Step 1: Prepare the Fragile Item for Packing
You never know what conditions a package will be exposed to once it leaves your
hands; it may be left outside on a rain-soaked porch or dropped into a snow bank.
When that happens, a sturdy cardboard box can turn to mush in a matter of hours.
Protect your items against harsh winter weather by using at least one layer of waterproof
material. One of the easiest and most effective options is to pack the item inside
a clear plastic bag with a secure zipper closure. These bags come in a wide range
of sizes and are sold on eBay and in shipping supply catalogs (search for “poly bags”). You can also use the ziploc bags in your
kitchen pantry, just make sure to use the heavy-duty freezer kind, which are thicker
and more durable.
Step 2: Apply the Proper Padding
Clothing can go into a poly bag without any additional wrapping, but fragile items
often can’t. To protect delicate painted surfaces, first wrap the item in
a soft cloth (clean t-shirts are good for this, but trim them neatly and make sure
they don’t have any stains or printing that could scratch the surface). Cotton
batting (the kind used to line jewelry gift boxes) is also good. Don’t use
paper towels or tissue paper, since these can be surprisingly abrasive.
Next, wrap the item in bubble wrap. You may want to use several layers, depending
on the item and size of the box. Wrap each piece separately (including lids), provide
extra cushioning around delicate parts like handles, and make sure any sharp edges
(corners, metal hangers, etc.) are securely covered with small pieces of foam rubber
or other materials that can’t easily be pierced or torn.
The bubble wrap should fit securely but not be too tight. Secure it with an easily
removable tape (try using blue painter’s tape, available at hardware stores)
so that it doesn’t move around in shipping.
Here’s a trick used by antique glass dealers: instead of using tape, hold
bubble wrap in place with rubber bands so that the buyer can’t accidentally
scratch the item when they cut open the package. This works well for heavier pieces
of glass (like bottles) but is not recommended for thin, delicate items like ornaments,
since the pressure from the rubber band could cause the item to break.
If the original packaging is still in good condition, use it instead of bubble wrap.
Manufacturers of high-end crystal and china package their products in dense foam
blocks that have been cut specifically to the size and shape of the item, ensuring
a perfect fit. If the packaging is worn out, compressed or torn use bubble wrap
instead.
Step 3: Find the Right Box
The shipping box should have enough room for additional padding but not be too big;
ideally, there should be several inches (2-4”, usually) of space on each side
between the wrapped, padded item and the box walls.
If you’re reusing an old box, make sure it’s sturdy. Inspect carefully
for rips, holes, & weak or crumpled areas and water damage. You may need to reinforce
the bottom with additional packing tape.
Line the bottom of the box with a layer of packing peanuts (available at office
supply stores). Next, place the wrapped item inside, centered evenly. Fill the remaining
spaces with peanuts. Close the flaps but before sealing them, give the box a gentle
shake. If you can hear anything moving around inside, add more peanuts. You don’t
want to stuff too many peanuts into the box, but there should be enough to prevent
the item from moving.
If you’re shipping several items in the same box, make sure that each one
has enough padding and that none of them can bump into each other. Don’t cram
everything into one box just to cut down on the cost of shipping; the lighter and
better cushioned each package is, the less likely its contents will be damaged.
Don’t substitute wadded up newspapers, tissue paper or plastic bags for peanuts.
These don’t provide adequate protection (they can easily compress during shipping)
and furthermore, they look unprofessional. When your buyer opens their package,
they should be impressed by the quality of the packaging.
Step 4: Buy Insurance
Insurance is always a good idea when shipping delicate items. Whether you require your buyers to purchase it or not is up to you, but mandatory insurance makes good business sense. It’s simply too easy for packages to get lost or damaged, even those that are properly packed. Many sellers insist on insurance for any item that sells for more than $50, but make it optional for less expensive purchases. Whatever you decide, remember that insurance is there to protect you and your reputation — if a package is lost and the buyer files a claim with eBay, you may be found at fault if you didn’t offer insurance. Delivery confirmation is equally important and should be used on all items regardless of their value.
