Friday.
Awesome!! I am looking forward to it too! :)
theres clearly some stuff i still need to learn about shipping but im in Canada idk if they have flatrate fees to ship stuff from here and those boxes cost money at our post offices as far as i know...and for that large box you showed that thing costs 20-30 dollars to go across the country or to Florida from where i am.. 5-6 dollars doesnt seem bad for shipping at all but 20-30 dollars for that big box is ridiculous....and here from my understanding is even if im at 1.1kg im over the limit so my shipping would double to 40 dollars.
A real cheapskate doesn't. Buy shipping supplies. . I reuse mailers and packing. .and I only use stamps to mail anything. . I buy them 25%-50% off face value
Me too. I recycle and reuse every type of container that could be suitable for packing including the package material from the stuff I buy online.
Where do you buy your stamps so cheap?
I always ask my relatives to give me boxes and other supplies that they get from work that's free
Thank you for your practical advice.
thank you for the tip on the bread bags. I bought some small clothes, and I went and bought the bags. Some of the plays take two bags but that's okay. And they have the suffocation stamp on them to. Great tip.
You're welcome!
Thanks for answering so quick, you answered very well my question I had. Know now I can open a store anytime & get the full months of benefits until the invoice comes for the month.
Like also that you are not all over the place on your channel but on one subject which is really great, maybe that why I enjoy watching you everyday since I found your channel beside you being very funny & entertaining which I don't care to follow many on here on a daily basis. Keep up the great videos you are doing on selling that everyone can learn from and you as well learn from others. Looking forward to your next video.
Thank you so much :)
You are paying for the flat rate boxes and mailers when you pay the flat rate. The price of the packaging is just built into it. Try sending something in a flat rate box by weight. They’ll make you get a different box..
Great video Lindey! I get Scotch bubble wrap at Sam's Club. It's cheaper than the Duck bubble wrap--$12.88 for 240 1-ft sheets and it comes in a nice dispenser box. Check it out!
Hey Lindey love your channel. Thanks for helping on my reselling journey!
Why have multiple sizes poly mailers? Because so much plastic is being trowed in the garbage and sending a tank top in a 12x16 seems so wasteful. And besides the smaller sizes are also cheaper so if you want to save you get the smaller sizes.
For bubble wrap you can look on Craigslist. one of these businesses around my area gives it away every week I got 2 bags worth today. so happy I don't have to spend on bubble wrap.
Nice tip! :)
For filling I use non printed on newspaper that I get from our local newspaper. They sell big rolls for 50.cents per pounds
Have you ever figured out what your shipping costs are for volume you sell. Meaning would you add another 50 cents per item.
you are great i am even cheaper then you i sell larger items mostly and dont pay for any shipping supplies only tape. all my boxes come from dumpsters!!
the Regional rate a box is about the same size as the medium flat-rate box and is often times cheaper than both
Dollar General and dollar tree puts their empty boxes out back and you can just take them
What if you asked the store mgr?
Just found out our next door neighbor was an EBAY TOP SELLER!! He said we are welcome to his boxes Styrofoam bubble wrap....YAY!! Still..I don't want to be a constant bother..I'll use your tips and use him as a back up!!
How awesome! Always nice to have options! LOL
I go to my neighborhood recycling bins and seems like every house dumps their boxes AND the bubble wrap into the recycling. I dont think they know that you cant recycle bubble wrap, but i pick it up and save the planet and my wallet. win win :)
Great video....good tips. I am one who went to the dollar store for a while thinking two bubble mailers for a buck is good...but you are right in the long run even thst is a lot more expensive...li will be buying in bulk soon. Good tip on the tape too,staples wants 36.00 plus fora package of 6...crazyyyy
Yes! Always check around! I am a deal hunter! LOL
great video, lots of value here. Covered everything a beginner would wonder about. Thanks
The tape is a bit cheaper at Sams Club. 8 for $19 Last time I bought some. Heavy Duty.
Awesome! But I don't have a Sam's Club! :( Boooo
Use ebates as well -- they give 3% back in ebay purchases. :)
A good source for boxes is a U-Haul Store. Find pricing online.
Really good advice. Thank you so much. !!! Now wondering how much the shipping will be on the big size bags..
lol.. at 6:35 you said United State Postal 'Surface', that part was so cute😘
Haha! Did I?? missed that one! Whoops!
Love, love, love your videos! My question is, when using recycled boxes, do you have to black out the company logo such as Walmart's logo when using for shipping? I have my groceries delivered every month from Walmart and have taken all of the boxes to the recycling center. I am going to start selling again on Ebay after taking the last few years off from selling and did not know if these boxes can be used as-is without blacking out the logos. Would appreciate your comment!
The priority boxes that are not "flat Rate" are they called Regional Priority boxes? The only ones I see on the usps website are express, flat rate and regional priority boxes. Thanks!
The regional priority are different. I just took a peek. They have regular priority mail boxes that are 7"x7"x6", 12"x12"x8" and a "shoe box". It's all under the FREE SHIPPING SUPPLIES tab:
store.usps.com/store/browse/subcategory.jsp?categoryId=free-shipping-supplies&categoryNavIds=shipping-supplies%3Afree-shipping-supplies
Hope that helps! :)
I like watching all of your videos and was wondering if you have ever made a video or plans to make one on how to tell if an item is actually a vintage item when your checking it out somewhere.
No plans to make a video like that really mainly because I am not very confident in my knowledge! I have made mistakes before so I try to steer clear of vintage items unless i'm 90% sure and then I really only tell by looking and handling them!
I also buy on through Ebates and get a bonus cash back, Ibotta and ebay bucks. Gives triple cashback
Yep! It seems like ebates never has the cash back in the category I need though! Maybe just bad timing?
Usually office supplies is Jan and again in July and Oct I got my last one for office during ebay coupon time.
great video. I also use value mailers on ebay.
You have to pay for the shipping if you get the bubble wrap on amazon. Unless you're a prime member.
i use the same tape but buy at walmart. thanks for the savings tip
Sure thing! :)
Thank you Lindey
i like to put my padded flat rate in a polymailer to be able to use free padded flat rate without paying flat rate rates or buying padded mailers
I have considered doing that but I am pretty sure it constitutes misuse of product so just be careful! :)
Your videos have helped me a lot. Keep up the good work!
thanks for tips lindey loving the videos keep Makin them lol
Thanks! :)
Did all this work to be top rated seller, prices still don’t beat pirate ship 😂
Tyvek are good. I buy supplies on unline store also I have a book
I still use copy paper to print labels...and I am so cheap that I use the ink refills from amazon that I have to squeeze into the old cartridge lol... I haven't even purchased a laser printer yet...I have been considering it...but just not wanted to spend the money yet. I only have a Basic Store and basically do only part time so what I have is still serving me pretty well I guess. Great videos thanks for sharing!!!
Nothing wrong with copy paper labels! I just switched to actual labels about a month ago. I'd have no problem going back to copy paper but I do use a LOT more tape with copy paper labels :)
Thanks for the tip, tricks and information it helps me a lots. Keep the good videos coming.
Thank you!
But, isn't it good for you as a seller to use clear bags with warnings on them about suffocating danger?
Good information. Can you talk about UPS and other carriers