Selling online is a great way to make extra money from home. It can be a side hustle, an ecommerce business venture, or just a way to declutter your home.

Over the years I've dabbled in a few online selling ventures, from running an online jewellery shop to selling handmade items on Etsy, reselling, and continuing to use eBay to sell our unwanted or outgrown household items and clothing.

One thing that's vital to get right when selling goods online is the packing and shipping. In this guide I'll share how to successfully handle your postage and packaging, whatever you're selling.

How to Package Items for Shipping

So you've sold something online (woohoo) and now you need to ship it to your customer. First things first, you need to package your item suitably. Here's what to think about.

Choose suitable packaging

There's nothing worse than an item arriving damaged because the packaging wasn't up to the job. Make sure you choose packaging that protects the goods inside, especially anything fragile.

I never trust couriers to handle goods carefully, even when the box clearly says fragile. Don't rely on writing 'fragile' on the packet. Make sure the packaging itself can withstand some movement or being turned upside down.

Local post offices and stationery stores sell packaging, but for bulk buying at a better price, eBay is a great place to start. If you've just set up shop and need bulk packaging supplies for shipping products, buying rolls of bubble wrap, padded envelopes and boxes in bulk works out far cheaper per item than picking them up one at a time.

Packaging for businesses

If you're selling for a business, you may want to consider branded packaging. It makes your parcels instantly recognisable and can enhance the customer's experience.

Custom packaging gives you control over the design and sizes of your boxes. Investing in custom packaging means you can get boxes that are exactly the right size for your products, keeping them better protected and cutting down on shipping costs, while building your brand and improving customer recall.

If you're worried about the security of a package with obvious branding on the outside, use a discreet outer box but brand something on the inside instead, such as branded tissue paper or inner wrap.

Consider the environment

Combatting single-use plastic is still something most shoppers care about, and it's worth keeping in mind when you pack your items. Opt for eco-friendly packaging that can be recycled where you can.

Your products need to be suitably packaged, but there's no need to over-package them. Customers don't want to spend ten minutes unwrapping and disposing of excessive packaging.

I once received a pack of vitamins that were already in a hard, unbreakable case, wrapped in a mountain of bubble wrap, cardboard and endless brown tape. It was so over the top I could barely get into the parcel. It wasn't just wasteful, it actually put me off buying from that seller again.

Packaging Time and Costs, Including Heavy or Bulky Items

Factoring in the time packaging takes isn't something most new sellers think about, and it wasn't something I considered either until my husband started selling handmade furniture through his own website, Etsy, eBay and Facebook Marketplace.

At first when he sold a large desk with heavy industrial steel legs. He arranged collection with a courier, but had to package it suitably first, which meant jumbo rolls of bubble wrap and flexible cardboard.

It took him around an hour to package that desk. Each piece, the thick wooden top and the two steel legs, was wrapped separately in several layers of protection, then the whole thing had to be bundled together into one parcel for collection.

Most items only take a minute or two to package. But if you're selling something large, custom-made or fragile, factor the time it takes into your pricing or your postage costs, so you're not left out of pocket.

In the end, he switched to using a specialist furniture courier instead of a regular one. They collected the desk in one piece, no packaging needed, wrapped it in blankets, and secured it properly in the back of the van. It worked out far better than wrestling with bubble wrap and cardboard, so if you're regularly shipping anything large or awkward, it's worth looking into a furniture or specialist courier rather than packaging it yourself for a standard service.

You'll also want to factor in the cost of the packaging itself when pricing your items, so a chunk of your profit doesn't disappear into bubble wrap and boxes.

Always Keep Packaging Supplies in Stock

Packaging is one thing you should never run low on. It's no good promising next day delivery if you've got nothing to actually pack the order in.

You can always buy last minute packaging from your local post office, supermarket or stationery shop, but expect to pay a premium compared to ordering in bulk online ahead of time.

Finding the Best Shipping Deals for Online Sellers

Royal Mail used to be pretty much the only option for sending parcels, but there are now a lot more couriers competing for your business. That's good news, since it means more competitive prices and better service. There are even parcel websites offering a same day delivery service, so your options are pretty much unlimited.

A parcel broker website lets you compare prices across several couriers at once, so you can find the best deal and a service that suits you or your customer. You'll just need the dimensions and weight of your parcel to hand.

If you're selling a lot online, it's worth investing in some scales to weigh your parcels accurately. I always keep a tape measure and a large letter or small parcel template handy for anything going via Royal Mail.

Before booking a shipping service, it's worth asking yourself:

• Does the standard level of compensation cover the value of the item, or do you need to pay extra for additional cover?
• Is the delivery tracked, and do you need a signature on delivery?
• How quickly does the item actually need to arrive?

Factor shipping costs into your product pricing if you're offering free delivery, or give customers a range of delivery prices and options so they can pick what suits them.

Should You Offer Free Shipping?

As a shopper myself, I always prefer to search for items with free shipping, so there are no surprises at checkout. I like to see the price I'm actually going to pay upfront.

Some marketplaces let you filter results by free shipping, so it's worth considering, since it can make your products appeal to more buyers.

It's never really 'free' shipping, of course. You just need to factor the cost of postage and packaging into your item's price so you're still making a profit, but it makes the shopping experience feel easier for your customer.

Choosing a Reliable Courier

Make sure you use a courier you'd trust with your own parcels. Is there a service that regularly throws boxes over the garden gate, or leaves them on the doorstep in the rain? If so, don't use them for your own customers.

Most people have had at least one bad experience with every courier at some point. Choose one that represents good value while still being reliable and giving consistently good service.

Always Get Proof of Postage

If your item gets lost or damaged in the post, you'll need proof of postage to make a compensation claim. Buy your postage online and you'll get an email confirmation with a tracking number.

If you post in person at the Post Office, always get a receipt, since that's your proof of postage. Even standard 1st or 2nd Class mail without tracking is financially protected against loss up to a certain amount, but only if you can prove you sent it.

Quick Questions on Packing and Shipping for Online Sellers

How do I package my product for shipping?

Choose packaging that suits the size, weight and fragility of the item, protects it from movement in transit, and doesn't rely on a 'fragile' label to keep it safe. Bulk-buy your supplies in advance so you're never caught short.

What packaging supplies do I need to start selling online?

At minimum, you'll want a mix of padded envelopes, boxes in a few sizes, bubble wrap or tissue paper for padding, and tape. Buying these in bulk online, rather than one at a time from a shop, keeps your costs down as you scale up.

How do I ship heavy or bulky items sold online?

For anything really large or awkward, like furniture, look into a specialist courier rather than packaging it yourself. Many will collect the item in one piece, wrap it in blankets and secure it in the van, which is often far easier and safer than trying to box it up for a standard delivery service.

Final Word

Providing you package your products suitably and use a courier that's reliable and trustworthy, you shouldn't get complaints or end up out of pocket on your P&P. The packaging and delivery experience is part of your customer's journey, so treat it with the same care as the product itself.

If you're new to selling online, my guide to the best items to resell on eBay is a good next read, and it's also worth knowing that eBay is now free for private sellers in the UK, which makes getting started even easier.