Question about shipping boxes

[xangiecx]

Hello all,

         I've looked through the postings and didn't find an answer.  Apologies if this subject has been covered, I couldn't find anything.  I'm new to selling on ebay and have not really had to buy large quantities of shipping supplies at this time.  When shopping thru Lowe's and Home Depot I have seen their moving boxes in varying sizes, but these boxes have the punch out handles on the sides.  Has anyone used these boxes for shipping and if so, how do you deal with the punch out handles?  Any info is welcome and thanks.

[monica-sells]

Those boxes are pretty expensive...no?

You can find boxes in small quantities (like 25 or so) in various sizes.

10" x 8" x 6" Boxes

are as little as 1.20 each at the ebay supply store, and they are priced higher than other places.

The USPS supplies free boxes for Priority Mail in a myriad of sizes. Just visit their website.

Save the planet and re-use/recycle all those Amazon boxes out there.....

as far as the punch holes go, you would have to tape over them or something....I wouldn't use them.

[ebooksdiva]

Walmart sells boxes of different sizes they are reasonably priced. 

[redmodelt]

How big of items are you planning to sell? Cost over 1 cubic foot jumps quite a bit. I use what ever box I have handy if not sending USPS flat rate (those boxes are free). Do you have a scale to weight the packages?

[mudshark61369]

@xangiecx,

I used to sell a lot on ebay, and found that asking the stocking clerks at stores for a few empty boxes was a way to get small and medium size boxes. I also asked a couple of neighbors who regularly get deliveries from Amazon for their empties.  I saved boxes from items I received from ebay sellers as well.  I also ordered the Free boxes from the USPS site.  Only occasionally did I order boxes for hard to find sizes from box suppliers. Then only when I was selling several things that used the same size boxes. I found that saving bubble wrap from received packages helps so does buying bubble wrap in bulk boxes 12" wide X 240 ft. from Sam's saves money. 

The trick to selling things of varying sizes, is to have a box of the appropriate size for the item and any necessary packing material already on hand. Then prepack and weigh the item without sealing it to add the dimensions/weight to the shipping calculator.  If you do not have a digital kitchen or shipping scale, they are available on ebay for a decent price. Make sure to get one that is rated for a higher weight in case you list something large/heavy. 

[greenlakesales]

Take a look at Uline.com and packagaingprice.com, you might be surprised how reasonable new boxes are.  Shipping rates are reasonable if you order a few different boxes.  Uline ships same day during the work week and you can have them next day. All boxes are sold in lots of 25 each.

[mike_jayroe]

another possibility is on the day your local area collects trash and recycling, collect used boxes from there. I have found lots of boxes in good shape that way. Sometimes collect them while walking my dogs, or driving home after shopping.

I also collect some from grocery stores, Walmart (most of them made in America).

[xangiecx]

thanks all for the responses.  I recently came into possession of an item larger than I have been selling and have had some trouble finding 1 box to fit it.  I'll keep looking.  Thanks for all the tips.

[chevymontecarlo88]

Your local UHaul store should have a large variety of boxes that are reasonably priced. You should be able to view them online to get an idea. 

As far as side punch out handles..... I have used them and put pieces of cardboard taped on the inside and tape over the punch with flap. Never had an issue with those boxes. 

[chevymontecarlo88]

xangiecx 

thanks all for the responses. I recently came into possession of an item larger than I have been selling and have had some trouble finding 1 box to fit it.

Another option would be going to UPS or FED EX and have them box (pack using their shipping supplies) and ship out your item. (Cost applies)

Larger and odd size items always can be tough especially when you add up the shipping supply costs.

[toysaver]

"When shopping thru Lowe's and Home Depot I have seen their moving boxes in varying sizes, but these boxes have the punch out handles on the sides.  Has anyone used these boxes for shipping and if so, how do you deal with the punch out handles?" 

I've used egg shippers many times and close the handles and then tape over them, inside and out.   

[1tuna]

I have been buying boxes from this seller for at least 15 years .I buy 1500 boxes a year and 1500 000 mailers every year.

this seller has never let mw down. fast shipping and good prices

https://www.ebay.com/str/threerb/Boxes-18-and-Higher/_i.html?store_cat=858354619

[ms.rodriguez*]

I have used those boxes years ago when shipping was cheap.  I simply tape over the handles with a lot of tape. Sometimes, I will put a piece of cardboard there.  Definitely cover it completely. You don't want anyone poking their hand inside or worse, you don't want a mouse or other rodent to get inside.

[mr_lincoln]

@xangiecx   Yes, I have used the boxes with hinged punch out handles and like @ms.rodriguez* I simply tape them on both sides ... I make a lot of custom size boxes and that handle can wind up on top, bottom, folded over an edge, etc.  Nobody has ever asked me about that or complained.

The key is to make the box look neat when it ships ... as long as the item arrives safely and the box has a presentable appearance then that's a good thing.

[pcobra93]

Never ever buy a box....every box store has a cardboard recycling dumpster in back....free for the taking. boxes of any size and shape you could ever want. You can even get tons of bubble wrap for free. One of my secret honey holes is Ulta Beauty.....or any similar. They get some of the best packing stuff and just throw it all away. If you do not want to dumpster dive then just go in and ask the manager....I have some places that save it for me to pick up.