eBay Mistakes and Other Things Not to Do

PACKING MATERIALS: Along with boxes, packing materials used to protect your product from “box shock” can be a drain on finances if you neglect it. Loose fill, or “shipping peanuts” as they’re usually called, are the most popular kind of packing material on the market but can be expensive if purchased in small quantity. Picking up a small bag from your local UPS Store can run around $7 a bag which is usually depleted after a few shipments (sometimes on a single shipment). If you must use peanuts, purchase it in bulk from Uline for about $25. You’ll get a huge bag (20 cu. feet) which you can store in your garage if your wife let’s you. I know some folks who have attached their mammoth bag to a nozzle and strapped it their ceiling. That’ll save you room but I just pick up the bag and empty those noodles by hand. I feel like I have control over the amount and will reduce the amount of spillage. Also, if you buy your merchandise on eBay, chances are (depending on your product) you’ll get free peanuts. Recycle!

Newspaper is also a cost efficient way to reduce cost on materials but not how you think. Though I’ve used regular newspaper as filler in my shipments, the ink can rub off and cause a mess for the buyer or perhaps ruin the product. If you intend to use newspaper, see if you can wrap your item in a free USPS Priority Mail Tyrek bag. This will protect the item from ink and it looks good that you put in the extra effort. Actually just put the thing in a Tyrek as a general rule of thumb. My favorite shipping material has to be the unused newspaper rolls from local newspapers. This is the same kind of paper used for your sports section but are remnants that the outlet sells to regular schmoes like us. You can pick a large roll (make sure you have room in your Prius) for about $5 - $10.