As heard on eBay radio on December, 14th, here are 5 holiday shipping tips to help your customers receive their packages timely and undamaged.
|
Oct 012010
Quick lesson in Boxes 101
d) 4 types of boxes that all on-line sellers should be aware of:
- Priority Mail Boxes – FREE. Pick up at the post office or order at USPS.com. If your product fits in a FLAT RATE box you will always know how much postage will be. WARNING – Don’t use these without checking to see if the non-flat rate charge for the package would be less. For example if I were shipping a 9 pound package to one of my neighbors it would be less expense to ship in a non-flat rate priority box and pay the variable priority rate. If I were shipping across the country I would save money by using a Flat Rate box for any package over 3 pounds. Don’t assume that Flat Rate = lowest rate.
- Multi-Depth Boxes – This is a great solution for sellers who want to use one box size for different items. Boxes are almost always less expensive when you buy them in quantity so this can be a great money saving tip. Multi-depth boxes are scored at different heights. For example, you can purchase a box that is 8” x 8” x 8” but scored at 4 and 6 inches. If you don’t need the full 8” of height you can cut the corners of the box and easily fold the sides to create the perfect size for your package.
- Corrugated Mailers – This is the perfect solution for sellers who ship sunglasses, mugs, cosmetics or any other small, relatively lightweight, fragile items. Corrugated mailers are fold-up boxes with double walls of protection on the front and sides. They are white on the outside. They are very sturdy and make a great presentation.
- Bookfolds – and no, they’re not only for books. As a matter of fact most of the corrugated bookfolds we sell are used to ship record albums and artwork. A bookfold is shaped like a plus sign. You put your item in the center, fold the 4 sides up over the item and tape to seal. Bookfolds are scored at various depths for maximum flexibility.
Sep 172010
Quick lesson in Boxes 101
Box size – Boxes have three measurements (l” x w” x h”). The first always refers to length (in inches), the second to width and the third to the height of the box. Stated dimensions always refer to the inside (useable) space.
When deciding on a size box for your specific purpose always allow at least 2-4 inches extra on each side to accommodate packing materials. Remember, that you can always use void fill to fill extra space or can cut down a box that is too tall with a box sizer tool.
Corrugated Boxes
Void Fill
Box Sizer Tool
- Mark Le Vine -
mark@bubblefast.com
Sep 082010
Quick lesson in Boxes 101
Cardboard box strength – A standard corrugated shipping or moving box can safely hold up to 65 pounds. Heavy-duty boxes are designed to hold up to 95 pounds. Double walled box used for very heavy-duty items can hold up to 100 pounds. Something that many people don’t know is that a standard corrugated packaging box can lose up to 60% of their strength after the first use. We’re not saying don’t re-use boxes, just be sure they are in good shape and are securely taped with good packing tape.
Corrugated Boxes
- Mark Le Vine -
mark@bubblefast.com
Aug 302010
Quick lesson in Boxes 101.
- Never use a box that isn’t designed for shipping. Gift boxes or display boxes are not meant to handle the kind of tossing around that happens regardless of the shipping service you use.
So you’ve just decided to start selling online. Before you list your first product you have several decisions to make regarding shipping. What shipping service to use and how to calculate the charges will be discussed in another post. This document will address what you need to know to properly package your product using the best, most economical supplies to make sure it arrives, safe and sound.
How do you decide what shipping supplies are right for your product? One way is to start paying close attention to the packages you receive. What kinds of products are being used to protect your packages? Bubble wrap? Packing peanuts? Foam? Paper? Corrugated pads or dividers? Air pillows? Are there products that did not provide adequate protection?
In addition to checking your own incoming packaging there are many resources you can use for determining the right supplies. eBay and most other selling sites have discussion boards where experienced sellers are often willing to share their advice and best practices. Or, you can call or e-mail a supplier like Bubblefast. We are always willing to talk to customers about their specific packaging needs and offer advice. In fact, please feel free to leave any comments or questions to this post and we will do the best we can to help you.
There are several factors that need to be considered when choosing packing supplies – protective properties, weight, aesthetic appeal and, of course, price. No matter how wonderful your item is, if it arrives shattered or scratched or stained with newsprint or damaged by moisture, your customer is not going to be happy. But, you don’t want to add unnecessary weight. A DVD, for example, does not require a double-walled box and a pound of bubble wrap to insure its safe arrival.
Remember: Proper packaging is an art form.
Come Join Us At: