… really bugs me. But it must be done and done well.What you sell influences the degree of difficulty. Selling books, without question, is a whole lot easier than china, computers or dolls.
What’s needed to do the job well?…
1) Boxes -- Obviously, packing begins with a box but not just any old box. A shipping-type box is necessary. If you use a shoe box or some other flimsy container, you can be certain your package delivery will be a disaster! So you have to become a box-fanatic like the rest of us. Keep your antennae up. Lots of merchants have boxes that you can have for free.
If you are shipping really fragile items, two boxes are safest. The outer box should be a couple of inches larger than the inner one to allow for extra padding.
2) Padding for your packages -- Do you need padding? Well, yes and no. Sending a few tough books without padding is much different from sending grandma’s dishes unprotected. The outcome is predictable and it’s not a pretty sight. What kind of padding should you use?
Newspaper is my padding of choice because it is cheap and readily available. However, be careful because the ink can rub off on some objects and detract from their beauty. Wrap these kinds of items in plastic. Some auction users buy shredders and use strips of paper as packaging.
I personally hate those plastic peanuts but lots of people swear by them. However, electronics manufacturers say to never pack computer and other kinds of equipment with peanuts due to the electricity problem. The Post Office recommends plain popcorn. Don’t forget that little critters might like it, too. Cutup cardboard can also be very effective as packing material. It’s just tough to chop up.
Bubble wrap is the preferred favorite. It cushions objects so well (and popping the bubbles is a great stress-reducer). Of course, it costs more than the other materials so always look for bargains on this valuable product. Save every scrap you get.
Some of the following addresses are popular sites for bargain materials...
Padded envelopes are a popular choice because they are so simple -- just insert the whatever and mail. The downside is that they aren’t cheap. Whenever you receive anything in one of these envelopes, save them! (Are you now thinking about all the envelopes you’ve thrown away in the past?)
3) Other supplies -- In addition, you need mailing tape, regular tape, scissors, labels and a legible marker. I wrap everything in plastic bags just for safety’s sake.
Another precaution you might consider is to include an extra label inside the package. You don’t want your inventory sitting around one of those ghostly mail offices. If you reuse a box, cover up the old label or scratch through it with a marker. I sent a package to a seller that came right back to me. I thought the new address was quite obvious but apparently the Post Office didn’t.
Whatever materials you choose to use, be sure to pack your items securely. Companies will sometimes contest an insurance claim if they feel you didn’t do an adequate packing job.
If you don’t know how to pack an item, you might get free advice at one of the local stores or post a question on some of the auction newsgroups. There will undoubtedly be an experienced user who will cheerfully share her knowledge with you.
Want to really shine in your auction business? Here is a...
... gold star idea...
Create a small “certificate” to send to buyers. The certificate tells them how great they are to deal with and that you appreciate their business. It should also ask them to notify you by e-mail when their item arrives safely. And it can gently remind buyers to give me some positive feedback. (You have already written positive comments about them.)
My certificate insert is half a page in length and is printed on bright pink paper. My feedback started skyrocketing after I began sending it. Be creative. Design your insert according to your own personality. It adds very little to your cost, takes virtually no time to insert while you are packaging , and it increases good will drastically. Overall, an insert makes you more memorable.
Unless you are used to shipping many boxes and packages, you may not realize how fast these costs can add up. I recommend to anyone and everyone to find their shipping supplies right on the auctions themselves. There are people who are constantly on these sites, offering packaging material in large quantities or through Dutch auctions. The key is to comparison-shop.
If you dislike this chore as much as I do, you might think about hiring out this service. Some of my items go directly from the manufacturer to the customer. That’s the ideal situation. Unfortunately, many don’t. I have hired a lovely lady who has four children and needs to be at home. Periodically, I deliver a load of goodies to her house and she packs and mails them for me. Yeah!
Not only do I escape a dreaded chore...
... but I have my dining room back!
