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How to get started selling online

Learn how to start selling online and make extra money. This guide covers how to set goals, pick the right platform and make sure what you sell reaches customers safely. Plus, a quick, easy, reliable service that can help with that.

a smiling person surrounded by parcels with a smartphone and laptop

How to start as an online seller

Becoming an online seller can be a great way to make extra money. You can sell things you don't need anymore, earn more money besides your main job or even start a full-time business. Here's how to begin, which platforms to use and how to make sure your items get to customers safely.

Define your goals

Decide why you want to sell. Is it just for fun, to get rid of things you don't need or to start a business? Your reason will help you decide how much time and money to spend.

Choose what to sell

Look at what you already have, like clothes, book or electronics. If you want to make money regularly, think about finding or making things to sell, like handmade crafts or items bought in bulk.

Understand your audience

Find out who will buy your stuff. What do they want? How much will they pay? Which platforms do they shop on? This helps you set the right prices and attract buyers.

Sending regularly? Let us save you time

Discover Drop & Go

Platforms to sell on

Choosing the right platform depends on what you’re selling and how often. Here are some popular options.

Getting found online

Make sure your listings are clear and visually appealing. Use good-quality photos and clear descriptions of your items. Price them competitively with other providers. And, if you’re selling often, promote what you sell on social media. Find out how to get found in customer searches.

Ask your postmaster

Our teams across the UK are experts in helping people get items where they need to go.

Like postmaster Waheeda from Stockbridge branch in Edinburgh, whose advice helps her customers choose the best services for them.

"Waheeda always knows the best way to send my packages. She's amazing!" one happy customer told us.

Talk to your local team about the sending services that are right for you.

Find your local branch

Sending what you’ve sold

Whether you’re only selling now and then or running a full-time business, reliable delivery is crucial to keeping your customers happy. It’s one of the factors that can help you build a positive seller rating. For some seller platforms the options for fulfilling orders are fairly fixed. With others, you’ll have more choice.

Choose the right courier service

Selecting a courier you trust with your items is essential. Your local Post Office branch can help you find the service that suits your needs and budget.

Read our guide to choosing a courier service

Post Office sending and collection options

At Post Office, we offer a wide range of posting services for sending within the UK and internationally.

  • DPD is great for fast deliveries and market-leading in-flight delivery options. They track your package and take a photo when it's delivered. They report 99% on-time delivery and give a 1-hour delivery window. And you can change delivery options while it's on its way. Go to DPD in-branch services
  • Evri is a budget-friendly delivery service. They also track your package and take a photo when it's delivered. They report 98% on-time delivery and give you a 1-hour window for delivery. Go to Evri in-branch services
  • Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide have been trusted for over 500 years. They offer UK delivery and international postage services, including guaranteed next-day delivery. They have the lowest carbon footprint for parcel delivery in the UK. They offer tracking and signature services plus, with some services, a photo on delivery

Ways to save time

To fit around your schedule, you can pay for postage online with Post Office and simply drop off what you’re sending in branch when it suits you.

If you’re selling regularly, consider Drop & Go. It’s a fast-drop service for regular senders, online sellers and small businesses. There’s no waiting at the counter, weighing or printing postage labels. We do it all for you and charge the postage to your prepaid account. And you can view and manage your account online.

Evri, DPD, Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide are all available with Drop & Go. Check with your local branch to find out which services they offer.

Key takeaways

Good planning and reliable delivery are a key part of making your online selling side hustle work. Remember:

  • Start with clear goals and research your target market to determine what to sell
  • Use platforms like eBay, Etsy and Amazon Marketplace to reach potential buyers
  • Choose reliable courier services and ask your local Post Office team for expert advice on which services best suit your needs
  • Save time with our Drop & Go service for regular senders

Ready to send what you’ve sold?

Explore our sending services

Common questions about selling online

  • If you’re selling occasionally, you may not need to. But regular sellers should report their income and may need to register as self-employed.

  • Use sturdy boxes or padded envelopes, secure items with packing materials and include a clear address label. Read more about how to pack a parcel and how to send valuables safely.

  • Yes, some services from our partner couriers like DPD, Evri, Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide include tracking. Explore our sending services to find a service that suits your needs or talk to our teams in branch.

  • Drop & Go is a Post Office service for regular senders. Simply leave your parcels at the branch for processing the same day. You can sign up for free and manage payments through your online account.

More services to help your business

  • Parcels Online

    Compare prices and services from our partner carriers and pay for postage online. Then drop your parcels off at a participating Post Office branch

  • Drop & Go

    A fast-drop service for regular senders, online sellers and small businesses. No waiting at counters, weighing or printing labels. We do it all for you

  •  Everyday banking

    Access your bank account at thousands of Post Office branches. Pay in cash and cheques, make withdrawals or check your balance

More about posting

Selling online guides
How to pack a parcel
How to send a parcel
Sending valuables safely
How to save time in branch
Track an item
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