Where do you buy shipping supplies?

[km018]

I order my priority mail boxes for free from USPS. But when looking looking to buy plastic mailers in bulk, where do you go? I've just been buying them off ebay and was wondering if that is the best/easiest play to go?

[TonyAlmeida]

Uline dot com

Originally Posted by km018

I order my priority mail boxes for free from USPS. But when looking looking to buy plastic mailers in bulk, where do you go? I've just been buying them off ebay and was wondering if that is the best/easiest play to go?

[MM78]

Mainly from uline.com or I recycle from packages I receive myself.

[slim jim]

definitely uline, prices are unbeatable. for a small qty ebay is fine but if you are constantly reordering then you are wasting your $.

[vogeltron]

If you have enough volume. U-Line does have best prices. Sometimes if you are near one of their distribution centers you can save money by picking them up.

[MM78]

5 miles away!

[km018]

I just checked. The closest one is 85 miles away (about 1 hour 20 minute drive)

[MM78]

85 Miles....maybe shipping to you will be best, lol.

[pujolsfan]

Don't be afraid to get creative. Reuse mailers that people have sent you. Use shoe boxes, cereal boxes, cracker boxes, etc. I have a ton of used dvd and video game cases, and I'll even use those for mailers if the item will fit in them. For packing, I use walmart plastic bags. I always have a lot of those and they work a lot better than bubble wrap in my opinion.

I buy packing tape on ebay, and I've bought some mailers on ebay as well. I haven't checked out U-line like the others are suggesting.

Priority mail flat and regional rate boxes are sometimes your best bet, so just order a bunch of all the different kinds from usps and then just see what method is cheapest before you ship it off.

[Bunneh]

Im sorry but even though it is a good idea for you, and a way to save money,
i wouldnt see myself doing this, i prefer to use new packaging as your packaging reflects your company's image.
I would dread to think the kind of ratings i would get if my buyers received their items in used cereal boxes

[vogeltron]

I agree, it depends on what you are selling. I personally do recycle some bubble mailers and what not when I sell used books on half.com or some other lower end items. But yes, if you are selling some high priced items I would agree don't ship items in a cereal box.

[MM78]

unless your shipping Cereal!

[they_screwed_me_too]

bunneh

there are many free packaging supplies to be had from royal mail

be creative with their ordering system

[Hrad]

Another vote going to uline from me

[Gamefreak]

I buy all my stuff on amazon.. cheaper than uline for the envelopes but for boxes then uline is best

[rsot]

I get stuff from the local shops getting rid of their supplies - costs me nothing and I sculpt the boxes myself...mind you, my volume is low so this is practical.

[slim jim]

Originally Posted by Gamefreak

I buy all my stuff on amazon.. cheaper than uline for the envelopes but for boxes then uline is best

WOW they are much cheaper than ebay. Thank you! Just got double the envelopes for the same price!

[yotano211]

I got all of my shipping supplies off ebay, I havent found any place cheaper. But I do sometimes buy tape from walmart when they discount it for $1 for a 75 yard roll. I buy the entire lot.

[Gamefreak]

Originally Posted by slim jim

WOW they are much cheaper than ebay. Thank you! Just got double the envelopes for the same price!

amazon seems to be a little secret for supplies. Crazy cheap prices with overnight shipping for $4 if you need it quickly

[Futuremogul888]

The source. A box and envelope manufacturer. You can't beat 2 cents for a padded envelope.

[Sandy D]

Uline for smalls of repeated items I sell.

But I get most of my boxes for free at the dollar store, target, etc.

Since I sell items in a variety of sizes it works for me as I have them sorted in sizes and can just grab the box size I need from the shelf.

[slim jim]

Originally Posted by Gamefreak

amazon seems to be a little secret for supplies. Crazy cheap prices with overnight shipping for $4 if you need it quickly

I was actually shocked at the price. Never even thought to look because things are so expensive on amazon