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How to prevent breakage during shipping
Summary: tooncy has experienced issues with collectible items being damaged during shipping and is seeking advice on preventing further damage and understanding how to get a refund from USPS if items are damaged. golfingaddict suggests using double boxing with bubble wrap or peanuts for cushioning and warns that USPS may not honor fragile labels. They also provide information on USPS's insurance policies and how to file a claim if damage occurs.
I've been selling some of my collectables recently and have had several items damaged during shipping. Both were breakable (antique ceramic). I am not a professional but I always try to pack well with bubble wrap etc. Of course I provided the buyers with refunds on these items. But, I have more to sell and want to prevent damage in the future.
Any tips on how to avoid shipping damage by the USPS? Can I get a refund from the USPS if my item is damaged?
Thanks.
comics-scifi-collectibles
MentorJul 12, 2026 at 5:59 PM@tooncy USPS will not pay the insurance claim if they think you did not package well enough. They also require the buyer to bring the item in for inspection, box, packing material too.
Use LARGE bubble wrap for fragile items. AND real Styrofoam peanuts, corn starch ones are not good for heavy items as they just smash down. There should be at least a few inches between the sides of the box and the item.
If you do not feel comfortable throwing the box at least 4 feet and having another item land on top of it then you need more packing material.
Some items require double boxing. You put peanuts between the outside box and the inside box.
golfingaddict
MentorJul 12, 2026 at 5:55 PMIf the item is shipped with USPS by ground advantage or priority mail, it is insured up to $100 automatically. I can't say if the post office will pay on a claim as "It depends" on who or why the damage occurred.
As for shipping. You need to double box. If you ship more than one item they cannot even have any chance of contact, even if there is a bit of paper or wrap between them.
You need at least 2 inches of space on the box. Fill that 2 inches with bubble wrap or peanuts. Then put that box in a box or ultimate security.
The post office will toss your box and may drop it and they will ignore "fragile" labels. You have to make sure that nothing inside the box moves and nothing makes contact together.
File a USPS claim here. File a Claim | USPS
Look at faqs and rules and how to submit a claim (buyer may have to provide photos or take it to the PO)