guides:shipping:howto_ship
How to Ship Items
Shipping items involves several key steps to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
- Carefully package your item(s) in an appropriate box or padded envelope, ensuring item(s) are secure and protected. Use bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or other cushioning materials as needed.
- Weigh and measure your package accurately to determine the shipping cost and select the appropriate shipping method, whether it's through a postal service like USPS, UPS, or FedEx.
- Print and affix the shipping label, making sure all recipient information is accurate. The recipient information should match what it says on PayPal. Using an address communicated over PMs is not acceptable & may interfere with your transaction.
- Drop off your package at the shipping carrier you used.
- Communicating the tracking information [when you dropped off; a drop off receipt if needed for records] to the recipient can also be crucial for a hassle-free shipping experience. Do not forget to upload tracking to PayPal; Shipstation does this automatically
How can I save money on shipping?
- PayPal offers integrated shipping solutions via Shipstation. Access this feature by clicking the “Print Shipping Label” button within your invoice details. This will direct you to Shipstation, where you can create labels with comparable discounts and features. However, it's worth noting that Shipstation primarily provides carrier insurance, which tends to be pricier. Additionally, Shipstation may default to using your PayPal funds for payment, whereas some users might prefer using a credit card to earn rewards points.
- Pirateship, a shipping service, extends substantial discounts for USPS and UPS shipments. On average, Pirateship's rates are 20-30% lower compared to the standard retail rates offered by both carriers. Additionally, Pirateship leverages Shipsurance to provide cost-effective insurance coverage at just $1.09 per $100 of coverage. Signing up for an account at Pirateship.com is free, and you can generate shipping labels as long as you have the recipient's name, address, and package dimensions/weight. Moreover, you can streamline your shipping process by linking your PayPal account, enabling automatic order information transfer and tracking updates for your customers.