Package and shipping questions

[wargod]

I'm looking at selling alot of systems in the near future. The console, controllers, and hookups come out to be less that 5 lbs in weight total.

I was looking at purchasing 25 shipping boxes from unline (14x14x6) for $33.53 shipped. That comes to roughly $1.34 per box. I don't have time to go finding properly sized boxes that stores are throwing away, so uline seems to be the better option for me at this point.

Now flat rate priority mail shipping though USPS is $14.95 in their big box that is sized 12.5x12.5x5. While it's big enough to fit a model 1 or 2 genesis, I'm worried about the box not being big enough to hold enough packing material to keep the items safe. It may work for a genesis 1/2, but not an NES or SNES.

Parcel post for a 14x14x6 box that is roughly 5 lbs or less is going to be $11.45-$11.67 worst case scenario. (prices for me to ship to the west cost/ north east corner like CA and NY) + delivery confirmation fee. I believe that if you setup the shipment though paypal, the charge is only $0.19 as opposed to $0.70-0.80 Retail at the usps location. Can anyone confirm? If this is the case, it looks like a 14x14x6 box can be shipped for roughly $13.2 though parcel post.

Is the 12.5x12.5x5 USPS box via priority for $14.95 the preferred method that you guys use to ship your systems or do you use parcel post in your own boxes for better packaging? What is everyone's experience in terms of what it typically costs to ship your systems using parcel post and the level of satisfaction from the buyer knowing that you could have shipped it priority for $2-$3 more?

[Yoder]

IMO, USPS flat rate shipping is only worth it if you're shipping lead. Otherwise, you're better off doing your own packaging and weighing it. Parcel post actually moves pretty quickly and they "sorta" track it, although they're not really supposed to (just supposed to do delivery confirmation).

So, yes, I try to use parcel post and prefer that things are shipped to me that way so that people will actually use packaging. I had a guy ship me a Saturn in those USPS boxes and he barely put in any packaging materials at all. It did ok, but I lucked out, IMO.

If it's ebay, people typically expect you to ship it the second they pay and for it to get there at lightning speed, so just make a disclaimer if you're going to do Parcel Post if you want to avoid issues. I shipped to a member on here and just asked him if it's ok if I ship PP and he was fine with it.

IMO, priority is a premium shipping method and shouldn't be expected unless someone wants to pay a premium.

Shipping can be a touchy subject b/c people want you to charge the exact amount it cost you in postage. But, IMO, delivery confirmation protects the shipper, not the buyer, so the buyer shouldn't have to pay for that. Plus, it's reasonable to collect a little bit to cover "handling costs". You're spending $1.50 per box plus using tape, packaging, and driving it to the post office and standing in line. You should be able to collect a dollar or two for all that trouble/cost, IMO.

Good luck!

[wargod]

Exactly what I needed to know Yoder! Thanks!