How to ship large packages via fedex/ups
 

I have been an ebay member for almost a year. I am terrified of everything that comes with shipping/people telling me they didn't get it and yada yada, so I haven't sold anything, just bought. I really need some extra cash, and would love to sell some things. Can anyone teach me how I would go about shipping the items? I don't care how much it costs, I just want the most secure method.

Whenever I sell stuff via eBay, I just go to the local Staple's, and they have a shipping center. You need to provide your own box, but then they'll weigh it and ship it for you. I forget though if they use FedEx or UPS.

As far as I know, even though you have to pack it yourself, you can go to "UPS" online, and they will walk you thru the process. We have regular daily pickup at our office, but every now and then someone will come in with a package for UPS to pick up. If you have a printer, I believe you can just print off the shipping label, that has the tracking number on it. Easy to track packages with them...they even tell you where it is, or who signed for it after delivery. Sounds like I am promoting them, but they are the only ones I deal with, so can't speak for any others.

I sell about 4-5 items a month on ebay. I just box the item, and bring it by the local post office and send it USPS Priority mail. It costs about 3.85 per pound and will go cross country in 3 days. I've never had a problem with it.

Nobody has ever complained of postage costs, and its accepted to add a dollar or two to the shipping costs for the packaging and your time.

Set up a UPS account. They will tell you in advance how much it will cost to ship the item and how long it will take to get there. You can print your label from home and drop off at their location, or arrange pick-up (at additional cost). If it's small enough, you can drop off the item at "mail-box" locations.
Fed-Ex probably uses the same services, and DHL (just don't ship a Cuban girl). Any of these are more guaranteed than the USPS for tracking. UPS tells you how long, USPS gives you an estimate.

I set up a FedEx account (no cost) which bills my American Express card. I can ship using preprinted airbills which I keep in my office, or if I'd like to use FedEx ground, I package the item, and enter weight and package dimensions online. My printer spits out a shipping label, and I drop the package off at the local Pack N' Go. No waiting, no paying for someone elso to pack it. I add $10-15 for packaging and insurance.

DOn't use UPS ( I will never again deal with a company that uses UPS for shipping - I could rant for hours about them) - Fed Ex Home or Fed Ex Ground will cost you about the same.

Try DHL! I've been using them since I had a few packages come to me from them. It is cheaper than fedex and ups, and delivery times are great. I think they also have customer counters at office depot.

I have a business and use UPS daily pick up. Have no trouble with them. You can go to a UPS store if you are not going to have repeated shipments. Or as someone mentioned go to ups.com and you can ship using the online process...very simple.

UPS, FEDEX, etc will give you delivery confirmation, so it'd be pretty hard to claim it never arrived. In addition, don't skimp on insurance. Get insurance for the full value of the items. That way if they screw up, you're covered.

I just received a 1400lb package from fed-ex ground, so it can definitely be done.... maybe with a corporate account?

I don't know how large of a package you are tying to send, but UPS doesn't take crate like or huge packages.

I have a Fedex and UPS online account. Fedex ground is much less expensive and generally they have treated my stuff with care. UPS has destroyed a few of my packages over the years and you have to harass them to get them to pay a damage claim. I dont use UPS anymore for that reason.

Terry