Tips for Packing Items Before Shipment

Great – you’ve sold your item!  Now it’s time to think about how you plan on packing and shipping it to the buyer.  Poor packing and/or shipping is one of the biggest reasons buyers leave negative feedback, so it’s important to consider the options for this vital step.

• Double box using the original box and packing materials as the inner box (e.g. styrofoam inserts) whenever possible, and pick another plain box slightly larger for shipment.
• Original packaging should be damage-free.  Mold, mildew, weak corners, flood damage, and other visible marks can not only weaken the box for shipping, but probably won’t win you any points with the buyer.
• Use a plain box for the outer shipping package.  You don’t want to advertise what’s inside, as the box may be left unattended.

Maybe you’ve moved a few times, and the original box has seen better days.  In that case, start fresh.

• Use a new box that’s slightly larger than your item.  A box that’s “just right” is more susceptible to accidental damage during shipment. You can always fill the gaps with packing material.
• Pack with materials like bubble wrap, raffia, foam peanuts, or rigid foam inserts.  They can sometimes mean the difference between “Yay!” and “Nay.”  Remember the “Egg Drop Experiment” in high school, when you had to drop an egg in a take-out container down a few stories?  The more shock-absorbing cushioning, the better.
• Foam corners are most likely to protect the item despite any shipping snafus.

  

Before you tape up the box, close the lids, and give it a shake or slide on the floor.  If the item moves, you need more packing material.

• Use strong tape.  Clear or brown packing tape, reinforced packing tape, or even duct tape are all acceptable options.  Just make sure the tape is at least 2″ wide.
• Seal the opening of the box AND all the seams.  It’s always good to reinforce the seams when shipping heavy items.

Following these simple packing tips should help ensure your item arrives at your buyer’s house unscathed  Do you have any tips or tricks to pack audio components safely and securely for a long journey?  Let us know by commenting below!