@uzumakey wrote: ... since it's going out First Class the price would increase significantly since they charge by ounce..... This time I'll either end up folding the barcode (which I don't want to do) or folding the buyer's address.
Online labels are not priced per ounce; the prices for First Class packages go in 4-ounce increments. So it cost the same to ship a 4-ounce package as a 1-ounce, and the same to ship an 8-ounce package as a 5-ounce.
You need to either use a larger box, or put your undersize box into an envelope that can accommodate the shipping label.
1. You can gain some room by trimming off these unnecessary parts of eBay's label.
2. If its small box put it inside a manilla envelope to gain surface area for the label. This also makes it less likely to get misplaced as its physically larger. Use some 2" tape on the envelope!
3. There are literally thousands and thousands of stores that have to pay money for their cardboard to be hauled away. You should be able to get free cardboard boxes from a number of stores. Every box you get for free is like free money.
Stores are very unlikely to save you any boxes as that costs them labor, storage area, and they can easily be fined by a visiting fire marshal for having empty boxes presetting a access and/or fire hazard. In stores that you are unlikely to get boxes the best strategy is often to have a employee or friend that works there save them for - give them a tipping fee for doing so, which earns them money and saves you money as you are not having to pay for new boxes.
There are three main scenarios that will increase or decrease your chances of getting boxes.
Outside Compacter - A large straight truck size compactor and container assembly typically located at the back of the store. That usually means they break down boxes and immediately compact them. They are also likely paid for the boxes. Less likely to get any.
Inside Bailer - Cardboard is compacted into large bails that are housed on wooden pallets and stacked outside for pickup by a recycler who typically pays them for the cardboard. Wal-Mart generally uses this type of setup. Unlikely to get any.
The strategy in the case of a 24 hour Wal-Mart is to do your grocery shopping in the early a.m. hours in the morning when the stocking crew is working. They will typically let you take cart loads of boxes for free as this saves the time taking them back to the bailer and bailing them. Some boxes are reused and off limits such those used for fresh produce and potato chips, the later typically having diagonal slots in the top and bottom flaps so that they can be easily refolded and folded.
Outside Dumpster - These are large "cardboard only" metal dumpsters located outside. These are typically used by smaller stores (Family Dollar, Dollar General) who have to pay to have their cardboard hauled away. They have to pay because they do not prepare their cardboard by bailing or compacting it and they much smaller volume. Ask first. Leave the dumpster as you found it. Take one of those handy grabbers to reach down into the dumpster if need be.
You can also check if you state has a waste exchange program such as this:
https://programs.iowadnr.gov/iwe/searchmaterials.aspx
There are plenty of companies wanting to get rid of boxes and other materials.
