Ebay

[KittyGlitter]

How do you work out the postage costs for selling items on eBay? Do you have to ask the Post Office to weigh the item first?

[dzug]

You can get a leaflet giving rates from the Post Office. Then weigh the things yourself (adding a bit for packing). Most sellers seem to add something for the cost of the packing materials (not cheap in reality) and even their time in taking the things to the Post Office.

[stoo_pid]

You can use the Price Finder function on the Royal Mail website here or check the different postal rates here

[KittyGlitter]

Thanks. Do you know if its best to send it first or second class?

[heathfield]

If you give the First and Second Class postage costs in your eBay listing, then a buyer can choose what service they want to pay for.

[JulieEve]

You can buy postal scales cheaply off E-Bay.

[THAIBUS]

I sell quite a bit on ebay, to the cost of the stamps add the cost of packaging and a little extra towards your time and transport costs to the post office. I would use 2nd class if you are able to post the item the same day that the payment clears otherwise 1st Class. If the item is worth over �10 I would send it to be signed for at extra cost to the buyer

[shineybomb]

If you are new to selling its a good idea to choose "sellers standard rate" instead of choosing first or second post. That way, when you get to the post office you can send it whichever way you prefer depending on how much they are going to charge you. It gives you a little more flexibility. Then once you get an idea of how much things cost to send, you can give more accurate first and second class options.

I also use the Royal Mail website for estimates. Get yourself a set of scales to weigh things.