Help! Packaging for book sales on Amazon?

[yoopermom]

I promise I did a search and couldn't find the answer, and Amazon isn't very specific...

So I sold three books and one DVD on Amazon since yesterday, and don't know the "proper" way to package it, do I need to use bubble wrap or??? I have plain brown mailers, should I use padded ones, instead?

Yes, I know I should have figured this out first! I'm going back to Ebay, it's easier! No two day push!

Thanks in advance!

Terri

 

[megcellent]

There really is no code to follow that I know of. I always try to think about how I would like the persons whom I buy books from to package my books. The easiest best-"cushioned" way is to buy the padded envelopes. The cheapest way I have used is to place the book inside one or two plastic grocery bags then double-wrap them in brown paper making certain to tape over all the edges/corners that would normally tear easily. If I am sending a book rush delivery, I simply use the flat rate priority envelope, so double-wrapping in brown paper is about as sturdy. I constantly save bubble wrap and packaging stuff from packages that I recieve to help me package things to send. Also, don't forget to use the "Media Mail" rate when mailing books that are not rush delivery-it will definitely save you on cost. Also, I always, always, always get some form of tracking. I can't tell you how many books have been lost in shipment! I learned that lesson the hard way and had to refund a customer for the full price of the book since i didn't have any sort of tracking. Hope this helps ...

 

[yoopermom]

Thanks for the quick reply. I had bought some padded mailers cheap from Sam's, and figured I could just use them, but wasn't sure if I needed to wrap it within the padding. Amazon is REALLY vague on this! I will make sure and get tracking and send them media mail.
Thanks again!
Terri

 

[LdyFaile]

I love selling things via Amazon over eBay any day. They deal with the payment processing and if it doesn't sell you don't have to pay for it. Plus they'll let it stay listed for like 2 months. Anyway, that's just my two cents.

 

[jeankeri]

You can just wrap them in paper grocery bags if you want. I have received them that way from many merchants. They are much more specific on how you address the mailer. There is a link about how to package for sellers. I agree that their search eginne is not very good; I find everything but what I want when I'm looking for it. No requirement for padded mailers.

 

[yoopermom]

Thanks y'all. I got padded mailers for only 68 cents, so went with those for right now. If I start doing more steady business, I'll cut back to folded bags. I paid the extra change for tracking, but am worried because my one fairly expensive item is going to an APO, which doesn't allow tracking, even when it's still in the USPS' possession (which makes no sense to me). It went quicker than Ebay, and seems pretty simple, except for the two day pressure.

Thanks again!
Terri

 

[NotUrsula]

I'm a librarian, so I know a little something about shipping books, LOL.

The best way is plain corrugated kraft. It comes in rolls. Cut the kraft about 6-8" bigger than the book (the thicker the book, the more generous the cut.) Roll the book in it twice, then tape or glue the seam and use a heavy stapler to close the open roll edges. A 250' roll will cost about $25. This is an example: http://www.papermart.com/templates/23-0-10.htm

We also use padded envelopes in a pinch, but the corners of hardbacks often get damaged that way. If you use padded envelopes, stuff a wad of newspaper into each corner to protect the book's corners and the head and tail of the spine.

If the book is rare, you'll want to use a proper heavy cardboard book mailing box, with acid free wrapping and padding and a dessicant pack inside.