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When I began selling my crochet back in 2012, it was mostly to local friends and family. I didn’t need to do much shipping, but when I did, I went to the post office; I did this for 2 years. Then, I moved out-of-state and all my friends and family were no longer local! I continued to go to the post office, but it started to get ridiculous and I knew there had to be an easier way. After doing lots of research, I finally figured it out!
Apparently, PayPal makes it super difficult to find the correct shipping page; like it’s some kind of secret or something, I don’t know. That being said, here is the easiest way to create shipping labels, at home, using PayPal. ( Even though nearly all my shipping is done through Etsy now, I still use this method when I am shipping promotional items or gifts.)
First, you will want to set up a Business PayPal account (if you haven’t already) and make sure it’s connected to your credit/debit card.
Here is a link on “How to set up a PayPal account”
After you’re all set up on PayPal, click the link below; You may want to bookmark this for easy access later.
https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_ship-now
When you click on it, you may be asked to log into your PayPal account, if you’re not already; after you log in, it will go straight to this page:
Fill out all the required fields and click “Ship to this address”
You will see this page.
Start making selections from all the drop-down menus. I always ship USPS (United States Postal Services) and First class, if I can; that is the cheapest option. If your item is less than 15.99 ounces, it can ship first class. (It can also only be a maximum of 18 inches by 22 inches.)
TIP: if you have something over 15.99 oz and you need to ship it priority, you DO NOT have to use a priority box; I did not know that when I started. Shipping in a priority box is usually more expensive than just shipping in a regular mailer, depending on how heavy your item(s) are. So, if it’s over 15.99oz, just put it in your regular mailer, but print a Priority label instead of a First Class label.
I use basic white 10″ by 13″ poly mailers
Next, you choose your package type. For my crochet items, I always choose “large package”.
You will need to weigh your product, mailer, promotional items etc. on a scale to get the total weight of your package. I just use a digital kitchen scale for weighing all my packages. It doesn’t have to be real fancy or anything, as long as it can tell you your item’s weight in ounces, you should be good. After you have an accurate measurement, type in your package weight.
This scale is on Amazon for only 12.99 (free shipping with a Prime account). It has the option to toggle between different units of measurement which is perfect, not only for shipping but also for measuring yarn in grams or oz to see if you have enough for a specific pattern.
Next, you have some additional details you can select, if necessary, and you have the option to add insurance if you choose.
Select the mailing date and click “Calculate Shipping Cost” in the top right corner; You will see something like this.
You can choose which payment method you would like to use, either PayPal or the card you have linked to the account. You also have the option to link more than one card to the account if you need to.
Next click “Confirm and Pay”, then click “Print”.
Your label will look something like this:
The bottom half is for you to keep, for your records, and the top half is what you will tape onto your package. Be sure to read the instructions for your first one, so there are no accidental mistakes.
TIP: You can use this fancy shipping label paper from Avery if you don’t like the idea of cutting and taping labels by hand.
Avery Shipping Labels w/ Paper Receipts and TrueBlock Technology for Laser Printers 5-1/16″ x 7-5/8″, Pack of 50 (5127)
It has a peel-and-stick label on one side, and just paper on the other side. This would be a time saver if you are shipping multiple items at a time. I invested in a Dymo printer last year and LOVE IT!
That’s it!! Pop that puppy into your mailbox, and raise the flag so your mail-carrier knows you have outgoing mail! No more weekly trips to the Post Office!!!
If you liked this post and would like to learn more about shipping tips or using PayPal for business, comment and let me know! I will be happy to make more posts like this one. Also, subscribe if you would like to be notified, via email, when new posts hit the blog!
➰ Happy Crocheting ➰
❤Ashley
Here is where I found the direct link to the shipping page on PayPal
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