Shipping packages is a daily task for eBay sellers. It may not be the most exciting part of the business, but shipping is the final step in the selling process. Many sellers use various on-line postage printing services to print labels and save time and eliminate the hassle of going to the post office. If you can navigate eBay and PayPal, you can easily prepare your packages at home and have your mail carrier pick them up on a daily basis.

Try using PayPal postage. On your eBay selling manager, you will see a drop down box next to each item in your "Awaiting Shipment" view. One of the choices is "Print Shipping Label." If you choose this option, eBay will connect you with PayPal and you can complete the information for shipping that item. Choose First Class, Priority, or Parcel Post. The funds will be deducted from your PayPal account and the label will print. Many sellers use this procedure to print postage online. PayPal shipping also includes options for insurance and delivery confirmation. There is no cost to use PayPal shipping.

If you don't like the PayPal option, try shipping directly from USPS.com using their Click-N-Ship service to print postage online. Log on to the site, choose "Print a Shipping Label" and follow the prompts. You will need to enter a payment method such as a debit or credit card. Your postage label will print and you can affix it to your package.

Another convenient and time-saving service provided by USPS is in-home pickup. This service is free.Go to the USPS website and choose "Schedule a Pick Up." This feature allows users to schedule carrier pis-up for up to three months in advance. If you aren't sure how many packages you will have each day, just provide an average so your mail carrier will have some idea of ​​what to expect. Your carrier will pick up domestic as well as international packages.

If you plan to start shipping your items from home, stock up on supplies. The USPS website has a section where you can order Priority Mail supplies, Delivery Confirmation slips, international forms, and Express Mail supplies. All of these supplies are free and will be delivered to your door. The post office has come a long way in the last few years to accommodate small home businesses.

For more information on eBay shipping and how to print postage online through other services, download my free eBook, The Ultimate eBay Shipping Guide . This guide has a flow chart to help you determine the most cost effective way to ship packages, answers to common shipping questions, and everything an eBay seller needs to know about domestic and international shipping.