I have friends that run a professional packing and shipping service and have learned a lot from them.

If you are packing to ship UPS- pack your items that they can be dropped 6 feet.!!! Yes you heard me- 6 feet. You're kidding right? What they told me ( and this is hearsay- I don't work for UPS and neither do they) they is a conveyor belt in the UPS system that drops items 6 feet!

So look at those glasses, shoes, plates, books, cd's whatever you are sending UPS( or USPS or FEDEX while we're on the subject)- AND WITH THE BUBBLE WRAP, PEANUTS etc you are packing with can it be dropped 6 feet and live? If not- repack!

And what that means for fragile items ( glass, plates-etc..) you need a substantial layer of something cushy all around your item(s)- let that be lots of plastic bags, bubble wrap, packing peanuts.. that's your choice--but think- "is this enough to protect a 6' drop- top, bottom and sides?"

I was told if packing a frame- or picture ( or such an item) the item should be "crush" proof- so that a box within a box is a good idea ( not a bad idea too for glass, etc..) the idea being- if the box gets dented- your items will not.

Cd cases are fragile and best in padded mailers( or a box if a bunch)- just throwing them in a envelope- or putting a bit of paper on them is rarely sufficient for safe transit.

Again think- not just what is the cheapest  and easiest way to mail this- but how do I mail this- that if it thrown or dropped it will still safely reach the buyer.

Not to pick on UPS- but it seems a good rule of thumb- regardless of WHO who are shipping with PACK YOUR ITEMS THAT CAN BE DROPPED 6 FEET!

Your buyers will thank you for it.

if this guide is helpful to you- I appreciate your voting for it- God bless and happy shipping and shopping!