What boxes (other than USPS flat rate boxes) can I use for shipping out "irregular items"

[hizon_evan]

What boxes do you guys recommend that can help me save on shipping through USPS Priority Mail? I recently sold an item and I had to pay $80 for shipping because it was not their Flat Rate Boxes. 

I have zero problems using USPS Flat Rate Boxes, but if I use any boxes other than theirs, the shipping gets high. 

I noticed a lot of sellers can ship out packages that are big, but only charge $20-$30 for shipping. But I would like to know what boxes you recommend for shipping that will not cost an arm and leg to ship. I just want to know so that the next time I ship something out, I will not have to pay a lot for shipping. 

Thank You.

[albertabrightalberta]

Any box over 1 cubic foot (1728 cubic inches) is going to cost a lot to ship, especially if sending a long distance. 

USPS has non-FR boxes that are priced by weight and distance but you can also use any boxes from grocery stores or department stores. 

You can order free priority shipping materials through the USPS website but you have to ship by priority mail. 

[lakefor94]

If you had to pay USPS $80 to ship something, money could have been saved using UPS Ground, a LOT of money.

I make a lot of my own custom sized boxes. There are YouTube videos on making boxes.

The rest, I get from recycle dumpsters from stores like Burkes, Tuesday Morning, Bed Bath and Beyond, shoe stores etc etc.  Those boxes are always broken down and ready to load in my vehicle.

[lamber9347]

Shipping is based on weight and dimensions only. It doesn't matter if you are using boxes which aren't flat rate, the charges will be based on size and weight. If you shipped something that cost you $80, it must have been extremely heavy or you inadvertently used overnight, something out of the ordinary. I never use flat rate boxes and my shipping is very consistent. Best of luck to you.... 

[buyselljack2016]

UPS ground from Guam would likely be a costly venture.

[lakefor94]

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@buyselljack2016 wrote:

UPS ground from Guam would likely be a costly venture.

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True

[ms.rodriguez*]

There are surcharges that the post office added. For example , ANY box 30" or more will have a 15.00. surcharge IN ADDITION to the shipping cost.  It doesn't matter if it's priority or parcel.  For me, to keep shipping down and help ebay make LESS profit, I have stopped selling big items.  I also don't want to risk a lying customer wanting to return an item because they do not like the shade of blue or will lie about the condition. I only sell mint to nearmint items.

[rudy2828]

Any grocery store too, but don't use anything that had fresh / frozen fish in it.