The basic principle to adhere to when packing a sold item for shipment is to prepare it as you would wish to receive it yourself. This should be carried out regardless of the final amount, whether that be 99 cents or 99 dollars. How the item arrives is the major factor in how you will be judged as a seller and whether the customer will leave you positive feedback. Or more importantly whether they will return and buy from you in the future which could involve an item with a higher price.

It's impossible to make individual packaging rules for every item that can be found on eBay but there are a few general rules of thumb that will help you deliver a high rate of customer service. They are as follows:

1. A Collection of Packing Materials.

Before you start selling items you will need to gather a range of packing materials of various kinds. Bubble Wrap is a vital component of an eBay seller's repertoire and can be bought in bulk relatively cheaply. Make sure to get a varying amount of sizes if you plan on selling miscellaneous. Scrunched newspaper is also a possibility but nothing is better than Bubble Wrap, it really is gold in the eBay packaging world.

Boxes are another necessity which like Bubble Wrap can actually be ordered online on eBay. At a last count, there were over 500 active auctions selling cardboard boxes. They come flat but are easy to reassemble. The below table shows some of the prices you can find for 25,of the most popular box sizes.

~ Size 127 x 127 x 127mm = $22
~ Size 203 x 152 x 102mm = $28
~ Size 305 x 229 x 127mm = $31
~ Size 279 x 254 x 115mm = $39
~ Size 432 x 254 x 153mm = $45

For smaller items it's best to use Bubble Bags which will ensure items do not get excessively bent, or cracked. Like with the Bubble Wrap and Boxes, it is advisable to buy in bulk which will lower your costs in the long run. Find retailers in your local area from which to buy around 100, if you are planning on making a career or part-time job out of eBay that is. Below is a table of differing sizes of Bubble Bags with their ideal content and usual price for a bulk buy of 100.

Size A (110 x 160mm) jewellery, watches = $9.50
Size B (120 x 210mm) floppy discs = $12.30
Size C (150 x 210mm) CDs = $12.30
Size D (180 x 260mm) DVDs = $15.45
Size E (220 x 260mm) small gift-ware = $20.60
Size F (220 x 330mm) small books = $28.80
Size G (240 x 330mm) brochures/magazines. Size A4 = $28.80
Size H (270 x 360mm) large books = $41
Size J (300 x 440mm) small clothing = $54
Size K (350 x 470mm) Size A3. = $60

Wrapping paper should also be considered as an extra security measure and also as a sign to the customer that you've done your best. They will certainly respect that and this in turn will mean a returning customer. Sticky tapes are vital, both the brown sticky tape and the smaller clear tape.

2. Over-Protect

It is best to spend a little extra on making sure the sold item arrives safely with the customer otherwise it can mean a lot of extra work, money and trouble if somehow it is damaged. You will receive negative feedback, an angry customer, a refund to make and wasted time, not to mention a battered ego. Pretend you are packing an item for the President of America, the Queen of England or for someone you dearly love, then you will be on the right path.

3. A Packing and Preparation Space

If you have a damp-proof and empty garage then something like this would be ideal. Otherwise a spare room or a shed. The dining room would also be fine but unless you don't mind spending time getting all your materials and utensils out, then putting them away again, each time you want to pack something then it's best to find a dedicated area. Wherever you choose it must be kept clean, dry and free from wandering pets and toddlers.

4. A Thank You Note

Customers are not used to little notes in their parcels which is a positive for you. Make one! Thank them for their purchase, remind them that if they have any problems to contact you and also invite them back in the near future. If worded correctly, it will hit the right spot and you will have yourself a long-term customer.

Most of your items will vary in size and shape therefore it is important to be prepared and to adapt. By having a large store of boxes, bubble wrap, envelopes, bags and so forth, you will save yourself a lot of time, speed up the delivery process and also save money. Most importantly you will impress the buyer!

Edward Beaman-Hodgkiss
Beaman's Bazaar