Once you list products and conduct your auction, it's time for the bidders to go to work. When you have a winning bidder, now you have to get the product to them. Don't count your money until the buyer gets that product in their hot little hands.

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No one thinks about shipping at the beginning. Unfortunately, if you don't think about it at the beginning, you may be sorry in the end. The shipping process is important especially for large bulky items. You could end up making nothing because shipping cost you a bundle.

Shipping is not the easiest part of the process. Just about everyone has received a one-piece item that arrived in four pieces. It poses a big problem for buyer and seller. Careful shipping on your end ensures a happy customer.

How will you ship your products?

Some shipping methods are dictated by the size of the product to be shipped. Anything weighing less than 25 pounds can be sent through UPS or the postal service. For convenience, packages can be picked up curbside. If you ship a lot of items, invest in a service that allows you to weigh, pay and schedule shipping online.

For multiple items, your shipping costs will increase. Buy shipping materials in bulk to save money.

Calculating shipping costs will assist you in determining the price for your products. For fixed price shipping, you calculate the cost. Some sellers add a shipping calculator to their auctions so that bidders can see what they will have to pay depending on the price of the item. Take a hit on smaller items and offer free shipping to increase sales.

Which method of shipping is best?

Thank goodness you have a variety of options for shipping. EBay even offers suggestions to make the decision easier for you. The preferred shipping methods are UPS, USPS and FedEx. Larger items are best handled by FedEx ground for a cheaper rate.

You need to secure the product in the shipping container. If it rolls around in the box, there is a greater chance of arriving damaged. Bubble wraps works for most items. Smaller ones will be fine with cute little packing peanuts. But, that stuff isn't free. Don't forget to figure up those costs. It may be slightly more money but you can use a shipping store to package up your products.

Don't leave shipping until the last minute. Decide on your shipping methods now so that neither you nor the customers get any unwelcomed surprises. Get the goods there in one piece.