posted on August 13, 2001 01:59:44 PM new
I recently was the successful bidder at $50.00 of a book from 1959. The auction description mentioned that the dust jacket was "worn but complete".
The book arrived today. The DJ is badly chipped and torn with small pieces missing. As if the inaccurate description was not enough, the book was shipped loose in a padded bag.
Who in their right mind would look at this fragile DJ and just stick it in an envelope so it can slide around and tear even more?
I have been selling on ebay for about 18 months and only rarely buy. Inaccurate descriptions and lousy packaging are two of the reasons why I don't buy more often. If I was new to ebay and this was my first purchase I sincerely doubt that I would take a gamble and buy again.
posted on August 13, 2001 03:10:52 PM new
Today in the post office I was behind a clueless customer with a dozen ill-packed envelopes with all sorts of bulky things sliding and banging around in them. An ebay seller? I don't know, but I wish the postal clerk would have said something.
I was several people back in line so couldn't whisper sweet suggestions into her ear.
Some people are just inept, and oblivious to the havoc they wreak as they go through life. The unfortunates who think insurance will cover their mis-packed glassware in a flimsy box with one piece of crumpled paper are the same ones who don't know how to drive in the snow, or swim in rip currents.
Knowledge is important, and taking pride in what we do is, too. But we seem to have lost "common sense" along the way. I think those who take up selling on ebay should learn about it first, and these discussion groups are a great way to do it.
So thanks Auction Watch, for these forums. I've learned a lot from them, and do a better job on ebay because of them.
posted on August 13, 2001 05:01:15 PM new
Even if the book was just a nickel, it should be packed well. I suppose some sellers need to be educated (selling is a hobby or a closet cleaning), but you can tell a lot by reading a bidder's feedback. If no one comments on items being well-packed you can assume they do not know how.
I learned how to pack by packaging expensive photo equipment in a retail store. Books are a whole lot easier to pack, but they still deserve some TLC. I still get lightly wrapped books and I have to count to 100 before the smoke stops.
posted on August 13, 2001 05:52:08 PM new
I think it's important to differentiate between rare, collector's-item books and just plain old used books. The people selling high-quality rare books ought to know their business and should pack their items so that they could survive virtually anything. Those who sell plain-Jane variety used books should still pack well (no sliding around loose in a mailer), but IMO the merchandise isn't worth spending half an hour and X dollars worth of packing material on.
Last year, I sold three cartons of old books from my grandfather's estate. Some were fairly valuable, but most were just of interest for the contents and not the book itself. I made it plain that I was not an expert on rare books, and I invited any and all questions. I wrapped everything well, and had no complaints at all upon receipt.
I did get several inquiries from obviously educated collectors, and for a day or two one guy was convinced I had a nearly priceless edition of an opera score. Unfortunately, it turned out to not be the "right" cover to be so valuable. But if it had been a $1000+ edition, I would have spent whatever it took to buy the right box and packing material, and would have shipped with full insurance and return receipt and every other safeguard I could think of. And I suspect the buyer would have contributed a few emails on exactly what he expected, as well!
My long-winded point is that with books (as with nearly everything else one might sell on eBay), to a certain extent the value determines the amount of care and expense in packaging. This in no way excuses a plain lousy job, but I just don't think a $10 piece of costume jewlery is worth packing and shipping in the same manner as a $10,000 diamond bracelet. Both should arrive intact and in good condition, but the diamond bracelet is worth spending some extra bucks on.
posted on August 13, 2001 10:08:57 PM new
look at my auctions and you will see books and nothing but books-I pack mine the way I would want to receive them. What kills me is that so many folks want media rate shipping. My TOS states priority (boxed)and the S&H reflects that price, yet more than half of my buyers ask to have it sent at the cheaper book rate...including a recent winning bidder of a $200.00 book. (I refused that request as the book was too fragile-buyer didn't like it but ponied up the additional two bucks.)
posted on August 14, 2001 12:44:11 AM new
If someone paid $200 for one of my books, I would have paid the extra $2 myself to ship the book Priority!
When someone spends a lot of money on one of my auctions I go out of my way to accomodate them. Sometimes I give them free shipping and sometimes I pay for insurance out of my pocket. It's called customer service and that is why most all of my items get bids and I have many repeat customers.
posted on August 14, 2001 02:37:36 AM new
Book packed safely in a box and sent media mail is no less safe than a book packed safely in a box and sent priority.
Its the packing, not the postage cost, that ensures a book arriving safely.
posted on August 14, 2001 05:21:50 AM new
I don't know what the professional book sellers will say but I first place the book inside a ziploc style bag to protect it from accidentally getting wet. Then I wrap it completely in a thin but sturdy protective layer of cardboard and place it in a good box, finishing up with peanuts or bubble.
Might be a bit overkill, might not but so far, I've gotten many kudos from book buyers at my packaging. I want to make sure if anything happens to the outer box, the package stands a chance of getting there w/o further damage.
I do this regardless of whether it's a paperback book from a series of popular kids books or a signed first edition.
posted on August 14, 2001 10:11:43 AM new
I wrap mine in plastic then either in a box or I use the rolled corregated cardboard. I, too find repeat customers that were happy with shipping.
posted on August 14, 2001 12:18:44 PM new
I have been told that packing a book, or any paper, directly in plastic can create moisture and do damage, so I wrap my books as follows: First white tissue wrap, using acid free white tissue if available. Next, I wrap the book in several layers of newspaper making a roll of the ends at the top and bottom to act as a cushion. After that I pack loosely in plastic or bubble to allow for any type of storm.
posted on August 14, 2001 01:34:32 PM new
I too have been told that you should never pack a book directly in plastic... even if the air in your packing area seems really dry, you could still be sealing in moisture. Just imagine what would happen if the sealed book got left in it's package for a while (like in the backseat of the car - the buyer's car I mean!) Eewwww!
I do the same thing with acid-free tissue paper, then bubble wrap or padded envelope (as long as the envelope fits well and the book isn't fragile). I was told that unprinted newspaper is a good first layer for wrapping, too.
I love books, don'tcha just love books? They have whole worlds inside them, like secret lockets waiting to be opened...
posted on August 16, 2001 08:06:24 PM new
If people are just selling stuff, they do not understand other peoples passion for details in that field. I am sure we have all seen those "Mint for its age". Recently we found a Half.com dealer describing books "Like New" PBs except cover is torn off. How far from like new can you get? I am sure they would think there is no reason to take any special effort to pack it. If you are not into books I am sure they think "It's just a book"
