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Nothing can be more disappointing or frustrating than to order a book from an eBay seller and have it arrive damaged. Many times I have received books that were simply tossed into a manila envelope and shipped....they arrived scuffed, crushed, torn or mangled in some cases.
As an eBay seller who takes great pride in my work, I have developed a method of shipping books that is simple and works quite well. I use this method for most books, except those that are quite expensive or oversized and heavy. Those get a different treatment.
For the average hard or soft cover book, the most important thing is that the book does not shift in the package. Mail moves through high speed machinery, and as a book moves in a package it can develop a high velocity. Some sellers insist that boxing is the only way to go, but again, unless all voids are filled, shiftage is a problem.
Moisture is the enemy of all books, and you never know when a package will get wet. So the book needs damp protection.
Crushed corners are another problem often seen with inadequately packed books. The books must have protection from crushing injuries as well.
My method is simple and professional and results in a light and strong package that insures that the book you send will reach the buyer in the same condition it was in when you packed it.
First I print two packing slips, one for my records, one for the package. Then I cut two pieces of cardboard that is just about 1/8 of an inch larger than the book. Most groceries and Walmarts will gladly give you boxes that you can use for this. I use razor knives that I get at the dollar store, 3 for a dollar...they work just fine.
If the book is special or a hardcover with jacket, I fold a sheet of tissue paper and wrap around it, tucking the edges and making it neat. Then the folded packing slip goes on top. Not only is this extra protection against loss, but the buyer will be more likely to know who he bought the book from.
Next, I slip a plastic bag over the book. I get mine free from a local clothing store that gets shipments in them. Once I bought a large roll of produce bags at an auction and these worked fine as well. If you open your eyes you will see many clean plastic bags that can be used. This gives extra protection against friction and moisture, and saves the landfills as well.
The secret here is to draw the plastic bag just snug around the book. This will also help prevent torsion and stress on the covers. Now you have a tight smooth package. Slip this between the cardboards, and connect the two with a piece of tape on all 4 sides. Now you have a hard,rigid shell on the book.
Then I slip this into a white poly bubble envelope. You can buy these on eBay for a small sum. I have found that most books do well with a number 4 envelope, but some novels and paperbacks will be fine in a #2 or #3 size. I also have some larger ones on hand for the occasional large flat book.
The reason I like the poly bubble envelopes will become evident. Once you have inserted your book, you can easily pull the gummed flap all the way down so that the book is snug in the package and does not move around.
I follow this with a printed label that I print through Paypal. I have found that the printed labels with the barcodes travel much faster than those that are not done this way. I write DO NOT BEND in the margin with red marker, just to remind the delivery carrier not to cram it in the mailbox. Then I add a strip of clear packing tape over the address portion as insurance against rain.
I have had many compliments on my packing. If it seems cumbersome at first, never fear, it will become a breeze in no time and your customers will be much happier for it.
Guide created: 08/24/06 (updated 11/08/09)
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