It's true that the packaging materials I've mentioned are not, by and large, available for free or by scrounging around the house. To be a quality seller, you need to plan for and incorporate the cost of good packaging materials into your shipping and handling costs, and explain this to your buyers. They'll be appreciative once they receive your package to find that their item has arrived safe and sound.
By and large, the most convenient places to buy these types of materials are office supply stores, shipping supply stores, and your local post office. In small quantities they are not terribly expensive, and one roll of bubble wrap or one bag of packing peanuts can usually be used to ship several items.
If you find yourself shipping in larger volumes, check your local phone book in the "Packaging Supply" or "Shipping" sections to find packaging material wholesalers, from whom you'll be able to buy in bulk: peanut foam by the cubic yard or bubble wrap by the square yard, usually at greatly reduced prices.
Things to Remember
Finally, there are a number of things that you should keep in mind as you package your item using the correct materials. By being aware and planning ahead, you can avoid disaster later.- Your package might be opened mid-shipment. Shippers may open your box at any time to see how you've packed it or to inspect its contents, so be sure that it can be opened and then re-sealed out of your sight without compromising the packing job you've done.
- Rain happens. Any package can be exposed to the elements, so take care to select your materials and package your item to survive twenty or thirty minutes of rain and snow.
- Machines will handle your package. Don't try to ship any package with loose edges, "tape tails" or other danging or loose parts that can become snagged in conveyors, pulleys, or doors, any of which can tear your package apart.
- A package without an address goes nowhere. Don't use any labeling method that is liable to wash away, wear away, peel off, or otherwise leave your package without an address.
- You never get a second chance at a first impression. Your packaging job is the first thing your buyer will see when they receive your item. When you do your best to show a buyer that you're serious about protecting their item, they'll thank you in feedback later.
As a last thought, remember that if the unthinkable does happen and you or your buyer is forced to make an insurance claim, the first thing the shipper will examine is your packaging job. Do a bad job and a claim is likely to be rejected. Shippers will tell you that by and large, the responsibility is yours.
So pack well, and happy eBaying!
