Don’t let shipping chaos kill your side hustle momentum. If you’re flipping cards, books, or collectibles, a simple packing station will save you hours every week—and you don’t need a garage full of gear to do it.

Here’s how to set up an efficient eBay packing station for under $100, with tools that make your shipping process faster, cleaner, and more professional.

📦 Essential #1: Digital Mail Scale – $19

Guessing postage is a rookie move. Overpay and you eat margin. Underpay and you get returns. A digital mail scale ensures you ship with precision every time.

• ✅ Accurate down to 0.1 oz
• ✅ Compact enough to fit on your desk
• ✅ Handles up to 11 lbs—plenty for card mailers and small boxes

🛒 Get it here: Amazon Basics Digital Mail Scale

📦 Essential #2: Heavy-Duty Packing Tape – $20

Cheap tape splits, peels, or sticks to nothing. These HERKKA clear tape rolls are thick, durable, and actually stick—plus you get 780 yards of tape for about $20.

• ✅ 12 rolls = long-lasting supply
• ✅ Works with standard tape guns
• ✅ Great for boxes and bubble mailers alike

🛒 Stock up: HERKKA Clear Packing Tape – 12 Rolls

📦 Essential #3: Padded Bubble Mailers – $29

These Fuxury black bubble mailers don’t just look premium—they protect your cards from dings and water damage. Black or colored mailers also get treated better by customers (and postal workers).

• ✅ 200 mailers = $0.14 each
• ✅ 4×8” size is perfect for top loaders or slabs
• ✅ Sleek, professional appearance

🛒 Recommended: Fuxury Black Bubble Mailers – 200 Pack

🔧 Optional Add-Ons (If You Want to Upgrade)

• 📥 Mini Drawer Organizer – Holds your stamps, pens, cards, and thank-you slips
• 📇 Pre-cut Thank You Cards – Add a touch of brand friendliness for $5–10
• 📤 Label Printer (like a Rollo) – Not essential yet, but a time-saver at higher volume

🧠 Pro Setup Tips

• Set up your packing station near your inventory shelves
• Use a clean, flat surface (folding table works fine)
• Dedicate one box or drawer for each supply type

📊 Your $100 Setup Budget Breakdown

• 📦 Scale: $19 — Buy here
• 📦 Tape: $20 — Buy here
• 📦 Mailers: $29 — Buy here
• 🛠️ Table, bins, or organizers: $30 or less (use what you’ve got)

✅ Set Up Your Station This Weekend

Streamline your process, boost your shipping speed, and reduce your return rate with just a few smart buys. Don’t let messy workflows slow your side hustle.

➡️ Want to take better card photos too? Check out our post: This Under-$20 Light Box Makes eBay Photos Look Pro.