EBay Adds Shipping Tools

For the first time, EBay buyers will be able to calculate shipping costs for items sent via United Parcel Service and the U.S. Postal Service without ever leaving EBay's Web site.

The new service will allow sellers to calculate costs for UPS and USPS shipments, track UPS shipments, review transit times, and print shipping labels, all from EBay's Web site, the companies said yesterday.

And rather than having to e-mail this information to buyers, EBay sellers can provide buyers the capability of calculating UPS or USPS shipping costs directly from the View Item page, based on their zip codes.

The Shipping News

The UPS cost calculator allows sellers to enter shipping information such as weight, package size, shipping service, and any handling fees when they list their items, then calculates shipping rates based on the buyer's zip code and the service selected, the companies said.

Insurance rates can also be calculated based on the final price of the item. Rates for the buyer's selected carrier are then displayed in a calculator on the listing page and in the payment process.

There is no charge for EBay sellers to use the UPS tools in their listings, the companies said. The tools will initially support shipments within the United States.

Mailing Made Easier

"Further integrating UPS shipping tools into the EBay marketplace will make it much easier for EBay users to conduct their business, said EBay President and CEO Meg Whitman in the statement. "Together we are taking an important step forward in reducing the friction between buyers and sellers."