Acceptable to reuse packing envelopes and boxes?

[dithommo]

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

[valu4you2010]

I know this post is a bit old but I just read it.

A year or so ago I bought a glass bowl from France on Ebay. I always worry a little that delicate items will be packed adequately.

My bowl arrived in a large box and on opening was found to be wrapped in a blanket which by look and smell had been stored in a barn. Customs didn't pck that one up. Blanket put straight in bin, the bowl was intact. There was also an old french teatowel in the box, used but in good order so I bleached it and still use it. 

I don't mind at all if my purchases come in recycled packaging, in fact I keep a lot of it in case I want to sell any of my stuff LOL. But that blanket PHEW.

[cherry*135]

I received a baby blanket purchased from the US once that was in a lovely box, blanket wrapped in tissue and had a lovely ribbon and gorgeous bow around it, very attractive. The gift box was inside a sturdy cardboard  posting box so it didn't get dinged. They couldn't have done better.

[dithommo]

Thanks to all for your thoughts.

Looks like re use of padded envelopes & boxes is generally accepted.

I would expect that there should be some basic accepted rules:

Do not use ex food containers/boxes etc.

Ensure packaging is in good & clean condition.

If selling at the top end and/or charging full costs for post & pack then use all new packing.

Personally I have started using used padded envelopes etc but the items are either wrapped in very clean/new bubble wrap or in a new zip loc bag. I am feeling much more comfortable after these feedbacks thanks.

Some of you have mentioned sending fragile items, I am about to send some fragile plates which I use an old cutlery box for shipping. With the plates further wrapped in bubble wrap inside I think I have done all I can to ensure safe arrival.

Hope the buyer appreciates the effort.

[digital*ghost]

I used to receive several padded envelopes a week and didn't want them going to waste, so one thing I used to do, as long as the bubble wrap inside isn't crushed, is soak them in water for a few minutes, the paper covering comes away super-easy and you're left with a nice little bubblewrap pouch. 

[silly_wallaby]

I used to work at a post office and you would be AMAZED the sort of stuff that people wrap things in! Blankets, garbage bags covered in tape, cloth, old book covers, etc. If it can be turned into makeshift packaging, then Aus Post has probably seen it.

I remember one specific example a few years ago where an elderly lady had wrapped a package for her grand-daughter in giant palm leaves (and a LOT of sticky tape). When I asked why she did this, she said they had fallen off her tree and she didn't know what to do with them so she wrapped her daughter's gift in them. We had to accept it. Technically there is nothing against the rules saying you can't pack your parcels in giant leaves. I hope her grand-daugther got her package safely.

Recycing packaging is common by comparison. It wouldn't even raise an eyebrow.