posted on April 19, 2001 08:34:11 AM new
I've had some success selling on half.com. I was wondering if anyone had an expensive idea on the best packaging materials to use when shipping book or video. What's the cheapest way to send them safely?
posted on April 19, 2001 12:32:36 PM new
I haven't sold on Half.com but have sold quite a few books and videos.
Either one can be shipped via Media Mail which is usually very reasonable. Also, check the rates for First Class. Sometimes there's only a few pennies difference in price between the two and First Class usually reaches its destination before Media Mail.
As for packaging of books, one of the least expensive methods I've found is to use the brown rolls of paper. A roll is less than $3.00 and will wrap quite a few books. I do like to put something around the book first though, like bubble wrap or a couple of plastic grocery sacks.
I haven't yet to figure out what would be a safe cheap packaging methods for videos so always shipped them Priority with the video boxes from the post office, making sure to add plenty of packaging around the video (those boxes almost always get smashed some way or another).
posted on April 20, 2001 04:11:47 AM new
Media Mail in bubble envelopes (strong ones) works well for books. If you do use brown paper, be sure to water proof the book somehow with plastic.
Video boxes aren't hard to make yourself if you're so inclined and have the patience. Just some cardboard and tape. Or you can double wrap them in waterproof bubblewrap and go the same route as the books. If you choose, you can use cardboard stiffners inside the brown paper or envelope.
posted on April 20, 2001 12:40:58 PM new
wrap the book in a small piece of plastic--I buy bulk white kitchen catcher bags and cut them to size. Pre-cut thick cardboard for vaious sizes of books, videos or what have you. Secure 2 pieces of cardboard around the item--tape them snuggley together so the item doesn't slip between the two pieces--but not so tight as to bend the item. Then wrap this in newspaper--and then wrap in brown paper. Takes about 5 minutes to do---cost almost nothing. I get glowing feedback on my items arriving in perfect condition.
posted on April 26, 2001 07:26:39 AM new
Thanks for your advice. This week I sent books wrapped in bubble wrap then wrapped cardboard around it, then wrapped it in brown paper. It worked great and weighed less at the post office than what I had been doing. Thanks again
