How to Work out the Real Cost of Postage/Handling.

1. Look at your watch - time the following
2. Go out and buy brown paper, packing tape, Sellotape, Jiffy bags, boxes, bubble bits and stickers.
3. If you are selling specialist items that require extra protection, buy these too.
4. Write down the amount you’ve spent.
5. Go to the Post Office, and pick up all the related forms you’ll need for posting items.
6. Write down the amount of time you spent getting all the items. (Don’t forget fuel, and other related expenses.)
7. Finished? Look at your watch.
8. Pay yourself minimum wage for the time you’ve spent.
9. Item sold? Start your watch again.
10. Create an invoice, and e-mail it to the customer.
11. When payment arrives, create a packing slip.
12. If the payment is a cheque, go to the bank and pay it in. (bank fees for a cheque payment are usually at least 50p GBP for business customers)