okay...i know this sounds crazy, but i am so scared to list something to sell or give away just because of the shipping. i have no idea what to use to ship, how to get it, how to find boxes when it's something bigger, etc. it just is all so scary to me that i just end up passing up opportunities to give. i have a bag of cloth diapers and things that seem to be easier to ship in a bag that i have been holding onto forever hoping to sell it here, but can never bring myself to list it because of the stupid shipping. now with the "from the heart" thread and the FFS thread, i am just all worried, because i have stuff to send, but feel like i have no idea how. you'd think that a master's degree would leave me a little more confident in this matter...lol!

juliebelle is my best friend...and she is the extreme queen of selling and shipping. i keep telling her that i'm gonna surprise the heck out of her one day and list a FSOT. it's been a running joke for a year. she offered to give me a tutorial, so i think i may need to take her up on it.

i don't know what's wrong with me...lol!

Why don't you stock up on some nice sized shipping envelopes, some paypal labels, and get a postage scale... then you are set. Its easy from there!

I can send you a few to get you started if you want...(not the postage scale though)

Why don't you stock up on some nice sized shipping envelopes, some paypal labels, and get a postage scale... then you are set. Its easy from there!

I can send you a few to get you started if you want...(not the postage scale though)

what a thoughtful, generous offer! i'd *love* your help. i do think that getting the supplies might really get me going. oh...and you don't have a postage scale to send me...darn :smirk: .

They are totally free ... only if you promise to go buy a postage scale in the meantime...

And, I'm going to ask Julie if you followed through... and then send Jodi to beat you up if you don't...

:hahaha: :smirk:

PM me your addy!

:hahaha: don't know how much a scale would cost, but since i just bought ds some hanna andersson pants from another mama, i might have to wait a while on a scale...lol! i really want to do it though. for now, i'll go over to julie's house and use hers...how about that?

oh....you're so sweet to help my poor pitiful self...LOL!

They don't cost much - I think you can get them for $15.00 at office max... walmart might even have them. I know the post office sells them for $20.

Ok.. so, a new promise then.. you have to promise to USE what I send you, from a FSOT thread that you list here at Amity's.. how about that?

When I ship something small, I put it in a ziplock bag and then I buy the big box of Kraft tan envelopes with the clasp (about $8 for 150 at Sam's Club or Costco). I put the ziplock into the Kraft and then tape it shut with clear mailing tape.
For an item that is a little too big for the Kraft but still doesn't need a box, I buy some poly/tyvek strong envelopes on ebay (I have found seller "threerb" to be cheap and quick!). I also buy printer labels, because it's just so easy, but you could print them on paper and tape it to the envelope.
If an item I need to send needs to be boxed, I make sure I have the box before I list it for sale, so there's no stress/rush to find something. I just ask a store for some boxes, or drive behind a shopping strip center and there will be tons. If you are going to use priority mail instead of parcel post, you can order them for free on the postal website www.usps.com. They ship them to you in about 2 weeks, postage is free.
I bought my postal scale from Sam's for $50. It's digital and easy to use, and I ship enough to justify the cost. Lots use the $20 just fine, so that would be a good place to start.
Be warned.. selling can be just as addictive as buying! But you are replacing the money you have spent, as well as delcuttering your house, so it is time well spent.
If you have any Q's I'd be happy to help.

*throwing my hand on my hip*

girl...i told you i'd show you how! you only live EIGHT HOUSES down...get over here!

*throwing my hand on my hip*

girl...i told you i'd show you how! you only live EIGHT HOUSES down...get over here!

i *said* that i was getting a tutorial from you! thanks for the 45 minute phone call this morning since you have possibly sick kiddos and we couldn't get together.

i *said* that i was getting a tutorial from you! thanks for the 45 minute phone call this morning since you have possibly sick kiddos and we couldn't get together.
:heart:

Julie's sister Jami has a postal scale she offered to sell me.. :)

I already had one.. but mine has never been used - LOL

Ok, this is coming together.. I am sending a few packaging materials, Jami has a postage scale, Julie has tutoring services... Stephanie... what was your problem again?

i know i know! the help has been here all along...lol! actually, yesterday, i took some pictures and got them downloaded to the computer. tiny step, but at least that's done. i started to feel sick last night when i went to work on a FS album, so i went to bed, and woke up throwing up. so...getting nothing done in the near future. still feel awful.

See, that's what you get for trying to learn a new skill :) Decluttering makes me ill too - LOL.

Seriously.. get better :)

Ok.. I guess trying to sell makes you puke.. or is it Julie's kids? And they are so cute.. how could they make you want to puke?

I sent you a package today.. get better soon (I sent you one too Jodi)

for real...i did feel discouraged that i had so much motivation and momentum going only to get sick and not even feel like it anymore. i do feel much better today, thank goodness!

can't wait for the package!! too bad you're not actually coming here or you could have just brought the package for jodi and me!