BASIC PACKING Tips for Small to Large Items: Use BUBBLE WRAP and PACKAGING TAPE.

First, Extra Care Tips for Packing to Ship glass, jewelry, very small and delicate items: 

• DO NOT HIDE small items inside of a large box of packing stuff - it may not be easily found by the recipient - and or may get inadvertently discarded with all the packing stuff.
• DO NOT TOO TIGHTLY-PACK, that it is difficult for the recipient to open the package, which may result in inadvertently dropping/breaking the item.

It is just as important to carefully pack manufacturer, pre-packaged items, as well as individual, non pre-packed items. 

INSURANCE:  If an item is NOT carefully and safely packed, a damaged item may not be covered under the purchased insurance;  if the outside BOX IS NOT DAMAGED in any way, the shipping company may conclude that the item was not safely packed inside -- and may not insure the item.

Following are BASIC PACKING TIPS - depending on the item, whether and how it may be pre-packaged.

1. Even if already manufactured-packed, WRAP THE ITEM(S)  in a plastic bag, tissue paper, or wrapping paper [packing paper, gift wrap paper]. Note that sometimes pre-packed items may need to be opened and cushioned inside to keep parts settled in place.

   

   As this is your first packing step, this will be the final unpacking step by the recipient...



2. INCLUDE the PACKING SLIP or Receipt.  Place the document Inside or Atop of the Wrapped, Cushioned item.

• The recipient has your contact information - for future purchases. [If appropriate, also include your marketing information: business card, list of items for sale, etc.]
• If the package is damaged on the outside and the shipping information is lost or unreadable, the shipping company can locate the To/From shipping information inside of the package -- and continue the delivery of the item.

3. CUSHION the WRAPPED ITEM or Cushion AROUND the wrapped Item. 

• USE PACKING-STUFF for CUSHIONING. The type of packing-stuff to use depends on the item(s) being packed:
• NEWSPAPER - Place fragile or glass item(s) in tissue wrapping paper or a plastic bag first. Do not place newspaper against delicate or glass items - the ink-print may bleed onto the item. 
• POPCORN or PEANUTS FILL
• FOAM FILL - that which comes in boxes with electronic items, to protect bottoms and corners.
• BUBBLE WRAP comes in sheets, rolls [perforated every 12 inches], small, medium, large bubbles.  I prefer the large bubbles which provide that extra cushion between the item and box, bag, or wrapping paper.
• CARDBOARD can also be used to make items sturdy, stay in place, and or cushion corners.
• The bottom and sides of the box or bag should be filled so that when/if the item shifts, there's little movement - basically, you want the item centered safely in the box or bag.
• The actual item should not be packed too tight with packing stuff; there should be a cushiony-fill around the item, against the box or bag in which you will place the packed items.

4. PAPER-WRAP or PLACE the WRAPPED, CUSHIONED item in a BOX, BAG, or ENVELOPE, which ever works best for: 

• the items' safe arrival to the recipient 

• shipping costs 

• Paper-Wrap: Use of packaging wrapping paper is suggested. Gift Wrapping Paper may not stand the
• Determine if more cushioning is needed in the Box, Bag, or Envelope before and after placing the Wrapped, Cushioned item inside.

5. Use PACKAGING TAPE to seal the Box, Bag, or Envelope......and don't forget to get a TAPE DISPENSER-GUN to hold the rolls of tape. You can find these on ebay with and without the tape rolls.

6. Weigh the Packed Item, Pay for Postage/Confirmation, Ship It.  Postage Scales [manual (mechanical); electronic (digital)]can be found on eBay.

WHERE TO FIND THIS PACKING STUFF:

• Search on eBay

• Buy from Sellers

• Selling Resources - Shipping

• check at your local stores and ask for empty boxes, etc.

• keep boxes and packaging when you receive packages in the mail - and re-use it.  Be sure to remove all markings and labels from the box -- or dissemble the box and turn it inside out!