How to ship products from home
Shipping from home is simple with FedEx—whether you’re running an Etsy shop, shipping for a side hustle, or scaling your small business. This guide walks you through packaging, labels, pickups, pricing, international shipping, and returns.
As a small business owner working from home, are you wondering how to ship products? No matter what you're selling, shipping from the comfort of your couch is a straightforward process once you've figured out a strategy.
The shipping process at a glance
Find the right FedEx® service for your needs.
Measure and weigh your package. Learn about dim weight pricing, which may reduce shipping costs if you pack more efficiently.
Determine your shipping fees
Most businesses ask customers to pay a shipping fee based on delivery speed, location, and item. If the product is not perishable, you can offer standard shipping, which usually takes 1 to 5 business days, depending on the recipient’s location. However, for perishable items or when a recipient requests a quicker delivery, you can offer FedEx® next day or FedEx 2Day® shipping.
Stock up on shipping materials
Before you begin taking product orders, you’ll want to purchase packaging supplies. This way, you'll be able to quickly pack and ship out items. Efficiently boxed items can save you and your recipient on shipping fees. Look for the most appropriately matched boxes, tubes, or poly mailers according to your product sizes, allowing for cushioning. You can purchase these items at an office supply store or the post office, but your shipping service may also provide some of them for free. Any fragile package needs an overbox or poly bag to act as its shipping container for the label and to help protect the package.
Choose your packaging supplies wisely
As recipients are looking to reduce their environmental footprints, it makes sense for your business to package your products sustainably whenever possible.
There are also various cushioning materials available to replace plastic and polystyrene, such as biodegradable packing peanuts, corrugated fiberboard, bubble wrap, and air pillows made from recycled, biodegradable material.
Take special care with fragile items
For easily breakable products, invest in high-quality cushioning materials that will sufficiently protect your recipient’s order. Get tips for packing breakables.
Manage perishable items
Place perishable items inside an insulated box that includes a sufficient number of ice packs. If you don't have those on hand, We offer cold shipping boxes for items that are to be delivered the next day and must remain cold overnight. Get perishable packing guidance.
Employ the right tools to help
To complete your shipping preparations for delivery, purchase one or more of the following materials: scissors or box cutter, packing tape, stapler and staples, rubber bands, and string. Ordering some of these items in bulk can save you money and time.
If your recipients can purchase your product in different weight increments, you will need to invest in a scale. Ultimately, the weight of the product and its packaging will determine the shipping cost. To create a list of your shipping fees, weigh each product in its packaging. Then, refer to the FedEx Service Guide for rates by shipping weight.
Create your shipping labels
If you plan to use a shipping service, you may want to create shipping labels online. Then you can print the labels at home, or, if you’re on the go, from your local shipping service’s brick and mortar location. If you’re not planning on using a shipping service, you can simply write your return and customer addresses directly on the package before dropping it off.
Drop off packages or schedule a pickup
Before sealing the package, consider adding a small handwritten “thank you for your purchase” note, business card, or flyer for a discount on a future order. Once you're ready to ship, you have two options. If you have the capacity, or if you'd like to speak with a shipping expert in-person, drop off your package at one of thousands of retail locations. However, if you’re crunched for time, you can schedule a pickup. This way, you’re free to focus on other aspects of your business. For high-volume shipping, you can schedule a regular pickup from your business location. There may be fees for scheduling a pickup, though.
Visit the FedEx Small Business Center for insights into managing and scaling your business, and check out our How-to-Hub for more tips on packaging and shipping certain items.
How to ship internationally from home
Shipping internationally from home is simple with FedEx, whether you’re sending customer orders, care packages, or business shipments. Use our tools to compare services, prepare customs documents, and get real-time guidance. Being proactive can help support customs clearance and timely delivery.
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Follow a step-by-step international shipping guide to understand the full process—from documentation to delivery.
Get the best international shipping option for your budget and timeline by comparing delivery speeds and pricing.
Start your international shipment from home with a quick online label and prep for smooth door-to-door service.
Find and fill out the customs documents you need online.
Get international shipping assistance with item descriptions, HS codes, and documentation so you can send with confidence.
Make the world your marketplace
Reaching international customers may be easier than you think. See what it takes and plan for global growth—with the help of the FedEx global ecommerce playbook.
Explore e-commerce integrations
FedEx integrates with Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, and other platforms. That means you can automatically generate labels and streamline order fulfillment.
FAQs
You can ship from home by packing your item, creating a label, and either scheduling a pickup or dropping it off at a nearby FedEx location.
Dropping off your package is usually the most economical option, while scheduling a pickup offers added convenience for frequent shippers.
Shipping costs depend on weight, dimensions, distance, and service speed, which you can estimate using the FedEx Shipping Rate Calculator.
You’ll need a sturdy box or mailer, packing materials, tape, and a printed label or QR code. Explore recommended supplies and packing tips in our how‑to‑pack guide.
To ship internationally from home, you’ll need to prepare complete customs documentation. This includes an item description, value, and HS codes. The FedEx International Shipping Assist tool can walk you through each step. Also, check out our how-to guide on global shipping.
You can fill out FedEx customs forms correctly by listing the item details, materials, value, and purpose. Find the customs documents you need and get tips to help you fill out and submit them electronically.
For home shipping, choose FedEx Ground® Economy when cost matters most. Opt for FedEx Express Saver® or FedEx 2Day® when you need a quicker turnaround. For time-critical deliveries, FedEx overnight shipping is a good option. You can also gain a competitive edge with weekend delivery. When your customers don't have to wait until Monday for their packages, they’re more likely to buy from you. You can review all available services in the FedEx Service Guide.
Yes, FedEx offers integrations with Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce. You can automate label creation and simplify your shipping workflow using FedEx developer e-commerce solutions.
You can handle returns from home by including a prepaid FedEx return label in the package or emailing one to your customer. Learn more about FedEx returns for your business.
The best packaging for fragile or handmade items includes sturdy double‑walled boxes, ample cushioning, and clear “fragile” labeling. Find detailed instructions in our breakables packing guide.