HOW TO: Package Books Properly

[tippy4]

So, it is a major pet peave of mine when I receive books from sellers that are poorly packaged.

I have decided to create a tutorial on the PROPER WAY to pack a book for shipment across the country, or across the world.

I will edit this post later with photos.

1. Select the right sized box. You need a minium of two inches between the book and box on the four sides that are most likely to sustain damage (top, bottom, spine, and side opposite spine). Don't be lazy and just ship your book in the first box you can squeeze your book into. And I'm not suggesting you need to go out and purchase your boxes either...with little effort one can find the right box for free.



2. Lay down a layer of cardboard in the bottom of the box to prevent punctures.

3. Lay down some padding (foam peanuts or bubble wrap). I like a minimum of an inch.

4. Lay down a sheet of thick cardboard that is the exact dimensions of the inside length and width of the box. This will act to reinforce the inside of the box like a structural support, and prevent the box from being crushed.

5. If possible, put your book in a NEW and CLEAN clear plastic bag. I buy them from my grocery store, and they are usually called BREAD BAGS. Tape the bag shut.

6. Center the book in the box.

7. Pour in foam peanuts between the book and box on all four sides, making sure they come up to the top of the book (and a little past), and are evenly distributed.

7. lay down a couple sheets of bubble wrap.

8. Lay down another sheet of thick cardboard that is the exact dimesions of the inside length and width of the box. This will act to reinforce the inside of the box like a structural support, and prevent the box from being crushed. It will also prevent an enthusiastic recipient from damaging the book as he or she slices open the box with a knife.

9. Fill the empty space between the cardboard and top of the box with foam peanuts. You need to put enough in so it is ALMOST difficult to close the box and tape it shut.

10. Tape the box shut. I put a piece of tape over the flaps, and pieces on the edge as well.

11. Gently shake your box, if you feel the book flopping around inside, you DID NOT DO IT RIGHT. You either need to add more foam peanuts around the sides, or between the cover of the book and the top of the box. YOUR BOX MUST BE TIGHTLY PACKED...THIS IS A KEY REQUIRMENT IN PREVENTING DAMAGE.

A little extra effort keeps your recipient happy, and keeps you from having to deal with returns. I spend about 15-20 minutes packing each book. I get all of my materials for free (except for tape) because I keep my eyes open. Foam peanuts and cardboad boxes are VERY easy to find.

How do I know what I do works? Because I have NEVER had a complaint about an item I shipped arriving damaged in ten+ years of selling on ebay. Here are some feedback comments received in just the last year:

perfect-great book and by far the best packed book ive received-thank you!!!!

Flawless copy- the best I've seen. Very well packaged and quickly shipped.

The book shipped immediately and was packaged with bubble wrap and popcorn.

Book was well-packaged and arrived in excellent condition. Highly recommended!

FAST shipping, EXPERT packaging (seriously, the best), and GREAT guy. Thanks!

received item, well packed , great condition, received quickly for shipping rate

wouldn't hesitate to buy from this seller again..great care taken packaging item


I hope you have found the above useful.

tippy4