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Where do you get packaging materials?

I'm selling off a collection of vintage toys (thankfully very few are fragile!) and I'm pleased to say that they are selling very well. :beer:

BUT I'm starting to run low on packaging.

My current supplies are all from parcels that I have received but there hasn't been much of that going on lately so I'll probably have to buy some more. If I need to buy online to get the best prices then I need to get a shift on so I don't run out.

I am using some bubble wrap and small boxes but mostly it's bubble mailers from A5 to about 1.5x A4 size. If I used plastic bags (resealable or recycled) I'd have to use extra bubble wrap but that may work out cheaper.
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Comments

  • vesper
    vesper Posts: 941 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary Combo Breaker
    For bubble wrap try local garages and shops. All of my bubble wrap comes from some nearby garages, same with small boxes. Oil filter boxes are great sized for small items, as are many car part boxes.
    I buy very little packaging now as I try and recycle as much as possible. For bigger boxes ask your local supermarkets.
    My envelopes came from my sister's office as they wouldn't stick they were that old.
    Packaging I just shred paper.


    Think the only packaging I buy at the moment is the occasional box when I need something more solid which I found a supplier on a facebook swap/ sell site.
    Remember never judge someone that makes a mistake, because in six months time it may be you that makes the next mistake.
  • Kernow666
    Kernow666 Posts: 3,480 Forumite
    Seventh Anniversary 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker I've been Money Tipped!
    i buy a fair bit & get a fair bit for free , i noticed in Sainsburys & Aldi that they have stacks or fruit boxes and a lot have sheets of bubble wrap so i ask as Customer Service if its ok to take out and its always ok
    "If I know I'm going crazy, I must not be insane"
  • WLM21
    WLM21 Posts: 1,592 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Combo Breaker
    Ebay is great for most supplies

    I use Sensible Supplies for bubble wrap .. also under the Ebay banner

    usually free delivery too
  • celestius
    celestius Posts: 1,090 Forumite
    PPI Party Pooper
    I use odl packaging, they sell on ebay and also have a website. I buy several large hay bales at a time!
  • soolin
    soolin Posts: 74,006 Ambassador
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    edited 5 January 2015 at 9:59PM
    I use several sellers on eBay for all my packaging needs- they vary prices a bit so I just go for the cheapest on my approved list each time.
    I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the eBay, Auctions, Car Boot & Jumble Sales, Boost Your Income, Praise, Vents & Warnings, Overseas Holidays & Travel Planning , UK Holidays, Days Out & Entertainments boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know.. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com.All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.
  • kazwookie
    kazwookie Posts: 14,229 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    If you live near a clothes retail park, ask some of the shops for boxes, bubble wrap, tissue paper, as they chuck out loads in to the skips.

    You get it for free, they have less in the skips!! win, win.
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  • cattie
    cattie Posts: 8,841 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I often pick up bubble wrap from fruit & veg section of supermarkets. You could also try doing a wanted ad on Freegle or Freecycle as I've got rid of moving boxes, bubble wrap & padded envelopes this way in the past.
    The bigger the bargain, the better I feel.

    I should mention that there's only one of me, don't confuse me with others of the same name.
  • theonlywayisup
    theonlywayisup Posts: 16,032 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Another vote for ODL.
  • sequence
    sequence Posts: 1,877 Forumite
    I get my bubble wrap on amazon, £6 for 100 m x 300 mm roll delivered to your door
  • kalsha
    kalsha Posts: 1,116 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Boxes from newsagent and supermarkets.
    Very strong boxes from Costco.
    Bubble wrap from supermarket.
    Shredding from OH's office.
    Envelopes - OH's office was throwing away stocks where the glue was not sticking so I use them with packaging tape.
    Cut up cereal boxes to put inside envelopes to make hardback envelopes.
    Mailing bags - recycled ones from OH's office (they use very strong /thick ones to post keys.

    Recently the only thing I have to buy is the packaging tape.
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