The Simplest, Cheapest Way To Ship Clothing On Ebay

The Menswear Manifesto 5:
- The 449 best men's clothing brands for Ebay and other reselling platforms
- Each brand analyzed by sell-through rate, price and clothing category
- Use on your phone or desktop
- You decide how much you want to pay me for it
Get the Manifesto here:
thriftalife.gu...
Buy me a coffee:
www.buymeacoff...
If you want to sign up for Whatnot, this link gets you $15 free credit: whatnot.com/in...
Join the Discord server: / discord
My other KZbin channel, about collecting and reading books:
/ bookpilled
Thumbnail photo by Igor Starkov: www.pexels.com...
This is my basic guide to how to ship clothing on Ebay and other reselling platforms that don't send you a prepaid label. These methods cover clothing - shoes, accessories and hard goods add more complexity to the shipping process.

[@joecamerer2865]

In my opinion, you forgot one very useful one, the legal sized flat rate envelope. They are great for bigger size jeans and hoodies and almost always less to ship than the tyvek envelope. I actually put the item in a tyvek and then put that inside of the legal envelope. I also find that just about anything that can fit into a padded flat rate can also fit into a standard flat rate, and I often use the padded as the extra protection and put it in there first then put that into the standard flat rate envelope.

[@ThriftALife]

What the hell, I didn't even know the legal size existed

[@cathymontano569]

Can the legal be ordered, too? Wow! Also, what is the flat rate cost on the legal?

[@sachiejones85]

@@cathymontano569 If you are top rated seller normal flat rate is 7.18, legal is 7.47, padded is 7.76.

[@rachelh5211]

@@ThriftALifeHere's another trick I stumbled across awhile back: fold a cardboard flat rate envelope to have more of a box structure. It's suprising how this little tip makes it possible to more easily and safely fit a larger variety of items, especially things with sharp edges like boxes. kzbin.info/www/bejne/boDZiaqEi9apfqc

[@rachelh5211]

@@cathymontano569 Yes, legal size flat rate envelopes can be ordered free at the USPS site, just like all other Priority items. I've actually had good luck asking for many of the Priority Mail packaging items at the post office counter. They usually have a supply of them in back. That's how I stay stocked up (but not overstocked) with padded flat rate envelopes and shoe boxes, which are my most commonly used Priority supplies.

[@peacockvision551]

Honestly, the most helpful video I’ve watch on KZbin about shipping clothing. I wish I would have seen something like this 2 years ago and it would have saved me so many headaches lol. Fantastic Content and I Thank You

[@helpfulcommenter]

Little Butt Triangle Always wondered what that was called

[@DonnaW71]

😂

[@josh7954]

Best shipping video for clothes and so timely! Would love to see same style video on your prepping, photographing and listing setup/procedure. Thanks for all the great content!

[@sidezskateshop1556]

eBay gives store subscribers a $25 credit every quarter for shipping supplies... they hide it though lmao and you have to search for it a bit, but that’s how I buy my poly bags... cheers.

[@postcardsnmore-laura460]

Watched a ton of videos and yours is so well done. Simple, clear, concise, and easily relatable instructions. Thank you for sharing! 😊

[@richardking1835]

Good video! This one I will be rewatching a few times to let some of the info in it sink in more into my simple brain 🧠

[@pinktusk1136]

I'm in awe of how you were able to get that suit jacket & pants in one envelope. Thank you for sharing. Enjoy your informative content.

[@john-ze7eu]

I think what confuses most people with the poly bags.. including me.. is what option are we picking for mailing when using the shipping with ebay???? 1st class??? If so, does it need to be under a certain weight??? Size??? I thought it had to be less than 1 inch wide to choose 1st class large envelope?? So I'm assuming these bags are a different option to choose? This is what confuses most peopje...

[@ramblinralph7609]

Double bagging - I've been selling much longer than you, but I never thought of doing that. You, sir, are a genius!

[@ven-1972]

Wow! I had no idea you could use the cardboard flat rate envelopes for clothes. That's awesome.

[@User-i7m3c]

Brilliant to double bag the flat rate envelopes! Never considered doing that. Will definitely use next time. Thank you!!

[@DavidWestDNABrix]

Always remember PayPal has the exact same rates as Pirate Ship

[@mattallen9546]

but they don't have priority cubic as far as I can tell

[@rebeckabarber112]

I love the padded flat rate. I sell mostly plus size ladies clothing and I use the roll up method so I can bundle ship. I can get 2 pair of jeans, or 3 lighter pieces in one of those. It may look like a barrel when I'm done, but it saves money for shipping.

[@evelinholmes6401]

Who is paying the shipping fees? I thing p have way to much money paying for second hand stuff. Go look for some bargains. Lots of stores have a sales rack. I score a lot of good things. Like a nice dress for $3.00 . The regular price 69.00. It had. Tiny hole at the seams. 3 stitches later non visible. Lots of compliments with out anyone knowing the price 😍

[@rebeckabarber112]

@@evelinholmes6401 the buyers pay for the shipping. Not everyone has time to shop in thrift stores scouring the racks for their specific size/style or for a specific piece they're trying to find. That's what I do - and how I make extra money. Im happy for you that you're able to shop for yourself, hope you continue to have great luck finding bargains.

[@helpfulcommenter]

@@evelinholmes6401 bless your heart

[@jinqiyulv]

Hi, I have a question about these bubbles padded envelopes. How to estimate the dimensions if you pack bulky clothes in it?

[@jochildress5003]

I find it better to fold over the flap BEFORE pulling off the strip on the adhesive. It prevents mis-sticking portions of the flap. You can hold it tightly flat where you want it to stick, and then slide off the strip from under the flap.

[@DandyBeingTandi]

Good tip! I don't know how many I've screwed up! Especially the cute printed polymailers, which drives me nuts

[@highpeacetess]

Tysm, tape in all forms is the bane of my existence lol 😅

[@AllergicToMakeBelieve]

You offered really terrific folding instructions, however, as an eBay seller since 2002, I've learned a few things. (1) Most Post Offices will reject Priority envelopes with tape on the exterior. They state "needing to use tape to seal it safely is pushing the service past what it was intended." (2) Using Priority Mail flat-rate envelopes or Priority Mail Tyvek envelopes as dunnage or packing material for larger items in boxes is prohibited by the USPS. The disclaimer on every Priority Mail box and envelope states: "This packaging is the property of the United States Postal Service and is provided solely for use in sending Priority Mail shipments. Misuse may be a violation of federal law. Just a friendly word of caution that misuse of USPS supplies can result in fines from the U.S. government.

[@BlissfulDee]

For the cardboard Priority envelopes, whenever I stuff them with jeans or whatever, and the envelope is reeeeally bulging, I like to reinforce around all the edges with packing tape. I do that before I stuff the envelope, though, because it's much easier to do when flat. It's also easier to put the mailing label on whatever envelope or mailer I'm using while it is flat.

[@charleneferguson7564]

Good advice.

[@Snarkapotamus]

I do that as well. I also tape the excess that's left over after sealing the envelope. That way, the package can't get snagged on anything...

[@SheaBierman]

You're the BEST. Thank you for all your instructional videos.

[@annholland51]

Wonderful information!! I'm going to need to watch this several times to absorb it all, but you have addressed the one thing that holds me back from listing, which is not wanting to lose my shirt on shipping! Thank you so much. Have never heard of "Sendle"

[@gracij]

I like to tape the loose sides of a poly bag so there's nothing to get caught on postal machines.

[@YourNaplesRealtor]

Best clothing shipping video I have seen! Do you do anything special with silk ties? I have been shipping folded in a small padded envelope with a piece of cardboard inside to keep it from being jammed into a mailbox and all crumpled up. Maybe wrap around a cardboard tube and small box? Thanks!

[@ThriftALife]

I rarely sell them, your system makes sense to me

[@2oldpunksemporium342]

Shipping has been the most vexing parts of all this! Thanks for the info!

[@ArtIsNotAlwaysEasy]

I can’t wait to see more and more of these types of videos. You have the system down and I LOVE that you share that knowledge with us. Thank you

[@NicholasRudajs]

1:43 "and you're squeamish about putting it raw into the poly-mailer unprotected" lol

[@daniellelee4618]

Such a helpful shipping video! I also like the pirate ship box in a bag cubic trick for shoes.

[@maroman131]

@danielle lee. What size box do you use for BOX IN A BAG for shoes?

[@daniellelee4618]

@@maroman131 I like 12x6x6 and 12x10x4

[@maroman131]

@@daniellelee4618 thank you for the info

[@dianesnider4337]

@@daniellelee4618 Are those both box sizes you mentioned? Where do you get your boxes and what size bag do you use to put the box into please?

[@campaignsigns]

I also use legal flat rate envelope for some mens jeans or sweats, cheaper than padded.

[@Socks-and-Dave]

Thank you, that's very useful information. I especially appreciate that you showed all the steps of folding and packing.

[@June-tb4vi]

I know many sellers mail out any old way or...the easiest way and no one has complained about it...but I buy things online and when I receive a pkg that I know is sent with not much care...I don't say anything but, I usually don't order from them again...I appreciate anyone that goes a bit out of their way and will stick with that buyer. (The tissue paper is a excellent example!) No extra cost to you...except is a extra step and I know its all about time and $ but as a buyer Im not thinking about that...hope this makes sense...Im not the best in explanations 😊

[@largelingerie]

For Poshmark, I use USPS boxes so I don’t have to jam things in so tightly. Any package / box under 5 lb. I could go to the sausage stuffing Olympics for jamming things into those padded flat rate envelopes!

[@robineddy5180]

Would you be willing to do a video that addresses what you mentioned at the end... selecting the correct shipping on ebay when you make the listing

[@dianevanderlinden3480]

yeah this is what confuses me. It seems like most sellers don't even weigh the item until it is sold, so how do you know which is best? Also I can't fit shoes jeans into a padded envelope for anything lol.

[@gbbthrift7931]

I like to roll up items and burrito wrap them in tissue paper with a thank you sticker and use the biggest envelope. I primary sell on Poshmark though. The roll and wrap can make things pretty small. 😊

[@DandyBeingTandi]

We definitely have to have the "cutesy" extras for Posh! 😍

[@mbstyles615]

Could you do one for shoes?

[@janearuin2312]

Nice folding techniques

[@gildedcache1418]

Very helpful. Awesome clothes origami!

[@glorias.2930]

Finally, someone explains this clearly and thoroughly. THANK YOU!!!

[@robertdeveau7445]

Excellent packing/shipping video for clothes!

[@MuelaBravaTV]

What about flat pricing? What are we charging the buyer? Any tips, what should we be asking? Thanks

[@JayDubCustoms]

Craggy = adjective/ rough or uneven. 😆 What's a good flat rate shipping price for men's dress shirts?? Thanks!

[@AllThingsConsidered777]

I love your channel! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. And you're funny too 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Loser_Lisa]

Its never a good sign when you realize you're jealous of a polymailer getting tossed and slapped around 😬🤣😅

[@Loser_Lisa]

please don't block me. LMAOOOO

[@julem247]

So good! great shipping info and folding lesson, all wrapped in one! THANKS!

[@yemoochy9553]

Mr. Fundamental, 5X world NBA world Champion, 3X Finals MVP, 2X League MVP, 10 All NBA first teams, 8X all defensive First teams Shaq resumea is Lacking the defensive side and Tim got way to much on that side for him to catch

[@ayy6936]

That double bag !! Thank you

[@zachreyhelmberger894]

WOW!!!!! Super valuable for a newbie like me! THANK YOU!!!

[@onebrneyedbeauty1]

Question? Say your mailer is 10 to 11 inches and you fold it as you do to ship what size would you use. Meaning like 11x8 envelope or the size you get when you fold it? I hope you understand what I’m trying to say!

[@carefulconsumer8682]

USPS has been losing mail at at alarming rate going through the two Houston Hubs (Missouri City South Hub and the North Houston hub). Many many people are now using UPS.

[@EatPlayLoveCO]

I've seen someone open a flatrate envelope and flatten the bottom out a bit and it helps so much when maxing out the space. Ebay shipping is my nemesis so thank you so much for this.

[@highpeacetess]

Thank you for the advice, I hope your sales are soaring!

[@Dsolo990]

Silly question, sorry. Is it cheapest for a shirt/dress to ship with your own Poly mailer? If so with who? I'm selling on Facebook and the group wants shipping included, but usps flat rate for something small and light is so expensive! Please help! Idk how people are able to sell shirts for $12 including shipping when I just paid$10 to send a shirt in a flat raye envelope!

[@CurranStarkey]

Such a great video for beginner resellers, love it..

[@TroyJones-gu5pk]

Ik its a dumb question do you just put in a postal box to ship just learning about reselling never shipped anything

[@aap9358]

Thank you for this video. If I wanted to use poly mailers (instead of USPS supplies) to mail my jeans and pants, and fold them the way you do, what size would be best?

[@mandrakeblackstone5838]

Best shipping method is not to ship , just mail it as standard large letter , and mail not ship it , and describe it as a gift if mailing to Canada , this will drop the price as Mailing is cheaper then shipping , To mail a set of lets say vintage 70's PJ's will only cost $5 CAD maximum to anywhere in The US or Canada .

[@bambam17171717]

That's a great video but it doesn't answer how you put in a big jacket you know what a big f****** jacket is right cuz that's not a big f****** jacket

[@dianapearce6642]

Great vid and you're such a cutie, I'm 72, I can say that. Also, a 9x6x2 box will fit in a legal flat rate envelope.

[@pinkyheart9784]

Hi. In creating usps account, do i choose personal or business? I'm thinking of selling on ebay soon. Thanks in advance

[@Michael-fw5ef]

Americans are so lucky. In Canada, we pay two to three times as much for our poly mailers. I laugh when I hear Americans tell me the things they buy are too expensive.

[@firefoxx59]

Did you add a link to purchase the large poly mailers? I'm not seeing it!

[@mtnadam]

Great video! Thanks for the tutorial!

[@joshualuissaldivar8069]

Excellent video , thanks for sharing

[@wheres718]

Do you have a link to your tape dispenser? That’s holds the big tapes?

[@aaronhall5157]

Bruh, just what I needed. Thank you OG for taking the time to teach a rookie like me. Your vids help me tremendously. Thank you thank you thank you!

[@brianandlynphilippines]

Holy eyesight impaired nightmare is your poly bag note hard to catch, slowed to .o25 speed to catch it!

[@Secondliferacquet]

Anything smaller than 50 R suitwise I’m stuffing into a priority flat rate legal envelope. Haven’t gotten a negative feedback yet.

[@joseelacasse3189]

Really enjoyed the kung fu sound effects when you were beating up a package

[@charleneferguson7564]

How about the fold thingy that Sheldon does?!! Jk...lolo

[@Diana-gq4qr]

How much is priority mail now ? Thanks !

[@connorespinoza2358]

I don’t see 9.5” size anywhere

[@purpose6113]

What is the size of the polymailers you use?

[@carlchristoff9489]

You don't need a suffocation label right?

[@kristifounds7562]

Excellent video, quick and to the point, I appreciate the information.

[@wwz1011]

Great video! One trick on the padded flat rate envelope is to put the item in one of the USPS tyvex envelopes first. The Tyvex slides MUCH easier into the padded envelope. I ship bicycle parts, and I will make a cardboard inner box to hold my odd shaped item, then the tyvex, and then slide it into the padded flat rate envelope. I fold the tyvex envelope to fit. Anything under 16 ounces goes first class. I need to start using pirate ship.

[@joannaward7708]

Great video! Wish there was a link to the poly mailers 😊

[@llkoolbean4935]

Wow, nice folding techniques! I'm going to use these! Thank you!

[@dogmom3845]

I'm learning a lot from you! I don't sell on ebay but almost strictly FB Marketplace. I found a 5-11 tactical pair of pants the other day. It hasn't sold yet but I wouldn't have recognized the brand except for you.

[@wballow]

Do you bother ironing stuff or just a quick steam for photos?

[@jcau99]

Very useful! One question, on these envelopes, are you coming from the perspective of offering free shipping and/or enticing more sales through cheaper shipping? I use 14.5 X 19 poly bags and don’t offer free shipping. I usually make a few dollars on the shipping because of ebay’s discount so i can offer my item at a little bit less too and still make the same profit. Poshmark is one price of course. I use the clear polybags inside but I agree its unnecessary. I use them just in case something happens to the outer bag with water, maybe the inner bag will protect the garment.

[@Tradewindsvintagehi]

It’s been 2 years. How about an update?

[@KW-ov2dv]

It’s amazing what you can squeeze into a padded flat rate envelope ❤️

[@standraiveyjones3670]

Great info for this reselling newbie 😉🦋

[@Gillionaire-ot5eh]

I'm getting set up to start reselling. Your videos are great and I appreciate the more relaxed atmosphere you provide with simple relevant information. Keep up the great work. I hope to find a video about how you put up your listing. 🙂

[@Groglor]

any good alternatives for canadians? we dont get free shipping materials.

[@ThriftALife]

If I were you I would probably dumpster dive boxes behind businesses

[@ThriftALife]

Which I do periodically for big media mail orders

[@Groglor]

@@ThriftALife Thanks Man

[@purplerube1038]

I use region A for some jackets and heavy flannels . I also use the region for high value items so customers get the warm fuzzy from the box . In Minnesota I do run into bulky over 2lbs clothes at a decent rate

[@andreyv1]

This is some high quality content, man. Been selling for a few years and never knew about some of these envelopes.

[@jareddollen1113]

Is pirate ship cheaper than EBay shipping?

[@EBKBulldogsKennel]

What size of poly bags are those ?

[@litestreamer]

A main reason why I like the clear poly bags for all smaller clothing items is that after an item is listed it can be stored safely and cleanly with the SKU added on it. And I think the extra waterproof layer sends a message to the buyer that I take the extra care.

[@litestreamer]

PS Folding tips were great!

[@mattallen9546]

priority flat rate padded may be a thing of the past

[@maroman131]

Great video Matt… I have to review my policies after your comment about heavier items being set to FedEx and UPS ground. Can you maybe do a video on the same concept but regarding shoes. This is definitely a shipping killer (alongside with international shipping).

[@ThriftALife]

It's been a while since I sold shoes at volume. I used to use the priority shoe box and the medium flat rate box but I'm sure there are cheaper ways. Some people do fit shoes in the flat rate envelope.

[@iggysecchi1346]

i ship from chicago and usually if i ship to zone 1, ebay priority is cheaper than pirate ship cubic rates (being this the only exception)

[@rachelh5211]

I've found Priority is often cheaper when purchased via Ebay shipping, maybe because I'm a top rated seller? First Class is the same on Ebay and Pirate Ship. UPS is now offered via Pirate Ship, but using Ebay's UPS calculator on the listings is often NOT accurate. It shows too high of a price. Also, UPS Ground (or maybe all UPS services) isn't available to P.O. boxes.

[@ClassicGREATS]

Your sharp. Lol you know your stuff

[@db2807]

You should do a vid on how you do your accounting.

[@ellynkozoblerner8296]

You always have the best videos and tips! 👍

[@mladyhawke3610]

I could watch you folding and bagging all day 😆

[@bunny7669]

Where do you get the tape?

[@pavelzaro1471]

What size are those poly bag

[@saysomething5352]

you actually have a scale to weigh it?

[@immortal2u]

The padded flat rate is my go to for most everything. I can fit nearly all shoes, sole to sole, jeans, etc. I like that they are just about impossible to tear. I never thought of using that flat rate envelope, Especially with something like jeans. If I did, I might want to use extra packing tape to secure it, in the event that the envelope was somehow torn e route. I’ve used the Mylar envelopes for t-shirts mostly, somehow always thought a men’s button up would be too heavy to meet that first class threshold, so I’ve used that padded flat rate for them up to now. Very informative and useful video, thanks again. You never stop learning no matter how long you do a thing.

[@rachelh5211]

You must be shipping smaller shoes than I am.😆 I bought a huge lot of size 12 men's shoes and none of them would begin to fit into a padded flat rate. Some, like the boots, don't even fit into a PM shoe box. That said, thanks for the suggestion on the smaller shoes.

[@Snarkapotamus]

@@rachelh5211 - I got a lot of 50+ a month or so ago and there's NO WAY you could fit a pair of size 12 Wolverines in a flat rate anything!

[@rachelh5211]

@@Snarkapotamus Exactly! I've been shipping some of them via UPS Ground, since Pirate Ship now offers that method and it's usually a lot cheaper for items of that size and weight. The trouble with UPS is that the Ebay shipping calculator is not accurate for that method and even trying to state a flat UPS shipping charge (using the furthest shipping zone from me as a baseline) is problematic. They don't ship to P.O. boxes...and they can sometimes charge a couple bucks more for the "delivery area." Can't predict these issues unless you have the buyer's actual address before quoting a price.

[@debbiewatermelon]

Regional box A and shoe box

[@cashvasco2710]

Not bulbous and craggy

[@Ussala_sabri19]

Could I sell it without box