Shipping supplies
unprinted newspaper
bubble wrap
newspapers
styrofoam packing peanuts
cardboard boxes
tapes (several widths, from scotch type to 2" wide packing tape)
mailing labels (optional)
Instruction
First, give the item a final inspection. Make sure there is no damage that was not mentioned in the auction. Next, wrap it in plain, unprinted newspaper. These roll-ends are available at all local newspaper offices. They generally run from free to $2 for a roll-end depending on how much paper is left on the roll. An added bonus to this paper is that it makes a great background for your photography when you're listing, too! Wrap it firmly around your item and secure it with narrow, scotch-type tape. Do not use newspaper that has been printed on. The ink will come off onto your item and you will have a very unhappy buyer!
Your next step will be to enclose this in bubble wrap. Bubble wrap is available in several sizes, and vary from the size of the bubble to the size of the sheet. A good source for purchasing Bubble Wrap is the wholesale suppliers on eBay. If you're packing small items I would recommend the 3/8" bubble size. Larger or heavier items will need more protection and therefore you might want to get the 1/2" bubble wrapping. If you're selling a variety if items, like many sellers, you may wish to have a selection of sizes of wrap on hand. Again, secure with tape.
Now, you will be environmentally friendly and re-use your morning newspaper. Use several layers as an outer protection for the bubbles. This will help prevent them from being accidentally deflated and thus leaving your item with no protection. Newspaper is an excellent wrapping media when used properly.
An extra step I take here is to use stretchy Plastic Wrap. It comes in a large spool, and you can purchase it at on eBay too. It bundles your package nicely and adds an extra layer of protection. It's cheap, will tuck in any loose ends, and adds no weight to the package. It's also great for bundling together several items, say for example a set of tumblers, so they don't bang around inside the box and damage each other.
Now our package is ready to go into a box. Be sure there is 2" of space in between your well-wrapped package and the walls. All cardboard boxes carry a weight rating so you'll want to be sure to not exceed the recommended capacity. Chose a box size that is appropriate to your item. A box that is too large will not only cost extra postage, but if you have insufficient packing around the outer edges, can do more harm than good to your item. A thin-walled box like a standard shoe box will get crushed in the mail. Why would you re-use flimsy boxes when you can order co-branded eBay / U.S.P.S. approved boxes free! eBay's Shipping Center can be reached at the top of every page.
If your item is extremely fragile, you should also consider double-boxing...again, making sure there is adequate space between the boxes should the outermost box get accidentally crushed. DO NOT re-use empty beer boxes or any box that held any liquid as the post office will not accept them.
When it comes to packing your item, you will need to fill up that 2-3" of space with something. I use a combination of scrunched newspaper and styrofoam peanuts. I find that this particular combination is light enough so as to not add extra charges for heavier-item shipping but will give superior protection in the event of damage. You want your wrapped item to float in the middle of the box. If you use only peanuts your item will shift to the bottom and will eventually end up with no wall space so this is why you need both materials. Try it yourself: pack your box then give it a good shake for a few seconds. If the item settles to the bottom, you haven't packed it properly.
Now you will want to seal your box. If the box is slightly flimsy, you can utilize reinforced strapping tape along the edges, although if you're using USPS approved boxes this shouldn't be necessary. Use a good quality, clear packing tape. Do not use duct tape or masking tape.
At this point I re-weigh my item and use the Print Shipping Label through my eBay. It's fast and convenient and provides free online tracking for both you and your customers. Your buyer will even receive a memo (that you can personalize, if you like) that the item is enroute. Affix this label to your package and now it's ready to go. Sometimes I take the packages to my local post office, other times I hand it to my letter carrier. Either way I am secure in the knowledge that I have done my best to pack the item well and have done all that I can to make sure it gets to the recipient in one piece.
Here are a few more tips
SCALE: when listing, place the item on a scale along with a box and several sheets of newspaper to get the 'packed' weight. Use the shipping calculator option when you're creating your listing so potential buyers can see what it will cost to have it delivered to them. You can select more than one shipping method.
UPS vs USPS: Generally, Items weighing 10 pounds or more are cheaper shipped on UPS than USPS Priority. You can check at both places online. Be aware however that some Privately run UPS / Shipping centers add an additional surcharge to your freight. I've paid double the advertised fees at times to ship from a nearby private storefront. If you use the UPS Shipping calculator, those rates are applicable only to UPS Drop sites.
HANDLING FEES Don't be afraid to charge a small amount to help defray the cost of these items but do be up front about it in your listing description. I charge 25 cents per item. Don't over-charge or gouge your customers, they won't be back: or worse, leave you negative feedback about your high Shipping and Handling fees.When listing on eBay your item will be disadvantaged in search if your quoted shipping is higher than your competitors, too.
CLAIMS FOR DAMAGE If you do have an insured package that is damaged, be sure to handle the response in a timely fashion. Your seller will want to know you will help them file a claim. Tell them to save all the packing material and you will get the paperwork off to them. Get to the post office and ask for form PS 1000, Claim for Damage. Fill out what you can, prepare a letter addressed to the postmaster in your customer's area explaining the claim, and print off the auction page from eBay that shows the item description, buyer's i.d. and final price. Send all this to the buyer so they can complete the forms and process the claim and follow up with your customer, don't leave them hanging with that glass vase in pieces wondering what to do next.
Summary
Selling is easy: good packing is a challenge but is well worth the headache of having an item arrive broken or damaged. I've had a few breakages over the years, both as a buyer and a seller and these techniques I've developed can be adopted for even the most fragile antiques. Taking an extra step or two in packing tells your customers you care about them, and the merchandise you sell to them. Those collectors will be back!
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