I've never needed to physically go to to post office to calculate or pay for shipping.
I ship using Paypal with about a 10% discount. You can choose USPS, UPS, or Fed Ex. Weigh and measure the package and then pay for and create the label online. Print the label on a regular regular sheet of paper and then cover it with packing tape on the box so it is waterproof and stays on. (You could do the same at USPS.gov but without the discount)
I've never paid for packing materials either. I just keep the boxes when I buy something online along with the packing material. Flatten the box and put it in the attic. Take the various packing materials (peanuts, air pouches, bubble wrap) and separate them into trash bags.
Also USPS will provide flat rate and priority mail boxes for free and even ship them to your door. (of course you would have to do that ahead of time.) 99% of the things I ship go out priority mail. Cheap and reliable and the buyer has it in 1 to 3 days which makes them happy.
The biggest thing I found eBay buyers complain about when it come to shipping is speed. They (and eBay) expect you to ship the item within 24 hours of receiving payment. So before I even list something for sale I have already found the correct box for it and I have everything I have for sale in a box ready to go before I even list the item. When it sells and I'm paid, I print the label and send it out the next day.
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