Starting as a seller on eBay - how do you calculate postage costs?

[Empross76]

Hi,
My attic is getting full of clothes, etc, that my two DC have grown out of. Time to get rid! I buy quite a lot on eBay but have never sold. I'd like to start but have no idea how to calculate my postage costs. I don't want to have the faff of taking them to the PO to get a quote before I list them. So, what's the easiest way to calculate postage costs?
And what sort of delivery do you use so that it's safe but not too expensive?
Advice, please!
Thanks.

[MumOfMissy]

Getting a quote is easy. Weigh your item in grams on kitchen scales, then go to the Royal Mail Postage calculator online, it will give you an instant quote. Don't forget though that the price now depends on the size of the packaged item, not just the weight, so be careful. Regarding delivery, just use 2nd class standard, unless item value is over £10, then I'd be inclined to use 2nd class signed for. No matter what, always get a proof of postage receipt for each item. Good luck!

[fergoose]

try MyHermes or Collect Plus - cheaper and proof of delivery if item is under 1kg.

[lljkk]

It's a pain, becomes an art.

[sarahtigh]

your local post office should have a price leaflet, weigh object and allow for packing material /box weight too, a mailing bag adds only a few grams a padded envelope maybe 50g a small cardboard box possibly a 100g a large box could add 300-500 grammes, polystyrene peanuts are better and weigh less than shredded paper or crumpled newspaper they offer better protection too however they do cost money

anything that is under 1kg and is a small packet or large letter is cheapest with Royal mail

under 1kg but a medium sized packet cheapest with myhermes

under 2kg depends on value but courier generally cheaper

over 2kg I would be surprised if royal mail was ever the cheapest option

a small packet is either a 15cm cube or 45x35x8cm

some couriers cheaper if drop at shop like myhermes/collectplus

never let buyer organise own courier and if buyer collects cash only no paypal

[al88]

Just thought I'd post as I was just on the myhermes website and they are putting their prices up this week. 0-2Kg is going to be 4.20 or something, with no 0-1Kg category.
Nearly caught me out with the items I listed earlier, so I hope this is useful for others reading.

[lljkk]

I knew it, I knew that would happen all too soon! Arrgggh. I booked something last night & obviously only just in time. Thanks for the warning.

[lljkk]

Myhermes link.