Where to get packing materials for large items?

patwa_2

Hello,

I would like to sell a bedside cabinet on eBay. It was built from a flat-pack and as such is not the most sturdy construction in the world.

Anyway before I list it I would like to have an idea of how to pack it. I was thinking of wrapping it in cardboard (don't have any boxes) as this would minimize any space between the item and the wrapping thus reducing the risk of shake damage, but I'd also like to add those sheets of polystyrene foam to give it padding. I also need something to fill a largeish gap between the base of the unit and the floor (in between the legs), maybe polystyrene chips.

Does anyone who maybe sells stuff of this size or who knows about it know where I can get either made-to-measure boxes or maybe rolls of thick cardboard, and also the padding, both sheets of foam and the polystyrene chips?

I realise this may cost a lot, and therefore am also thinking of how to keep that down. I would have used maybe some old carpet, if only I'd have remembered and not thrown it out when we called a skip round some weeks ago. I also thought of having buyers collect it from me, but not only does this reduce my target audience but also means there's more of a chance of me being messed around regarding unwanted goods, buyers not showing up, etc.

Thanks.

dippy-dora_2

Hi, i think your best (and cheapest) bet is to go round your local shops asking for boxes, bubble wrap etc that they are chucking out and make your own box, this way you can keep the packing cost down.
Use anything you can find that will cushion corners - buyers wont be bothered about the quality of the packaging as long as it does the job.

windswept

You could try a furniture shop, they would have the perfect materials.
If you lived near me, you could have some of the mountain of stuff I keep!
I'm lucky because I work in the local council offices and have a virtually endless supply of used jiffy bags, boxes, foam sheets, etc. They are used to me rifling through the recycling bins, it saves me a fortune.

patwa_2

Thanks, I'll give that a go. I have an Asda, Co-op and homebase/Argos within walking distance so they're worth a try. Although last time I tried Asda they told me to go away (in a manner of speaking ).

H.

angelcake

Why don't you email someone who is selling something similar and ask how they pack theirs!? (obviously posing as a potential customer!)

ask on freecycle I have seen loads of bubble wrap etc go through the system!!

taliwillow

Hello,

if you are unsuccessful with the shops and do want to buy packaging then there is a website (https://www.aid-pack.co.uk) that sells packaging. I have never actually bought from them so I don't know what their service is like or if they are the cheapest, I just came across them on quidco. So obviously if you do buy from them, make sure you go through quidco first!

Hope this helps.

Taliwillow