What is acceptable to wrap items in as a seller on Ebay

martindow

Dr_Harleen_Quinzell wrote: »

With used clothes I have used freezer bags to get all the air out and then put them in a padded envelope. It really cuts down on the size of the item and I have received lots of "good packaging" comments.
I guess because it means a t-shirt/blouse/skirt/dress can fit through a letter box instead of the Postman having to leave a card to collect from the sorting office.

It also often means I can post the item a bit cheaper as a large letter as it fits through the sizing thing they use in the Post Office.

Don't the clothes get very crumpled doing this? Foes it affect feedback or stars do you think?

System

martindow wrote: »

Don't the clothes get very crumpled doing this? Foes it affect feedback or stars do you think?

I have only done it with used clothing and as I said I got some good feedback from it. If the item I was sending was linen or cotton then I'd think twice about doing it but if the clothes are synthetic/non crumple type then it seems (to me anyway) a good way of sending stuff and keeping the cost down.

emlou2009

If you pay for P&P, you expect to actually pay for P&P, not line the sellers pockets with fee avoiding excessive postage charges.

I've used freezer bags myself, presentation wise its much better than a Asda or Poundland carrier bag IMO.

Strapped

jasmineswhiskers wrote: »

Be careful with coloured tissue paper as the dye comes off if it gets wet. I always grab some bubble wrap every time I go to the supermarket from the fruit & veg aisles. They let you have it for FREE! In 2 years of ebay I think I only ever bought bubble wrap once.

I do this too. "Every little helps" lol.

MadelinesMum

I had some clothes arrive today wrapped in brown parcel paper but it had torn right along where it was taped up. Luckily the clothes were still inside. As an added bonus for me though, I paid £3 for p&p and the actual postage cost was £4.41. (oh, and I won the bundle for £1.04). I always feel a bit guilty on these occasions, but tbh the seller should weigh the item first to ensure they charge enough for postage.

MsDee

thank you to everyone who has posted. I am nearly ready to go for it and set up my account.

I think I will wrap the clothes in tissue paper and then go for the mail bags off ebay - if I have a boxed items, I'll jsut go for the brown paper and hope that will be OK.

I hope you don't mind me asking but I was going to buy the scales to weight it but so many sellers don't seem to do this and charge a flat rate for the items rather than the exact amount. WHat do people think about this.

Also, do you all print off the order form and stick it in with the item as I don't have a printer - do you think it will look unprofessional if I write out the order and receipt by hand?

Dee xx

P.S any other tips out there would be gratefully received.

System

MsDee wrote: »

Also, do you all print off the order form and stick it in with the item as I don't have a printer - do you think it will look unprofessional if I write out the order and receipt by hand?

Dee xx

P.S any other tips out there would be gratefully received.

I think it depends on what you're selling.
I sell 2nd hand stuff or items I've bought and are too costly to send back for a refund (if they're too big or I don't like them).

I recycle my packaging so just handwrite the address and a 'thank you for your purchase' receipt. I do have fairly nice handwriting so it doesn't look too shoddy
If I was selling something brand new then I try to make my presentation extra nice. Print off the receipts and use new or new looking packaging.

When I finally get my bum in gear and make jewellery to sell then I'll take extra time and care with the packaging ie: Nice boxes, tissue paper, receipts with a logo.

cyberbob

MsDee wrote: »

t
I hope you don't mind me asking but I was going to buy the scales to weight it but so many sellers don't seem to do this and charge a flat rate for the items rather than the exact amount. WHat do people think about this..

Charging a standard rate unless you have a huge turnover is really risky. Buyers are very aware of P&P costs. A few low DSRs and your account can be near suspension zone.

Also the lower your P&P will put you higher in any searches

Jackinbox99

I use my kitchen scales and take my time working out the postage cost near or enough exactly to what its going to be. I use recyled jiffy bags or wrap the item in bubble wrap and use a plastic mailer sack.

I print the invoice out and put in the bag with the item, and print the postage labels for the packaging myself.

Pretty much usually my postage is spot on, but sometimes by the time i have packaged it up, i usually end up paying more for the postage than ive quoted the buyer.

MsDee

Will have to buy some scales then as I have tiny digital ones for the kitchen - will get some luggage ones from argos or something.

I'm going to write a thank you receipt I think then as it's too expensive to get a printer - it costs before you even start doesn't it?:D

I think I'll just write the address on the package rather than faffing about with labels and printing them off x