@artforartssake wrote:
Thanks, but if I do as Digital suggests, do I still need to go into an AP outlet to buy the posting box?
Do I then just print off the label and stick it on the box with sticky tape? And then do I need to go into the AP outlet again to hand it in over the counter (wouldn't want to drop it into a box as it may break on the way down!)
Excuse my ignorance, but I've never done "click and send" before via self-service!
You don't need to buy a box, see if the local supermarket or Bunnings has a sturdy box, or even the local spare parts place. That said, to buy a single box as a one off shouldn't cost that much. They might be cheaper if you have an Officeworks rather than the PO. Just make sure it's sturdy and not something like a shoe box or cereal box (while I've had stuff delivered in and they get squashed).
I post quite a bit of fragile stuff and the secret is to make sure there is no dead space in the box. If the watch is in a box, I'd pack some packing peanuts or tissues (as in Kleenex) inside the watch box so the watch can't move at all if you shake it. Then wrap it in some paper (e.g printing paper) and tape it closed so the lid can't open (if it's a plastic watch box you could just tape the box closed as the tape would peel off easily enough.).
I'd then wrap the box in either bubble wrap or that foam wrapping stuff. You want a few layers around the box. Then stuff the bottom of the packing box with bubble wrap, packing peanuts or even newspaper. Sit the wrapped watch box in the middle and then stuff the packaging on the top and down the sides. Take extra care to make sure it does get down the sides. Hold the top of the box closed and shake it. If there is ANY movement at all, stuff some more packaging in there. I generally stuff enough in there so I have trouble getting the box to close, then you know there is no dead space. If it seems tight, but you can hear the watch rattling in its box, unwrap it and shove some more packing peanuts or tissues in it.
If you're finding the click and send thing too difficult, just write a label, or type one up and print it. I hand write or print mine and I tape over the whole label so there is no chance of it getting torn in transit. Leave enough room at the top right for the postage label. Don't forget to put a return address on too. Take it to the PO already addressed, tell them you want insurance up to $1,000 plus signature on delivery. They'll punch in whatever it is they punch in on their computer and spit the postage label out and stick it on. Then they'll tell you how much it costs. Hopefully in a few days time, the buyer receives it and is happy with their new watch!
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