Simple Seller Advice for Packaging Your Ebay Items!

Proper packaging of your item is crucial to a satisfied and potentially repeat customer, as well as positive comments in our feedback! 

As sellers, we are responsible for proper packaging!!

The best supplies to purchase are bubble wrap and packing peanuts.  Forget the newsprint (plain kraft), regular newspaper, and tissue paper.  Even if the item you have sold is in its original packaging, sometimes a layer of bubble wrap around the item, and/or packing peanuts around the item, goes a long way for safe arrival! 

Ensure the box you are using is large enough for the item -- with some room around the edges for proper cushioning.  USPS provides free Priority Mail Boxes in various sizes -- you can even do "creative packaging" to fit larger items into the Priority Boxes.  By "creative packaging" I mean you can cut the bottom from one box and fit it over another box to make a box that is taller.  The USPS does accept these packages!  This concept can save you from searching for an appropriate sized box and potentially delay shipping.

Even if a buyer pays for insurance, they are not guaranteed a refund of their purchase price if the item has not been properly packaged.** 

Wrap your item carefully in bubble wrap.  Place packing peanuts in the bottom of the box.  Place your item as close to the center of the box as possible.  Add packing peanuts to almost cover up the item.  Make sure the peanuts are on each side of your item.  Push them down securely to ensure coverage on all sides.  Proceed to fill the rest of the box with packing peanuts -- slightly overfilling.  Close the box and tape securely.  Your box lid should NEVER push inward -- it must be FIRM on top with no give.  If the top of your box pushes in slightly when pressed, your item is in danger of arriving damaged!

Be sure to tape your package securely.  I realize that everyone must purchase their own tape now that the Priority Tape is no longer free from the USPS however, that is no excuse for limiting the amount of tape you use.  When putting together a box, be sure to put several pieces of tape across the bottom instead of just one piece.  Never assume that one piece across the bottom will hold the box securely.  I have had personal experience, as a buyer, of receiving an item where the box is starting to fall apart.

It has been my personal experience that if your item is packaged firmly and securely, it will arrive safely even if the box is thrown around.  (I have seen the post office throw my boxes.)  Only add a disclaimer about "not responsible once picked up by the USPS...." if you are sure that your item is packaged properly.

Pack your envelope items in cushioned mailers.  There is nothing worse than receiving a plain kraft envelope that is torn (item may be missing) or the item and/or packaging inside is crushed.  Yes, bubble mailers might cost you a little more, but it is worth it in the end. 

Add a reasonable packaging fee, if necessary, to help defray the costs of packing peanuts, bubble wrap, tape, and padded envelopes.  Most buyers won't mind paying an extra dollar to ensure safe arrival of their item.

You can order Ebay Logo Priority Boxes directly through Ebay however the sizes are limited.  Go to the USPS website to order free Priority Boxes in other sizes.  You can also order free Priority Mail stickers and Global Priority items.

Take a look at the packaging requirements on the USPS web site if you're skeptical of my views.  **The postal service inspects the packaging before filing a claim form and if they deem the item was not securely packaged, the claim will be refused.