Not being a seller I don't have a complete understanding of the complaints, requests and whining that might come from buyers regarding how something is shipped. I'm sure there will always be someone who has outlandish specifics on how they want something packaged/boxed/wrapped/sealed. That being said, on the flip side, there are some things sellers really need to watch more carefully. And that means tape.

Can't stress this one enough: careful with the tape. I've received many a package wrapped to the gills in tape. Masking, duct, packing, scotch, you name it. About the only thing I haven't seen used is electrical, but I'm still young, I'll hopefully be buying for years. I'm sure somebody will at some point. Anyway, certain tapes really should only be used in certain places. Clear packing tape, for instance, is the preferred sealer for the outside of boxes. Seal the edges, the corners, keep the box/envelope/package from tearing--good call, good use. However, to those sellers who feel the need to hermetically seal the package in a way that would be tantamount to airtight, back off. Cheese and crackers. I don't need to spend twelve years getting my item open, all the while fearing that my use of scissors, knifes and blowtorches to pry my way in is going to damage the item. This has happened twice. On envelopes where they aren't sturdy enough I've accidentally bent my item or scratched it. That pisses me off. I understand the seller wanting to make the sure item doesn't bounce around inside, potentially damaging it, but overdoing it can be just as bad. Use this as a guide: if getting in to a plastic sealed DVD package is easier than opening the package you're sending me, you've gone too far in taping.

Scotch tape is probably the best to use on the inside. I get magazines and comics. Sellers put them between two pieces of cardboard then tape around the edges to hold them in place. Fine. Makes sense. But you don't have to do all sides, and you don't have to tape the item to the inside of the cardboard then tape the outside of the cardboard then put that in a box that you tape beyond recognition. I have to be extremely careful when this is done, not to slice into the book at the tops and sides when trying to cut away the tape. And don't even think about trying to pull the tape off. That just bends the hell out of the whole thing. Only option is to cut. Even with an Exacto blade it can be a delicate process. I didn't go to medical school, I'm not a surgeon. I don't have those fine motor skills needed to perform this procedure. When I have a high-priced item I'm trying to get into I always get nervous.

Anyway, just careful with that tape.