Combining postage as a buyer
When you’re shopping on eBay and find yourself tempted by more than one item from the same seller, combining postage can be a lovely little perk. Rather than paying separate delivery fees for each item, you can politely ask the seller to combine everything into one parcel. It’s a great way to save on shipping and reduce waste too. Most sellers are happy to oblige, especially when the items are lightweight or can be snugly packed together.
How to request combined postage
If you haven’t paid yet, you’re in the perfect position to ask for a revised invoice. Simply go to your eBay basket, find the “Request total from seller” option and click it. This sends a polite nudge to the seller letting them know you’re buying multiple items and would like a combined postage rate. It’s always best to do this before checking out, as changes can’t be made after payment. If you’ve already paid, you can still message the seller to ask whether they’re able to bundle your items and refund any excess postage—though that’s at their discretion.
Combining postage as a seller
From the seller’s point of view, combining postage can be a thoughtful way to offer great customer service while streamlining your shipping process. You can set up rules in your eBay account that automatically offer combined shipping rates. This means buyers don’t need to wait for an invoice and everything feels smooth and organised. It’s also a chance to build loyalty—many buyers will remember a seller who goes the extra mile to help them save.
Things to keep in mind
While combining postage is often straightforward, it’s not always possible. Large or fragile items might need to be sent separately to stay safe and sound in transit. Weight and dimensions play a big part too—Royal Mail and courier services often have strict size bands, so it’s important to check before promising a combined rate. Still, for small and flexible items, it’s usually easy to find a solution that suits everyone.
Why combining postage is a win-win
Combining postage is a simple yet thoughtful gesture that helps make eBay feel more personal. It cuts down on unnecessary packaging, saves buyers money and reduces trips to the post office. It also makes the whole experience feel more human, like a little conversation between buyer and seller that adds a touch of charm to the transaction.
Not all sellers offer combined postage automatically
Some sellers, especially newer ones or those using certain listing templates, may not have combined postage settings turned on. That doesn’t mean they won’t do it, though. It’s always worth sending a polite message to ask. A kind note can go a long way and opens the door to a more personal exchange—something that still exists in the world of online marketplaces.
eBay’s postage rules can vary by category
In some categories, especially when items are listed with free postage, combining postage might not make much of a difference. If everything already has free delivery included, the seller has often factored that cost into each listing. In those cases, combining may not result in a refund or discount, but it could still mean receiving everything in one neat parcel.
Sellers can create combined invoice templates
For sellers who regularly post multiple items to the same buyer, eBay allows you to create combined invoice templates. This automates a lot of the process and makes life easier, especially if you're running a shop-style store. It's one of those behind-the-scenes features that adds a little extra polish to the customer experience.
International buyers might have limited options
If you’re buying from another country, combining postage can be a bit trickier. With customs declarations and shipping weight thresholds to consider, some sellers prefer to ship items individually. However, there are cases where international sellers do bundle things together—again, it often just starts with a friendly message.
Combined postage can boost your seller ratings
From a seller’s point of view, offering combined postage isn’t just practical—it’s strategic. Buyers love feeling looked after, and something as simple as a revised invoice can earn you glowing feedback. It’s a subtle but meaningful way to stand out from the crowd.
Summary
Whether you’re a buyer hoping to save or a seller trying to simplify, combining postage on eBay is a handy trick worth learning. It creates a more pleasant experience for everyone involved and can even encourage repeat business. With a little communication and planning, it turns multiple listings into one tidy parcel of joy.