The short answer
Shipping feels complicated because there are so many options, but a new store only needs a few decisions: what your packed products weigh, which carrier service you'll use, how you'll charge customers, and what delivery time you'll promise. Get those four right and you can ship your first order this week.
Step 1: Weigh and measure your products packed
Carriers price by weight and, for larger boxes, by size. Pack each product the way you'll actually ship it (box or mailer, padding, insert card) and record:
- Packed weight, using a cheap digital shipping scale.
- Box dimensions (length × width × height in inches).
This matters because carriers round up. USPS, for example, says packages over 15.999 oz are charged by the pound, rounded up, so an 8.3 lb package pays the 9 lb price (USPS Ground Advantage). Big, light boxes can also be billed on "dimensional weight" instead of actual weight; UPS explains how it measures size and weight. The cheapest fix is usually a smaller box.
Step 2: Pick your carrier services
For most beginners selling small items inside the US, start with USPS and add others later if you need them.
| Service | Good for | What the carrier says |
|---|---|---|
| USPS Ground Advantage | Light and medium packages, everyday orders | Delivery expected in 2–5 days, up to 70 lbs, tracking and $100 insurance included (USPS) |
| USPS Priority Mail | Faster delivery, heavier small boxes | 2–3 day delivery, tracking, free boxes, and Flat Rate options that ship up to 70 lbs anywhere in the US for the same price (USPS) |
| UPS / FedEx ground services | Heavier or bulkier items, regular volume | Rates depend on size, weight and distance; compare quotes for your actual boxes |
Delivery windows are carrier estimates, not guarantees, and USPS notes that Alaska, Hawaii and offshore destinations may be slower.
Step 3: Choose how you'll charge for shipping
There are three common approaches. Pick one and keep it consistent:
- Free shipping. You build the average shipping cost into your product price. Simple for customers, but check your margin first.
- Flat rate. For example, one fixed charge per order. Easy to understand and easy to explain on your product pages.
- Calculated (real-time) rates. The customer pays roughly what the carrier charges for their address. Most accurate, but it can surprise shoppers at checkout.
A common middle ground is a flat rate with free shipping over a set order value, which can nudge customers to add one more item. Whatever you choose, show it before checkout. Surprise costs are a frequent reason people abandon carts.
Step 4: Buy labels online, not at the counter
You don't need a business account to start. Buying postage online lets you print labels at home, and USPS says shipping online gets you lower Commercial Rates than paying at a Post Office counter (USPS Priority Mail). USPS also offers free package pickup for Priority Mail from your home or office, which saves a trip. For broader options, see the USPS business shipping hub.
Step 5: Set processing time and promise realistic delivery
Your customer sees one number: when it arrives. That's processing time (how long until you hand it to the carrier) plus transit time (the carrier's estimate).
This isn't just good manners. The FTC's Mail, Internet, or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule (16 CFR Part 435) expects sellers to have a reasonable basis for the shipping time they state, or to ship within 30 days if they don't state one. If you're delayed, you have to tell the customer and give them the option to cancel for a refund. Under-promise and over-deliver.
Step 6: Pack well and publish a shipping policy
- Use the smallest box that protects the product, with padding so nothing moves.
- Add a packing slip or thank-you card; it's a cheap way to feel professional.
- Write a short shipping policy page covering: carriers used, processing time, delivery estimates, costs, where you ship, and what happens with lost or damaged packages.
- Link that policy from your footer and product pages so shoppers (and AI assistants answering "does this store ship fast?") can find it.
Step 7: Track, then improve
After your first 20–30 orders, look at what you actually paid versus what you charged, and which packages arrived late or damaged. Adjust your box sizes, rates or service choice based on real data, not guesses.
A simple starter setup
If you want one thing to copy: USPS Ground Advantage for standard orders, Priority Mail as a paid "faster" option, a flat shipping fee with free shipping above a threshold, a 1–2 business day processing time, and labels bought online. It covers most small, light products.
Next steps
- Haven't taken payments yet? Read how to accept payments on your online store.
- Just starting out? See how to start an online store with no experience.
- Ready for orders? Here's how to get your first 100 customers.
Newcomer gives you a store with product pages, checkout and policy pages set up for you, so you can focus on packing orders, not configuring software. Start your store free.
Questions, answered.
What is the cheapest way to ship small packages in the US?
For many light packages, USPS Ground Advantage is a common low-cost choice. It includes tracking and $100 insurance and is expected to deliver in 2–5 days. Always compare rates for your actual packed weight and box size.
Should I offer free shipping on my new store?
Only if your margins can absorb it. Many small stores use a flat shipping fee and offer free shipping above a set order value, which keeps costs predictable and can raise average order size.
How long do I legally have to ship an online order?
Under the FTC's Mail, Internet, or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule, you must ship within the time you state, or within 30 days if you state no time. If you can't, you must notify the customer and let them cancel for a refund.
Do I need a business account to buy shipping labels?
No. You can buy and print USPS labels online without a special account, and online postage is priced at lower commercial rates than paying at the Post Office counter.
What is dimensional weight?
Carriers may bill large, light packages by their size instead of their actual weight. Using the smallest box that protects your product is the easiest way to avoid paying for empty space.