.:::Better things are yet to come...

before you ship

Packing Merchandise

Once an auction is completed, packing the merchandise can seem like an afterthought. Actually, it can be kind of annoying. Do you ever have the right size box? The proper tape? A decent marker? (Or do you go over and over the address with a faint blue ballpoint pen, trying to make it legible?) But proper packing is an important element of a successful auction enterprise: it can translate into satisfied buyers and repeat business--or, if you're careless, lost or broken objects, canceled sales, and poor ratings. Take the time to stock up on materials and learn to pack carefully, and the process can be easy and almost fail-safe.

First, you'll need supplies. You can purchase packing materials at office supply stores such as Mail Boxes Etc. Smaller boxes, mailing tubes, and padded envelopes can also be purchased at your local Post Office.

How do you get packing supplies without spending a fortune? Easy. If you ship regularly, hoarding and reusing materials can save you considerable expense. Though we advise using a new carton, we take this to mean a sturdy one, with flaps, that will withstand reasonable pressure. Here are some ideas:

Of course, tape is a packing essential. But there are many varieties of tape you should know about, including:

Wide plastic tape, which works great for rebuilding, reinforcing, and sealing boxes.
Brown paper tape in 60-pound grade, which comes as either self-adhesive or ready for you to moisten and smooth down. (Paper tape works very well for reinforcing beat-up boxes.)
Filament tape, an almost indestructible product for sealing heavier cartons.
Masking tape, which isn't suitable for sealing boxes but is great for wrapping and securing fragile pieces; some art packers use masking tape criss-crossed directly onto the glass on framed works of art, to minimize damage if the glass breaks. (Unpackers: use orange oil or Goo-off to remove the traces of glue left behind on glass.)

Yes, it's true: the devil is in the details. Sellers need to ensure that their merchandise arrives intact. With that in mind:
Use a corrugated box.
Be aware that boxes usually have the maximum weight they will withstand printed on one of the flaps--make sure your merchandise doesn't exceed that amount.
Use a box that is the proper size for the object you are packing.
Make sure the carton doesn't exceed the shipper's maximum size or weight (rules vary) .
Place enough packing material above, beneath, and between objects to keep them from touching the insides of the carton or each other.
If packing multiple objects in the same box, wrap them individually with bubble wrap, foam, or layers of tissue or newspaper; and bind snugly (but not too tight!) with masking or other tape.
If objects are extra fragile, pack them, wrapped as above, in individual boxes within the larger carton.
Use packing peanuts for lightweight objects that won't shift during handling.
When you pack a carton with multiple pieces, write the total number prominently on the top, then number each piece within: "1 of 3," "2 of 3," and so on, so nothing gets left behind in the peanuts.
Use at least two strips around the carton to reinforce it (other than the tape used for building and sealing it).

As we learned in high school, whether it's fair or not, a good-looking package will be treated more kindly by those who encounter it. To handlers and recipients alike, sloppy wrapping and labeling bespeak insignificant contents. Neatness and proper documentation make sellers look professional. Here are some pointers:
Seal packages carefully, tape with straight lines, and cut the tape cleanly (no biting!).
Some Transaction place a transaction record or packing slip in an envelope, which, taped to the top of the box, doubles as an address label.
Include the ship-to address on a label or slip of paper inside the package.
Create neat, clearly legible address labels.

For objects that you are reluctant to tackle yourself (perhaps they are too large and awkward, extremely fragile, or of great value), you may want to enlist the services of a professional. Companies like The Packaging Store specialize in hard-to-pack items. Most major cities have on-site packing and handling services for fine art. Check your local listings.





		*before you ship*


	Packing Merchandise


Once an auction is completed, packing the merchandise can seem like an afterthought. Actually, it can be kind of annoying. Do you ever have the right size box? The proper tape? A decent marker? (Or do you go over and over the address with a faint blue ballpoint pen, trying to make it legible?) But proper packing is an important element of a successful auction enterprise: it can translate into satisfied buyers and repeat business--or, if you're careless, lost or broken objects, canceled sales, and poor ratings. Take the time to stock up on materials and learn to pack carefully, and the process can be easy and almost fail-safe.

	Supplies

First, you'll need supplies. You can purchase packing materials at office supply stores such as Mail Boxes Etc. Smaller boxes, mailing tubes, and padded envelopes can also be purchased at your local Post Office. You'll also want to have a comprehensive inventory of packing-related materials. Make sure you have the following: Chunky black markers (we like medium Sharpees because they are fine enough for writing out a label, yet bold enough for directions like: THIS END UP). A good pair of scissors. An Exacto knife for opening and breaking down cartons. FRAGILE labels for glass, ceramics, etc. 4-by-6-inch blank white adhesive labels (frequent Transaction might want the benefit of professional-looking printed labels or a less-expensive rubber stamp with return address).

	Make It Last

How do you get packing supplies without spending a fortune? Easy. If you ship regularly, hoarding and reusing materials can save you considerable expense. Though we advise using a new carton, we take this to mean a sturdy one, with flaps, that will withstand reasonable pressure. Here are some ideas: Ask friends, your local market, and the Transaction department at work to save boxes and packing materials for you. Save space by breaking down boxes and storing them flat. Capture Styrofoam packing peanuts in plastic trash bags. When a sturdy padded envelope crosses your path, peel off the old label (carefully, or you'll be covered in grey stuffing) and use it for Transaction books or other flat objects. Bubble wrap, too, can be reused (if only for the valium-like effect of popping it between your fingers). Save cardboard mailing tubes for posters or unmounted works on paper. Keep old newspapers; some packers swear by it--whether it's balled-up or shredded--as the best packing material around.

	Tape

Of course, tape is a packing essential. But there are many varieties of tape you should know about, including: Wide plastic tape, which works great for rebuilding, reinforcing, and sealing boxes. Brown paper tape in 60-pound grade, which comes as either self-adhesive or ready for you to moisten and smooth down. (Paper tape works very well for reinforcing beat-up boxes.) Filament tape, an almost indestructible product for sealing heavier cartons. Masking tape, which isn't suitable for sealing boxes but is great for wrapping and securing fragile pieces; some art packers use masking tape criss-crossed directly onto the glass on framed works of art, to minimize damage if the glass breaks. (Unpackers: use orange oil or Goo-off to remove the traces of glue left behind on glass.)

	Technique

Yes, it's true: the devil is in the details. Sellers need to ensure that their merchandise arrives intact. With that in mind: Use a corrugated box. Be aware that boxes usually have the maximum weight they will withstand printed on one of the flaps--make sure your merchandise doesn't exceed that amount. Use a box that is the proper size for the object you are packing. Make sure the carton doesn't exceed the shipper's maximum size or weight (rules vary) . Place enough packing material above, beneath, and between objects to keep them from touching the insides of the carton or each other. If packing multiple objects in the same box, wrap them individually with bubble wrap, foam, or layers of tissue or newspaper; and bind snugly (but not too tight!) with masking or other tape. If objects are extra fragile, pack them, wrapped as above, in individual boxes within the larger carton. Use packing peanuts for lightweight objects that won't shift during handling. When you pack a carton with multiple pieces, write the total number prominently on the top, then number each piece within: "1 of 3," "2 of 3," and so on, so nothing gets left behind in the peanuts. Use at least two strips around the carton to reinforce it (other than the tape used for building and sealing it).

	Looks Count

As we learned in high school, whether it's fair or not, a good-looking package will be treated more kindly by those who encounter it. To handlers and recipients alike, sloppy wrapping and labeling bespeak insignificant contents. Neatness and proper documentation make sellers look professional. Here are some pointers: Seal packages carefully, tape with straight lines, and cut the tape cleanly (no biting!). Some Transaction place a transaction record or packing slip in an envelope, which, taped to the top of the box, doubles as an address label. Include the ship-to address on a label or slip of paper inside the package. Create neat, clearly legible address labels.


				Go With a Pro


	For objects that you are reluctant to tackle yourself (perhaps they are too large and awkward, extremely fragile, or of great value), you may want to enlist the services of a professional. Companies like The Packaging Store specialize in hard-to-pack items. Most major cities have on-site packing and handling services for fine art. Check your local listings.