4 of 14

Write now Article Tools

Preparing your items for shipping is the most vital processes for an eBay seller. Sellers and buyers work as a community meaning you can build your reputation almost solely on how quickly and how well you handle your shipments.

Set an area aside to do your packaging such as a table or counter top. Lay out all of the supplies you might need including:

Packing peanuts and/or Bubble wrap

Scotch tape
Packing tape (if possible a dispenser for ease)
Scissors
Box and/or Envelope

Glass or Breakables:

Make certain there is enough room in the box/container to completely surround the product with both packing peanuts and bubble wrap if necessary.

Place a thick layer of peanuts in the bottom of the box, set aside and wrap the product with bubble wrap until it is completely covered using scotch tape to hold it in place.

Then you will lay the product in the center of the box and pack peanuts around all sides and give it another thick layer on top.

If there are any thin parts you may want to use a piece of cardboard to lay the product on and tape down so it cannot shift and move around enough to break that piece (i.e. a figurine with an outreached arm).

Non-Breakables:

These items can have substantially less packing peanuts or none at all depending on if you use bubble wrap. This also depends on the nature of the item.

While a comic book isn't breakable you wouldn't want to just toss it in a box with peanuts and hope for the best. You would want to seal it in plastic and place it either in a plastic box or between two pieces of cardboard for example to protect the pages from being bent or torn.

And of course do not forget to include your business card, detailed packing slip, and a Thank You note with your contact information in case anything does happen during the shipment.

Create a file for your eBay shipping documents to place your receipts for supplies, receipts from the shipping service, and insurance receipts when applicable.

Tip:

You can order boxes directly from eBay for your shipments using USPS or use your UPS account to order boxes and labels directly from UPS at no cost to you. UPS and USPS have both teamed up with eBay to offer the best shipping prices and supply opportunities for eBay sellers.

Access to these features are easier than ever with eBay's Shipping Center which brings all of their shipping resources together in one place for sellers.

Learn more about this author, Starr Sheets.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about How to pack eBay items for shipment?
We want to hear your view. Write now!