Complete eBay packing and shipping guide. Choose the right box, pack to prevent damage, select carriers, and avoid the most expensive shipping mistakes.
Packing and shipping is where eBay profits leak. Poor packing causes damage claims. Wrong carrier selection causes overpriced shipping. Here is how to pack right and ship cheap.
Use new boxes or clean, undamaged single-use boxes for all eBay shipments. Banged-up boxes signal poor care to buyers and carriers treat them roughly. USPS Priority Mail boxes are free at post offices and usps.com — use them for anything that fits. For large items, Uline and Amazon sell moving boxes in bulk at reasonable per-unit cost.
The 2-inch rule: at least 2 inches of cushioning (bubble wrap, foam, packing peanuts, kraft paper) on all six sides between the item and the box wall. For very fragile items (ceramics, glass), double-box: wrap the item, box it, then place that box inside a larger box with cushioning around it. This structure protects against carrier mishandling.
Under 1 lb: USPS First Class Package ($3.50-5.50). 1-5 lbs: compare USPS Priority Mail vs UPS/FedEx Ground. USPS Priority is often cheaper for 1-3 lb packages to residential addresses. Over 5 lbs: UPS and FedEx Ground typically beat Priority Mail. Use eBay's shipping calculator at listing time to compare rates — eBay's commercial rates are 30-40% below post office window rates.
eBay's shipping labels include $100 coverage for Priority Mail. For items over $100, purchase additional insurance. USPS Priority Mail Express includes $200 coverage. ShipSurance (available through eBay) provides additional coverage at $0.59-1.25 per $100 of coverage. Insurance costs less than one damage claim — use it for anything valuable.
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