I have no idea how people parting sets/pieces do it...10 seconds after reading my notification that I set is sold, my excitement turns to a dull realization, damn...I have to find a box and pack now haha.  Guess for people that sell minifigs and parts, it's about volume and you have a routine down.  And you have to enjoy what you do or else you could get tired of it real soon. 

 

What are some unusual boxes you have used for shipping common sets?  Or do have a store/site you purchase your new boxes?  Sometimes if I don't have a box available I go to UPS and the lady there would custom cut boxes and wrap it securely for me since most boxes are not the ideal size.  I pay for the box(es) only, so her time and tape used is included.  I'd gladly pay for the service to save time, I know it takes away from my margin.  Amazon/Chapters/Indigo has the best boxes to reuse if you buy single sets but I assume most of us buy in bulk.

 

Last night I used a cracker box to ship a Captain America set and a DVD box to ship Hulk Helicarrier Breakout - both were PERFECT size.  I usually take pride in packing it well.  I might have to buy more crackers on sale lol.  With these boxes I have to wrap it with the usual brown stuffing paper and stick/write addresses on it which adds to my work.        

I'm about to start selling sets and I was wondering if anyone has tried using ziplock bags, filled with air, for padding?

It seems like a secure way to fill up space with little cost, but I worry about the possibility of them bursting open in transit.

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Wouldn't that be more expensive than crumpled paper?  If you don't have existing stuffing paper from bulk purchases...maybe newspapers?  Usually I try to find or have boxes that fit as well as possible to avoid bubble wrap/pillows....usually a few sheets of brown paper or some scrunched around the set to avoid corner damage and on the front+back if the box is a little big.       

I'm about to start selling sets and I was wondering if anyone has tried using ziplock bags, filled with air, for padding?

It seems like a secure way to fill up space with little cost, but I worry about the possibility of them bursting open in transit.

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Just buy a set from Yoyo.com once in a while and you never have to worry about padding.  They ship LEGO in oversize boxes with tons of mailing air bags.

I'm about to start selling sets and I was wondering if anyone has tried using ziplock bags, filled with air, for padding?

It seems like a secure way to fill up space with little cost, but I worry about the possibility of them bursting open in transit.

Sent from my iPhone using Brickpicker

I zip lock all loose sets I sell, but using them for air bags would get pricey fast.

I know buying boxes isn't for everybody, but it makes the shipping process go  much smoother.  You know before you sell something that you have a box that is the perfect size for your Lego every time.  The $1 that the box cost me is more than worth it when I'm not having to search a giant pile of boxes to find one that is the right size.  I got mine from Staples, I know many others use Uline.  I definitely also re-use boxes as well if they are still in good shape.

 

I don't buy many boxes.... However there are a lot of benefits to it IMO.

 

1. Particularly with selling on Amazon, many people think they are buying it from Amazon, not some third party. I try to use only professional looking boxes for these shipments. Otherwise you get people thinking "Somebody made money off me, where could I have found this cheaper?"... Returns cost a lot! I am a strong believer in making your packages look professional puts the customer at ease. 

 

2. Time saved in cutting down boxes to the right size. This is a pain, can look terrible, and can make the box weaker. 

 

3. If you can get boxes that are the right size, you need less packing material... saves more $.

 

Like many things, the upfront cost may be outweighed by hidden savings. 

I don't buy many boxes.... However there are a lot of benefits to it IMO.

 

1. Particularly with selling on Amazon, many people think they are buying it from Amazon, not some third party. I try to use only professional looking boxes for these shipments. Otherwise you get people thinking "Somebody made money off me, where could I have found this cheaper?"... Returns cost a lot! I am a strong believer in making your packages look professional puts the customer at ease. 

 

2. Time saved in cutting down boxes to the right size. This is a pain, can look terrible, and can make the box weaker. 

 

3. If you can get boxes that are the right size, you need less packing material... saves more $.

 

Like many things, the upfront cost may be outweighed by hidden savings. 

good points/tips.  Yeah, some of my 'home made' or household product boxes don't look professional at all...also a pain to source out.  But luckily customers are happy with condition of sets inside, less picky about outside box.  I've stepped up my game and ordered boxes finally   Will make receiving orders less labour intensive.       

I ordered the 20" x 14" x 4" to accommodate these sets.  I'm not sure I'd want to go much smaller than that.

Found a 20x12x3 box...better snug fit, should be good. 

You don't use bubble mailer envelopes?  I know LEGO pieces are very durable but I always ship my minifigures in bubble mailers, though they are a bit more expensive.  You'll have to let me know what you think of the polybags and if you've ever had any issues with them.

I wrap the minifigs in a small bit of bubble wrap and no problems yet