August 3, 2011
Shipping and Packaging
Shipping and handling certainly are not the most glamorous topics to talk about, but they deserve attention. I just received a toy today that arrived broken. It was not packaged well, and because it was a die cast toy, the original casting probably had impurities in it, and was very brittle. Then, when I tried to see how the 2 pieces could fit together, the toy crumbled in my hand!
I like to package my sold items carefully, as if that's what I would expect from someone else. It takes a bit more time, but so far, I haven't had any reports of breakage. I also charge a small "fee" for this, more for materials than for time and effort, but those who purchase items from me don't seem to mind. Furthermore, if I sell more than 1 toy, I combine shipping into 1 box, and only charge 1 fee.
I removed most of the shipping labels from a box that I just received.
I use extra corrugated cardboard to reinforce the box.
You cut the cardboard longer than the box and fold it on the corrugation.
Here's how the reinforced box looks.
I created an image to "warn" people of the shredded paper that I use when packaging.
Here's the messy shredded paper.
I use my heavy-duty shredder to shred the paper and cardboard.
Do you use too thick a pile of paper or cardboard or you will damage your machine.
Here's the warning label.
It informs people to open the box over a garbage can to avoid the "mess".
I use newspaper or "Bubblewrap" to protect the toy that I am sending.
I use Scotchtape to tape the Bubblewrap.
Note however, that I fold the end of the tape, so that the buyer will easily be able to unwrap his/her toy.
I use a plastic packing envelope for the packing slip.
I also include my a thank you letter and information about my blog and where to find images of the toys that I have bought and sold. I have the photos on Flickr and Picasa.
I use 1-4 "fragile" stickers on the box.
I would hope that some people understand the care that I put into packaging, but I'm sure it's an oversight for most. However, its' part of my character, and I'm proud to ship like this!
Have a great day or evening,
Stacey
