Covering Over Old Shipping Labels and Such

[bookatron]

Re-using old boxes, labels often don't come off easily.  What's the fastest/cheapest way to cover them over?

Sure, new mailing label can cover old one (though I'm always afraid some magnetic ink will be read). But sometimes they're big, or there are other stuck-on barcodes and such. 

This is becoming the step that impedes my fulfillment workflow.

[bookatron]

I polished my search terms enough to find previous discussion. And it looks like black sharpie is the answer.

I also found this horror story:

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When I first started selling on eBay, I sent a pair of shoes in a box marked “ORM-D.”  Packages bearing this mark contain hazardous materials. The package didn’t get far.  It was held hostage in a city 45 minutes away.  

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[wastingtime101]

Fastest way to cover is with colored packing tape. Brown is easy to find at most places (not the paper kind, the regular plastic kind).

Cheapest way is one of those ultra-fat black Sharpies.

[bookatron]

Thanks.

I'd imagine paper tape would do better covering up magnetic ink, though. That's also my concern with sharpies. Maybe I'm over-thinking 🙂

[wastingtime101]

You're really over-thinking it.

[simba6]

Magnetic ink is not used for that as it requires direct contact to read.  Can't be read at a distance like a bar code.  There is cardboard color spray to cover markings on boxes.  Be sure to cover any hazard markings too.

[cellguy215]

Slice around the edges with a sharp razor blade and peel it off. 

[richard1rst]

I use a product called "3M citrus based cleaner". Comes in an aerosol can. I spray it lightly over the face of the label, wait about a minute or two, the cleaner dissolves the underlying glue and the label peeks off in one piece. Then wipe up the residue with a paper towel.

Since it is an aerosol it is difficult to ship so you probably will not find it on eBay. But your local home center has the same product although it may not be 3M brand. But as long as it is an aerosol citrus cleaner.

Also works on old glue-on price tags, manufacturer's labels, etc.

[toni9529]

1. a hair dryer will melt the glue and takeoff 99% of the old labels.

2. Turn the box inside out.

3. If you have an Ebay store, you can use your store coupon to buy labels that say "I am reused packaging".

[bookatron]

Thanks, all. 

I'm going to try this (brown Kraft paper sealing tape).

Black sharpie would look too slapdash.  And spraying/scraping is the sort of impediment I'm trying to eliminate. 

I'll see how the cost adds up....

[wastingtime101]

I like that it's recyclable and that it will have a cleaner appearance than the plastic tape.

It's heavier than the plastic stuff and more expensive. You mentioned cost was a factor and the paper tape will not only cost more, but might affect shipping rates if it adds an ounce to your box weight.

Obviously every option has its pros and cons.

[mslggl]

Use a hair dryer or heat gun...they come right off. I've been doing it for years.

[lja440]

Tan spray paint, they actually make cover-up spray paint. I do epoxy art on old furniture that often needs patching due to missing veneers. I use spray paint as a base color and often have partial cans left over. If I plan on reusing a box I break it down and do a quick spray over the old labels. That way it is dry and ready to go when I pack.

[mannaustexas]

 I've always popped the seam and turned the box inside out, concealing all brand names, graphics and address labels, even on clean boxes. Scavenged boxes are free boxes and inside out boxes are new boxes and new boxes make my items look gooood.

[varebelrose]

I always used 4" wide brown kraft tape.

Biggest PITA re-using amazon boxes is they put bar codes on every side...