How to Combine Shipping on Ebay: A Seller’s Guide

Today, we’re going to talk about a topic that can save both you and your buyers some money: combining Shipping for multiple purchases. So, let’s dive into how to Combine Postage on Ebay:

What is eBay Combined Shipping?

eBay Combined Shipping is a feature that allows sellers to ship multiple items purchased by the same buyer in a single shipment. This can save both the seller and the buyer money on shipping costs. 

Here is how it works:

1. Buyer makes multiple purchases: The buyer purchases multiple items from the same seller.
2. Buyer requests total: The buyer can request a total from the seller, indicating they want the items shipped together.
3. Seller reviews the order: The seller checks the items to ensure they can be safely shipped together.
4. Seller calculates the combined shipping cost: The seller packs the items as they would for Shipping, weighs the package, and measures its dimensions. They then use this information to calculate the new shipping cost.
5. Seller sends Invoice to the buyer: The seller sends an invoice to the buyer with the combined shipping cost.
6. Items are shipped: After the buyer pays the Invoice, the seller ships the items together.

This process not only saves money but can also encourage buyers to purchase more items from the same seller, knowing they can save on Shipping.

Benefits of eBay Combined Shipping

eBay Combined Shipping offers several benefits for both sellers and buyers:

1. Cost Savings: By shipping multiple items together, sellers can save on shipping costs. These savings can also be passed on to the buyer.
2. Increased Sales: Buyers may be more inclined to purchase multiple items from the same seller if they know they can save on Shipping. This can lead to increased sales for the seller.
3. Environmental Impact: Combining Shipping can also reduce the environmental impact. Fewer packages mean less packaging material and fewer trips for delivery vehicles, which can reduce carbon emissions.
4. Convenience: For the buyer, receiving multiple items in one package can be more convenient than receiving several packages at different times.
5. Positive Feedback: Sellers who offer combined Shipping often receive positive feedback from buyers, which can improve their reputation and attract more buyers.

Why Combine Shipping?

First off, why should you even consider combining Shipping? It’s simple. When a buyer purchases multiple items from your store, packing them together in one shipment can save on shipping costs. 

This not only makes your buyers happy (who does not love saving money?), but it can also increase your sales as buyers might be more inclined to purchase multiple items if they know they can save on Shipping.

How to Combine Shipping on Ebay: Manually vs. Automatic

Offering combined Shipping on eBay can be done either manually or automatically. Here is how you can do both:

Manual Combined Shipping

1. After your buyer has made multiple purchases, they can request a total from you. This will alert you to combine the Shipping.
2. Check the items the buyer has purchased. Make sure they can be safely shipped together.
3. Pack the items as you would for Shipping, then weigh the package and measure its dimensions. Use this information to calculate the shipping cost.
4. Once you have calculated the new shipping cost, you can send an invoice to the buyer with the combined shipping cost. Make sure to explain what you did in the invoice notes to make sure everything is clear.

Automatic Combined Shipping

eBay allows you to set up rules for combined Shipping. This can automate the process and save you some time. Here’s how you can set it up:

1. Go to Site preferences: Go to the Account tab from your eBay account, then click on Site Preferences.
2. Find Shipping preferences: Under Shipping Preferences, click on “Edit” next to “Offer combined payments and shipping”.
3. Set Up rules: You can now set up rules for combined Shipping. For example, you can set a fixed cost for additional items or calculate the cost based on weight.

How to Combine Shipping on Ebay?

Now, let us get to the meat of the matter: how do you actually combine Shipping on eBay? Here are the steps:

1. Wait for the Buyer to Request Total: After your buyer has made multiple purchases, they can request a total from you. This will alert you to combine the Shipping.
2. Review the Order Details: Check the items the buyer has purchased. Make sure they can be safely shipped together. You would not want to ship a delicate porcelain figurine in the same box as a heavy set of books.
3. Calculate the Combined Shipping Cost: This might be difficult. You will need to pack the items as you would for Shipping, then weigh the package and measure its dimensions. Use this information to calculate the shipping cost.
4. Send Invoice to the Buyer: Once you have calculated the new shipping cost, you can send an invoice to the buyer with the combined shipping cost. Make sure to explain what you did in the invoice notes to avoid any confusion.
5. Ship the Items: After the buyer has paid the Invoice, you can ship the items. Make sure to pack them securely to prevent any damage during transit.

Tips for Combining Shipping

Finally, here are a few tips to make combining Shipping even easier:

• eBay allows you to set up rules for combined Shipping. This can automate the process and save you some time.
• Always keep your buyers in the loop. Let them know that you offer combined Shipping, and communicate with them throughout the process.
• This cannot be stressed enough. The last thing you want is for items to get damaged because they were poorly packed.

Some Questions

What is combined Shipping on eBay? 

Combined Shipping on eBay allows sellers to ship multiple items purchased by the same buyer in a single shipment, potentially saving on shipping costs.

How to Combine Shipping on Ebay? 

You can offer combined Shipping manually by waiting for the buyer to request a total and then calculating the combined shipping cost. Alternatively, you can set up automatic rules for combined Shipping in your eBay account settings.

Why should I offer combined Shipping? 

Combined Shipping can save both you and your buyer money on shipping costs. It can also encourage buyers to purchase more items from your store, potentially increasing your sales.