Most of us have won an auction only to be sorely dissapointed when our items arrive damaged.  As an eBay seller for the last 2+ years, and also an ex-postal mail carrier, I hope the following will help to make sure that your items arrive in as perfect condition as when you mailed the items.

1.  Bubble Wrap, Packing Peanuts, etc. - A must have for all shippers, bubble wrap and packing peanuts can prevent damage from overzealous mail handlers, i.e. Postal Service, Fed Ex, UPS, etc., who "toss" packages around on their way to their destination.

First, there is bubble wrap.  Bubble wrap comes in a variety of sizes, both in size of bubbles and in size of each sheet.  I find that large bubbles work best to protect your large items and smaller bubbles work great for smaller less fragile items.  One important item to remember when shipping items like vases where there is a void in the center is to be sure to put something in that void.  Small bubbles sheets work great as well as packing peanuts.  After filling the center, securely wrap in the bubble wrap, then securely tape the bubble wrap over the items, making sure that all open seams are closed so that your item does not slip out during shipping.  Small household/office type tape is not appropriate for securing bubble wrap!  Use the large packing tape which covers more area of the wrap, thereby reducing the chance of your item slipping out of its cocoon.

Next is packing peanuts.  Packing peanuts are wonderful cushioning for lightweight items.  Unfortunately, if you try to place a heavy item in the center of your box with peanuts below, you are asking for a disaster.  Heavy items frequently displace the peanuts and your item winds up at the bottom of the box - exactly where the box will make contact with a surface that it is thrown onto.  When packing your items with peanuts, be sure that you appropriately surround your items with an ample amount of peanuts to prevent your items from touching any are of the box.

Last is the etc!  I frequently use recycled shredded newspaper, old magazines and general paper items.  There are several types of paper shredders available, cross cut, which cuts your paper into small pieces and shredders that cut your paper into long thin strips.  Not only is this cost effective, it is also eco-friendly.  The small cross shredded pieces can cause a huge mess.  I recommend the long strip shredder.  The shredded paper can be placed in the bottom of a box for cushioning and then packed down around all sides of your item.  I find that shredded paper works!  Another item worth noting here is large sheets of unprinted newsprint paper.  This paper is available from different sources and comes in a variety of sizes.  I like to use the 36" long sheets to crumble and pack around non-fragile items. 

No matter which of the above items that you use make sure that the packing material is firmly in place.  One great way to test if your item is secure is to close the box and then shake it - if you do not hear or feel any shifting of your product, your item is properly packaged.  On the other hand, if you hear or feel your item move, it greatly increases the chance of damage in shipping.

2.  Packing Tape - When using tape for wrapping bubble wrap, please use the wide packing tape vs. small household/office tape.  Small rolls of tape are designed to tape paper and other lightweight items and are not intended for heavy duty holding.  Also use clear packing tape for securing your box.  It is important to retape any seams which are already taped if you are using a recycled box.  The tape that is currently in place could be old or stressed from previous shipping or handling, so be sure to retape!  I also use packing tape to tape over seams on USPS boxes which have the tape strip in place to be sure that the box will not come open during shipping.

3.  Boxes - The USPS provides us all with free Priority Boxes.  There are many different size boxes, including shirt boxes, square large boxes, video tape size boxes (2 sizes) and also large triangle shaped boxes (perfect for long thin items).  Please note:  It is against Federal Law to turn a Priority Box inside out and use for any purpose other than which it is designated for.  It is not, however, illegal to use more than one box on a shipment.  At times I have had items that would fit into a priority box only to have the item stick out the top.  In this case I take a box of identical size and slide over the top of  the bottom box, then secure with packing tape.  If you specialize in selling one type of item, box size choice is easy!  On the other hand, if you, like myself, deal in everything from small fragile items to large items, like musical instruments, you will frequently find yourself scrambling to find the perfect shipping box.  One source for large or odd size boxes would be any company or store in your hometown which receive products for their own sale or use.  Many companies are quite happy to give up boxes so that they do not have to dispose of them.  I would never recommend reusing a Priority Mail box.  They are free and delivered right to your door!  Remember, first impressions are everything, items shipped in a box that look like they have been around the world several times will not make a good impression! 

Another option is to buy your boxes.  Yes, I know, boxes are not cheap, but well worth the money to pack your items which do not fit into free boxes.  I have also found myself having to "make" boxes on extremely odd sized items.  One great example is a large antique mantel mirror.  I had on hand picture boxes, which come flat, and was able to assemble a box using several of them.  The result - a mirror delivered with absolutely no damage!  One point to remember when making your own box it to remember to use lots of packing tape to secure areas where the cardboard overlaps so your box will not fall apart during shipping.

One thing to consider when purchasing or reusing boxes is the wall strength.  All carriers stack boxes on top of one another and if you pack in a "weak" box, your item could become crushed in shipping.  I once received a heavy candle in glass container which was nothing but glass shards by the time I received because the box it was shipped in was, although a good size, not nearly strong enough to withstand shipping stress.  One way to test your box is to press with two fingers along a corner of the box (one finger on each side), if the box gives way easily, toss it out, it will never survive shipping.

4.  Stickers, Stamps and Labels - Another item recommended for your shipment is a variety of stickers, stamps and labels.  When using a non-postal service box the Postal Service will provide you with free Priority Mail labels.  I also invest in Fragile, Do Not Bend and Thank You labels which I affix to the outside of my packages.  There are many different companies which have labels appropriate for your shipping needs. 

Another staple in my shipping room is pre-inked stamps, including First Class, Do Not Bend and Parcel Post.  These are very handy to stamp your boxes or envelopes.  Believe me, delivery personnel do pay attention to the markings on the outside of your packages!

Shipping labels for printing your address and or postage are available in different varieties from a multitude of sources.  I find that the full sheet (8 1/2" x 11") work perfectly for printing your labels from PayPal shipping.    The best types of labels I have used are the type that have diagonal breaks on the back, reducing the frustration of trying to find a corner to peel from single horizontal breaks on some labels.

5.  Envelopes - Yet another option when mailing your items.  Many small light weight items can be shipped in a bubble envelope or tyvek envelope.  These envelopes come in a variety of sizes to meet your specific needs.  When using a thin, but amazing strong, tyvek envelope (including Priority Mail tyvek) I recommend cutting a piece of cardboard to size and place inside when shipping paper items.  Then I recommend placing a do not bend sticker or stamp on the outside.  This extra step prevents your item from being rolled to fit inside a mail receptacle.  Large Priority Mail tyvek envelopes are great for shipping clothing and are cost cutting the for buyer.

6.  Mailing Options - Recently the Postal Service raised its rates, causing havoc on many of us frequent sellers.  This section discusses the variety of mailing options offered by the Postal Service.

Express Mail - Letters, large or thick envelopes, tubes, and packages containing items can be sent using Express Mail.  This is a money-back guaranteed service includes tracking and unsurance up to $100.  Addition insurance up to $5,000 may be purchased for merchandise.  Delivery to most destinations is available 365 days a year, at no extra charge for Saturday, Sunday, and holiday delivery.  Express Mail envelopes and boxes are available at your post office or can be ordered free of charge from the Postal Service web site.

Priority Mail - Large or thick envelopes, tubes, and packages containing items can be sent using Priority Mail.  This service is typically used to send documents, gifts, and merchandise.  A wide variety of Priority Mail envelopes and boxes are available free of charge from your post office or Postal Service web site.  Typical delivery time for Priority Mail is 2-3 days.

First Class Mail - Postcards, letters, large envelopes and small packages containing items can be sent using First Class mail for items weighing up to 13 oz., packaged weight.  Typical delivery time is 2-5 days.

Parcel Post - Small and large packages, thick envelopes, and tubes containing items can be sent using Parcel Post.  Typical delivery time for Parcel Post is 4-10 days.

Media Mail - Small and large packages and thick envelopes can be sent using Media Mail.  Contents are limited to books, manuscripts, sound recordings, recorded videotapes, and computer readable media (not blank).  Informally this service is called "Book Rate" and cannot contain advertising, except eligible books may contain incidental announcements of books.  Media Mail is usually less expensive than Parcel Post, but on the other hand delivery is slower in delivery than Parcel Post.

Speed depends on distance.  Mail takes longer to travel across country than to travel across town, no matter which of the above mailing options you use.

Flat Rate Envelopes let you send your item for one price regardless of how much the item weights.  Flat rate envelopes are available for Express Mail at $16.25 and Priority Mail at $4.60.  Flat rate stamps are available for purchase at your local post office or the Postal Service web site.

Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes are available in two different sizes and cost $8.95 regardless of the actual weight of the piece.  These are great for heavy items which you ship.

The Postal Service has a Carrier Pick Up service which allows you to enter your information into their web site and have the carrier come right to your home or business and pick up your packages - no more running to the post office to drop off your packages.  This service requires you to input information on your packages including number, type of service, i.e. parcel post, priority, etc. and weight.  This service has to be scheduled a day in advance and you cannot schedule today for pick up today, so be sure to appropriately print your labels with the date of pickup.

Fed Ex and UPS - I have personally found that Fed Ex is cheaper to ship large heavy items cross county than UPS.  Both, though, offer pick up and label preparation via the internet at their respective websites.  If you frequently ship with either it is recommended that you set up an account with them, which takes very little time.

I hope that my many years of postal service and eBay shipping has helped you out.  Please be sure to let me know if this guide was useful.

Happy Shipping!