Don't settle for conventional packing methods when innovation is needed. 

Problem:  A buyer had paid a high price for a tea cup.  Normally, I would have shipped it in an e-Bay/USPS Priority box, which as you probably know, is free for the asking.

However, when she paid via Paypal, she added a note requesting me to be especially careful as this particular pattern was very rare. 

Solution:  It just so happens that I had emptied a 3lb. can of Costco coffee that morning.  Timing is Everything!  Eureka!  The cup and saucer, protected by small bubble wrap, fit very nicely into the can., and the can, in turn, fit in one of the larger e-Bay boxes, with crumpled paper in the corners.

So, securely packaged and insured, along with the post office's FRAGILE stamp firmly affixed, off the tea cup flew, cross-country to California.

The feedback I received? - Very good condition rare Paragon. Unique shipping method. Very nice seller. 

Feedback like that is one of the easiest and least costly ways to advertise. It's called Word Of Mouth, and it works.

Ultimately, A Happy Buyer Makes A Happy Seller!