Come pack and send with me PLUS how I use Australia Post to save time and money

Grab a drink and come watch me pack some orders as well as see how I use the Australia Post site to save me time and money
Thank you for watching
#soyandshea #soapdesign #soapmaking
Soy and Shea is an Australian based small business specialising in handmade home & personal fragrances. We have been selling our products at local markets since 2012 and online since 2014. We have been offering international shipping on our products since 2018.
Please feel free to visit the online
Website: soyandshea.com.au
** Follow us on Social Media **
Patreon: / createwithsoyandshea
Facebook: / soyandshea
Instagram: / soyandshea
You can find us on most social media platforms by searching @soyandshea
** My recipe **
30% Coconut Oil
20% Palm Oil
3% Shea Butter
42% Olive Oil
5% Castor Oil
Superfat - 5%
Lye and Water - I work at 33% Water but you can choose the amount that works best for you. The Lye amount can be calculated using your favourite soap calculator. I prefer to use
Soapcalc : bit.ly/soapcalculator
If you wish to learn more about my recipe, check out this video of me preparing the oils and lye solution for soaping. • Preparing Oils & Lye P...
** Equipment **
If you are interested in some of the equipment that features regularly, here are some links.
Please note most of these are Australian based.
Pure Delights Soap Cutters (Single bar): bit.ly/2LH90uv
($) My Scales are from Amazon AU: amzn.to/33zvJy9
** Suppliers **
Here are just a few of my favourite suppliers that I use regularly. Please note these are mostly Australian Suppliers and they may not ship internationally
My Mica Obsession: bit.ly/2zz47hH (for most of my micas)
Eroma: bit.ly/eromafragrance (for most of my fragrances)
** Reference Pages **
I make these weekly videos to share the love and passion I have for creating the products available on our webstore and to show my customers the products are all handmade. These are not “How to” videos.
If you would like to learn more about how to make soap and other bath and body products, I found the below websites and KZbin channels to be helpful.
Soap Queen Website: bit.ly/2L4RD5X
Soap Queen KZbin: bit.ly/2zz575r
Lovin Soap Website: bit.ly/2uiOOV7
**Music **
The music in our videos are sourced from the below websites
Intro and Outro: “Sunshine Ver 2" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Main Music
Incompetech - Kevin MacLeod: incompetech.com
Bensound: www.bensound.com/royalty-free-...
Disclaimer:
I only provide links to other business that I have had positive experiences with. On occasion some of these businesses run affiliate programs where by I can earn a little extra income by offering you the direct links to their site. Clicking on these links does not cost you any extra money nor are you obligated to make purchases. I have indicated such links with a $ to clearly identify them. Thank you for supporting me

[@richardweston9443]

Thank you! There are 1000's of KZbin video's on using e-commerce platforms but they are all American and don't show what happens after the e-commerce purchase. Great Australian content. Well done.

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching 🧡

[@daisyle9018]

This is literally the most helpful video out there where every detail is broken down in the simplest way! I am nearly 18 and have been wanting to open up a Depop shop but was too scared of the risks and processes involved with shipping and printing labels with Australia Post. Thank you so much for your time and effort making this video!!!

[@SoyandShea]

Good luck with your business. There are no risks with using Australia Post and if there are any issues, it's easy to get in contact and solve issues

[@MeganBennettAUS]

Knowledge bombs galore. Very helpful, no fluff, just good straight up info. thanks Keely

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching 🧡 glad it helped

[@Nikkkielizabeth]

Thank you so much! You've made some things a lot clearer now. So easy to understand! 👏🏻

[@SoyandShea]

Happy it helped 🧡

[@Fiiscreativemoods]

Always excited when you post!

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you 🧡

[@michelleshelby01]

That info you gave on Australia Post was very helpful. Keeley your packaging is lovely. I know I've been impressed with it

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you 🧡 I don't think people realise just how reasonably priced AP are

[@hollybarnes6935]

This was such a helpful video! Thank you so much for taking us through the process of shipping!!

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching 🧡

[@veronicarousseau3129]

I rarely leave comment but when i saw your video, i dont think i cant just leave without a comment, because it was throughout, easy to understand and covered most of everything i did not know about. Also i really love your gift wrap, they are beautiful and i can see you put a lot of passion and efforts in there. Thank you so much for your video! Its really helpful!

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you so much 🧡 I'm pleased it helps. I do love wrapping the orders that go out.

[@limekisses8071]

Thank you so much! This was one of the most helpful videos I’ve seen, you really answered some questions others haven’t done for me! Thank you again

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you 🧡 I'm glad it helped

[@chloemurdoch9074]

Thank you so much, no one else has been this detailed and you answered so many of my questions 💖

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching 🧡 so happy it helped

[@amylouise4027]

This was great. Thank you for stepping us through.

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching 🧡

[@chenaeM7]

this is so in depth and explained so well, you are an angel!

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching 🧡

[@ttoo7671]

Thank you so much! You have actually helped me a lot. You gave the details that I was trying to look for and you had all the details in the video.

[@SoyandShea]

So happy it helped. A few things have changed since making this video, such as the pick-up service, which now costs over $12 but most is the same 🧡

[@ttoo7671]

Oh ok 👍🏼

[@ttoo7671]

Anyways the video was helpful so thank you again!

[@rachpeterson6796]

Thanks so much Keeley. This video was very useful and gave me a number of tips and ideas. I will be watching some more of your vids. Take care and happy crafting!

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you 🧡 so happy it helped.

[@CassiieMay]

Thank you, thank you!!! So so much for this video 🥰 I’ve been wanting a guide like this for so long 🙏

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching 🧡 so glad it helps

[@sfruit007]

Thank you for your sharing. It is really helpful for beginners. It totally makes sense. Thank you so much.

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching 🧡

[@rebeccasciberras4948]

Thanks so much Keely - just moving my logistics into my home for my online store, and this helped SO much! You have a new subscriber x

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you 🧡 so happy it helped

[@tahliel]

Thankyou so much. I've found aus post pretty difficult to navigate and you've given me the answers I was looking for.

[@SoyandShea]

Happy to hear it has helped

[@talwaystimeforcake6962]

Great content, Keeley's presentation was clear & simple. Thank you made my decision easy to use Australia Post for my next step in my business.

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you 🧡 happy it helped. AP have recently changed their pick up service and now costs more than I mentioned in video but it's still easy to print and home an drop at post office

[@busstah]

Very helpful...Great information...Thanks heaps for taking the time to make this video :-)

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching 🧡

[@Samsmom50]

Wow! Your packages are beautiful!!

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you 🧡

[@joro7392]

Thank you Keeley that was incredibly informative. 👏🏻☺️

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching 🧡

[@lindapinkerton6326]

The most helpful information on Australia Post EVER. thank you for sharing i'm now a little more educated and now know when I get my email notifications whats "actually"happening . Keeley your amazing xo

[@SoyandShea]

So happy it helped 😊 I've been lucky with my postal people as they help explain but I know so many other people have trouble getting answers.

[@wickedlee]

It's really interesting to see how similarly we pack and post. I love your personalised ribbon. I've kept one piece and tied it up on my shelving as a little memento ;) I agree 100% about the not doing the AusPost until it's ready to go. Sometimes I will do it late the night before when I have 30-40 packages to go so I can get them to the post office first thing in the morning. I used to use Sendle but much prefer to just go through AusPost now. I used the reference field to add the order number as just another way to track what was sent. It is SO much easier to use the flat rate satchels. Great video Keeley. I'm sure this will help lots of people :)

[@SoyandShea]

I've had issues with parcels sent to me by people using sendle and I've heard so many complaints about them not picking up, especially if you're a little out the way. I've been happy with AP. Like your idea for the reference field 🧡

[@shaylahl3812]

The time and effort you put into putting the wrapping paper on the box and making it look pretty shows that you care about your customers, I will definitely look into being a customer 💛 Also thank you so much for the video I really needed help with all this stuff 😅

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you 🧡 I've always enjoyed getting pretty packages. It can brighten your day

[@debbiepick5039]

Thank you, Keeley. Very helpful and informative.

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching 🧡

[@frankengemma7306]

Incredibly helpful! Thank you

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching 🧡

[@flyorraofficial]

OMG this was such a great video. Fantastic. Great video. Love your packages

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you 🧡

[@HollyFreeman]

This helped me so much! Been doing it for a while now thank you!! Always refer your video to all my biz friends

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you. So pleased it helps

[@Hilary_ClarbySoaps]

Great tips, thank you for sharing. Beautiful packaging 💕

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching 🧡

[@PSJFamBam]

This was so helpful! All my questions have been answered in this video. Thank you

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching 🧼

[@coby9821]

Just want to say thankyou so much!! Ive struggled to find shipping advice for my Aussie business. this really helps xo

[@SoyandShea]

So pleased it has helped 🧡

[@victoriabarrueto4765]

Thank you so much. I really needed this video! Super helpful

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you 🧡 happy it helps

[@uncutgem1989]

this is really helpful! thank you for your tips! i am starting my own and your video helped me alot! thank you for being so generous

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching 🧡

[@designsparrow]

Hi Keeley this is very detailed information you shared and I really enjoyed this process from start to finish. Very helpful 👌 thank u so much and yes your gift wrap packing looks awesome 👌.

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching 🧡 glad it helps

[@michellepauga4346]

Thank you. This was very helpful

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching 🧡

[@snezhanafiuortt9859]

very helpful, thank you!

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching 🧡

[@Coconutluxenaturals]

AMAZING video Keeley. Thank you..

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you 🧡

[@Akanedesaotome]

Excellent video! It is so helpful! Thank you

[@SoyandShea]

So pleased it helped

[@user-mb8df3cx2i]

Brilliant! thank you :)

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching 🧡

[@DEANNAKYPREOS]

Thank you so much for this video. It was really helpful!

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching 🧡 happy it helps

[@pinkandsavageofficial]

Great video thankyou hun!

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching 🧡

[@janelu2697]

Thank you very much Very helpful information 😊😊

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching 🧡

[@sandygovic1585]

Thank you for sharing, very helpful ❤️❤️

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching 🧡

[@PBProductos]

Thank you for your video..its helpful

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching 🧡

[@user-embraceyournewlife]

Thank you .It helps a lot!

[@SoyandShea]

Happy to hear it helped 🧡

[@mintimidnight]

this was so helpful thank you

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching 🧡

[@chlo5204]

Thank you so much! I’ve been struggling with finding a website that supports shipping labels for Australia!! It wouldn’t let me print at some places because it was US based!! You’ve helped a lot! Thanks!!

[@SoyandShea]

Unlike USA we have very few shipping options available to small businesses. Sometimes it's best to go directly to the carrier rather than the 3rd party sites. It really doesn't save much 🧡

[@emmabarton5413]

Thank you for the tips and I loved my Halloween pamper pack! A W Soapary is me! Love all of your products xoxo

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you so much for supporting me 🧡 glad you loved your box

[@tico25]

Super cute how u made the thank sticker ☺

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you 🧡

[@jesssheteron902]

Thank you for sharing

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching 🧡

[@suriyaloganathan3448]

you really has made my time worth it she gave me great tips and things to use I would recommended it for someone else to use

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching 🧡 happy to hear it helped

[@lynnepaterson7996]

Thanks Keeley, this is such a great video and I’m so grateful for the info. Really interesting stuff I didn’t know. I love your work and thank you for sharing! 🎄😇🥰

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you 🧡 glad it helps 😊

[@lynnepaterson7996]

@@SoyandShea i just wish I had your computer skills. I’m so not tech savvy. Labels have been hellish for me. I have paid out so much $ because I can’t seem to even follow a template. I’ve tried many times! It must be so easy to just print out whatever you want on your own labels. I only have 4 and they are still not right! Frustrating! 😊

[@SoyandShea]

@@lynnepaterson7996 it's all self taught. My first labels were terrible but I kept persisting.

[@lynnepaterson7996]

@@SoyandShea it takes hours doesn’t it! You are a better girl than me lol. I don’t have the patience. Plus I dislike doing it so I don’t make the time. Xx

[@SoyandShea]

@@lynnepaterson7996 I'm just stubborn 😂

[@zoelock751]

I absolutely love this video you have made, so informative thank you 😊 I currently ship my depop orders with the tracking envelopes for Australia Post (making face masks) but looking at other options as I have started making scrunchies which are a bit thicker!

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching 🧡 glad its helped.

[@koena6720]

Thank you very much for this. I will be visiting your patreon soon.

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you 🧡

[@christianhanna2671]

Fantastic video!! Great content. Australia post will also supply you with the lables for free (you still have to pay for the postage 😀) Both express and standard lables so you can then stick them directly on your packages.

[@SoyandShea]

That's interesting to know. Might talk to them when I go in again. I do like putting my labels in the pouch In case of rain so I know the details don't get blurred.

[@alejandrahiguerasescobar5380]

Thank you so much!!!!!;-))))

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching 🧡

[@DeanWilson]

OMG, that green bubble wrap was mine. I know it's a lot but I didn't want the slab mold to be damaged - I know Auspost can drop a box here and there. :) All good.

[@SoyandShea]

Oh no that wasn't yours but you did put a lot on it 😆 this was from another order that was much smaller than your beautiful mould (which I now have plans for)

[@Frei_Raum]

I really enjoy to acompany you during such behind the scenes videos. Sitting here, drink my cereal-based coffee, knit some socks for my daughter and watch you packing your orders =)

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you 🧡 hope you got lots of knitting done. Cereal based coffee sounds interesting

[@Frei_Raum]

@@SoyandSheaYes, I think I will finish them up till christmas :) Hehe, the translator said "cereal-based coffee". A quick research showed that Caro coffee is known in Australia. I drink an organic version of it, which is from another company than Nestlé. I really like it, especially in the evenings. If I drank coffee in the evenings, I couldn't sleep :D

[@SoyandShea]

@@Frei_Raum I've seen Caro. Had no idea what it was though. I'm strange as coffee makes me sleepy 😆

[@Frei_Raum]

@@SoyandShea Hard to believe to me XD

[@LizY9271]

Thank you for taking the time to do this video , just starting out my small earring business and so lost and confused but your video was very helpful ❤️

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching and so pleased it helped

[@clydesimpson1462]

I hope Australia Post sent you a Cartier watch for Christmas for promoting their business.

[@SoyandShea]

Luckily I don't do it for those reasons. AP is the only carrier company that haven't messed me around and is accessible to small businesses.

[@rachaelherriot6500]

A very helpful video, thank you. I discovered you and your business because I was looking at 'How To' type videos about using Australian Post. And now I'm viewing all your videos because your products look lovely. I was wondering how do you calculate international post for your overseas customers. Thanks

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you 🧡 I do international shipping by weight using the bands that AusPost specify

[@HarjinderSingh-gt3jk]

Amazing guide. Where do you buy those plastic sleeves to put shipping labels inside. This is very useful video. Thanks.

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching. I got them from a local stationery store.

[@ArtisanSunsetSoaps]

Please do a soap clean up video. Of mixing containers, spatulas, etc. I hate doing mine wanted to know how other soapers do theirs. Pleaaeeeeese! LOL

[@SoyandShea]

Maybe in the next vlog 😊 the trick is to let them set up overnight then wash them once its saponified in the bowls etc. Personally I put mine through the dishwasher

[@LadyGecko]

I use microfiber towels. Bought a couple dozen colorful ones off Amazon. I use them to wipe everything clean and the run a sink of soap and water to wash the dishes. I then wash up the towels in the sink and toss them in the washer. Don’t put them in the dryer, just lay them out and they’ll be dry in no time.

[@visifoketi7730]

Thank you so much for sharing your shipping and packing experiences. It really help me so much knowing those infos. Just one question where do you get that clear plastic window for the order receipt is a very good idea. Your response will be appreciated. Just subscribed and liked.

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you. I looked for clear invoice pockets and found them on Amazon

[@negenreider]

Thanks for all the explanations. I was curious the name of the Tea place you were speaking about. Link?

[@SoyandShea]

It's called T2 tea. www.t2tea.com

[@Stephh1896]

I’m soon to be starting a small business so thank you for this video, super helpful and also any further help I can get is truly appreciated✨Just a few things I’m not sure on. 1. Do you not print your shipping labels off shopify as it’s included in the shopify premium? 2. If you use Aus post for shipping does that mean you’re paying for a yearly fee for Aus post and also for shopify? 3. Are you able to ship packages all taped up with the shipping label on just the shipping box or does the box have to be in a shipping bag too? 4. How much does postage cost with Aus post say over sendle. 5. Doesn’t buying those bags for what you mentioned $2.50 for 10 at 0.25c each work out the same as buying them singly since you’re still needing to pay $8.95 for the shipping cost? Or does it cost $8.95 for all items shipped? For example say you use the parcel bags that end up being 0.25 each for 10 if you have 10 items to post, will it cost you $8.95 for all over those 10 items if posted on the same day or is it $8.95 postage per item? Sorry if this is a really dumb question or if it doesn’t make sense, but I’ve tried searching it online on Aus post and Google and can’t seem to fine if it’d cost $8.95 ($9.20 total including the bag) per package or per packages sent. Looking forward in hearing from you! Xx

[@SoyandShea]

1. No I don't use the shopify shipping as it works off weight from what I saw and I can often ship cheap than what shopify have. 2. You don't have to pay a yearly fee for AustPost. 3. I do explain in the video why I put my boxes in flat rate bags. You can ship in the boxed only if you want but it costs more. 4. I don't know all of sendle rates but from what I've seen, I'm paying less due to my level and Sendle is not that reliable. 5. You pay per parcel sent. It wouldn't make sense to pay $8.95 for one or 10 parcels. At the time of videoing, if you brought the bags in the smallest quantity and was in the lowest discount category, it would be $8.95+$0.25 per small parcel sent. This changes accordingly to size of parcel and prices have also gone up. AustPost have full pricing on their website

[@duygusakir4862]

Thank you for the great video, I 'll be starting my business next week. Is there no way to link your auspost to your Shopify in order to avoid making the label manually?

[@SoyandShea]

You can link it to your shopify account however it works off weight and not what you can get into a satchel. I found it wanted to charge me more than what I should be paying

[@desireebunteski8171]

Love this video, so informative thank you 🙏 You mentioned you use shopify for your website is there a reason why you don’t print your labels directly from shopify? If printing the label through shopify doesn’t it already have all the customers details on there so it’s already done? I’m just trying to figure out if I should generate the label through shopify or the auspost business website like you have shown?

[@SoyandShea]

The issue I have found with the shipping in shopify is it is based off weight and size of package and doesn't allow the use of the flat rate bags. For example if I pack a box that weighs 3kg, the postage in shopify is the 3rd highest rate but I may be able to get that box in the smallest flat rate satchel saving me $5 postage. As I offer flat rate shipping I need to make sure I am getting the cheapest rate. I also get better savings direct with AustPost

[@midcitygym]

great vid, love the timber shelving are they Ikea?

[@SoyandShea]

Yes they are the Ivar system. So versatile

[@selinnaaad812]

Thank you, this was very helpful ❤️ What’s the biggest box dimension that you can fit in the small satchels?

[@SoyandShea]

It's a tricky question as you can get several different dimensions in the bag. The shorter the box in height, the wider the box can be. If the box is taller, it needs to be narrower.

[@selinnaaad812]

@@SoyandShea thank you 😊 What were the box dimensions you were using???

[@1234szable]

Where do you get your packaging boxes from?

[@SoyandShea]

It's best if you google Shipping Boxes and find someone local to you as they can be expensive to ship as they are bulky.

[@cybersechs1368]

Hey, thanks for this video. I really needed to see it. About to launch my Amazon FBA products, and was wondering whether to use AP or another 3rd party like TOLL/TNT.. but now hearing about that "BANDS" and the discounts I might use AP. QUESTION: if your at the counter and you have an item that needs to be weighed, how can you tell the clerk to put it on your AP business account?? and is that possible to do. Thanks!

[@SoyandShea]

If you are needing to weigh items, I would strongly recommend getting a set of scales to do it at home. However, if you do need to do anything like that, you download the AP app and there is a section that has the business details and a QR code for them to scan items to your business account.

[@cybersechs1368]

@@SoyandShea Yup! Thanks! I found that out today when I was at the post office. Got some boxes, was hoping they amount would accrue to my spend so I get quicker up the 'bands'

[@amyarnaiz2711]

Thanks Keely for the video. I am about to start an online bussiness and trying to learn everything. You are very informative and helpful! May I just ask what are the box sizes that fits in those sachels? If you could provide a link, I would really appreciate it. Thank you!

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching 🧡 there are several different sizes that fit into each of the satchels. If you look for eb packaging, they will say which boxes fit each of the satchels

[@amyarnaiz2711]

@@SoyandShea thanks!❤️

[@verifiedinthestreets9023]

Do you do each label pay and print indivually or is the a way to print of multiple labels on the 4x6 everytime I try to print multiple it tries to print them all on one label

[@SoyandShea]

There are settings in the Australia post app where you can tell it what you print on. I print on A4 paper and put in the inserts so it doesn't get damaged. It will print 4 labels per sheet. You can also set to print on A6 labels

[@verifiedinthestreets9023]

@@SoyandShea thanks so much I will give it a try

[@PBProductos]

Where do you get the boxes?

[@SoyandShea]

As mentioned in the video, I share this information with patrons and it wouldn't be fair to them to list suppliers freely. If you google shipping boxes, plenty of suppliers come up and maybe one close to to you saving you shipping costs.

[@pinkandsavageofficial]

If we are dropping it off at the post office- i pressume that we do not need to scan the QR code- They will do it for us??? Also, why do you scan on the shopify app? Which app/ section.

[@SoyandShea]

No you dont need to scan the QR code as you can now access your business parcels through the Australia Post app to see how they're tracking. I scan into shopify so that it sends a shipping alert to customer

[@pascal8773]

Do you have to put all these customer details every time? Even if one has a label printer? I could never work it out

[@SoyandShea]

Even if you have label printer, you need to tell it what to print. If you have regular customer you can save the details. Its the same for any postal system

[@sonyghimire5130]

Where do you get these packing boxes, tissues and shreds from

[@SoyandShea]

From a local shop. Best to google and lots of places will come up. You may find someone local saving you shipping

[@storiesabound]

Question re "save order". you said you hit "save order", so does that mean you hit save order, then you enter another address, hit save order and so on, and then you to another area and print them all out? is that how it works? thanks.

[@SoyandShea]

Yes that is how it works. When you hit save order, your taken to another screen where all your shipping orders are. Then you click pay

[@nataliedavison5592]

Hi There, Would you mind telling me where you get your postage boxes from?

[@SoyandShea]

As mentioned in the video, I shared all my suppliers on Patron. This is not something I freely offer due to the amount of time and money I have put into researching and testing suppliers. If you google shipping boxes, many suppliers will come up

[@nataliedavison5592]

@@SoyandShea thank you! I’ll check your patreon out than!

[@unknowngirl7940]

Is sending to different states counted as domestics or international ? For Australia

[@SoyandShea]

As Australia is one country, it's domestic.

[@GreenPeonyEvents]

Hi, did you use website builder in shopify or you do it yourself?

[@SoyandShea]

I built it myself using one of their templates

[@sueatkinson3709]

Hi Keeley, I've just found this very informative video...thank you. May I ask please, what type of printer do you use? I'm in the need for a new one . With so many to look at it does get a bit daunting. TIA

[@SoyandShea]

I currently use a HP laser printer for printing shipping labels but I really am not happy with it these days. It constantly jams and misses some print information. I'm on the hunt for a new printer

[@sueatkinson3709]

@@SoyandShea Do you use this printer for your labels too? Thank you for your reply 😊

[@SoyandShea]

@@sueatkinson3709 I used to but I've upgraded to a dedicated label Epson label printer.

[@sueatkinson3709]

Thanks 😊

[@karlairlam6029]

Hi There! Just a quick question about the postage satchels, sorry if this is a silly to ask, but do you have to measure the box as well before you put it into the satchel or do you not have to measure if you put it into a satchel? And do you have to weigh the product package before or after you put it into the satchel? Apologies if this doesn't make sense. Thank you in advance.

[@SoyandShea]

If you are using the Australia Post satchels, as long as it fits in the satchel, you cand send for the price of the satchels. So you don't need to measure the box. The only time you need to measure and weigh the box is if you are using satchels which are not from Australia Post - just regular courier bags. In this case, the postage is based on weight or cubic weight (size), whichever is greater. You need to weigh once in the satchels as it is part of the parcel weight. Hope that makes sense

[@karlairlam6029]

@@SoyandShea OK great! Thank you for your reply, your video was very helpful.

[@karlairlam6029]

Sorry just another question, I think you mentioned in your video about expiry of shipping labels once printed out? I think you might said 24 hours, just double checking, thank you.

[@SoyandShea]

@@karlairlam6029 you have 24 hours to print the label or cancel if needed.

[@karlairlam6029]

@@SoyandShea Great, thank you.

[@jaimejrsantos5290]

im doint international today. sending it as a gift. should i put the price or it will be safer to keep the item price hidden? im sending a laptop

[@SoyandShea]

You can't hide the price of goods and if you falsify the information there are fines. If you sending expensive items, I recommend paying insurance

[@djanayam3414]

I have a question how do I set this up through Shopify? so that I can use Australia post shipping labels? Currently using Sendle and would prefer Australia Post

[@SoyandShea]

I do mine directly with Australia post as you get better rates over time. I couldn't work out how to add the flat rate satchels as it was working off weight and dimensions.

[@djanayam3414]

@@SoyandShea ohh that makes so much sense now after watching your video I’m so new to all of this still trying to workout all the shipping stuff through Shopify I think I’m slowly getting there though thank you for taking time to respond to my comment.

[@jaywalk7250]

Hi, i am just starting out and will potentially be packing then posting items from directly next door to the local Aus post building. I have chosen Ecwid rather then shopify. Is it ok to not use readytoship, shippit or sellerdash to start with?

[@SoyandShea]

I personally went straight to the AP site to do my labels as I didn't see the point in paying yearly subscriptions to get cheaper postage when you can get it for free.

[@jaywalk7250]

@@SoyandShea The other thing is Ecwid & AP don't connect (even though ecwid have an AP section), so orders won't automatically flow to MPB ( but doing it manually like you are doing should work ok ). Then there is the gateway headache ( trying to use aus based there: card access service, securepay or pinpayments)

[@SoyandShea]

@JDub I can't comment much on ecwid. I tried it and didn't like it. I prefer to do the shipping separately without integration as many of the integrations want to charge more for the shipping than it should be. For example I can fit things into a small satchel but the system says it's a medium rate. But this is entirely dependent on what you sell.

[@jaywalk7250]

@@SoyandShea The only reason I am looking at ecwid is they charge in AUD for monthly fee ( i am trying to link everything up Aus - always try my best to support home colours). They are not so bad with customer service, but like most they just send links and i find it hard to get things done. But yeh i think it would be best looging in to MPB myself like you do. The boxes will be roughly twice as big as a shoe box and yeh hopefully can source from next to the PO which would be awesome just use AP sticker and maybe advert one too. Thanks for replying also

[@marisarouillon371]

hello soy and shea how long is your black tissue and where did you get it from?

[@SoyandShea]

I used standard sized tissue paper and I buy from various suppliers depending on what I need at the time to save on shipping. As I share suppliers with my paying patreons, it's unfair of me to list them here but if you Google tissue paper, quite a number of suppliers will come up for you.

[@marisarouillon371]

@@SoyandShea sorry about that the fine darling

[@tianasalpigidis2289]

Can anyone recommend a great Australian company that provides shipping boxes that are flat packed for candles ?

[@SoyandShea]

Most shipping boxes will come flat packed as its cheaper for them to send to you that way. If you google shipping boxes Australia lots of businesses show up

[@marciapattison4049]

Hi. Love your channel, I live in Perth and wondering , where to get a few things. 😃Can you please share where you get your tissue paper and wrapping paper. Much appreciated. Marcia

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you 🧡 I get them from a local shop only 20 minutes drive away

[@pearlpaucarcardsAU]

im a big dumb sorry so u r telling me if i change of bag may my shipping goes cheaper? here my problem: i use Etsy and mostly people from overseas buy my items, i didn’t know the price vary in many countries, i paid 13$ from adelaide to usa and it was a greeting card😅 i though could be free but the aupost forced me to pay to send it without tracking number😅so expensive for a tiny small greeting card, then another card i paid the shipping 24$ to France . i was so mad but didn’t have options so again i send it thru aupost . the card s like just a letter just maybe is the bag that i use or well i don’t know nothing about it and kinda worried my business go down due im losing $$$ for shipping without tracking which cost the triple of my item. the bag i use is called Padded Mailer and s i think 215 x 280mm why i used those bags ? coz my card didnt fit the tiny ones and also inside there s bubbles, i didnt even know the meaning of “padded” i didn’t study much due im a slow learner and yeah knowing the tips u do clarify me a bit😅.

[@SoyandShea]

The satchels I used are for domestic shipping and can save you money. You can put your cards in a box and into the bag to protect them but keep shipping cheaper. International shipping is hard bit there are prepaid envelops and satchels you can use that can save money. Also using the website rather than paying at post office can save you money.

[@meenuprajapati604]

where did you buy the small flate rate satchel?

[@SoyandShea]

I mention in the video that you purchase them via Australia Post

[@meenuprajapati604]

I got it but how come it costed you $0.15.. I tried to but 100pcs but they charge me $1.50… Can you plz make me clear?

[@SoyandShea]

@@meenuprajapati604 when you purchase 100 bags (10 packs of 10 bags), it's $15. That makes them 15cents each. It gets taken off the postage rates. If you buy less, it costs you more

[@SoyandShea]

@@meenuprajapati604 it's the same cost at either one but they're only 15cents each when you uy 100. Not all post offices stock them

[@meenuprajapati604]

@@SoyandShea how many bag will be in 1pack?

[@kaceyphieuluuky1716]

how do you pay the tax

[@SoyandShea]

If you are in Australia also, you will need to refer to the ATO on how you pay taxes. This isn't something I go into due to legal implications

[@mildredadigue6262]

You’re really sweet😊

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you 🧡

[@Michaelkayslay]

I must say, it is packed nice, but i would hate to get all that packing scraps or whatever it is. the mess it would make

[@SoyandShea]

If your referring to the paper shred, it's to stop the items moving around and getting damaged. The alternative is plastic bubblewrap

[@miakahleadem928]

Send the lip balm regardless weather your out of pocket or not.

[@SoyandShea]

We all run our businesses our own way. If the customer really wants the balm, I would, but in most cases they are happy with a refund, which still leaves me out of pocket as I still lose the selling fees they charge me. The most important thing is I learn from my errors so it rarely happens these days.

[@GrammarPoliceInvestigations]

"I like to keep my packaging simple"....As I watch a very complex and labor intensive packing process. LOL

[@SoyandShea]

Thank you for watching. I don't find it particularly complex or labour intensive. It's putting items in a box, wrapping it and putting into the post bag then printing up labels. The only extra step I do compared to some is gift wrapping it. It looks more complex when the process is slowed down for the camera. The packaging is simple as I don't see the value in $350 custom tissue paper that just gets thrown away so keep it simple with basic tissue paper.

[@pascal8773]

The process seems complex to me

[@SoyandShea]

It's like anything new. the first time is always a learning curve then it becomes easier.

[@kaceyphieuluuky1716]

Do we need to create business number

[@SoyandShea]

Having a business number does give you access to things that you may not usually have access too. It is best to talk to an account about whether you really need to apply for a business number.