How do I package a large comforter?

[tamaralea]

I'm shipping USPS priority and a box would probably add a couple pounds.  Would one or two layers of a big plastic department store bags work?   Believe it or not, the sale was here in my state, so it doesn't have to go far.  

[fab_finds4u]

Space Bag!

[lotzofuniquegoodies]

The vacuum bags can usually be picked up for cheap cheap at local dollar stores. With dimensional weight used for large packages always best to figure out in advance a way to package large items efficiently before listing.  Any money you spend on the vacuum bag you will save big time with final shipping.

-Lotz

[tamaralea]

Thanks, everyone.  I plugged in various numbers for dimensions and weight and the people who warned me about anything over 1 cubic feet were right.  A 12" x 12" x 12" box weighing 8 lbs 4 oz cost me $10.25.  If I had used a 14" square box, it jumped to $17.57.  Fed Ex was more expensive.  I was able to CRAM it all into the 12" cubic box, so only lost a little money on shipping.  Now I need a sticker that cautions, "May explode during opening".

[arapahoeacres]

I wold try and use a Vacuum Sealed bag > suck that thing down as small as you can (Maybe let the buyer know your doing that first - If he/she doesn't like it - explain additional S&H charges shall apply) Might even be able to get into a 12"x12" box - which would then be about $8.99 to ship 

FYI - eBay does not participate in the Dimensional Shipping option like Amazon does .. they SHOULD!! because it is actually cheaper. - Really wish these buyers would start to realize how much S&H actually cost these days - Free Shipping .. they think that is a given and it really is not

[lotzofuniquegoodies]

@tamaralea 

The explosion label might cause inspections so I would avoid doing that.  Also, as someone noted above add cardboard top and bottom and note to top in black marker. Do not cut with knife, just in case the receiver does try!!

12 x 12 inch box for 10.25. What's up with that? With Canadapost that would be like 8000.oo USD!!! Maybe more?!?

-Lotz

[fern*wood]

I was just getting ready to type the same thing.  I recently shipped a chenille spread the same way.  I did not want my buyer to use a sharp object to open the very full box so I wrote my warning in large letters.

[lotzofuniquegoodies]

@fern*wood 

The reason I add the cardboard, especially if I am shipping internationally and customs does happen to inspect, which they can do at their whim, just to err on the side of caution. Also, in the past I've purchased items that were plastic wrapped from department stores, come home and realized someone had cut through part of the package during their rush to unpack and stock the shelves. That's why the knives are adjustable.

-Lotz

[fern*wood]

Good idea---I'll remember that the next time.

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@lotzofuniquegoodies wrote: ... 12 x 12 inch box for 10.25. What's up with that? With Canadapost that would be like 8000.oo USD!!! Maybe more?!?

-Lotz

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For shipping within the US, the postal service charges by weight and distance for packages up to 1 cubic foot. And for a 9-pound package, the online postage cost for domestic Priority Mail would range from $9.01 to $33.40 depending on distance.

[tamaralea]

Wow!  In that case, I was very lucky.

[lotzofuniquegoodies]

@nobody*s_perfect 

For any of our  regular, expedited/tracked services we pay based on weight or dimensions(whichever is greater), distance and the service. Our rates across Canada are extremely high. We also do not have access to media mail similar to what's available in USA. Anything envelop is "supposed" to be paper in nature. As noted before cheaper to ship US small packet air than across Canada. Please feel free to shop Canadian. We promise not to be upset.  

-Lotz

PS. Regarding the 8000.oo quote I may have been slightly exaggerating, but only to make a point and as an attempt at some humor(humour). 

[johnrj1226]

a 12" x12" x18" box will get the  seller into the dimensional weight  price category - it is well above the 1728 cu in limit for  standard Priority mailing rates.  In other words unless you can  get  into a 12" x12" x12" box  (or an 1728 cu. in box - outside dimensions sticker shock will  happen.

Yes  Wal Mart still sells those vacuum storage  bags.

GL

PS:  I never  sell anything thing that I can't fit into a 12" x 12" x 12".