10 Must Have eBay Shipping And Packaging Supplies

This post will share the must-have eBay shipping and packaging supplies you need for your small business.

I recently got a thermal printer after using my laser jet printer for about a year for my eBay orders.

I always wanted to do it but needed to be sure it was worth the investment.

This is why I started with a cheap £20 printer I got on eBay.

It goes without saying that whenever you want to experiment with a new business, start slow.

You’re better off buying preowned equipment first to test the waters before entirely investing in your business with the latest technology.

Often, pre-owned items are in excellent condition, saving you money in the long run.

Now that I have my thermal printer, which has already paid for itself, I decided to share some of my must-have eBay shipping and packaging supplies based on what I use regularly.

Thankfully, most of these items are affordable, so you can always start small on a budget.

But before that, I’ll point out the most significant money-saving hack for packaging supplies.

Before investing in brand-new supplies, I reused old packaging from my orders.

If you shop online frequently, you’ll find most, if not all, of your orders packaged in bags and boxes.

I’m happy to inform you that you can reuse them for your eBay orders.

All you need to do is ensure you open them neatly rather than ripping them apart to extend their usability.

If the boxes come with simple branded logos, use Kraft Paper to rip them off.

They usually come off quickly.

The boxes are as good as new ones once adequately packaged with fresh Sellotape.

So, save all your unbranded or less branded boxes to reuse for your eBay orders.

Now that that is out, let’s get into business!

Here Are 10 Must-Have eBay Shipping And Packaging Supplies You Need.

Ideally, the goal is to shop for the lowest prices on packaging to reduce costs and increase profit.

So, buy your packaging supplies in bulk as much as possible.

It’s cheaper and more convenient.

Depending on your budget, you only need to buy them once every quarter or six months.

Then, watch how quickly you exhaust them, which will determine how frequently you need to replenish your stock.

Now, if you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford anything for now, unsure about how long you want to sell on eBay, or your orders are pretty irregular, you can always take them to the post office to be packaged.

It might cost you more, but you won’t need to store supplies at home.

Let’s get right into it!

Digital Shipping Scale

This is possibly the first item I bought because I need to measure my packages correctly to ensure I buy the cheapest labels.

Plus, I couldn’t visit the post office for every order.

Printing my labels at home is more convenient, so I got a 5kg measuring scale.

So far, it has worked for most of my orders because I don’t sell large items.

Before deciding on what type of scale to buy, consider what you want to sell and the average weight of the items.

Thermal Printer

This is likely the most expensive item for your eBay business.

Thermal printers are excellent for labels because they don’t use ink or cartridges, which are expensive.

While the price might put you off initially, think about how much it will add up if you buy ink for a laser jet printer every month.

Trust me; it adds up.

If you can’t afford a new one, you can buy a preowned thermal printer on eBay for less than £100/$120.

The difference is clear as day.

Thermal Labels

Of course, with a thermal printer, you need to get the appropriate labels to work for it.

Unfortunately, you can’t use A4 Paper, so bear that.

A roll usually comes with 100-500 labels, so it’s worth it.

LaserJet Printer

If you want a printer for other purposes besides printing shipping labels, you can get a laser jet printer.

I also use mine to print pictures and posters, which is handy.

If you’re considering a laser jet printer, make sure you factor in the price of ink and specific A4 Sheet Labels and compare it to the price of a thermal printer.

A4 Printable Sheet Labels

Previously, I used to cut A4 paper into four pieces, print the label, and tape it to my order until I discovered the next best thing since sliced bread: A4 Sheet Labels.

They’re so convenient as they come in pre-cut 4×6 labels on an A4.

All you need to do is cut them into four equal parts, and you have your sticky label.

It’s an upgrade from manually using paper and tape.

Depending on what you want, you can get 50+ sheets, which will give you 200 labels.

I was already on my second pack when I ordered my thermal printer.

It is worth it if you already have a laser printer at home.

Tape Dispenser & Different Tapes

I currently have different types of tapes for various purposes. They include;

• Duct Tape
• Masking Tape
• Sellotape
• Kraft Paper Tape

I mostly use my Kraft Paper Tape to remove logos from my old packaging boxes and Sellotape for new eBay orders.

When I have a large package to ship that requires reinforcements, I whip out the masking tape.

Having all these tapes in hand is convenient, making the packaging process even more seamless.

Shipping Cardboard Boxes

Again, I never really buy boxes because I never need to.

I have enough from my old orders to cover the occasional large orders.

But if you sell shoes, for instance, make sure you’re investing in quality recyclable boxes.

Packaging makes all the difference.

Bubble & Poly Mailers

I use these for most of my orders, so I always get small, medium and large sizes.

They’re versatile and convenient and can pack just about any small to medium-sized item.

If you need extra support, you can always wrap your orders in Bubble Wrap, and they will still fit.

They’re quite literally my favourite packaging item.

They are definitely a must-have eBay shipping supply.

Bubble Wrap, Kraft Paper & Shredded Paper

I think I bought a pack of bubble wrap once and never had to again.

Some brands tend to over-stuff orders with bubble wrap to prevent damage while in transit.

Honestly, I don’t blame them, but this means I have more than enough bubble wrap and Kraft paper for my eBay orders.

So, if you sell fragile items, invest in some bubble wrap.

Royal Mail Size Guide

This size guide is handy if you live in the U.K.

If you’re unsure which labels to buy for your orders, this is a super handy reminder for letter, large letter, and small parcel sizes.

As long as your order can pass through, you can buy the correct label, which will save you money in the long run.

In Summary

I hope you found this list of ten must-have eBay shipping and packaging supplies.

For under £200/$220, you can set up your own business.

If you’re still wondering what to sell, here’s a guide on becoming an eBay Seller.