I'm writing this guide in hopes for other sellers to try what I did and get results from buyers.

When I first started buying and selling on eBay I was surprised on how certain sellers ship their merchandise. My first "real" purchase was a Lot of children's clothing. I was soooooo excited to win this auction! Once it was delivered, I opened the box to find all of the clothing just crammed inside. The seller didn't take the time to fold any of the items and most were really wrinkled. I was utterly disappointed. I was amazed at even the high-end purchases (I bought a Lot of clothing for $700 a few years ago) was even poorly packed.

Here are some of my suggestions on a great packaging job:

1. Make sure the box is clean. You can re-use boxes, but if they are so badly damaged or wrote on, don't use them. Same with envelopes. If there are so many different postal marks and/or tape, throw it away and start fresh. The box is the first thing a buyer looks at, make sure it looks presentable and not like it was shipped overseas a million times!

2. For clothing, I always fold the items and wrap them in WHITE tissue paper. Why just white? I'm always afraid of the item getting damaged or dropped and a bleed-through happens. The colored tissue paper looks great, but when it gets wet the dyes go on something, and that is usually what it's wrapping. I try to make it look like the buyer is opening a gift...it always makes a person feel happy. For books or other breakable items I use bubble wrap. Just the other day I sold a 4 book Lot and wrapped them in bubble wrap and then placed them in a manilla envelope that was also lined in bubble wrap. I just hate for a person to receive a book that I claimed MINT, receive one with bent corners.

3. Invoice or No invoice, that is the question... I always include an invoice unless the buyer requests that I don't. An invoice has not only the buyer's name and address, but mine as well. It's just another safety net incase an item is lost or damaged. I also think it looks more professional. You don't see Macy's or J.C. Penny's sending you items without an invoice!

4. A little reminder on the Seller's part...I always include my business card with purchases. It has my name, my eBay i.d and store's name. It also has my email address in case they need to contact me. I think it's a personal touch. I bought something a while back and received their business card along with three hard candies. It was their way of thanking me.

5. Addressing the package. Up to about 6-8 months ago (or a little longer) I was using labels made from my computer. That looks so much neater than writing it with a black marker. I need to start doing that again because alot of times my 3's look like 8's or l's look like t's. Sometimes even permanent marker rubs or scratches off the packages. And, always put a return address!!

6. Sealing the package. If I send a large envelope, I usually tape the sides that don't seal. It's more of a safety issue for me. Those packages go through machines and I'm always concerned if that area that wasn't taped could catch and either rip or get damaged. I just do a little extra taping for back-up.

7. I add on my auctions a small fee for Delivery Confirmation. I was "suckered" a few years ago and thought this was a little protection on my behalf. You can send an item to someone and assume they will get it. I've only had one item lost and that was in Canada. Delivery Confirmation lets you know when the item reaches the buyer. This situation, I sent a Plug n' Play to New York via Priority Mail. The person emailed me that they didn't receive it and wanted a refund. I was new at this since I never had this happen to me before. I gave the money back, but really never knew if they received it or not. Without Delivery Confirmation, it's their word against mine. Now, I will never send anything without it, unless it's less than 3/4" thick. (Post Office rules) I will give refunds, but now only if I made a mistake with the item's description or shipping amount.

I hope this guide helps you. I try to do as I would like in return. I feel that, that is one part that keeps customers coming back.