Does fedex allow masking tape?

[tommy50607]

I mailed a package at fedex and they made a big fuss that I used yellow masking tape, saying only clear tape could be used, before accepting the package finally. Is this for real or not?

[lja440]

Neither masking tape or duct tape should be used to ship.

Masking tape AKA painters tape is meant to block an area off for a short time and be easily removed without damaging the surface. 

Duct tape is meant to fuse itself to metal ductwork and it's self in situations like a hot truck or where friction is applied the adhesive can oose out from under and make a mess. It can also if the edge is involved cause the end to roll back catching on other packages or equipment. 

USE packing and shipping tape, either clear or fiber reinforced, for shipping packages.

[berserkerplanet]

Correct. I didn't start or title the thread referenced, and both here and there was talking about duct tape.

[robot-hands]

I'd use string to ship a package before masking tape...unless I had like 9 rolls of it

[kattinsanity]

You can tear masking tape VERY easily with your fingers.  You need to use tape that needs a dispenser or a pair of scissors for cutting the tape.  I buy Duck packing tape at WM~~a 4 roll package (100 yards to a roll) for under $8.00.  

If you're going to sell on ebay you need to be prepared to ship with the PROPER shipping materials.

[vanman1029]

Masking tape loses it's adhesion below 32 degrees.

[fern*wood]

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@tommy50607 wrote:

Masking tape is stronger.

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Are these posts not answering your question either?

[kattinsanity]

I don't use masking tape at all BUT I understand some sellers use it to tape when they wrap something in bubble wrap.  It makes it a whole lot easier for the buyer to unwrap the item from the bubble.  I would consider using it for that but NEVER to safely hold a box shut.

I ordered clear tape from an ebay seller not long ago and I got ugly brown tape instead.  I wanted to ship it back but the seller just refunded me.  I had no use for it so I gave it to my post office.  They wanted it as people come in and package their stuff at the counter so he gives them the brown tape to use instead of having to give them the post office USPS tape.

[lintbrush*]

@kattinsanity

Hope you kept at least one roll of the brown.  It does come in handy if you're trying to cover marks/logos - especially on a recycled shipping box.

[kattinsanity]

I did keep one roll for myself as a "just in case".