As a buyer, to avoid possible problems or misunderstandings, you should consider the postage costs and services before you bid on or buy an item. Be sure to review the item description carefully for any additional information. If you have any questions about shipping, please contact the seller before you bid on or buy the item

• How much does postage and handling cost?

• Does the seller post to my area?

• Can I track my package?

• Is insurance offered?

• Can I get a postage discount for buying more than one item?

The seller can use flat cost, which is the same price to all buyers. Or the seller can use calculated cost postage, which is based on your location. Sellers will sometimes list two or more postal services. Expedited postal services usually cost more, but can be useful if you need the item within a specific period.

Your postage address

To make sure that your item is sent to you correctly, make sure that your postage address is accurate. You can change or add a shipping address when you pay for an item using the Pay Now button.

Some sellers may ask you to use a "confirmed" postage address when you purchase items with PayPal. Your confirmed postage address is the same as the credit card billing address that you have on file for PayPal. If you have already set this up, you just need to make sure that this address is linked to your eBay address book. Then, select this as your postage address when you make your purchase using the Pay Now button.

Purchasing your item

Pay for your postage costs at the same time that you pay for your item. If you have questions about the total cost of your item including postage, you can request the total from the seller. To do so, click the "Request total from seller" link on the Review Your Item page when you use the Pay Now button to purchase your item on eBay.

You can select your postage method in the Order Details section on the Review Your Item page. Click the "Show all postage options". Up to three different options may be available for each item. The cost and estimated delivery times are displayed for each option.

Postage discounts

Some sellers offer to combine items into one package and offer a postage discount. You'll see your postage discounts when you purchase your item using the Pay Now button. If you have any questions about the amount, contact the seller.

After you purchase your item

Some sellers may include tracking information in their email to you. Also, some sellers may include the option of paying for insurance to protect your item against loss or damage.

Problems with Postage

If you have a problem with postage we recommend that you contact your seller first. If you're unable to resolve your problem, you may be able to open an Item Not Received or Significantly Not as Described dispute.

Sellers may charge reasonable postage and handling fees to cover the costs for mailing, packaging, and handling the items that they sell. However, charging excessive fees for postage is a breach of the eBay Excessive Postage Charges policy. Review the item description carefully to make sure you understand what the postage costs are.