Expert: Marvinator - 7/10/2004

Question
What do you find is the best way to deal with the cost of mailing?  
Should I wrap up the item in a box, weigh it and then list that amount of weight for the buyer?  This seems really complicated.  It seems that I should at least indicate the approximate weight - but I fear problems if I am not exact.
Thanks for your help.
Kathy

Answer
THe Postage/weight question is one that has plagued sellers from day one.  Some sellers won't list the shipping or weight, and others do.  

If you plan on listing the weight, weigh the item on a postal quality scale WITH the box. (DON'T use a bathroom scale!) If the item/box weighs about 1.5 pounds, you can imagine that the packing material won't take it over 2 so you list the weight at 2 lbs. If the item weighs closer to 1.7 or 1.8 lbs, then bump your estimate up above the 2 lb mark and list the weight at 3.  (FYI, the post office considers a package that weighs 1.1 lbs to be 2 lbs. and will charge you accordingly.)

As you list and pack items, you will get better at this.  

Good luck!