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Packing and Shipping Your Vintage Items

When I first began shipping my items, I made a lot of mistakes, costly ones, which made me quickly learn the correct way to pack.

Supplies Needed

  • Boxes
  • Bubble Wrap
  • Peanuts
  • Packing Paper
  • Tape
  • Shelf Adhesive Labels 
Most of these items can be obtained free and low cost.  I will share these tips later in my posts.  

Set up account with FedEx or UPS or both.  (I prefer FedEx but do have accounts with both.)  I will get into more details about the shipping companies in other post.  You can save a lot of money shipping by FedEx or UPS rather than the post office.

Wrapping your item.  

  • I recommend bubble wrapping most any type items, especially glass.  The large bubbles are the best protection for large items.  (I have had metal, brass, wood etc.. broken from improper packing.)
  • Wrap the item a couple of times, tape it and them apply pressure to see if you can feel the item.  If you can feel any part, then wrap the area or areas that need additional protection until your medium pressure can not feel the item.
  • Tape the bubble wrap secure.

Finding the right size box

  • Your box should have a little room on all four sides.  Your item should not touch any sides.  It also needs to be tall enough to have about 2" on top and 2" on bottom.  (using to big of a box will cost additional shipping fees, so keep this in mind)

Packing You box for Shipping

  • Place your bubble wrapped item in the box.
  • Take peanuts and fill your box
  • Hold your item securely in one hand and shaking to box to allow the peanuts to fill all empty spaces.  By doing this, the peanuts are no longer covering the entire item, so add more.  Do this until every tiny area is full of peanuts.  Test by taking the box and shaking side by side.  If you hear you item moving, you need more peanuts.  Once this is complete, tape the top of you box securely.
  • Turn your box over and open the bottom, you will see additional areas that the peanuts did not fall.  Add to the areas.  Be sure and don't get too much or you wont' be able to close the bottom.  Finish by taping the bottom securely.
Always check your box by shaking up and down and sideways and if you hear movement, its not secure.  

Shipping the Item

  • Print your label off of ebay shipping or ship rush for Fedex.  They are all very easy and they will automatically upload your tracking info into the item specifics.
  • Check for the cheapest rate.  Rule of thumb, if it's smaller than a shoe box, ship USPS, if larger ship by FedEx or UPS.  If it's a high price item, I always ship buy FedEx
  • Place label on the box
  • Ship



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