There is a lot to consider when it comes to selling your wares on eBay; everything from finding the best area in which to sell, to registering and establishing your very own eBay store. Learning the ropes can take a while, but this 'eBay selling made easy' guide to packaging and posting your goods will help you to master one very important, and often overlooked, area of your eBay business.

Tip 1 - Post your sold items quickly

Don't dismiss this eBay selling made easy guide as over simplified; you would be amazed at how many sellers fail to obey this simple rule. After you have received the money for your item, try to post it immediately, or as soon as is humanly possible. Posting within the first day or two will help to improve your credibility and increase your positive feedback score.

Tip 2 - Communicate effectively

You should always send an email as soon as an item has been dispatched. Buyers like to be kept in the loop when it comes to where their product is and when they can expect to receive it. Never underestimate the importance of staying in contact with your customers.

Tip 3 - Don't overcharge for postage

The Royal Mail and other couriers will give you an idea of what postage will cost, depending on the weight of the item, on their websites. Check this before setting a rate of postage to ensure that you don't over, or under, charge your customers. You should also keep a record of the weight of your items so that, should you need to post overseas, you can offer the appropriate postage fee.

Tip 4 - Distribute freebies

It is amazing how much difference a small gesture can make. Throwing some freebies in with the packaging of the item bought will be more likely to increase your positive feedback, and provide the personal touch to your customers. Some cheap sweets, photos, business cards and the like can make all the difference.

Tip 5 - Prepare packaging materials in advance

If you are selling a lot of goods then packaging them all could take more time than you expect. You can minimise the time spent directly after your auctions have ended by pre-packaging your items into appropriately sized boxes. Once sold, all you will need to do is tape up the boxes and post to the winning bidder.

Tip 6 - Hire help if needed

Once your eBay business grows beyond what you can manage on your own you will need to consider hiring some help. Having someone help you with packaging is a better solution than losing custom because of not posting goods out quickly enough. It isn't a particularly skilled job so why not consider hiring someone on a part time basis that is under the age of 18. It could be a great after school job for them, and help you to meet your delivery dates.

Hopefully these six eBay selling made easy tips will help you to realise that packing and posting are important parts of your business, and that they can be easily managed once they have been considered.