Using a box that's too large or too small may damage the item during shipment

• To make sure you have enough room for packaging material, use a box that's just slightly larger than your item.

Forgetting or not using enough packaging material may damage the item during shipment

• Use bubble wrap, raffia, peanuts, foam, or paper all around the item.

• Before taping the box shut, close and shake the box first. If the item shifts, add more packing material. Not only does this protect the item, it also lets the buyer know you invested in safe shipping.

Using weak or not enough tape to seal a box may cause it to open accidentally during shipment

• Tape the opening of the box and reinforce all seams.

• Use clear or brown packaging tape, reinforced packing tape, or paper tape that is at least 2 inches wide.

• Don't use masking tape, cellophane tape, cord, string, or twine because it's usually not strong enough.

Unclear, incomplete, or the wrong name and address can delay delivery.

• Double-check the shipping information.

• Properly label the package.

• Include your return address.

• If you're reusing a box, cover any previous labels or cross out any old and unnecessary information with a thick black marker.

Bare metals

• Completely taping the address label flat against the item. Don't use tags attached with string.

• Covering sharp or protruding edges with taped-on, corrugated cardboard pieces.

Fabric and wallpaper

• Shipping rolled goods in corrugated boxes.

• If a fabric roll is shipped in a bag, making sure the bag is tightly wrapped and taping it to reduce the risk of tearing.

• Placing duplicate labels in the core of the roll or between the top layers of material.

Tires

• Applying a wide band of pressure-sensitive tape through the center and completely around the body of the tire so that the tape overlaps.

• Attaching an address label to the tape band where it covers the tread, and covering with clear tape.

Labels

• Creating your shipping label and packing slip right from eBay when you ship through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and print one label at a time

• Going through PayPal to print UPS shipping labels or to print multiple USPS shipping labels in bulk

Package pickup

• Contacting USPS to pick up Priority Mail® or Express Mail® packages for free. (If you're using other mailing options, you may need to pay a fee for picking up your package.)

Shipping supplies

• Getting free shipping supplies from USPS delivered directly to you within a few days. Shipping boxes come in a variety of sizes and can be used for any Priority Mail® or Priority Mail® Flat Rate service.