Shipping home items Guide

Step-by-step guide: Ship your first sold item from home (with or without an eBay label)

(Beginner-friendly, follows eBay guidelines and best practices)

What you’ll need

  • The sold item

  • Packaging (box or bubble mailer) + tape

  • Printer or a carrier QR code option (if available)

  • A scale (best) or an estimate

  • Packing material (bubble wrap, paper, air pillows)

  • Your buyer’s shipping address (eBay provides it)

Step 1) Confirm the order details

On the eBay app

  1. Open the eBay app.

  2. Tap My eBay → Selling.

  3. Tap Sold (or Orders).

  4. Open the order and check:

    • Item sold

    • Buyer paid

    • Shipping service selected

    • Handling time due date

    • Any buyer message (special notes)

On a computer

  1. Sign in to eBay.

  2. Open Seller Hub (or My eBay → Selling).

  3. Go to Orders.

  4. Click the sold order and review the same details.

✅ Tip: Ship to the address shown on the order (don’t ship to a different address via message).

Step 2) Pack the item safely (professional packing)

  1. Choose the right package:

    • Bubble mailer for small, non-breakable items

    • Box for fragile or heavier items

  2. Protect the item:

    • Use bubble wrap or paper to prevent movement

    • Put liquids/parts in a sealed bag if needed

  3. Add a simple packing slip (optional):

    • “Thank you!” + order number

  4. Seal with tape (all seams on boxes).

✅ Rule: Item should not rattle or move when you gently shake the box.

Step 3) Weigh and measure your package

  1. Weigh the package after packing.

  2. Measure dimensions (boxes especially):

    • Length × Width × Height

  3. Write down:

    • Weight (lb/oz or grams)

    • Dimensions (inches or cm)

✅ This prevents postage due, delivery delays, and negative feedback.

Step 4) Choose your shipping method

Common beginner options in the U.S.:

  • USPS Ground Advantage (most small/light items, includes tracking)

  • USPS Priority Mail (faster, costs more)

  • UPS Ground / FedEx Ground (often good for bigger/heavier boxes)

If your listing already promised a service, use that (or faster).

Option A: Ship using an eBay shipping label (recommended)

Step 5A) Buy the label on eBay

On the eBay app

  1. Go to My eBay → Selling → Sold/Orders.

  2. Open the order.

  3. Tap Purchase shipping label (or Print shipping label).

  4. Confirm:

    • Package type (box / mailer)

    • Weight

    • Dimensions (if needed)

  5. Choose the shipping service (USPS/UPS/FedEx option).

  6. Choose label size:

    • 4×6 (label printer) or

    • 8.5×11 (regular printer)

  7. Tap Buy / Purchase.

On a computer

  1. Go to Seller Hub → Orders.

  2. Select the order.

  3. Click Print shipping label.

  4. Enter weight/dimensions → pick service → Purchase.

✅ eBay will automatically upload tracking when you buy through eBay.

Step 6A) Print and attach the label

  1. Print the label (or use QR code if offered).

  2. Cut and tape it flat (don’t wrap tape around edges).

  3. Cover the label with clear tape only if needed (don’t cover barcodes with wrinkled tape).

  4. Remove/cover old labels if reusing a box.

Step 7A) Drop off at the carrier

  1. Drop off at the correct carrier:

    • USPS labels → USPS drop-off

    • UPS labels → UPS store/drop-off

    • FedEx labels → FedEx location

  2. Get a receipt when possible.

✅ Receipt = proof you shipped.

Option B: Ship without an eBay label (still follow eBay guidelines)

Step 5B) Buy postage directly from the carrier

You can buy postage from:

  • USPS (post office or online)

  • UPS

  • FedEx

  • Other approved shipping services

  1. Bring your sealed package to the carrier or buy postage online.

  2. Pay for the correct shipping service.

  3. Get the tracking number (very important).

✅ If your shipping method doesn’t include tracking, you have less protection if a buyer claims it didn’t arrive.

Step 6B) Upload tracking to eBay (required best practice)

On the eBay app

  1. Open My eBay → Selling → Sold/Orders.

  2. Tap the order.

  3. Tap Add tracking (or Mark as shipped).

  4. Select the carrier (USPS/UPS/FedEx).

  5. Enter the tracking number.

  6. Save/confirm.

On a computer

  1. Seller Hub → Orders.

  2. Open the order.

  3. Click Add tracking / Mark shipped.

  4. Add carrier + tracking → save.

✅ Uploading tracking helps protect you and keeps buyers informed.

Step 8) Confirm the order shows “Shipped”

  1. Re-open the order in eBay.

  2. Make sure it shows:

    • Shipped

    • Tracking number visible

  3. Send a short message (optional):

    • “Thanks again! Your order has shipped and tracking is uploaded.”

Step 9) Follow eBay shipping guidelines (quick rules)

  • Ship within your handling time

  • Ship to the address on the order

  • Use tracking whenever possible

  • Package safely to avoid damage

  • Keep proof of shipment (receipt)

Step 10) After delivery (feedback + next steps)

  1. Check tracking to confirm delivered.

  2. If the buyer is happy, many will leave feedback.

  3. If they don’t, you can message once (politely):

    • “If everything arrived as expected, feedback is appreciated.”

Quick “First Shipment” checklist

  • ✅ Packed safely

  • ✅ Weighed/measured correctly

  • ✅ Label purchased (eBay or carrier)

  • ✅ Tracking uploaded

  • ✅ Dropped off + receipt saved

  • ✅ Order shows “Shipped”