How to ship on eBay in 2025
- Date:
- Category: Help
Whether it’s your first time listing or you regularly send out parcels for your shop, we’re here to make shipping simple.
From choosing the right courier to staying on top of your delivery times, this guide covers what you need to know to keep your eBay orders moving smoothly.
How does eBay delivery work?
When you sell an item on eBay, you’ll need to choose how it’s delivered. Depending on your account type, you’ll either use eBay’s integrated delivery options or arrange your own courier. Delivery details are added when you create your listing, and buyers will see estimated times before they purchase. Once the item is sold, it’s your responsibility to get it packed and dispatched within the timeframe you’ve set.
Private sellers will need to use eBay’s Simple Delivery service, while business sellers have more flexibility to choose a different courier service.
eBay Simple Delivery: what private sellers need to know
From 15 April 2025, eBay Simple Delivery becomes the standard shipping option for most private sellers in the UK. It provides prepaid labels through eBay, with delivery fulfilled by Royal Mail or Evri. Tracking is updated automatically, and sellers can arrange Royal Mail collections separately via their website.
However, Simple Delivery doesn’t apply to every listing. You’ll need to use an alternative delivery method if your item:
- Weighs over 20kg
- Exceeds 120cm in length
- Is valued above £750
- Is intended for international delivery
- Is priced under £10 and weighs less than 100g
If you'd like to use a third party service, such as Transglobal Express, you'll need to upgrade to a business account.
What is a Business Account – and why you need one for Transglobal Express
To use Transglobal Express for your eBay shipments, you’ll need a business seller account. This is because eBay’s Simple Delivery service is mandatory for most private sellers, limiting courier choice to Royal Mail or Evri. Business sellers, on the other hand, have full control over how their items are delivered.
Opening a business account gives you access to book with a third-party courier like Transglobal Express. You’ll also benefit from more professional listing features, tailored delivery settings, and optional subscription plans that can help you scale your sales more efficiently.
How to become a business seller
Becoming a business seller is straightforward. Visit eBay’s business registration page and provide:
- Your business name and contact details
- Business location
- VAT number (if applicable)
Once your account is set up, you can either pay a flat 30p per listing with no monthly plan or choose a subscription starting from £27/month. This includes 250 free listings and reduced final value fees after that.
Why use Transglobal Express for eBay deliveries?
If you have a business account, you can link your eBay store directly to Transglobal Express using our custom integration tool. This lets you import orders automatically and manage your deliveries all in one place. Our importer brings in the key details from your eBay orders and can even pre-fill customs declarations for international shipments. You’ll have access to a wide range of trusted couriers, including next-day and economy options, so you can choose the service that suits your delivery needs.
Label printing and collection options
If you are handling your deliveries using eBay’s Simple Delivery, a label or QR code will be emailed to you once your item sells. You can print it yourself or use the QR code to print in store.
Business sellers shipping via Transglobal Express will also receive labels by email, which can be downloaded from their account at any time. Depending on the courier you choose, you can book a collection or drop off your shipment at one of our depots.
How to package your eBay parcels
Proper packaging is key to ensuring your items reach buyers safely and in perfect condition. Start by choosing a sturdy box or padded envelope that fits your item comfortably, with enough space for protective padding. Use bubble wrap, packing peanuts or crumpled paper to cushion the contents and prevent movement during transit.
For fragile or delicate items, wrap each one individually and add extra padding around them to reduce the risk of damage. For international shipments, remember that customs may need to inspect the parcel, so use packaging that can be opened and resealed easily.
If you're sending heavier or unusual items like car parts, suitcases, or boat parts, extra reinforcement and secure wrapping are especially important.
You can find a wide range of suitable materials in our packaging shop.
Need help?
Have questions about shipping your eBay orders with Transglobal Express? Our team is here to assist with everything from choosing the right courier to label printing and delivery. Simply get in touch – we’re always here to help.
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