Instead of using boxes can I depend on more layers of bubble wrap to protect items

[pigeonpicker]

Extreme Example

What if it's glass in a poly bag, but has 5 or 10 layers of bubble wrap?

[powell-memorabilia]

Please, don’t ever sell another item on eBay.  Please.

[stainlessenginecovers]

Just envision every item getting thrown off the 4th Story Hotel Balcony onto the asphalt street below.

If you believe it will survive, more power to you. 

[biggymoe]

You can, but I certainly wouldn't.  Why are you thinking of doing this?  Are you trying to save a few ounces in shipping costs?  If so, not worth it.

[pigeonpicker]

I've delivered an item before in a box that was still broken. So a box isn't everything. 

[nobody*s_perfect]

No, you cannot depend on bubble wrap in an envelope to protect a glass item.

Do you have any idea what your package goes through at the various sorting centers? It can be at the bottom of a bin with 50-pound boxes of books landing on it.

To test any proposed packaging: thrown the package down a flight of stairs onto a concrete floor, and then go and stand on it.

[mtgraves7984]

You're 'Extreme Example' sounds like a bad idea. Could a layer of bubble wrap (around the glass) inside a box wrapped in a layer of bubble wrap inside another box really cost that much more? If so, add it to your s&h. Buyers want the whole item (in one piece), and good buyers will pay for that service.

[simba6]

Double boxes with bubble wrap on item and between boxes.  I had a delivery few weeks ago. When the rear roll up door of the truck was opened, a box fell from near the top and a good eight feet to the street. When the driver rummaged for my package two more were knocked into the street.  All three were tossed back in the truck and the driver delivered mine.

Pack well or else.

[cellguy215]

Can you drop it out of a 4th floor window? That is when it is packed enough.  You want double boxes and packaging materials. 

[buyselljack2016]

Some things will make it. Some things will not.

I shipped an  item with bubble wrap, in a box.  It got there.

Buyer apparently tossed all shipping materials before opening a return request.

The item was wrapped in a few paper towels, and then wrapped in a grocery style paper bag. The one with twine handles.

It made it back OK. Not all things will.

You can just use bubble wrap if you are willing to take your chances, but keep in mind that the seller is responsible for getting the item to the buyer in good condition. Do what you may, but you take all the $$ risk.

[lja440]

If you drop it from 6 feet up and have it survive,...and then have several other packages of unknown size and weight, up to 70# drop on top of it?   I am confident that the boxes I pack can survive but then again I USE A BOX.  The only things I ship in bags is clothing and some cheaper books.

[soh.maryl]

Be sure to read lja440's answer.  This is a very knowledgeable USPS employee.