packer
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posted on August 21, 2001 07:45:02 AM new
How many hold off listing because....
The item is to heavy, to bulky, to much work to pack?
For those odd shape or really cumbersome objects its a real hassel to find the right box.
I have a huge Iowa Hawkeye Mirror that I want to sell and I know it will bring big bucks. But I know the darn thing is going to need to be crated. In my small hick area I doubt I'll find anyone that can do it.
And what about sets of China, I've got a real winner here, but the packing and weight alone is overwhelming.
I have many other stuff also that need special packing in order to ship.
What do you all do with your oversized odd shaped stuff?
packer
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captainkirk
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posted on August 21, 2001 07:58:30 AM new
Nothing that fits within the size/shape/weight limits of UPS/USPS scares me. Worst case, I have to buy the right size box from MBE, even if it costs me $5 (not worth it for $10 items of course).
Do you have access to something like a pack & ship store? Most people do, even if its only on an occasional basis - measure out the items, take one trip to get all the odd size boxes at once.
On the other hand, stuff that has to be "crated and trucked" does scare me.
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tootsiepop
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posted on August 21, 2001 07:59:54 AM new
Large items like your mirror I bring to a consignment shop. For the china I would split it up and sell it a piece or two at a time, or maybe by place setting. Not only is it easier to ship that way, you'll get more $ for it in the end.
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sadie999
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posted on August 21, 2001 08:08:51 AM new
I do the same as tootsiepop for large items. And at this point, I'm concentrating on books and items that weigh less than 5 pounds. I went through a lot of grief for heavy items on eBay.
You might be surprised at what the folks in your hick town will buy. I don't think I've ever had anything sit longer than 6 months w/out a sale, and two weeks is average.
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paperfan
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posted on August 21, 2001 08:11:24 AM new
tootsiepop has definitely got the right idea about the china, Packer. Every large set of collectible dinnerware I've ever sold has been in twos (except for serving pieces). I had an awesome set of Stangl Festival a couple of years ago. Got over 100 pieces for $400 at an auction. It was absolutely mint...and I mean Minty Mint Mint Mintopolas. Never been used and like it came from the factory (oh, to have that set back again Sigh). I sold it two by two except for the cake plate, casseroles, etc. Ended up grossing over $1,200. I did the same thing with a set of Miss America Depression glass. It takes a while but you'll realize much more for it in the long run.
About the mirror, if the dread of packing it is what is stopping you from selling it, I'd go to the MBE and get an estimate. Put it in your description. No worries. 
edited because Stangl is not spelled Stangle
geez
[ edited by paperfan on Aug 21, 2001 08:14 AM ]
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quickdraw29
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posted on August 21, 2001 08:19:40 AM new
You can always have the buyer arrange for crating and ship, or pickup.
I have a heavy poker table I've been wanting to sell, but keep putting it off. But I'm hopeful that when it does get listed that the shipping/pickup part goes alright because I'd like to sell more poker tables.
I have sold some 13 pound items, whch have been no problem making it through Fed Ex.
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packer
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posted on August 21, 2001 08:27:40 AM new
What is MEB?
captainkirk,
I don't have access to shipping stores. I'd have to travel 80 miles to get the job done.
No experience with consignment shops and I don't even know if we have any here.
About the china I have considered pieceing it out. That may be the way to go.
This morning I ordered some of the corrugated wrap to make packing it much easier. I has to be cheaper then bubble wrapping each piece.
Thanks for the input.
packer
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captainkirk
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posted on August 21, 2001 08:31:00 AM new
MBE = Mail boxes etc. Now owned by UPS.
They are expensive to pack and ship items, but not too bad for buying those occasional odd shaped boxes that you can't scrounge.
You might be able to mail-order a selection of odd boxes to fit your items, or the next time you (or someone you know) heads to the "big city" you could acquire the boxes that way. As long as you aren't in a rush it can work.
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capotasto
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posted on August 21, 2001 08:31:36 AM new
Hold off listing? Gee, nowadays I hold off buying - I always think, How will I pack this, especially if I can't see more than $10 or $30 profit in it.
OTOH I bought a Heavy radio a couple years ago and said in the descrip, Will not ship, buyer picks up... Well the buyer asked me to arrange shipping with a local pack+ship place. I told him their cost was $70 and I wouldn't be responsible. He sent the $ no questions.
So if it was a valuable heavy object that I could make real $ on I would do it again.
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packer
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posted on August 21, 2001 08:37:20 AM new
I know, I just kick myself for bidding on that odd stuff because I know the pain in the butt its going to be to ship.
But.....I'm a sucker for a good deal.
My house is over run with items I'm weary of listing because of the packing problems.
Plus its tying up my money to have it sitting around.
Just was wonder if it was me or does the rest of you face this delemia?
packer
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zoomin
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posted on August 21, 2001 09:17:23 AM new
I'm not sure if you have one in the general area, but an auction house will usually sell the item for you for a minimal commission.
Many regional auctions (not necessarily local) will be happy to pick up (for free) and sell your items, as long as you don't set an unreasonable reserve.
I've sold everything from rugs to a Queen Anne highboy that way.
Much easier than trying to sell sight unseen to a far away bidder 
Good Luck!
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gina50
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posted on August 21, 2001 09:20:15 AM new
I had a large heavy dresser vanity & bench that I sold on ebay last year and since it was so heavy & large size, I listed it and sold by region and also stated that in my auction ~ high bidder must pick up within 2 weeks of end of auction or arrange for your own shipping pick up. Also if they did not use Paypal or Billpoint, I wanted cash upon pickup.
It worked, I sold it at a higher price than I would have gotten at my Antique Mall, it didn't have to sit around very long and got paid right away !
I live outside of Philly and buyer came 5 hours from northern Jersey !!
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packer
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posted on August 21, 2001 09:46:49 AM new
Ok, heres the Hawk mirro, It is 31" x 19" x 3/4" deep.
To crate or not to crate?
packer
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thepriest
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posted on August 21, 2001 10:01:35 AM new
hi packer... i think i'd crate that one...see if there is a cratersandfreighters.com near you.
They're a little expensive, but come to your place to crate... offer you a quote over the net...
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gc2
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posted on August 21, 2001 10:20:39 AM new
Packer, I'm surprised at you. A 31" x 19" mirror shouuldn't intimidate you...you're a better woman than that!
Isn't it you who breaks used boxes down and turns them inside out? It's just another short step from there to re-build a box. I just did a quick check (and I have a box on hand that would work), but I also measured a box that the #7 priority boxes come in, and you could put two of them together and make a great box for it.
I would also utilize some styrofoam (and I don't mean the peanuts). Probably "box" the mirror in styrogoam and padding before it went into the box. And I might even use some of *dreaded* newspaper for part of the padding inside the box. (I rarely use newspaper, but there are times it gets the job done.)
By the way, my kiddo has some stained glass windows for which I have a deal pending locally. But if it falls through, they're going on eBay without a qualm about the shipping.
Back in February, my better half "lucked" into 13 pianos (including a Steinway baby grand), plus assorted extra parts. Haven't begun to do anything with them. Now they are going to be a real shipping nightmare (although they are going to be FOB Where-they-are and customer makes all shipping arrangements).
Wish I had your mirror here where the Hawk is the school mascot! (sigh)
Good luck and let me know what you do.
BTW, I lost the dolls again...but they will reappear.
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MrsSantaClaus
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posted on August 21, 2001 10:41:20 AM new
Packer,
I think you could do really good with that mirror if you have a fat naked guy take the picture
tee hee hee
BECKY
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mjh2
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posted on August 21, 2001 11:15:32 AM new
Send it air mail.
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clancey99
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posted on August 21, 2001 03:14:22 PM new
Best way to pack anything fragile is a Box inside a box- put your item in the small box -well packed and put that in the larger box- fill the "walls" with styro chips or wadded paper= have shipped dinner sets that way without a chip-
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Capriole
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posted on August 21, 2001 03:31:20 PM new
LOL...
Mintopolas
I am loving that one!!!!
"Mintopolas...carried down on angels wings from the factory to my office. Box exudes bright heavenly light when I open it to peek. You won't be unhappy with this one! Cherubim and Seraphim will dance as you open your prize! Bid early, bid often!"
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skeetypete
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posted on August 21, 2001 03:31:22 PM new
i have listed several couches and sets of chairs...in them i have always listed aquote box for freightersandcraters.com making that quote binding and their service the only way i will ship......usually the shiping quote is over $400...way too much in my opinion but it's the only way i can figure to have a smooth transaction,no hassles after auction end about shipping being too high......i have had only 1 sale out of 4 listings(friends items not mine) and thaty person lived 3 hours away and asked if she could pick up. i said ok but payment must be made the normal way, mail or paydirect....she used BIN for $1000 price and all went smooth......i must admit that the freighterandcraters.com stipulation has probably kept the others from selling......it was not my stuff and didn't want a hassle over shipping...so i guess i am to blame a large portion
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Capriole
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posted on August 21, 2001 03:33:20 PM new
I have a buddy who bought an engine, he coordinated the shipping himself.
BTW, Seattle Seahawk fans might go spare over that one...'tis the season!
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DrTrooth
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posted on August 21, 2001 05:04:52 PM new
I do not believe that ther is ANY place in New Jersey that is 5 hours from Philadelphia. Round trip, perhaps, but not one way. Maybe they came via mule.
Dr. Trooth
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cdnbooks
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posted on August 22, 2001 02:26:50 AM new
...I must confess that I am enjoying the irony that this thread was started by 'packer'......
Bill
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cin131
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posted on August 22, 2001 04:50:18 AM new
I agree with Mrs.Claus, when you list that mirror, make sure you have a fat naked guy in it. The exposure (pun intended) for you auction is tremendous!!! People will post it on auctionwatch threads, and pass it around in emails. Over a 7 day period, millions of people will have looked at your auction!!!!
cin
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susan1232
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posted on August 22, 2001 07:52:33 AM new
One of my first listings on Ebay was a Jr Hunting bow. Had the quiver, arrows-the whole set. Got a fair price for it, and being new, I was all excited. Then it hit me-how the heck was I going to pack that thing? I had never even thought about it. LOL
Being made from fiberglass, those bows are so fragile and I could just see it arriving to the bidder in a million pieces.
I took it to a local packaging place and had them pack it up and then emailed the buyer with the cost. I kept apologizing because it was so expensive. I offered to pay half. He was so nice-said that was part of buying online and wanted it to arrive safely. Paid the entire amount and emailed me to tell me it arrived in perfect condition and his sons were enjoying it.
I think I was lucky that went so smoothly and I learned a lesson on that one. Not sure what the point is, but this thread reminded me of that.
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packer
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posted on August 22, 2001 08:04:24 AM new
LOL, OOOOOKAY ~ Lets get naked!
You have no idea how hard it was photographing that darn thing without getting my reflection in the pic.
Now your all saying its OK as long as I'm NAKED! LOL
I suppose I could make my own grate out of slats and plyboard. Then use those foam insulation sheets as a liner.
Thing of it is I'd want to pack it before listing so I could give an accurate weight.
Thanks for all the suggestions.
packer
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paperfan
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posted on August 22, 2001 08:24:13 AM new
LOVED that description Capriole!!
Okay, how's this....
MINTRAVAGANZA....A huge party will be held in your honor at the factory where a robot will place your item at your feet, totally untouched by human hands. Barbara Streisand and the three surviving members of The Beatles will provide entertainment.
Anyway, getting back on the subject, there are some buyers that will nickle and dime you to death over shipping. This is true. But, I think if you're up front about the costs many, many buyers really don't mind. Just like susan1232's buyer, if someone wants a large item, they will more than likely also want the extra care and cost it will take to get their item to them in the same excellent condition as when they purchased it.
Sorry to de-rail your thread with the MINT thing, Packer. I just couldn't resist!
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nicepolice
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posted on August 22, 2001 09:17:38 AM new
PACKER: I actually collect antique china place settings. I have them displayed in my antique china cabinet, and they look really nice.
Please e-mail me a pic if possible, ([email protected]) and I'll most likely be glad to take one place setting off your hands. Seriously.
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harmonygrove
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posted on August 22, 2001 10:52:23 AM new
Hi!
GC2 is right on target with the mirror packing. Styrofoam that sucker into an immovable state and use those USPS #7 shipping boxes (wish they gave Those away!) or buy a mirror box from your box supplier (we use Uline). We have shipped mirrors that we have boxed ourselves with no problems.
Anything larger goes Craters & Freighters. Word to the wise, however, make contact with them via the closest office and CALL for a shipping quote in lieu of using the e-quote function in their website. The savings is substantial (between $25-150!). That translates into higher and more bids.
Packer, have Fun with your bird mirror and beware of naked men (still giggling about that one!)
HarmonyGroveAntiques
(on Ebay too)
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