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| Do you have good packaging habits? Here are some basic tips: Be sure to check with your carrier about specific requirements. |
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Ridges are wonderful. Use a corrugated box. |
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Who can resist bubble wrap? Make sure you provide internal protection by individually wrapping your items and providing lots of cushioning. |
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Closure is important. Use strong tape designed for shipping. |
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Use proper labeling that includes complete delivery and return address information. Make sure to place a duplicate label inside your box. Remove or cross out any old labels or markings on a used box. |
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| Choosing the Right Box |
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- For best results, use a new, corrugated box with plenty of room for cushioning on all sides of the contents.
- Make sure the box is rigid and flaps are intact.
- Don't exceed the maximum gross weight of the box (usually printed on the bottom flap).
- If you must use an old box, remove any old labels and shipment markings. Also, keep in mind that the maximum gross weight may have been diminished through wear and tear.
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| Selecting the Best Packing Materials |
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| Various materials can be used for cushioning and protection: bubble wrap, peanuts, foam, corrugated dividers, or crumpled paper. You don't want to hear any rattle and neither does your customer. Keep in mind that foam peanuts may shift in transit; you'll need to overfill your box. |
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| You can never know too much about tape. Here's what we suggest: |
- Pressure-sensitive plastic or nylon-reinforced tape.
- Water-activated paper tape, 60-pound grade at least three inches wide.
- Do not use masking tape, cellophane tape, string or paper over-wrap.
- You can use your own packaging or containers provided by your shipping carrier.
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| Irregularly Shaped Items |
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- Bare Metals: Completely tape the address label to the item being shipped. Do not use "flying tags." Cover sharp or protruding edges with taped-on corrugated cardboard pieces.
- Fabric and Wallpaper: Rolled goods travel best when shipped in corrugated boxes. If a fabric roll is shipped in a bag, make sure the bag is tightly wrapped and taped to reduce the risk of tearing. Place duplicate labels inside core or between top layers of material.
- Tires: Apply a wide band of pressure-sensitive tape through the center and completely around the body of the tire so that the tape is attached to itself. Attach address label to the tape band where it covers the tread, and cover with clear tape.
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| Check with your carrier for special package limitations. Some carriers assess additional handling charges for: |
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- Any article that is not fully encased in an outside shipping container.
- Any article that is encased in an outside shipping container made of metal or wood.
- Cans or pails that are not fully encased in a shipping container of corrugated cardboard.
- Irregularly shaped or oversized items.
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| Category Specific Tips |
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| Antiques & Art |
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- For artwork, remove glass and cover glass with glassmask or glass-skin and package separately.
- Do not use glass-skin or glassmask on non-glare glass. It will damage the surface.
- Do not let artwork contact paper, hardboard or corrugate.
- If declaring a value, be sure to have a current bill of sale, an invoice or a statement from a certified appraiser in case you need to file a claim with your carrier.
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| Coins/Stamps/Jewelry |
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- Be discreet. Use a larger box that will travel easily.
- Special limitations may apply for international shipments containing jewelry and gemstones - check with your carrier.
- Make sure to insure your shipment appropriately.
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| Collectibles/Pottery/Glass |
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- For fragile items, outer box must be large enough to allow at least 3" cushioning all around the item.
- Wrap and box items individually to protect them from each other.
- Position items in the center of the box and away from the bottom, sides and top of the box to prevent damage.
- If the item has a hollow center (a vase), fill the area with paper to make the item more solid.
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| Photo/Electronics/Computers |
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- Remember that anti-static materials should be used if electronic components are exposed.
- Do not use Styrofoam peanuts, Kraft paper, foam in place, blankets, or newspaper.
- Original factory packaging is preferred.
- Make sure to insure items appropriately.
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| Note: The aforementioned tips are general guidelines and eBay cannot be held responsible if your item is damaged in transit |
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