topic Acceptable to reuse packing envelopes and boxes? in Selling

Acceptable to reuse packing envelopes and boxes?

dithommo — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 07:40:32 GMT

To my learned eBay-ers..............

As a non professional - recreational seller how acceptable is it to re-use padded envelopes/boxes etc?

I have recieved itmes over the years that have obviously used preloved packaging and I have had no problem with it.

Indeed the majority of people re-using packaging have put in extra effort to ensure itmes are well packaged.

I have recieved some larger items so well wrapped in some old used cardboard (just cut up boxes from other items bought) that they have resembled a work of oragami.

I have done the same with wrapping some unusual shaped items but I am now considering reusing some of the plethora of used padded bags/envelopes piling up in my packing box of bits and pieces.

Personally I do not see a problem and obviously it is important to cover old addresses/lables etc.

Also to make sure no nasty little creatures have nested themselves inside.

How many other non-professional sellers do this?

I would not be impressed if professional sellers or those charging full price postage and packing charges did this but as I more often than not include "Free Shipping" I see this as a small and acceptable win.

Just looking for others input/opinion (I will still do this but just looking for others opinions in a friendly discussion).

Cheers

Thommo

Re: Acceptable to reuse packing envelopes and boxes?

i-love-my-sheep — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 07:44:26 GMT

I use new padded bags, but all my parcel stuff is recycled. Never had a complaint.

Re: Acceptable to reuse packing envelopes and boxes?

lustrekate — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 07:47:28 GMT

I think that by reusing packing envelopes and boxes that you are actually recycling, perhaps even one less tree is cut from our forrests.

Re: Acceptable to reuse packing envelopes and boxes?

queenslander-one — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 07:53:10 GMT

If available from my supply in the Garage (Storeage Area) I will always use recycled Boxes, Packs etc. Makes sense and enables sellers to only charge the Postage cost.

Re: Acceptable to reuse packing envelopes and boxes?

digital*ghost — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 07:56:08 GMT

I'm not really in a position these day to use recycled packaging, except for bubble wrap, but used to use it frequently when I was selling off a large number of DVDs.

I would cut up old boxes and cut them to size so that I could send the DVDs boxed within satchels (they were wrapped in foam - a thin layer, usually recycled, then bubble-wrap, then cardboard casing).

I not only never had any complaints about this, but many comments about how well packaged the items were, so it's really about how well-protected the item is rather than whether the packaging has been used before.

The only thing that would really see buyers taking issue is food boxes that have stickyness, or grease spots etc. I have heard that some people don't like seeing recycled food boxes at all, no matter how clean, but if you were using anything like that, a quick note in the listing re: using recycled packaging to reduce costs etc should help.

Re: Acceptable to reuse packing envelopes and boxes?

twyngwyn — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 07:58:29 GMT

I use newspaper, junkmail & recycled envelopes....never had a problem 🙂

Re: Acceptable to reuse packing envelopes and boxes?

chameleon54 — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 07:59:00 GMT

I,m a full time seller. I use new bubble wrap and envelopes / packing bags, but use large quantities of pre-loved cardboard. I get large boxes from a radiator business ( all fairly clean and dry ) and cut them up to size. On my private account I recycle old padded envelopes, bubble wrap etc. all of the time and have never had a complaint.

I would say go for it. The less plastic and cardboard that returns to the enviroment by way of dumps the better.

Re: Acceptable to reuse packing envelopes and boxes?

zanadoo_56 — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 08:01:50 GMT

As some items just don't fit in Aust Post boxes (too big too small) recycling other packaging makes sense to me.

I'm not a seller but when a purchase arrives in a good box or with other packaging I can use I save it. This Christmas I went through my 'stash' of both Aust Post boxes and various other odd sized containers and found the odd sized ones were just right for posting Christmas presents to friends. I also used all the bubble wrap I've saved from purchases. Once all my stuff was posted off I then set about cutting up the unused ones for the recycling bin.

As long as the packaging isn't so bad it has seen better days and the contents could be easily damaged, reusing packaging is a very sensible thing to do IMO.

Re: Acceptable to reuse packing envelopes and boxes?

2011.narelle — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 08:05:27 GMT

I'm a practical woman so i don't personally mind if an item arrives in odd packaging as long as it arrives safely & undamaged.I throw the package away & to me it's the item that I'm interested in,not disposable packing.

I did order some seeds from a Sydney seller a while ago & he had a lot of funny fb comments about him wrapping the chilli seeds in toilet paper They were in toilet paper but i found it funny but the seeds were nice & dry & it was free post i think.Anyhoo,he did a good job & i was happy.

I have read quite a few fb for sellers about packaging,including bad comms for recycled packaging.I guess some may think that it was cheap or free & thought they may have overpaid for postage.Some people like their packaging to look gift wrapped i guess.Maybe add something in the listing about recycled packaging being used for environmental reasons but actual postage costs are as charged perhaps.

Re: Acceptable to reuse packing envelopes and boxes?

character_parties_aus — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 08:17:24 GMT

I send 3-4000 reclycled boxes a year. Not only does it therefore save me $3-4000 it also saves the environment and never had one moan

Re: Acceptable to reuse packing envelopes and boxes?

cherry*135 — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 08:43:20 GMT

I use a lot of recycled packaging.. boxes, tissue paper, packing peanuts, cardboard and packing peanuts I have received myself as a buyer. I recycle bubble wrap, cut any bits off ruined by tape or bubbles flattened.

I buy new bubble wrap mailer bags though. A used one usually shows a bit of wear by the time it arrives. I wouldn't mind if a seller sent me items in used mailer bags, as long as they did the job.

If sellers use recycled packaging and don't charge buyers for it, itwould be miserly of buyers to complain about it.. it saved them money.

Re: Acceptable to reuse packing envelopes and boxes?

i-love-my-sheep — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 10:25:20 GMT

@2011.narelle wrote:
I'm a practical woman so i don't personally mind if an item arrives in odd packaging as long as it arrives safely & undamaged.I throw the package away & to me it's the item that I'm interested in,not disposable packing.

I did order some seeds from a Sydney seller a while ago & he had a lot of funny fb comments about him wrapping the chilli seeds in toilet paper They were in toilet paper but i found it funny but the seeds were nice & dry & it was free post i think.Anyhoo,he did a good job & i was happy.

I have read quite a few fb for sellers about packaging,including bad comms for recycled packaging.I guess some may think that it was cheap or free & thought they may have overpaid for postage.Some people like their packaging to look gift wrapped i guess.Maybe add something in the listing about recycled packaging being used for environmental reasons but actual postage costs are as charged perhaps.

Most of the mineral specimens I buy from China are wrapped in toilet paper, before being wrapped in that plastic foamy stuff. I've never had a crack or a break in any of them. One thing they really know how to do is pack delicate stuff. One I got today had so many tiny little crystals, some finer than a human hair and not one was broken. That particular piece, while not that large, was wrapped in what seemed like a whole roll.

They have really good boxes too so I save all them to reuse. Most of their labelling is taped on, so easy to remove. Only one that's hard to get off is the post office label with the postage stamp and date on it.

Even though I reuse most boxes and most packaging (I don't reuse the toilet paper and I dispose of any really grubby bubble wrap), I always make sure that the contents are packed securely and the box is sealed professionally. I do take extra time to make sure the outside of the box looks presentable.

Re: Acceptable to reuse packing envelopes and boxes?

i-once-was-bump — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 11:06:46 GMT

Over the years there have been a few discussions here about recycling and most have always been happy with it.

However some sellers have used cardboard boxes that used to contain frozen food such as fish fingers and that is an absolute no-no.

Some have objected to cereal boxes which is funny because the cereal is in a plastic bag inside the box but they are happy for shoe boxes to be reused and shoe boxes could have any sort of germs in them from storing dirty shoes.

If you have any doubts you could always put it in your listing that you "use recycled packaging where ever possible", that will make it difficult for buyers to complain.

Re: Acceptable to reuse packing envelopes and boxes?

lyndal1838 — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 11:48:29 GMT

I am a prolific buyer and have no problems with recycled bubblewrap and boxes but do prefer new bubble envelopes and ordinary envelopes. I have had AP satchels turned inside out and reused...OK if they are in good overall condition but I was not impressed with the one that had a tear in the middle, just taped over.

UK sellers come up with some very inventive packaging...I have had some small china/pottery pieces packed in spotlessly clean plastic margarine containers, larger items in biscuit tins and pretty chocolate boxes.

The only problem I have ever had was when a US seller sent a plate in a used pizza box....Customs/Quarantine did give me a rap over the knuckles for that one and it was not really my fault.

Re: Acceptable to reuse packing envelopes and boxes?

saarzi — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 13:09:11 GMT

I think it depends on what you are selling, the dynamic you are selling to, and how you want you business to be viewed.

Firstly, buyers dont know you are a recreational / hobby seller and almost certainly dont care.

When buyers buy something, they arent just getting an item. They are getting the entire experience of buying - the item itself, communications, ease of buying, fast postage, AND packaging.

Repeat customers are GOLD for any business! The 'work' has been done on them already AND they are the ones who will recommend you to others. These are the ones you want to impress! The old sales motto "under promise and over deliver" hasnt been the mantra of businesses for centuries for nothing.

So yes, reuse packaging if its approoriate for what you sell and the people you sell to.

I dont because I sell clothes. Id be disappointed if I got my gorgeous new top in grotty reused envelope that had who knows hands all over it. In terms of the seller it doesnt show any pride or care. A bit like getting an xmas present from a lover in used paper lol

If it was a car part in reused packaging I couldnt care less.

Re: Acceptable to reuse packing envelopes and boxes?

springyzone — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 17:06:34 GMT

Personally it doesn't worry me when it happens, especially if it means postage charges can be kept down, but like you, I probably would not be quite as impressed if I had paid a fair bit extra in supply costs for bags etc

As someone says though, it may depend to some extent on what a person is selling. Most items, fine, but there may be some hand crafted items that have cost a premium and the seller might like to have them looking their best. That could include a box and tissue paper etc.

Horses for courses, i guess.

Re: Acceptable to reuse packing envelopes and boxes?

the_pooze — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 02:50:33 GMT

All I ever use is recycled material and never had a complaint. Make my own small boxes out of much larger boxes & etc. and recycle every piece of bubble wrap, polystyrene and even old Christmas paper. Just needs to be clean and pong free. Does the job, saves everyone money and good for the planet.

Anyone who wants brand spanking new shop fresh packaging is an unbearable snob and a Cad!

Re: Acceptable to reuse packing envelopes and boxes?

springyzone — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 23:14:52 GMT

well, maybe. I don't know as I am not buying the elite stuff.

But I have noticed (at markets and little boutique shops) that when the sellers are wrapping for some of their customers, some of them don't just pop the item in a bag, they may put it in a box or fluff it up with tissue paper and so on.

Now don't go thinking I am the buyer in all this, okay.

But there is one market where they sell mobiles. Little mobiles for babies, made out of material and get this. They sell for $170!!

My friend watched in awe as someone bought it and had it wrapped up and it certainly got the special treatment.

I suppose the perception for buyers there was they were buying a quality hand made item. It was treated as precious by the seller. My friend and I were watching this as a selling exercise.

I would not be surprised if some ebay sellers of higher end items also take a lot of care in how they present things and wrap their things as it is about perception.

As I said, it is horses for courses.

Re: Acceptable to reuse packing envelopes and boxes?

chameleon54 — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 23:44:29 GMT

@springyzone wrote:
well, maybe. I don't know as I am not buying the elite stuff.

I would not be surprised if some ebay sellers of higher end items also take a lot of care in how they present things and wrap their things as it is about perception.

As I said, it is horses for courses.

Springyzone - I,ll be able to let you know on this one soon.

We have just purchased a very rare, fine item of porcelain as a going away present for a friend. We searched high and low for the right item. It had to be classy and something exotic which reflected where we live, something the friend will treasure and use forever. After much searching we finally found the item we where looking for in one of ebays very expensive, high class ( read expensive ) online antique shops. The item is a porcelain reclining nude. It has our town name classily stamped on the nudes thighs in ornate cursive writing. Each breast ( complete with suptle pink nipple ) is a salt or pepper shaker. As I say, its all class. I would expect something this good should be very well wrapped.

Re: Acceptable to reuse packing envelopes and boxes?

zanadoo_56 — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 00:26:15 GMT

@lyndal1838 wrote:
I am a prolific buyer and have no problems with recycled bubblewrap and boxes but do prefer new bubble envelopes and ordinary envelopes. I have had AP satchels turned inside out and reused...OK if they are in good overall condition but I was not impressed with the one that had a tear in the middle, just taped over.

UK sellers come up with some very inventive packaging...I have had some small china/pottery pieces packed in spotlessly clean plastic margarine containers, larger items in biscuit tins and pretty chocolate boxes.

The only problem I have ever had was when a US seller sent a plate in a used pizza box....Customs/Quarantine did give me a rap over the knuckles for that one and it was not really my fault.

I had the same issues with Customs/Quaratine when a US seller packed my purchase in an old fruit box. Grrrrr. I thought the nasty letter from Quarantine (or whoever) was pathetic as the choice of packaging wasn't my fault, furthermore someone (presumably AP as they have to open the parcels) used a box cutter and damaged my purchase, and added to that Customs/Quarantine sent me 'helpful brocures' that were so old the goverment links for further info no longer existed. (I checked them out as I wanted to send the info to the US seller). BIG difference between what is seen on Border Security and what really happens.

A UK seller I bought something from sent my purchase in an old Chanel box. I like to recycle packaging when sending parcels....but that's one I'm keeping for myself.