1.  Use new or CLEAN, used packing materials/boxes.

2.  Always use a delivery confirmation or tracking number when shipping your item.

3.  When recycling a used box, use shipping paper to wrap your item neatly, using plenty of shipping tape (especially around the box edges).

4.  Weather varies across the continent, so put a piece of clear tape across your address labels. This protects the ink from being washed off or smeared, in the event of rain, etc.

5.  Use enough packing materials, so that your item will not shift around in the box.  If you can shake it, you can break it!

6.  The United States Postal service offers free boxes, labels and other shipping supplies.  Visit their website and order online.  They'll deliver your items to your door.

7.  Don't overcharge for shipping!  An experienced Ebayer knows that it doesn't cost $25.00 to ship an item that weighs 1 to 2 pounds. 

8.  Low cost shipping supplies can be purchased at many of your local dollar stores.  Check out the stores in your area for the best deals.  (I recently purchased 55 yd rolls of shipping tape at my local Dollar Tree store for $1 @ roll).

9.  Don't wrap your items with newspaper unless you FIRST cover your item with plastic.  The newspaper print will sometimes transfer ink onto the item you're shipping! 

10.  Many of your local merchants, will gladly give you their empty boxes.  Check with your local grocery store, etc., to find out their main "truck" days (and time estimate).  Don't use produce boxes, because they tend to have an odor. (You don't want to ship an item that smells like onions)!

11.  Take advantage of the shipping calculator and post it on your auction page!  You can use a simple bathroom scale to weigh your item.  I add at least 1/2 to 1 pound to the actual weight to allow for the box and packing materials (or weigh your item inside the empty shipping box + 1/2 lb for packing materials).