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This post explains the cheapest way to send eBay parcels in the UK. There can be exorbitant differences in price depending on how you send your parcels. If you don’t choose your delivery mode wisely, your high postage fees may drive away potential buyers. This post highlights your best delivery options.
1. Cheapest Way to Send a Letter (up to 750 g)
Letters are the most straightforward way of sending items to buyers. They are suited for small items such as cards or small accessories. The maximum size of a letter is 35.3 x 25 x 2.5 cm.
eBay offers the following postage options for letters:
| Type | Price Range* |
|---|---|
| eBay Delivery (Evri) | £2.67 |
| Royal Mail 2nd Class Letter | £0.75-£2.70 |
| Royal Mail 1st Class Letter | £1.10-£3.30 |
| Royal Mail Signed For 2nd Class Letter | £2.25-£2.65 |
| Royal Mail Signed For 1st Class Letter | £2.60-£4.80 |
| Royal Mail Special Delivery | £6.85-£7.65 |
eBay does not offer any other options. Royal Mail 2nd Class Letter is the cheapest way to send letters on eBay. The Royal Mail 2nd Class Letter does not include tracking. If the buyer claims not to have received the item, they can get a refund easily.
On the other hand, items shipped in letters are often low-cost, and it is not worth paying for tracking. If you decide to use Signed For, do not lose your Royal Mail tracking number. You can increase the price of the items you sell to recover the losses of the small number of items lost in transit.
2. Cheapest Way to Send a Small Parcel (up to 2 kg)
For a small parcel, the maximum dimensions are 45 x 35 x 16 cm. eBay offers the following options for shipping:
| Type | Price Range* |
|---|---|
| eBay Delivery (Evri, Yodl, DPD) (up to 1 kg) | £2.75 |
| Royal Mail 2nd Class | £3.49 |
| Royal Mail 1st Class | £4.19 |
| Royal Mail Signed For 2nd Class | £4.69 |
| Royal Mail Signed For 1st Class | £5.39 |
| Royal Mail Special Delivery | £8.95-£11.15 |
eBay Delivery is the cheapest for small parcels up to 1 kg. For anything heavier, Royal Mail 2nd Class works out cheaper.
If you need tracking, eBay Delivery is your best bet. However, you need to send your item as a medium parcel if the weight is between 1 kg and 2 kg.
If you send more than 20 parcels per week, you can set up a Royal Mail Business account. This gives you access to cheaper rates.
3. Cheapest Way to Send a Medium Parcel (up to 5 kg)
With the medium parcel, the maximum size depends on the service you choose. eBay offers the following options:
| Type | Maximum Dimensions | Price Range* |
|---|---|---|
| eBay Delivery (Evri, Yodl, DPD) | 80-120 cm length | £3.58-£6.85 |
| Royal Mail 2nd Class | 61 x 46 x 46 cm | £5.49-£6.99 |
| Royal Mail 1st Class | 61 x 46 x 46 cm | £6.29-£7.99 |
| Royal Mail Signed For 2nd Class | 61 x 46 x 46 cm | £6.69-£8.19 |
| Royal Mail Signed For 1st Class | 61 x 46 x 46 cm | £7.49-£9.19 |
| Royal Mail Special Delivery | 61 x 46 x 46 cm | £15.45 |
Of the delivery options eBay provides, eBay Delivery works out the cheapest. You also have more generous maximum sizes. However, at this weight range, eBay’s options are not the best.
Use websites such as Parcel2Go to check if you can get a cheaper deal. The cheapest quote I can find at the moment is £4.27 for a parcel of up to 5 kg. This would work out cheaper than eBay delivery.
4. Cheapest Way to Send a Large Parcel (5+ kg)
Large parcels are the most difficult items to send. Quotes between services vary and depend on your parcel’s size and measurements. The options to send a large parcel are:
- eBay Delivery
- Royal Mail 1st and 2nd Class
- Royal Mail Signed For 1st and 2nd Class
- Parcelforce 24
- Parcelforce 48
- Other couriers
While eBay offers a range of options, they are not the best way to send large parcels. It is better to go to a website like Parcel2Go and get the best quote. For example, you can send a parcel weighing up to 15 kg with FedEx for £4.75.
Tips to Save Money When Posting eBay Parcels
1. Keep the Weight as Low as Possible
There are a few tricks that help to reduce the weight. For example, you can send your items in soft bags rather than boxes. You can also go easy on the wrapping. If an item is not breakable, such as clothes, you don’t need to wrap it. If you need wrapping, bubble wrap is lighter than paper.
2. Buy Cheap Packaging Materials
Where you buy your packaging from also impacts your postage costs. Post offices tend to be the most expensive for buying packaging supplies.
You are much better off buying your items online. If you buy in bulk, you can save even more. Another great idea is to recycle packaging materials. If you just received a delivery, you can re-use the box to send your items.
3. Print Your Labels
Printing your labels saves time compared to going to the post office. Plus, labels are cheaper when you buy them online. If you only send one parcel, this may not matter as much. However, if you are a regular eBay seller, printing labels makes a difference.
This tip is also helpful if you use eBay alternatives.
eBay Postage Options Summary
The price of sending eBay parcels in the UK depends on the weight and size of the item you want to send. For letters and smaller parcels, eBay Delivery and Royal Mail are the best options. For larger parcels, you may want to use independent parcel comparison websites to get the best quote.
Did you know that you can send offers to buyers on eBay to sell your items faster?
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