How to ship out items to buyers on Ebay?

Question

packaging wise, what is the best way to ship it out? can i just use any old box around the house or should i buy one especially for my item (it's a purse). do i need bubble wrap? do the people at USPS wrap everything for me or do i do it myself? thanks!

Answer 1

I've been selling things online every once in a while. At first, I'd buy all of my shipping supplies at full-cost. I was dumb. There's no reason to pay for shipping supplies.

Go to the dollar store, get some brown packaging paper and packing tape. Don't use scotch tape or duct tape - the PO won't accept it. Then find an old box that the purse will fit in. Secure the purse in the box with crumpled newspaper/junk mail... you really don't need bubble wrap. Then wrap the box in the brown paper, seal with packing tape, and write the address. The roll of paper and packing tape will last you a long time, so it's well worth the $2 investment. This way is both cheaper and better for the environment.

If you buy online, it's a good idea to save the bubble wrap/envelopes that you receive. Those can easily be reused. In all of my ads, I tell buyers that I use recycled materials whenever possible, without sacrificing safety, to ensure the least expensive shipping price. Buyers like this, because they'd rather not have to pay for shipping materials. Besides, who really cares if the box your item comes is is reused?

Answer 2

You can use any box, just make sure if it has writing on the outside that you either black out the writing or cover the box (wrap with brown paper, etc.)  Bubble wrap is good too.  And yes, you will have to package the item.  If you want to be careful it is sometimes smart to buy delivery confirmation.  Costs about $.65 but it can be worth it if there is a dispute about shipping.  

hope this helps.

Answer 3

Both USPS and UPS frown on the use of recycled boxes with a lot of printing on them. The P.O. will not wrap a package for you. Some UPS agencies will do this, but you are going to pay additional for this service.

Every Staples store has a variety of shipping boxes that you can buy relatively cheap. Same with packing materials and tape.