Shipping Guide
How to pack and ship your items safely. Shipping rates are calculated automatically at checkout via EasyPost. Protect your items, keep buyers happy, and earn great reviews.
Pricing Your Shipping
Shipping rates are now calculated automaticallyat checkout. When a buyer purchases your item, they see live rates from USPS, UPS, and FedEx — powered by our EasyPost integration. You get discounted commercial carrier rates (USPS Commercial Plus, UPS, and FedEx) so buyers always see competitive prices.
What sellers need to do
When creating a listing, you just need to provide accurate package details so we can calculate rates. You enter the package weight (in ounces) and either select a predefined package type or enter custom dimensions.
Package presets
To make listing easier, we offer package presets that match common item types. Select the preset that fits your item and we handle the rest:
| Item Type | Suggested Preset | Typical Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Trading cards (single/small lot) | Letter (2 oz) | 1–4 oz |
| Video game (disc or cartridge) | Small Flat Rate Box | 4–12 oz |
| Multiple games / accessories | Medium Flat Rate Box | 1–3 lbs |
| Console / PC component | Large Flat Rate Box | 3–10 lbs |
| Large/heavy items (PC tower, CRT) | Custom dimensions | 10+ lbs |
| Board games / table games | Custom dimensions | 2–5 lbs |
Getting accurate rates
Include packaging materials in the weight
Weigh the item with its packaging, not just the item alone. Bubble wrap, tape, padding, and the box itself all add weight. A kitchen or postal scale works fine — add 2–4 oz for packing materials if you're estimating before packing.
Use a preset when possible
Predefined package types (like Flat Rate Boxes or Letter) simplify listing creation and ensure accurate rate quotes. Only use custom dimensions when your item doesn't fit a standard preset.
Double-check custom dimensions
If you enter custom dimensions, measure the packed box (length x width x height). Carriers charge by weight or dimensional weight, whichever is greater. An oversized box means higher rates for your buyer.
Choosing a Carrier
With our EasyPost integration, buyers choose their preferred carrier and serviceat checkout from live rates. Sellers don't need to pick a carrier — all available USPS, UPS, and FedEx options are shown automatically based on your package details. That said, understanding each carrier's strengths helps you set accurate package details and answer buyer questions:
USPS (United States Postal Service)
Best for
- Trading cards and small, light items
- Video games (disc cases, cartridges)
- Items under 1 lb (First Class Mail)
- Items under 70 lbs (Priority Mail)
Key services
- First Class Mail — Under 13 oz, $4-6, 3-5 days
- Priority Mail — 1-3 day delivery, flat rate boxes available
- Priority Mail Express — 1-2 day guaranteed
- Media Mail — Cheapest, but slowest (2-8 days) — books, games, and media only
UPS (United Parcel Service)
Best for
- Consoles and heavier electronics
- PC hardware and components
- Items over 5 lbs
- High-value items (better insurance options)
Key services
- UPS Ground — 1-5 days, most affordable
- UPS 3 Day Select — Guaranteed 3 business days
- UPS 2nd Day Air — 2 business days
FedEx
Best for
- Large, heavy shipments
- PC towers and oversized items
- Time-sensitive deliveries
- High-value electronics
Key services
- FedEx Ground — 1-5 days, competitive pricing
- FedEx Home Delivery — Residential-focused, includes Saturday
- FedEx Express — 1-3 day options
Quick carrier comparison
| Factor | USPS | UPS | FedEx |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1 lb | Cheapest | Expensive | Expensive |
| 1-5 lbs | Usually cheapest | Competitive | Competitive |
| 5+ lbs | Can be pricey | Usually cheapest | Usually cheapest |
| Tracking | Included | Included | Included |
| Insurance | Up to $100 (Priority) | Up to $100 included | Up to $100 included |
| Free pickup | Priority/Express only | Yes | Yes |
Packing Basics
Proper packing protects your item and your reputation. A damaged item means an unhappy buyer, a potential refund, and a negative review. A few extra minutes of packing pays off.
The golden rules
Use the right-sized box
Too big and the item shifts around. Too small and there's no room for padding. Aim for 2-3 inches of padding on all sides.
Wrap the item before boxing
Wrap the item in bubble wrap or foam before placing it in the box. Never let the item touch the box walls directly.
Fill empty space
Use packing peanuts, crumpled paper, or air pillows to fill gaps. The item should not move or shift when you shake the box.
Seal securely
Use quality packing tape on all seams. The "H" taping method (tape the center seam and both edges) provides the best hold.
Do the shake test
Pick up the sealed box and shake it gently. If you hear or feel the item moving, open it and add more padding.
Packing by Item Type
Trading Cards
Single cards or small lots:
- Place the card in a penny sleeve, then into a top loader (rigid plastic holder)
- Tape the top of the top loader shut so the card can't slide out
- Sandwich between two pieces of cardboard for added rigidity
- Place in a small bubble mailer or rigid mailer envelope
- Mark the envelope "Do Not Bend" — even if carriers don't always follow it, it helps
Larger lots or binders:
- Wrap cards/binders in bubble wrap
- Use a small box instead of an envelope for better protection
- Fill empty space so cards don't shift
Video Games (Discs & Cartridges)
- If the game has a case, wrap the entire case in bubble wrap
- For loose discs, use a disc sleeve or small bubble wrap pouch
- For cartridges (Switch, 3DS, Game Boy), wrap individually in bubble wrap
- Place in a small box or padded bubble mailer
- Ensure disc cases can't open during transit — a rubber band or small piece of tape helps
- For multiple games, wrap each one separately, then pack snugly
Consoles
- Use the original box if you have it — place that box inside a second shipping box
- Without original box: wrap the console in several layers of bubble wrap
- Wrap controllers and cables separately to prevent scratching
- Place in a sturdy box with at least 3 inches of padding on all sides
- Use crumpled paper or packing peanuts to fill all gaps
- For heavy consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X), use a double-walled box
- Remove any discs from the console before shipping
PC Hardware
- GPUs: Use an anti-static bag, then wrap in bubble wrap. Ship in original box if possible. Support the card so it doesn't rest on the fans
- CPUs: Protect pins with the original plastic cover or foam. Ship in a small, padded box
- RAM: Anti-static bag, then bubble wrap, then rigid mailer or small box
- Motherboards: Anti-static bag, original box with foam inserts if available
- PSUs/Drives: Bubble wrap generously, use a snug box
- Always use anti-static bags for sensitive components
- Never pack components loosely — they should be immobile inside the box
Board Games & Table Games
- Place the game box in a plastic bag to protect from water damage
- Wrap in bubble wrap, especially the corners which dent easily
- Ship in a box that's slightly larger than the game box
- Fill gaps with padding so the game box doesn't slide
- For collector's editions or sealed games, add extra corner protection
Accessories (Controllers, Cables, Headsets)
- Wrap each item individually in bubble wrap
- Coil cables loosely and secure with a twist tie — don't bend cables sharply
- For controllers, protect joysticks and buttons with extra padding
- Place in a box or padded mailer depending on size
- For headsets, protect the headband from bending with cardboard support
The Shipping Flow
Here's the updated shipping flow with our EasyPost integration. Labels and tracking are now handled automatically — no manual data entry required.
Payment confirmed
You'll receive a notification and see the order in your Dashboard > Salestab with a "Ready to Ship" banner.
Shipping label auto-generated
A prepaid shipping label is automatically created based on the carrier and service the buyer selected at checkout. The label includes the buyer's address and a tracking number — no manual entry needed.
Download and print your label
Go to your dashboard, find the order, and click "Download Label." Print it and attach it to your package. The label has everything the carrier needs.
Pack your item and drop off
Follow the packing guidelines above for your item type. Drop off the package at the appropriate carrier location (USPS, UPS, or FedEx depending on the label). Then click "Mark as Shipped" in your dashboard to confirm the drop-off.
Tracking updates automatically
Tracking is handled automatically via EasyPost webhooks. The buyer gets real-time notifications as the package moves — in transit, out for delivery, and delivered. No need to manually enter or update tracking numbers.
Auto-confirmed after delivery
Once the carrier confirms delivery, the order automatically completes after 3 days. Your funds (minus the 10% platform fee on the order total) are released to your Stripe account. The buyer can also confirm receipt earlier if they choose.
Tracking Best Practices
Tracking is now fully automatic. When a shipping label is generated, the tracking number is embedded in the label and synced to the order. EasyPost webhooks push real-time status updates — no manual tracking entry required.
Tracking is built into the label
Every auto-generated shipping label includes a tracking number. As soon as the carrier scans the package, tracking updates begin flowing automatically. You never need to look up or enter a tracking number manually.
Buyers get real-time notifications
Buyers receive automatic notifications at each milestone: in transit, out for delivery, and delivered. They can also view the full tracking timeline on their order page at any time.
Orders auto-complete 3 days after delivery
Once the carrier confirms delivery, the order automatically completes after 3 days and your funds are released. This gives the buyer time to inspect the item while ensuring sellers get paid promptly.
Optional shipping insurance
Buyers can add shipping insurance at checkout for just 1% of the item value, covering up to $5,000. This is in addition to any carrier-included coverage. For high-value items like consoles, GPUs, or rare cards, insurance provides extra peace of mind for both parties.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these frequent shipping mistakes that lead to unhappy buyers and lost money:
Entering inaccurate package details
Shipping rates are calculated from the weight and dimensions you enter on your listing. If these are significantly wrong, the buyer sees an inaccurate rate at checkout. Always weigh your item packed (including box, bubble wrap, and tape) and measure the actual box you plan to use.
Using an oversized box
Carriers charge by dimensional weight for large packages. A small game in a huge box costs more to ship and gives the item room to bounce around and get damaged.
Skipping bubble wrap
Newspaper alone doesn't protect electronics from drops and impacts. Always use bubble wrap or foam for games, consoles, and hardware. Crumpled paper is fine for filling gaps, but not as primary protection.
Forgetting to mark as shipped
Tracking is automatic, but you still need to click "Mark as Shipped" after dropping off the package. This confirms to the buyer that it's on the way and starts the shipment timeline. Don't leave orders sitting in "Ready to Ship" status.
Delaying shipment
Ship within 1-2 business days of payment. Long delays frustrate buyers, lead to cancellation requests, and result in poor reviews. If you need more time, message the buyer.
Using the wrong address
Always ship to the address shown in your dashboard — never to a different address the buyer sends via message. Use the copy or print feature to avoid typos.
Recommended Supplies
Stock up on these basics so you're ready to ship as soon as an order comes in:
Essentials
- Bubble wrap (small and large bubble)
- Packing tape (2" wide, heavy-duty)
- Assorted box sizes
- Padded bubble mailers
- Kitchen or postal scale
- Scissors and box cutter
Nice to have
- Anti-static bags (for PC hardware)
- Penny sleeves & top loaders (for trading cards)
- Packing peanuts or air pillows
- Rigid mailers (for flat items)
- "Fragile" and "Do Not Bend" stickers
- Tape measure (for box dimensions)
Ready to ship with confidence?
Pack it right, price it fairly, and ship it fast. Your buyers will thank you.