Packaging/Packing/Safely Shipping Jewelry; FREE Shipping Supplies

Did you know that you can get FREE shipping supplies from the Post Office?  Read on for details...

I'm not shy about giving away my shipping tips!  It's no secret that I sell jewelry on eBay.  I buy on eBay as well, and I certainly want my purchases to arrive on my doorstep safely and in one piece!

One of my first purchases on eBay was a large lot of vintage rhinestone jewelry.  When my Postal Worker delivered it, he worriedly gave it a little shake as he handed it to me.  It sounded like broken glass.  Oh NO!!!  I was sick when I opened it to find the jewelry tossed in with no packing; not a shred of newspaper or a single packing peanut.  Bummer.  The upside to that story, however, was that particular lot turned into the first "Craft Lot" I listed on eBay!  All was not lost.....

If you take one piece of advice from this guide, let it be that when you pack jewelry for shipping it should not clank around in the box!  It needs to be secure so it doesn't move when you shake it.  This can be accomplished simply and inexpensively.  I rarely buy packing materials.  I use old newspapers, egg cartons, empty paper towel rolls; anything that will fill space in a box without adding substantial weight.  Another good one is shredded paper.  I have a paper shredder and instead of throwing out the shreds, I bag it up and use it for packing material.  I save plastic bags from the grocery store and fill those with the shredded paper -- close securely and mark the bag with a magic marker, "Packing Material Only".  That way your buyer will know to just toss it (or re-use it!) when they open the box, and won't have a mess of shredded paper flying all over when un-packing their goodies. 

One of the few packing supplies I do buy are inexpensive fold-top sandwich baggies.  Each baggie can hold more than one piece, depending on the size of the jewelry.  Place one piece of jewelry on each side and fold the baggie over.  Using the baggies helps keep rhinestones and beads from getting scratched in transit.  I buy these in bulk for about a penny apiece!

If you are shipping one piece of jewelry, or a small lot of jewelry, you can safely use a bubble envelope and ship First Class Parcel Post (weight can't exceed 13 ounces).  Warning:  NEVER send jewelry in a regular First Class Mail Envelope; even if it's a tiny piece, and even if you use bubble wrap.  The automated postal machine will crush your jewelry!  I learned this the hard way; I sent a teensy, tiny, oh-so-delicate 10k gold ring, packaged carefully in bubble wrap, and it arrived at the other end flat as a pancake.  How disappointing!  I was trying to save $$ on shipping, but in the end it cost me, *and* I had a very disappointed buyer.  Not good!  When sending First Class Parcel Post, your package will be hand stamped and won't go through that machine....

Flat Rate shipping is a great way to send jewelry.  For $9.85 (online discounted price) you can stuff a Medium Flat Rate Priority Mail Box *full* and it doesn't matter what it weighs (up to 70 lbs).  These work great for large lots of jewelry.  Better yet, the Flat Rate Envelope works for jewelry, too, for only $4.80!  I can ship a four pound lot of necklaces/chains, and they easily fit into that envelope.  I also reinforce the sealed edge with packing tape for these envelopes, just for extra insurance.... The Post Office also now offers a Small Flat Rate Priority Mail Box for $4.80.  Again, weight doesn't matter, and these work great for small lots of jewelry.

And finally, Get FREE SHIPPING SUPPLIES from the Post Office, delivered right to your door!  Go to the USPS website and have a variety of Priority Mail boxes and other supplies shipped to your house for FREE!   You can order boxes, envelopes, address labels, stickers, and a variety of forms; all for FREE!  Isn't that great?  There is no need to drive to the post office any more!  You can even order First Class Stamps (you have to pay for those...) but they will deliver them to you for free!  I just think it's the greatest thing.....

By clicking on the "yes" button below, you will help others find this guide, and *hopefully* help save some jewelry from being damaged in the postal system!!!