PayPal Shipping Best Practices – How to Ship Items with PayPal Easily

You’ve just sold an item on your local selling app, and the buyer has paid you with their PayPal account. Once you’ve received the payment, you might need to ship the item as soon as possible.

However, many sellers are often uncertain about how to ship their items with PayPal. At this point, you might be wondering about lots of things: How does shipping work with PayPal? What shipping methods can I use? Do I need to include a packing list? Is the shipping free? And what about marking an item as a gift?

Read on for some helpful tips on all this and more!

Contents:

1. Packaging and shipping from the PayPal Shipping Center

2. Going into details: Which PayPal shipping options are available?

3. What are the PayPal shipping rates?

4. How to ship an item as a gift when shipping through PayPal

5. Incorporating a packing list when shipping through PayPal

6. Creating a shipping label for successful PayPal shipping

7. Is it possible to create a PayPal shipping label without a purchase?

Packaging and shipping from the PayPal Shipping Center

PayPal shipping offers an easy and convenient way for its users to package and ship their items directly from their account through the PayPal Shipping Center. This service is available (and free) to all PayPal users and provides access to discounted rates on shipping labels from major carriers such as USPS, UPS, and DHL.

The first step to using the PayPal Shipping Center is to ensure that the PayPal account is linked to a valid shipping address. Once this is done, users can log in to their PayPal account, select the transaction for the item they want to ship, and click on the “Ship” button.

After clicking the “Ship” button, users will be taken to the PayPal Shipping Center where they can choose the carrier and shipping method they want to use. The platform will automatically generate a shipping label with the shipping address and tracking information based on the transaction details.

Users can then print the shipping label straight from their PayPal account, attach it to their package, and drop it off at the carrier’s location or arrange for a pickup. With PayPal’s discounted rates, users can save money on their shipping costs and easily manage all their shipping needs from one platform.

In addition to shipping labels, PayPal shipping also offers packaging supplies such as boxes, bubble wrap, and tape for purchase through their Shipping Center. This makes it even easier for users to package their items securely and professionally before shipping them out.

Overall, the PayPal Shipping Center provides a convenient and cost-effective way for users to package and ship their items from their account. With access to discounted rates and packaging supplies, users can save time and money while ensuring their items are shipped securely and on time.

Going into details: Which PayPal shipping options are available?

PayPal offers a range of shipping options to its users, including both domestic and international shipping services. These shipping options are available through the PayPal Shipping Center, and users can access discounted rates on shipping labels from major carriers such as USPS, UPS, and DHL.

The list of PayPal shipping options available

USPS First Class Mail

Weight limit

USPS First Class Mail has a maximum weight limit of 16 ounces (1 pound). The maximum dimensions allowed are typically 22 inches in length, 18 inches in width, and 15 inches in height. Additionally, there are restrictions on certain types of items, such as hazardous materials, perishable goods, and restricted items.

Delivery time

The delivery time for USPS First Class Mail is generally estimated to be between 1 to 3 business days for domestic shipments within the United States. However, please note that delivery times aren’t guaranteed and can vary depending on factors like distance, weather conditions, and any unforeseen circumstances.

Tracking and insurance

USPS First Class Mail offers tracking services, allowing you to track the progress of your shipment online. However, it’s important to note that tracking updates may not be as frequent or detailed compared to other premium shipping services. Insurance coverage isn’t automatically included with USPS First Class Mail, but you can purchase additional insurance separately if desired.

USPS Priority Mail

Weight limit

USPS Priority Mail has weight limits that vary depending on the destination. For domestic shipments within the United States, the weight limit is generally 70 pounds. For international shipments, weight limits may vary based on the destination country. The maximum dimensions allowed for domestic shipments are generally 108 inches in combined length and girth (girth = 2 x width + 2 x height). International size restrictions may vary depending on the destination country. Certain restrictions and regulations may apply to specific items, such as hazardous materials. 

Delivery time

USPS Priority Mail offers fast delivery times for both domestic and international shipments. For domestic shipments, the estimated delivery time is typically 1 to 3 business days, depending on the distance. For international shipments, delivery times can range from 6 to 10 business days, but they may vary based on the destination and customs processing.

Tracking and insurance

USPS provides frequent tracking updates, allowing you to monitor the shipment’s status. Additionally, USPS Priority Mail includes automatic insurance coverage for packages up to certain value limits. The coverage amount may vary.

USPS Priority Mail Express

Weight limit

Same as for the USPS Priority Mail.

Delivery time

USPS Priority Mail Express provides guaranteed overnight or 1-2 day delivery service depending on the destination. For domestic shipments within the United States, USPS Priority Mail Express guarantees delivery by the next business day to most locations. For international shipments, the delivery time varies depending on the destination country, typically ranging from 3 to 5 business days.

Tracking and insurance

Same as for the USPS Priority Mail.

UPS Ground

Weight limit

UPS Ground has weight and size limits for packages. The maximum weight allowed for UPS Ground shipments is generally 150 pounds. The maximum dimensions (length + girth) are usually 165 inches. Can vary based on the destination.

Delivery time

UPS Ground provides reliable and timely delivery for domestic shipments. The delivery time typically ranges from 1 to 5 business days, depending on the distance between the origin and destination. UPS Ground doesn’t offer guaranteed overnight or express delivery like some other UPS services.

Tracking and insurance

UPS Ground includes tracking services. Additionally, UPS Ground shipments automatically include declared value coverage, which provides limited insurance based on the package’s value. You can purchase additional insurance separately if needed.

UPS 2nd Day Air

Weight limit

The maximum weight allowed for UPS 2nd Day Air shipments is generally 150 pounds. The maximum size restrictions may vary based on the specific UPS guidelines for the destination.

Delivery time

UPS 2nd Day Air guarantees delivery within two business days to most locations within the United States. The delivery time is calculated from the pickup date or the date of tendering the package to UPS. Weekends and holidays aren’t counted as business days for this service.

Tracking and insurance

Same as for the UPS Ground.

UPS Next Day Air

Weight limit

Same as for the UPS 2nd Day Air.

Delivery time

UPS Next Day Air guarantees delivery by the next business day to most locations within the United States. Weekends and holidays aren’t counted as business days for this service.

Tracking and insurance

Same as for the UPS Ground.

DHL Express

Delivery time

DHL Express offers expedited shipping with fast delivery times. The exact delivery time will depend on the origin and destination of the shipment. DHL Express provides estimated delivery times that range from 1 to 5 business days for international shipments, depending on the destination country. 

Weight limit

The maximum weight allowed for DHL Express shipments can vary, but it’s typically higher than other shipping services. DHL Express also has size restrictions based on the dimensions of the package, which  can vary based on the destination.

Tracking and insurance

DHL Express provides robust tracking services, allowing you to track your package’s progress online. DHL offers real-time tracking updates and comprehensive shipment visibility. Additionally, DHL Express automatically includes some insurance coverage based on the value of the package. You may also have the option to purchase additional insurance for higher-value shipments.

What are the PayPal shipping rates?

Using PayPal shipping services is free for PayPal users, but that doesn’t mean that you can avoid paying the shipping rates. Yet, although shipping won’t  be free, you’ll still get some discounts, as we’ll shortly see. So, how much does it cost to ship with PayPal?

When it comes to shipping rates, PayPal shipping provides a range of options that vary depending on the shipping method, destination, weight, and dimensions of the package. This means that PayPal shipping doesn’t offer one flat rate for its services.

For domestic shipments within the United States, shipping rates through PayPal can start around $3 USD for lightweight packages and increase based on the package weight and shipping method selected. Heavier packages or expedited shipping options may cost more.

For international shipments, rates can vary significantly depending on the destination country, package weight, and shipping method. International shipping rates through PayPal generally start at around $15 USD for lightweight packages, but they can increase substantially for heavier packages or when using express shipping services.

PayPal shipping rates are competitive and generally lower than those offered by traditional shipping carriers such as UPS or FedEx. The platform partners with leading shipping carriers like USPS, UPS, and DHL to offer discounted shipping rates to its customers. These discounted rates are available to PayPal users who purchase and print shipping labels directly from their PayPal account.

These are the shipping rates you might only expect when using PayPal’s shipping services. Visit PayPal official website to get accurate and specific shipping rate information based on your shipment details.

How to ship an item as a gift when shipping through PayPal

When shipping an item as a gift through PayPal shipping, there are a few additional steps that users can take to ensure that the package is sent with the appropriate labeling and message.

Add a note at checkout

When making a purchase, buyers can add a note to the seller requesting that the item be shipped as a gift. This note can include any specific instructions for the seller, such as including a gift message or removing the price from the packing slip.

Choose the “Gift” option

When you print the shipping label through PayPal, you can choose the “Gift” option to indicate that the package is being sent as a gift. This option won’t affect the shipping cost, but it’ill ensure that the package is labeled correctly.

Include a gift message

Many carriers offer the option to include a gift message with the package. Users can add a personalized message to the gift recipient by selecting this option and entering the message during the checkout process.

Consider gift wrapping

If users want to add an extra touch to their gift, they can choose to gift wrap the item before shipping it. This can be done using their own materials or by purchasing gift wrapping supplies through the PayPal Shipping Center.

Incorporating a packing list when shipping through PayPal

PayPal offers the option to create and print packing lists when shipping items to buyers. A packing list is a document that provides a detailed description of the contents of a shipment. It’s typically used by businesses to help ensure that all items in a shipment are accounted for and to provide the buyer with information about what’s included in the package.

To create a PayPal packaging list, follow these steps:

• Log in to your PayPal account;
• Click on “Activity” at the top of the page;
• Find the transaction for which you need to create a label and click on it;
• Click on the “Ship” button next to the transaction details;
• Select the shipping carrier you want to use (e.g., USPS, UPS, FedEx);
• Enter the shipping information, including the recipient’s address and the weight and dimensions of the package;
• Choose the shipping service you want to use (e.g., Priority Mail, Express Mail);
• Select any additional shipping options you want to include, such as insurance or signature confirmation;
• Check the “Include packing slip” box;
• Review the shipping details and cost;
• Click on the “Confirm and Pay” button to pay for the label;
• Print the packing list along with the shipping label.

The packing list includes a description of each item in the shipment, the quantity of each item, and the total value of the items. It can also include other information, such as the order number and any special instructions for the recipient.

Printing and iIncluding a packing list with your shipment can help ensure that the buyer receives all items in the order and can also provide a record of the contents of the package in case there are any disputes or issues with the order.

Creating a shipping label for successful PayPal shipping

Always create a shipping label before you mark the item as shipped with PayPal shipping. This will allow you to double-check the shipping information to make sure it’s correct. To create a PayPal shipping label, you can follow these steps:

• Log in to your PayPal account;
• Click on “Activity” at the top of the page;
• Find the transaction for which you need to create a label and click on it;
• Click on the “Ship” button next to the transaction details;
• Select the shipping carrier you want to use (e.g., USPS, UPS, FedEx);
• Enter the shipping information, including the recipient’s address and the weight and dimensions of the package;
• Choose the shipping service you want to use (e.g., Priority Mail, Express Mail);
• Select any additional shipping options you want to include, such as insurance or signature confirmation;
• Review the shipping details and cost;
• Click on the “Confirm and Pay” button to pay for the label;
• Print the label and affix it to your package.

Note: The specific steps and options may vary depending on your location and the type of transaction. Also, be sure to have enough funds in your PayPal account to cover the cost of the label and any additional shipping options you select.

Is it possible to create a PayPal shipping label without a purchase?

Unfortunately, PayPal doesn’t offer a standalone feature to create shipping labels without a purchase transaction. PayPal shipping labels are generated within the context of a transaction when a seller needs to ship an item to a buyer.

Shipping from PayPal: conclusion

As we’ve seen, using PayPal shipping to ship your items is actually quite simple. To avoid any potential confusion, be sure to read over PayPal shipping requirements before you ship your items. And don’t forget to include a packing list with your items to keep track of which item is going to which buyer. You might also want to track your shipping fees in accounting to better understand and control your business cash flow.

By using PayPal shipping, you can save time and money on shipping costs, and streamline the shipping process by managing everything in one place. With its user-friendly interface, discounted shipping rates, and integration with major shipping carriers, PayPal shipping is a great option for anyone who needs to ship items regularly. So why not give it a try today?