Best way to ship books?

Question

I'm considering selling my used books thru Amazon.

Q's:

- Anyone's doing that right now? How's the experience with Amazon?

- What if my customer gets the book, but still says he didn't get it? How do you (actual seller) protect from that?

- What exact packaging do you use? I heard flat-rate express mail from USPS vs. media mail from USPS. If you are not doing the flat-rate envelope thing, then which exact packaging are you using? (links to the packaging bought would be great).

Thanks, best answers should cover all points above...thanks again.

Answer 1

Well if you don't want to deal with all that do a garage sell go on pennysaver.com so they can help sell your stuff but u would first need a permit.

Answer 2

I sold a book thru Amazon once.  Was a very smooth, painless experience.  Hardest part was going to the post office with the book!  :O

I think you're wrong about the "Flat rate, Express Mail" thing.  It's either Media Mail, which is slow and cheap; or Priority Mail, which is much faster, but more expensive.  It all depends on the weight of the book, and how fast the other person needs it.  Nobody would ship Express, though. For instance, if you shipped a 3 pound book by Express mail, it would cost $29.40.  Priority Mail would be $12.95, Priority Flat Rate Box (good points - costs less, free box; bad points - you have to go to the post office to get the box, then go back again after you pack it all up), if the book would fit, would be $8.12, And the same book Media Mail would be $2.93. These are prices From New York to Los Angeles. Now you see why Media Mail is so popular!  :D If you could, UPS would be a great alternative.  You would have to go to the UPS store to ship it then.  Of course, if you work in an office that has post office mail and UPS, things are much easier for you!  :)

I shipped my book in a strong box - I reused a box Amazon sent me books in.  Simple and free!  :D  I made sure it was VERY well packed! :D  I sent it Media Mail with Delivery Confirmation.  NEVER send a book in a mailing envelope - the books edges are not protected from being bent and banged around.  Somebody wants to love the book.  It deserves great respect!  :)

I didn't have any problems with the people getting it.  I know Amazon has a guarantee, but I don't know what it is off hand.  I DO know it's all explained on the Amazon site. :)  Getting a return receipt is a good idea, or Delivery Confirmation at least -   that doesn't cost much extra - 75 cents, to be exact! :D

~Cindy!  :)

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