What I do for my Etsy shop, which might be useful for other people, is that once I’ve listed an item I bubble wrap it, label it with a sharpie and store it in a tote. This means it doesn’t get dusty or broken and it doesn’t clutter up my shelves… so everything on the inventory shelves is stuff that I need to list and have not yet. This also gives me an idea of how far I am behind 😂 The totes are also in categories so that when I sell a piece I don’t have to go through all of them to find the labelled item .

@Mo.Vintage15

4 ай бұрын

Yes that is helpful!! Thank you 😊

@AllPutTogether

4 ай бұрын

Such great tips!! Thank you for sharing. I definitely aspire to be this organized one day! :)

The timing of this video couldn't have been more helpful for me, as I'm starting to do some thrifting & reselling. I had just spent 3 hours trying to figure out a way to make shipping seem manageable before deciding I needed a KZread coffee break - couldn't believe you had just posted this video. I also want to share that my 16-month-old grandson loves watching your videos with me, especially when you talk with your hands. He will chatter along (although we can't quite understand him yet) and wave his hands around. Thanks for all your hard work!

@AllPutTogether

4 ай бұрын

I'm so glad fate stepped in and served up my video. Too funny! And I love that your grandson watches reseller videos with you - that's so cute! My kiddo used to watch decorating shows with me, but now it's all Paw Patrol!

Great video. I really like the tip on using private insurance. USPS loves to deny claims.

@AllPutTogether

4 ай бұрын

Yes, they are terrible at claims. Learned that the hard way!

Your channel has quickly become one of my favorites! I really appreciate your willingness to share your tips and help other sellers. Hoping to start shipping decor on my Etsy shop soon! 💛

@AllPutTogether

4 ай бұрын

Awesome! So excited for your Etsy journey! And thanks so much for watching my channel. :)

A tip for people trying to find free packaging materials: ask your local furniture stores! All those furniture pieces come in boxes loaded with foam wrap and bubble wrap. They have to pay to get it all disposed of. You’d be doing them a huge favor by taking it. My mom has been a glass artist for 20+ years and shipping glass takes lots of packing materials to arrive safe! She never pays for it because she goes to the furniture store and they give her a gigantic box of it! I’ve also heard frame stores (or photographers who sell framed pictures) are also a great place to ask.

@AllPutTogether

Ай бұрын

Great idea!!

Two quick comments. First, you are 100% correct about not buying cheap tape. Higher quality tape saves so much time and provides freedom from aggravation associated with thin tape. Second, instead of cutting out your labels, try folding edges/margins in behind the label. This method is quicker than cutting, provides neater edges (at least for me), and it makes the label sturdier, which helps eliminate any buckling or wrinkles when taping the label to the box. Thanks for the video.

@AllPutTogether

4 ай бұрын

OMG You're so right, I should fold them. Haha this is why I do these videos, to get great tips from everyone. Thanks for watching! :)

Thanks Andi, this was super helpful! Shipping is definitely the most intimidating part and I've researched so much already, your video was just what I needed to kick myself out of information gathering mode and into action. A great go-to all in one and also very reassuring 😊👍

@AllPutTogether

4 ай бұрын

Yes, there is A LOT to it! Shipping opens up a larger customer base so I'm excited you're ready to give it a go! :)

OMG, have been needing this video for so long!!! It's the number one reason I haven't opened up an Etsy shop.

@AllPutTogether

4 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful! Excited for you to start your Etsy shop!! :)

Very helpful on the shipping 101 video!!! I have collected quite a bit of items in the last two years, and will start selling soon. This video certainly will help me get the ball a rolling!!! Thank u for all your hard work!!!💞💞🙃💞💞

@AllPutTogether

3 ай бұрын

yay! I'm so glad you found it helpful!

Its always helpful to see how other re-sellers system for shipping. Thank You.

@AllPutTogether

4 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

I loved this video! You make it seem so much easier. Thanks for sharing!❤

@AllPutTogether

3 ай бұрын

I'm so glad you found it helpful!

Great video for beginners! I’ve been shipping for 25 years and things are always changing. The only thing I differ on is insurance. I self insure most things. The post office loses very few items. I’ve only had a handful of items go missing in my time. And if I had to refund the buyer I’m really only out my purchase price which is low. I only tend to add insurance on high priced items. I think if you added up all the money you’re spending on insurance and compared it to how often you actually make a claim you’d find it’s not so worthwhile. Especially for a seller who packs carefully.

@AllPutTogether

4 ай бұрын

Yes, it's true I probably could do with insuring things less often, it has just always given me so much peace of mind it's worth it to me. But I agree most sellers who pack well absolutely can skip it! :)

Huge help!! Thanks... I'm just starting out and this was exactly the questions I had.

@AllPutTogether

4 ай бұрын

I'm so glad it was helpful! ;)

I've definitely Frankensteined some interesting shaped boxes before 🤣🤣

@AllPutTogether

4 ай бұрын

OMG me too! Sometimes shipped on-time is better than pretty. ;)

So helpful!

hi thanks for this! my biggest question is also my biggest barrier for getting started in this business. can you please walk us through from start to finish of getting an item, listing it and then shipping it? like a mock sale? i truly don’t know how to bake in a shipping cost as i do not know who will be buying from me and let’s say i am buying non designer or collectible decor but decor someone might want, so it’s not super expensive, and im maybe selling a ceramic pillar candle stand for $20 or even $40 and I got it for $8 it seems like shipping takes away any potential profit. it also asks for weight and measurements so how do you know the weight and measurements if you pack stuff last min? cause it seems like you have to enter that info when you list the item. i really have appreciated your insight into this decor business because i have never seen anyone else talk about this so i am grateful for your insight!!❤

@AllPutTogether

4 ай бұрын

A mock sale is such a fun idea! I will add to my list. If the platform asks for size and weight to list an item, I just usually makeup these amounts, estimating how big the box could be and how much it probably would weigh. If you offer free shipping, these values are meaningless because you adjust them when you actually weigh and measure the item when packed and enter new measurements when buying the postage. If you visit my Etsy, shop you can see the items I sell and anything smaller than a stool, I usually bake in $10 extra dollars to cover shipping. A lot more if the item is very big or heavy. If you mess up on calculating the postage and it makes the item not worth shipping, you can always cancel the order. I did this on occasion in the beginning and the person understood.

Thank you for this video! I thought it was awesome and super helpful ! 😍 Carly

@AllPutTogether

4 ай бұрын

I'm so glad!

You are my favorite thank you for doing this I have the same scale

@AllPutTogether

4 ай бұрын

Yay scale twins! ;)

This was excellent!!!

Thanks Andi, this is great!

@AllPutTogether

4 ай бұрын

Glad you liked it! :)

Thanks for the great information!

@AllPutTogether

4 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Thanks so much for this helpful video. I love your presenting style!

@AllPutTogether

4 ай бұрын

Aww thank you! :)

❤

This was really helpful and informative. Thank you!

@AllPutTogether

4 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

🎉

Andi this is outstanding!!! So thorough and concise. Thank you so much as Ive been looking forward to this video and really appreciate you sharing your experience and knowledge on all things packaging. I've learnt a few things here for sure. Im like you in that I have good access to lots of free packaging.... (lucky me) but my friend that doesn't, finds a lot of hers on Facebook Marketplace in the 'free' section, so that can be a good source too. I have to ask.... will you be doing a video soon on how you pack your suitcases after sourcing on an overseas trip? Thanks again :)

@greenphoenix687

4 ай бұрын

Also. I saw your instagram post this morning asking for more subscriptions, likes, comments, etc.... Just wanted to say I feel you're in the calm before the storm so to speak... in that your platform is gonna grow pretty fast soon. Please hang in there, as your content is great :)

@AllPutTogether

4 ай бұрын

Aww thank you so much for saying that! It's definitely been a lesson in patience and grace as I wait until it grows into the thing I want it to be. My husband reminds me everyday that it's a process. lol BTW, great tip about getting materials from FB marketplace free!! ;)

Hi Andi! Do you ever ship internationally and do you have any tips on doing that? I’m wanting to get into vintage reselling but I feel like the shipping would be such a huge obstacle since I’m based in Europe.. really loving your channel and your awesome advise btw 🙌🏼⭐️

@AllPutTogether

4 ай бұрын

Yes, I ship internationally, but I don't offer free shipping on those orders. Etsy in the US makes it really easy to ship international because they give you a label to a US shipping center and then once it arrives there, they take care of the international shipping bills. I'm not sure if that process exists outside the US though.

I can never get myself to use those air pillow things because I am so worried that if one of them pops then there will be no protection. I am horrible at charging shipping and usually just make up a random standard shipping charge for each item. I sure that if I would just buy a scale and buy shipping online it would make a huge difference. Oh, buying a machine to print shipping labels is another must that I should do.

@AllPutTogether

4 ай бұрын

Yes, those packets popping is a little scary! Especially ones traveling by air and the pressure making them expand. I was amazed at how much easier shipping got when I bought my scale and buy online. Way less confusion.

Andi, super helpful. I'm just getting my Etsy shop up and running and have been toying with the idea of "Free shipping" on all items (I figure that customers will be more likely to click on an item that's free to ship because there are fewer hidden fees). However, I also ordered priority boxes free from USPS, and it sounds like that's a more $$$ shipping method for me. The number of variables with shipping is what gets me every time...

@AllPutTogether

4 ай бұрын

In some cases, priority and ground can be very close in price (like less than a dollar difference) so in those cases it would be worth not having to find a box. I always say do whatever is easiest for you in the beginning. Sometimes that means making a little less as you learn the process. Sourcing boxes can be a pain and add stress.

Are you telling me I have not had to wrap those boxes (i.e. Amazon) in brown shipping paper…?! I really wish this video was out a week ago 😂 because my last box was really blessed over!!! And never even thought to ask the neighbors for their shipping materials. I know the Amazon driver makes no less than 10 stops in our neighborhood almost every day. I was hit today with an extra charge on shipping today for a weight discrepancy (USPS). I went back to my notes and they matched the label so I don’t have a clue…I will be extra diligent on the next few of photographing the box sealed up on the scale. For my labels, I did buy the labels that go through a desktop printer. There are two labels per sheet and are already adhesive on the back so you just stick it on…unless you put the paper in upside down and end up having to tape it on…not saying that has happened or anything. Thanks so much for your videos. They have been beyond helpful as I start my business!

@AllPutTogether

4 ай бұрын

Ohh no! I'm sorry you have been wrapping the boxes! Well, your customers will be touched you went to all that care to make it look more pretty. ;) Great suggestion on the adhesive labels for the printer, totally forgot they existed. lol! Thanks so much for watching my videos. :)

@angelas.vintageshop

4 ай бұрын

I sometimes put my parcels in mailer bags if the box is just too ugly. I found that it’s easier to use them than wrapping in paper, and they’re quite inexpensive. My husband works at Amazon and I get them for free, the bad part is that they are branded but an Amazon grey bag is still better than a Corona beer box 🤣

OMG thank you so much for this video! I have been reselling for about a year and I sure wish I had all of the information you shared when I started! I have painfully figured out most of what you presented and also learned some new tips that will be very helpful! My garage is full of boxes of all sizes and looks a mess- but I have only had to purchase small boxes for either putting inside a larger box (for something very fragile or for when I sell something like jewelry or a small ceramic dish. Do you have any tips about using USPS media mail? I have lots of coffee table books I've purchased and haven't listed them because I don't have boxes without branding on them (and media mail is clear that the boxes need to be plain and without printing). Am I going to have to purchase boxes (ARGH)? Any helpful input from you or your viewers would be welcomed. Thanks for your videos- loving the series of helpful hints!!!

@AllPutTogether

4 ай бұрын

I have only ever used media mail once and totally didnt know about the no branded box rule! I probably just shipped it out in a recycled box! lol BTW, well done on never having to buy boxes! It's worth it financially but you do sacrifice sanity because of all the mess! ;)

@Mo.Vintage15

4 ай бұрын

Thanks for the heads up on non-branded boxes on media mail! Maybe that is why my books haven’t sold yet…the world knew I didn’t have those boxes 📦

I love seeing how other resellers deal with shipping, I think it’s the most boring part of this business 😅 Good tips, Andi! I get free boxes from small shops, I just go and ask an employee if they have any boxes, I try to go in the evening because that’s when they restock the shelves. I am in the UK though, I don’t know if you can do that in the US.

@AllPutTogether

4 ай бұрын

Great tip! Yes, stores are more than happy to give people boxes to save them from having to process them! I also go to local apartment complexes and get materials from their recycling bins. :)

Thanks - SUPER helful, as always! I noticed you didn't get into international shipping and all that goes along with that... could that be a good follow up video...? 🙅‍♀

@AllPutTogether

3 ай бұрын

When you sell through Etsy, international shipping is a lot like domestic. You purchase your postage through the site and then the shipping label you print is actually to an Etsy global distribution center. Once it gets there, Etsy puts all the international waybills and customs paperwork on it and then send it off to its destination. Also, I should mention that I don't offer free shipping on international orders.

This was very useful. I started selling on Etsy because of you a couple of months ago. I just recently decided to offer free shipping but I noticed the price to ship art was huge. Part of it was the sizing of the boxes for some frames. Fedex offered me a custom made box for $125, more expensive than the actual piece of art. Do you have any tips on packing and boxing large frames?

@AllPutTogether

3 ай бұрын

I have started to sell more small pieces for this reason - the boxes can be such a pain to source! My friend gets hers from electronics stores that sell TVs. P.S. I'm so excited for your new Etsy shop!

@lauraathomethrifting

3 ай бұрын

@@AllPutTogether thank you! That is a great idea!

My packing is just like yours, I do the same I get boxes and envelopes from usps for free postage is what I was waiting for / did you get the white furniture from ikea? I also print from the printer too 😂😂❤

@AllPutTogether

4 ай бұрын

Yes, some of my shelves are Ikea and the others are from a neighbors trash that I painted. :)

Awesome Video! So informative! Thank you for taking the time to do this video!

How many large unflattened boxes are you keeping around for the large things you sell like stools or say the pair of brass swan/goose planters? And are you baking more than $10 into the price of those items? I hate to flatten boxes, too, and and I have some space to keep them, but the huge ones obviously take up a lot of space and are a bit hard to manage and that drives me a bit nuts.

@AllPutTogether

19 күн бұрын

Yes, for big items I bake at least $20-30 into the price. Lately I have been keeping nearly every large box as is because it's so much easier when I go to pack something. I pile them to the ceiling lol. But some people with break down and write the dimensions on the box so it's easier to select.

I am trying to figure out where to draw the line between USPS or Fed Ex, UPS. Is there a dimension limit or weight limit that would be "Nope" to USPS? So far I've only used USPS but I have some larger and heavier items I'm wanting to sell.

@AllPutTogether

4 ай бұрын

With the online shipping platforms, they will show you your options and then you can select the best carrier. USPS, FedEx, etc. also all have postage calculators on their sites, so even if you were to ultimately buy in store, you could price it out ahead of time. For me, anything large, like carry-on suitcase size or over 5lbs is when I know I will probably be using UPS or FedEx.

@thethriftinglibrarian2041

4 ай бұрын

USPS has a $15 surcharge on packages over 30 inches in length as well as a $25 surcharge on packages over 2 cubic feet. This has killed my shipping anything big with the post office. I would ship big things UPS now.

OMG can you talk any faster??😂 I can never watch a whole video. You drive me nuts. I know I know I should stop watching. But I’m always hoping to learn something new just in case you can one day deliver.

@monikasone7556

4 ай бұрын

Apologies, that comment wasn’t very nice. It’s not about keeping up with your fast talk though but more about the irritation factor.

@AllPutTogether

4 ай бұрын

A view is a view and a comment is a comment, so whether or not you enjoyed my videos leads to the same result - more ad earnings for me. Yay! Feel free to hate watch my videos anytime. :)

@jackieblodgett2799

3 ай бұрын

😒😒😒Keep your nasty comments to yourself.

@LuLu-kz4pv

3 ай бұрын

Pathetic people type pathetic comments, Monika.. aka Karen!