Like
many PowerSellers I don't believe in making money on postage costs. But based on the theory that 'A Penny Saved is
a Penny Earned' there's nothing wrong in seeking ways to cut your delivery
costs and add more money to your bank account.
* Cut
costs on packing materials. Buy on the local high street and you'll usually pay
VAT on top. But if you buy from large
office supplier outlets you may get large discounts that counteract the the Value Added Tax. Alternatively, you won’t be
charged VAT at all if you buy from non-registered sellers on eBay or buy second
hand or liquidated stock at boot sales and flea markets. Buy as much as you can afford, as often as you
can, of items you know you'll quickly consume. But don't tie all your money up in packaging
so there's no money left to buy stock or pay your eBay fees. Be sensible.
* Learn
to pack properly using as little material as possible. But don't cut corners;
skimp too much and your package will fall apart or be damaged in the post. Not good for your customer, not good for you,
highly damaging for your business, and costly in terms of having to replace
product and tackling disgruntled buyers. Oh yes, and managing poor feedback scores!
* Do
not forget to change delivery costs in line with increases in postage and
packing and other fulfilment costs. Responding
to increased postal charges can be a nightmare, especially if you have hundreds
of products listed. When postage costs
increased recently, my PowerSeller daughter decided to wait, just a while -
which in her book means 'never' - until she had time to spare to upgrade all
1,000 of her regular listings. She
waited and waited and over several months she ignored a twenty pence price
increase. Work 20p out over 400 items a month, over six months. Yes, exactly
right, £480, almost £1000 over the year.
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