Shipping a single video game on eBay costs between $5.73 and $6.24 with USPS Ground Advantage, based on live rates for a 5 oz game in a 7x5x1 inch package. That covers a disc in its case or a loose cartridge in a bubble mailer, with tracking included.
Consoles cost more because of weight and box size, but the process is the same. Here is exactly what to charge, which service to pick, and how to pack games so they arrive without cracked cases or angry buyers.
These are real USPS rates fetched on 2026-07-01 for a 7x5x1 inch package weighing 5 oz, shipped from Columbus, Ohio. Your exact price will vary with package size, weight, and distance.
| Service | Short distance (OH to PA) | Mid distance (OH to TX) | Cross country (OH to CA) | Typical delivery days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS Ground Advantage | $5.73 | $5.89 | $6.24 | 2 to 4 |
| USPS Priority Mail | $8.60 | $11.50 | $13.48 | 2 to 3 |
| USPS Priority Mail Express | $31.86 | $38.18 | $47.63 | 1 |
The takeaway: distance barely matters for a single game. Sending a disc across the country costs only about 50 cents more than sending it one state over.
For a single disc, cartridge, or boxed game under 1 pound, USPS Ground Advantage is the clear winner. It includes tracking, covers packages up to 15.999 oz at the light-weight pricing tier, and delivers in 2 to 4 days, which is fast enough for almost every eBay buyer.
Priority Mail only makes sense when the buyer pays for speed or when you are shipping something heavier, like a console bundle, where Priority pricing can get competitive. Express is for the rare buyer who needs a game tomorrow and is willing to pay for it.
One important warning: do not use Media Mail. USPS Media Mail covers books, DVDs of movies, and music, but video games are explicitly ineligible. That includes discs, cartridges, and anything containing playable game software. If a postal worker inspects the package, the buyer can be hit with postage due, and you will be dealing with a refund request and a possible negative feedback. The few dollars saved are not worth it.
Where you buy the label matters as much as the service you pick. Buying postage at the post office counter costs more than commercial rates. A tool like flipfox gives you the discounted commercial pricing on USPS and UPS, compares both carriers for each package, and prints the label in one click, which adds up fast if you ship more than a few games a month.
Single discs and cartridges: use a bubble mailer. A standard 6x9 or 7x10 bubble mailer is perfect for one game. Wrap the case in a layer of bubble wrap or slot it between two pieces of cardboard so the case cannot flex. For loose cartridges, put the cart in a small zip bag first so the label and contacts stay clean, then wrap it. Bubble mailers keep your package light and thin, which keeps you in the cheapest Ground Advantage tier.
Sealed or collectible games: add rigidity. If the game is sealed or graded-quality, sandwich it between cardboard cut slightly larger than the case and tape the edges. Corner dings kill collectible value, and buyers of sealed games inspect corners first.
Consoles: always use a box. A console needs a sturdy corrugated box with at least 2 inches of padding on every side. Wrap the console, controllers, and cables separately so they cannot knock into each other. Fill empty space with paper or bubble wrap until nothing shifts when you shake the box. If you still have the original retail box, put it inside a plain shipping box rather than shipping it bare, since the retail box is part of the item's value.
Weigh and measure before you list. A disc in a mailer is usually 4 to 6 oz. A boxed console can be 5 to 10 pounds. Knowing the packed weight before you list lets you set accurate shipping charges instead of guessing and eating the difference.
Upload tracking immediately. eBay's Top Rated Seller status requires tracking uploaded within your stated handling time on at least 95 percent of transactions. When you buy a label through eBay or a connected shipping tool, tracking uploads automatically, which protects the metric without any manual work.
Set a realistic handling time. One business day handling looks great to buyers and is required for Top Rated Plus benefits on many listings. Only promise it if you actually ship daily. If you ship twice a week, set 2 to 3 days. A missed handling time hurts your metrics more than a slightly longer stated one.
Use calculated shipping for consoles, flat rate for games. Single games cost nearly the same to ship anywhere, as the table above shows, so a flat rate like $5.99 or free shipping baked into the price works well and simplifies your listings. Consoles vary much more by distance and weight, so calculated shipping protects you from losing money on a cross-country buyer.
Fast tracking scans help your seller metrics. eBay measures whether the carrier scanned your package within your handling time, not just whether you printed a label. Drop packages at the counter or request a scan form when handing off multiple packages, so every label gets an acceptance scan the day you ship.
What is the cheapest way to ship video games on eBay? USPS Ground Advantage. A single game in a bubble mailer costs $5.73 to $6.24 depending on distance, with tracking included. Commercial rates through a shipping tool are cheaper than post office counter prices.
Can I ship video games with Media Mail? No. Video games are ineligible for Media Mail, including discs and cartridges. USPS can inspect Media Mail packages, and ineligible items can result in postage due charged to your buyer.
How do I ship video games on eBay in a bubble mailer? Wrap the case in bubble wrap or sandwich it between cardboard, seal it in a 6x9 or larger bubble mailer, and ship it USPS Ground Advantage. Keep the package under 16 oz to get the lightweight pricing.
How much does it cost to ship a game console on eBay? More than a single game, since consoles weigh several pounds and need a padded box. Use calculated shipping on the listing so eBay charges each buyer based on their distance and the actual packed weight.
Do I need tracking when shipping video games on eBay? Yes. Tracking is included with Ground Advantage and Priority Mail, and uploading it on time protects you in disputes and counts toward Top Rated Seller requirements.
Ready to stop overpaying at the counter? flipfox finds the cheapest USPS or UPS rate for every game you sell and prints the label in one click.
Published 2026-07-01. Rates shown were fetched from live carrier pricing on that date and vary with package size, weight, and destination.
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