Shipping tape

[buttonskc]

I know this seems like a trivial matter, but just need some quick advice. As we all do, I try to save as much as I can on shipping supplies. I'm having a problem with tape that won't stick well to bubble wrap. Does anyone have a suggestion on a good tape that won't break the bank?

Thanks so much! Karla

[powell-memorabilia]

Tape has to be the cheapest packing item that you have when spread across the use you get from it.  Invest in a good tape - you'll save time and aggravation.  Seriously, if using cheap tape costs you an extra thirty seconds per shipment, you're being penny wise and pound foolish.

[deserdog]

I use Duck brand clear packing tape. Never had a problem with it. A trick your buyers will like: It can be a pain to find the end of tape on bubble wrap. Fold one end over to make a little flap and mark it with an X.

[nobody*s_perfect]

Why are you using packing tape on bubble wrap? Instead, use rubber bands or painter's tape.

[wastingtime101]

I use masking tape on bubble wrap @buttonskc . It sticks well, but it's easy for the buyer to open because it's pretty easy to tear where the bubble wrap seam is. The contrast color makes it easier to see than clear packing tape. And you can write on it, so if you're packing similar items you can label them as you go.

If the tape you're using won't stick to bubble, are you sure it's sticking well to boxes and surviving the journey - especially in hot and cold temps? In my experience most tape sticks pretty well to bubble.

Low price sometimes means low quality. Make sure you're not skimping too much on quality when looking for cost-effective packing tape.

[krazzykats]

If the bubble wrap is secondhand and dusty, tape won't stick to it.  Try washing it off maybe.  Just saying.

My issue is people using tape that tears or ruins the bubble wrap. 😀

[rileydone]

I have great success with "Scotch Moving Tape"; sticks to the bubble wrap and doesn't make that awful noise that other tapes seem to make when you are pulling the tape off the roll.

Sorry, that noise drives me up the wall!

[1tuna]

I fail to see what good tape is doing on a ball of bubble wrap inside of a box

I think its against the laws of physics for bubble wrap to unwrap itself when its compressed in a box

i am so against a bubble wrap and tape mummy...what is the point

postage stamp size pieces are OK but thats it

i like using rubber bands to bundle things/mailers/jiffy bags  in a box

its senior citizen friendly

@buttonskc 

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@1tuna wrote:

I fail to see what good tape is doing on a ball of bubble wrap inside of a box

I think its against the laws of physics for bubble wrap to unwrap itself when its compressed in a box ..

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But if the buyer assumes that the bubble wrap is taped, they might be careless when lifting the item out of the box.  So just enough to hold it in place might be a good idea.

[rudy2828]

Staples has an excellent tape, #55219. Make sure the tape goes all the way around and then onto the original taped spot. Then it will stay in place.

[rudy2828]

My error. It's #52219.

[sassykzt]

Another alternative is to use a heat sealer ( also known as an impulse sealer) .  It seals the ends and no tape is needed-- works on all sorts of bubble wrap, poly mailers, etc....

[stephenmorgan]

I use that one along with others from staples and it is is very good, thick and strong.

[stephenmorgan]

If you are using USPS Priority mail then USPS has a very good strong tape that is available free for the asking.  If you have a USPS account such as Informed Delivery you can call and ask for a roll to be sent to you for free.  If your local Postal Employee knows you ship a lot of packages sometimes they will give you a row if you ask for one. 

I see these for sale on eBay along with the older versions but I believe it is against the law to be selling the free USPS Supplies.

[gloryglorygifts]

I second this! It's a good tape and a pretty reasonable price too. I use Staples brand 52193 too.