How to offer/estimate shipping when selling parts?

[CRASH]

I have a pretty large stash of parts I need to move to generate cash for the MBBO. The reason I've avoided it is I know I'm going to get flooded with shipping quotes. But if I offer prices with "shipped" included, I might screw myself.

How do I fairly estimate the shipping? I don't want people to pay more than needed, but I can't front the money to have them pay afterwards.

So... how do I do this smartly?

 

[The Black Monark]

if you can determine the dimensions and weight of the package, then online rate calcs are easy to use...USPS, UPS, FedEx, Bikeflights. I used to include the weight and dimensions in listings so the buyers could determine the shipping cost w/o having to ask.
For things that fit into USPS flat-rate Priority boxes, I find a price including shipping works, as it doesn't matter where they're going.
...Oh, and pm me your "for sale" pics first, please

 

[mikeeebikey]

if you can determine the dimensions and weight of the package, then online rate calcs are easy to use...USPS, UPS, FedEx, Bikeflights. I used to include the weight and dimensions in listings so the buyers could determine the shipping cost w/o having to ask.
For things that fit into USPS flat-rate Priority boxes, I find a price including shipping works, as it doesn't matter where they're going.
...Oh, and pm me your "for sale" pics first, please

What he said only double what you think!
I usually take it to the post office to know.

 

[The Black Monark]

What he said only double what you think!
I usually take it to the post office to know.

If you have a scale and tape measure, no need to take to the PO.
Postage can be printed online, cheaper and faster than going to a PO, too.

 

[Wildcat]

If the post office is close to home, you can get a price before the sale. But I used the USPS website to estimate the shipping cost. Get the zip code from your prospective buyer. Flat rate boxes are best cost wise, but for larger things, the price can skyrocket once you get past a certain size box. Packing material adds to the weight, so weigh it after it is packed. It was about a 44" x 24" x 8" size box before the price jumped a couple years ago. A whole bike won't fit in that size box but a frame and forks, everything except wheels, would. It used to be about 25-30 dollars to ship a frame that way, it increased over the last couple years so you have to visit the webpage to see what it is now. A lot of parts will have to have a low price to justify the shipping, from my experience.

 

[CRASH]

ugh what a pain. Thanks for the info.

 

[ifitsfreeitsforme]

When you get to the point where you just want/need the stuff gone, it's a lot easier. You hold the item in your hand, bob it up and down a few times to take a guess at the weight, and post it on RRB with a shipping-included price, and if you make a few bucks great, if you lose a few bucks that's fine too cuz it's gone.

That's how I sell parts.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[kingfish254]

The flat rate usps boxes are good, but make sure you pay for their postage online and save a buck. After shipping a few different items you kinda get a good "feel" about what shipping will be so that you can ballpark a number. Some items you might lose a dollar on shipping, others you might clear a dollar.

 

[restodave]

...and don't forget the cost of packing materials. You can save a lot by reusing old packing material. If you're buying fresh boxes etc it in can get expensive pretty fast. The flat rate boxes sound better and better.

 

[KOTA]

Or you can get a part time job at a FedEx agent, like I did, and have FREE packing and shipping!

 

[deven_science]

I use the flat rate boxes as much as possible.

 

[slowriderz]

just a heads up for those that aren't aware... Usps flat rate boxes come in many more shapes and sizes then are offered at the local post office. you can go online and order them ** FREE** shipping and boxes right to your door. Be sure to read the fine print. Some are offered in case quantity. I found that out when I ordered 6 boxes. I am now the proud owner of 6 cases of large flat board game boxes.

 

[The Black Monark]

I am now the proud owner of 6 cases of large flat board game boxes.

You can probably drop them at your local PO, I know mine accepts them when this happens. They put them out for customers.

 

[slowriderz]

I ship quite a bit so they will get used in time. It surely had my rural postal carrier wondering what the heck was going on

 

[jerrykr]

I hauled my extra USPS boxes in to the local PO and put them with the free boxes counter.