Get ready for the holiday rush
All you need to know to ship smart and set yourself up for success
Are you ready for the busiest shipping season of the year?
Whether it’s Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, or other holidays, shoppers are already gearing up. We’ve put together this guide to help you thrive during this busy shipping period.
Save on shipping costs with eBay Labels
Enjoy discounted rates from major carriers, and save time by printing pre-populated labels or using a QR code for carrier-printed labels. Plus, benefit from automatic tracking on listings shipping with eBay Labels—essential during the holiday season.
Help your listings stand out with lower shipping costs
Buyers often look at item and shipping costs together when deciding to purchase. With calculated shipping, you can offer eBay Labels’ discounted rates, to keep your total costs competitive and help drive your holiday sales. Listings automatically show the best shipping charge based on location, package details, and delivery service.
We've got your back over the holiday season
Learn how eBay supports and protects you, no matter what the season throws your way.
Up-to-date shipping details in the Community
Stay informed throughout the busiest quarter of the year with updates on carrier delays, inclement weather, and other factors that might affect your business during the holidays.
Protections against delivery delays
As long as you meet your handling-time commitments, you’ll receive credit for on-time shipping regardless of carrier delays.
We’ll adjust estimated delivery dates for you
We review carrier delays down to the ZIP code level, and adjust estimated delivery dates for you. That means you don’t need to extend your handling times or worry about penalties due to carrier delays.
Brush up on holiday shipping essentials
Keep your handling time under 2 days
eBay will automatically adjust the estimated delivery dates during the holiday rush, so there’s no need to extend handling times in your listings.
Provide accurate shipping details
Holiday shoppers have high expectations that their items ship on time. Make sure you meet your handling times, and that you ship with the service (Economy, Standard, Expedited, or Overnight) that you specify in your listings.
Use the right packaging
Pack your items securely, and use standard-sized packaging whenever possible. Learn more about how weight and dimensions affect shipping costs.
Double check your carrier
If you use a carrier’s branded shipping supplies, make sure you ship with that carrier. Always double check that the carrier listed on your label matches the location where you drop off your package.
Offer an expedited shipping option
Whether they waited until the last minute or just want peace of mind, many buyers are looking for the fastest delivery over the holidays. Offering a buyer-paid expedited option, like 2-day or overnight delivery, could land you more sales.
Prepare for holiday surcharges
Carriers typically add fees during peak season. We’ve got all the details on the eBay Community about how this impacts eBay Labels, to help you prepare for these additional costs.
Holiday shipping tips from the pros
Expert sellers share how they stay on top of shipping during the busiest time of year.
Get the latest shipping news
Follow our Seller News Announcements, Seller check-ins, and updates on the eBay Community.