Please can I have your opinions on recycled packaging

rosie-marie

Hi, have started Ebaying again and was thinking about reducing my posting costs by recycling packaging.

What I want to use is .....Old nappy bags.....you know the big pampers bags that the nappies are packaged in. They are very strong plastic like the proper mail bags. I thought I can turn them inside out and use the white side to label up.

Now what I'm wondering, will my customers be offended that they have received clothes in reused nappy bags. I know I wouldn't mind but then I'm really into recycling. It seems a waste just to throw the plastic in the bin, but don't want a load of grumbling either.

What do you think I would appreciate your honest opinion

tiff

I think the same as you and have often received Ebay items in recycled packaging. I reuse boxes, jiffy bags, bubble wrap etc all the time when selling on Ebay.

POSSETTE

Im with you..i dont care what it comesin as long as its arrived in one peice.Prob worth checking with your buyers how they feel,but stress your packing is cheap because of recycling.

jasmineswhiskers

As long as it's clean and substantial then should be ok. I have re-used all sorts of quirky things and have actually had feedback 'ingenious packaging' etc.

NotQuiteNorbert

Sounds fine to me, but maybe put a note in your listing just highlighting it so that it isn't a surprise to your buyers.

viktory

Agree with the above and would also emphasise that you should make sure your postage costs are fair. Some add a little (or a lot!) extra onto their postage to allow for packaging materials. I have no problem with recycled packaging but really object to paying extra for it!

As a mini rant, I saw one seller selling a bag with P&P a staggering £7 - for second class mail. I didn't bid.

chja

I assume that you are charging a sensible price for your postage and packing (i.e. not charging significantly above postage cost, and then using old bags).

In that case, can see no problem at all and applaud your efforts. I often use similar strong plastic bags, reversed, and have never had an issue.

Obviously important to make sure the padding inside the bag is suitable to protect the item also.

You really would have to be a muppet to complain if the item gets there well packed and timely.

kprigg

I rarely buy new packaging as I re-use almost all the packaging I receive things in from fellow e-bayers. I hadn't thought of using nappy bags, but cant see a problem with it.
The only problem might arise if someone is being petty & not happy with one of your items then they may use it against you in feedback etc - but as I said, it would be someone very petty.
I do think it would be a good idea to state in your listing you will send in recycled packaging, you never know it may increase your sales with environmentally friendly people!

rosie-marie

viktory wrote: »

Agree with the above and would also emphasise that you should make sure your postage costs are fair. Some add a little (or a lot!) extra onto their postage to allow for packaging materials. I have no problem with recycled packaging but really object to paying extra for it!

As a mini rant, I saw one seller selling a bag with P&P a staggering £7 - for second class mail. I didn't bid.

Yes I forgot to say I only ever charge actual cost of sending & the cost of a proper mail bag (I think usually around 25p). I was thinking about using recycled packaging to keep the cost down for the buyer and to be more competetive. Thanks for your replies - it seems everyone is in agreement that is ok to use the nappy bags. Will add information to my listings.

hilstep2000

I always use old jiffy bags, tissue paper and bubble wrap. Seems a waste to throw it away.

Hermia

I have reused packaging for years and have never had any complaints. I think the quality of the packing is more important. I'd rather receive a CD that has been carefully packed in reused packaging than just chucked into a new jiffy bag.

The only packaging materials I would avoid would be ones that might cause embarrassment (e.g. sending an item out packed in an old Tampax box for instance!)