As an online seller, I try to make sure that the item I am mailing is clean and wrapped well. I am a non-smoker, so I appreciate it when I get packaging that doesn’t smell of smoke. Smoke is particularly bothersome to me since I quit smoking. So, I try to make sure that MY packages being mailed aren’t smelly and appreciate it when people tell me in their listings whether they smoke and whether they have pets. Then I can decide if I want the item. Plus, this can be very bad for someone allergic to either smoke or pet hair.
I like to reuse packing material when I can but if it is smelly or in bad shape, I throw it away. Otherwise, I will save it to reuse, not only saving the landfill but saving me money since I don’t charge for any handling, only the shipping price. I also try to use a good box. I remove the labels as much as possible if it was previously used. If you are doing your packaging via priority mail through the post office, it’s easy to order free boxes and bubble envelopes. They are clean and professional looking. AND you have the benefit of free insurance up to $50 when shipping priority.
You have a business, selling online. Try to package your items as though it is coming from a professional business and not some garage sale. Yes, I get a lot of things from garage sales BUT my pictures and my listings are as professional as I can make them. I don’t want that impression destroyed by someone opening a package from me smelling to high heavens or looking like the cat drug it in! My husband did get a particularly fun package and this is what I am talking about. Believe it or not, this isn’t the worst I’ve seen. I realize that some people have different methods of shipping but this just totally destroyed the image of an online “store”. I did cover up the addresses.
The post office also has some rules for shipping, some that I wasn’t aware of so I thought I would include a snippet of what they have on their website.
“Only stamped mail pieces weighing 13 oz or less can be put in a blue collection box, Post Office lobby drop, USPS self-service kiosk drop, or any other unattended location.
If your mail piece weighs more than 13 oz and is bearing only stamps as postage, you’ll need to take it to the retail counter of a Post Office™, Contract Postal Unit, or Approved Shipper location. If left in a mailbox, it won’t be picked up; if dropped in a collection box or lobby drop, it will be returned to you.
There are rules and restrictions for what can and can’t be mailed.
This list is not exhaustive, but in most cases, you can't send…
· Alcohol — Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, or liquor) are restricted and can’t go in the mail. If you’re reusing a box displaying alcohol brands, all logos and labels need to be completely removed.
· Perfume − Perfume containing alcohol is prohibited on air transportation, and can only be shipped domestically via surface transportation. Perfume containing alcohol is prohibited in international shipments.
· Prescription Drugs – Prescription medications can only be mailed by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registered entities. Similar regulations may apply to over-the-counter medications.
· Cigarettes & Smokeless Tobacco – With few exceptions, cigarettes and smokeless tobacco shipments cannot be mailed.
· Firearms – Only licensed manufacturers and dealers can mail or receive handguns.
And even though unloaded rifles and shotguns are mailable, mailers must comply with all applicable regulations.
There are specific rules and restrictions for sending perishable matter through the mail.
Examples of mailable perishable matter include certain types of live animals, food items, and plants. Mailable perishable matter can be sent at the mailer’s own risk. These materials must be packaged as specified and must be mailed to assure that they are delivered within a time frame that will prevent deterioration.
Help Us Keep the Mail Safe
Keeping the mail safe is a top priority at USPS®. Avoid delays in your shipments by following these simple guidelines.
Only stamped mail pieces weighing 13 oz or less can be put in a blue collection box, Post Office lobby drop, USPS self-service kiosk drop, or any other unattended location.
If your mail piece weighs more than 13 oz and is bearing only stamps as postage, you’ll need to take it to the retail counter of a Post Office™, Contract Postal Unit, or Approved Shipper location. If left in a mailbox, it won’t be picked up; if dropped in a collection box or lobby drop, it will be returned to you.
There are rules and restrictions for what can and can’t be mailed.
This list is not exhaustive, but in most cases, you can't send…
· Alcohol — Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, or liquor) are restricted and can’t go in the mail. If you’re reusing a box displaying alcohol brands, all logos and labels need to be completely removed.
· Perfume − Perfume containing alcohol is prohibited on air transportation, and can only be shipped domestically via surface transportation. Perfume containing alcohol is prohibited in international shipments.
· Prescription Drugs – Prescription medications can only be mailed by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registered entities. Similar regulations may apply to over-the-counter medications.
· Cigarettes & Smokeless Tobacco – With few exceptions, cigarettes and smokeless tobacco shipments cannot be mailed.
· Firearms – Only licensed manufacturers and dealers can mail or receive handguns. And even though unloaded rifles and shotguns are mailable, mailers must comply with all applicable regulations.
There are specific rules and restrictions for sending perishable matter through the mail.
Examples of mailable perishable matter include certain types of live animals, food items, and plants. Mailable perishable matter can be sent at the mailer’s own risk. These materials must be packaged as specified and must be mailed to assure that they are delivered within a time frame that will prevent deterioration.
Many items can’t go in the mail.
Restricted materials come in a wide variety of forms and can be chemical, biological, radioactive, or a combination of factors.
Many common household and consumer products cannot be mailed through the US Postal Service®. These materials may not be dangerous on your shelf at home, but they may become a hazard when shaken or when exposed to temperature or pressure changes. Additional rules and restrictions apply for items being mailed internationally.
Examples of items that may be mailable but have specific restrictions…
· Aerosols
· Lithium Batteries
· Nail Polish
· Perfumes containing alcohol
· Pool Chemicals
· Paints
· Matches
· Certain Glues
· Live Animals
· Cremated Remains
Examples of non-mailable items…
· Air bags
· Ammunition
· Explosives
· Gasoline
Not sure if what you’re sending is restricted or prohibited? Just call 800-ASK-USPS® or your local Post Office.”
And, you can always go to the USPS.com website.
Be smart. Be a professional. Make sure your customers WANT to shop with you again!
Happy sales! And for the BEST place to sell, check out ONLINEAUCTION.com!!
Thank you! Visit us anytime at KornKountryTreasures!
