Once an item sells, shipping is the next step — and over time I’ve settled into a simple setup that lets me pack and ship eBay orders from home without overthinking it.
This isn’t a warehouse or a professional shipping station. It’s just a practical system that works consistently, keeps costs down, and makes shipping easy enough that it doesn’t slow me down.
Below is exactly how I handle shipping and the basic tools I use every day.
Where I Ship From
I ship everything from a small desk area at home. It’s not a permanent shipping station, but it’s organized enough that everything I need is within reach.
When something sells, I don’t have to hunt for supplies or clear space. I can pack the item, print the label, and set it aside quickly. That alone makes a big difference when you’re shipping regularly.
The Core Shipping Supplies I Use
My shipping setup is built around a few simple items that cover most situations.
Poly Mailers (Most of My Orders)
Most of the items I sell fit into poly mailers. I buy them in bulk, which keeps the cost per package very low. Buying larger quantities makes sense if you ship often, but even smaller packs are inexpensive.
Poly mailers are lightweight, durable, and great for keeping shipping costs down.
Bubble Wrap for Protection
Before putting items into a poly mailer, I wrap them in bubble wrap. The bubble wrap I use is perforated every foot, so I can tear off exactly what I need without cutting.
I also reuse shipping materials whenever possible. Boxes, padded envelopes, and poly-style mailers from my own deliveries get saved and reused for shipping smaller items. Anything clean and sturdy enough to protect an item gets another use.
Reusing materials keeps costs down, and over time it adds up.
Boxes (When Needed)
For items that won’t fit safely into a poly mailer, I use boxes. Most of the boxes I use are simply saved from my own deliveries, especially Amazon boxes.
Almost everyone receives packages, and saving a few clean boxes in common sizes can cover most larger shipments without spending extra money on new boxes.
Shipping Scale
A small digital shipping scale is essential. I use it to weigh packages before purchasing labels so there are no surprises with postage costs.
Accurate weights help avoid underpaying for shipping and prevent issues later. Even a basic, inexpensive scale works fine as long as it’s consistent.
Tape Dispenser and Desk Tools
On my desk, I use a combo tape dispenser that holds:
- Standard 2-inch packing tape
- Smaller clear tape
- A built-in holder for tools
In that holder, I keep:
- Scissors
- Pens and markers
- A Sharpie for labeling
I also keep a tape measure and a box cutter on my desk at all times. Having these tools within arm’s reach speeds things up and keeps packing from feeling scattered.
Why This Setup Works for Me
This setup works because it’s simple and repeatable. I don’t need to think about how to ship each order — the process is always the same.
When something sells:
- Weigh the item
- Wrap it in bubble wrap
- Pack it in a poly mailer or box
- Seal it, label it, and set it aside
There’s no guesswork, and that keeps shipping from becoming stressful.
A Note for Beginners
If you’re just starting out, you don’t need everything at once. A basic setup is more than enough:
- Packing tape
- A small shipping scale
- Poly mailers or boxes
- Bubble wrap
For boxed items, crumpled paper from magazines or packing paper can work in a pinch. For poly mailers, bubble wrap provides better protection.
You can upgrade your setup gradually as you sell more. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s making shipping easy enough that you don’t avoid listing items.
Final Thoughts
Shipping from home doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. A small, organized setup can handle most eBay orders efficiently and consistently.
Keeping things simple has helped me ship regularly without overthinking each sale.
New to Reselling on eBay? Start Here
If you’re new to reselling, these posts will walk you through my exact system from start to finish: