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Post by Deleted on Feb 23, 2015 19:55:38 GMT
It took me a long time to break down and start using the self adhesive labels but when I did I was so happy. I felt like I had been set free.
Currently I mostly use polymailers for shipping. I wrap each garment in tissue then wrap that in plastic. Sometimes it's bag that has been cut down or clear plastic from dry cleaning. I'm sure this has a huge tacky factor. I'm not trying to build an empire with my business. Although my customers like the items they purchase I doubt I have repeat buyers. My goal is to do things cheaply, quickly and in good taste.
I'm thinking that the 1.5 mil clear bags would speed things up and be a great convenience. For those of you who use them do you order the size based of the size of your polymailer or do you have a one size fits most size and fold if needed?
If anyone has suggestions or input I would appreciate it.
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Post by bettyblackbent on Feb 23, 2015 20:01:29 GMT
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Post by SA on Feb 23, 2015 20:12:45 GMT
Call me a horrible seller, but:
I do not wrap in tissue or bags unless the item warrants it (tissue wrapped around shoes to prevent scuffing, breakables, etc). For everyday clothing, I just out in the mailer and I'm done.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 23, 2015 20:24:36 GMT
I have the 1.5 mil clear bags and I don't care for them. I got 9x11.5 size and those seem too small for most items. I thought about going a size up, but I think I may look for a thinner material or zip lock bags. The bags I have seem to rip easy when you stuff something a bit too big for it. I'm going back to just tissue wrap until I find something better.
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Post by zoesam on Feb 23, 2015 20:26:52 GMT
I buy a couple of different sizes, just like I do for the polymailers. No time to go down & check, but I think it's a 10x13 & a 9 1/2 x ?
For years though I used Liz's method, nothing & never once had a complaint. Then for a few more years I used Betty's method, the thank you type cellophane bags & no problems then either.
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val2525
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Post by val2525 on Feb 23, 2015 20:31:41 GMT
FYI, if you use the Priority Tyvek mailers - they are NOT waterproof.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 23, 2015 20:35:29 GMT
I have a few different sizes: 12x15, 10x13 and 9x12, self-sealing or ziplock (10x13 is what I use most of the time for clothing).
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Post by Deleted on Feb 23, 2015 20:39:13 GMT
I bag most things, but rarely use tissue unless it's a breakable or nicer shoes.
I just use the gallon size clear plastic storage bags (I think they used to be called bread bags) from the store. Packs of 75-100, usually works out to less than .03 per bag. I can fold most things to fit in them. For larger items I use a combination of inexpensive 3 gal. white bags or I re-use any plain bags I get from shopping (a couple of places I shop have bags that just say thank you on them.)
I don't think it's really necessary though, except maybe for boxes. I've received more than one wet box & I feel better providing an extra layer of protection in those.
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Post by bettyblackbent on Feb 23, 2015 20:42:02 GMT
I use the plastic because it's just too damp around here to not take an extra precaution, even if it's only for the time of the trip to the PO.
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Post by treetop on Feb 23, 2015 21:22:34 GMT
I seal most everything in ziploc bags. Keeps moisture and odors out. After I list something, I put in into a ziplock along with a business card and store them that way in bins. Some delicate items or items with sequins or beads also get wrapped in tissue, but I don't wrap most items in tissue. Most items fit in cheap Target ziplocs, but I also buy some large ones on ebay for sweaters, jeans, etc.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 23, 2015 22:37:49 GMT
I use the 15" by 18" clear poly bags from UpakNship and just tape them closed. I also buy some cheaper smaller sized bags from the dollar store. I don't remember the exact size - maybe gallon size?
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Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2015 0:22:41 GMT
I was wrapping my garments in tissue paper...especially since there'd been so many controversial complaints circulating about certain poly bags smelling like chemicals and smoke. Then, last month I decided I was tired of digging through bins and having to continuously re-fold things. So, I ordered 500 10"x15" clear 1.5 ml self-close "envelopes". With Priority shipping they were .05 each; the same as my self-stick shipping labels. My new system is working out very well, for the time being. Thus far, I've gotten all my 2X and 3X skirts and blouses/knits into them (strategically folded, of course!). But I'm going to see if they come larger because I've got a ton of heavier/over-size clothing that will not fit. My last buyer's comments were, "packaged extra-carefully." I feel like these may also add an extra level of protection against accidental damage and moisture.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2015 0:34:06 GMT
I use the 15" by 18" clear poly bags from UpakNship and just tape them closed. I had originally considered using similar (16"x18"), but backed off due to having to order (minimally) 1,000/$63.00 through The Linton Company.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2015 2:05:16 GMT
I use 9x12 (S-5967) $60 for 1000 and 12x15 (S-11064) $89 for 1000 1.5 mil resealable bags from Uline.
I wish I could find something semi-local to purchase from to eliminate shipping which is around $26-$30.
It would be difficult to go back to another method of storing for me. I've kind of got it down over the last couple of years.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2015 2:06:15 GMT
I use plastic zip-lock style bags and poly mailers. I rarely use tissue unless there is beading or glass buttons that need extra cushion.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2015 2:32:47 GMT
I bag most things, but rarely use tissue unless it's a breakable or nicer shoes. I just use the gallon size clear plastic storage bags (I think they used to be called bread bags) from the store. Packs of 75-100, usually works out to less than .03 per bag. I can fold most things to fit in them. For larger items I use a combination of inexpensive 3 gal. white bags or I re-use any plain bags I get from shopping (a couple of places I shop have bags that just say thank you on them.) I don't think it's really necessary though, except maybe for boxes. I've received more than one wet box & I feel better providing an extra layer of protection in those. I also use bread bags for most of what I send and the small white trash bags for bigger items. I did have a bunch of the thank you bags that I got for free so used them for a while. If I have Kohls bag or anything around (other than my thrift labeled bags like GW) I'll use that. I do tissue wrap most smaller items. Big items like coats or blazers I'll put a layer of tissue across it before I fold it. Don't think buyers care though.
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Post by bettyblackbent on Feb 24, 2015 2:37:21 GMT
Sell half of them in smaller lots on eBay and cover your costs.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2015 2:58:41 GMT
Sell half of them in smaller lots on eBay and cover your costs. Mighty thrifty thinking...thanks for the idea!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2015 14:09:51 GMT
I use the gallon size plastic bread bags from Walmart. They are just over $2.00 for 100 10X14 inch bags. Convenient too since I just pick them up along with the $1. rolls of cheap packaging tape. I used to get free round stickers from gymboree to seal them but they don't have the stickers anymore. Now I just buy the cheap smiley faces stickers.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2015 16:47:40 GMT
I purchased my mannequins from a fixture store here in the Atlanta area. I do see that they carry both the resealable and thank you bags. They are not really clear on the number of bags that are in a lot. Some of the items say 500 bags and others say 10lbs. I will take a trip there later in the week or next week to see what I can pick up. I like the idea of just using the bags as storage then slipping them into the mailing package when I get ready to ship. Currently I pack it all they way and put it in the mailer with the weight etc. But that way I'm using a mailer on something that may sit forever.
Thanks for everyone's input.
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Post by Gabi on Feb 24, 2015 16:52:37 GMT
I use the 10x13 ziplock (I just checked, mine are 2mil) for almost everything. I use the same size polymailers. For larger items I buy some of the 12x15 ziplocks as well as the corresponding polymailers (12x15.5.
I have received many items thrown onto my porch into the snow (my porch roof leaks a bit), some where packaged inside the cardboard flat rate mailers and it was a mess, because they soaked through. I just never know the living situation of the buyer, if they live in a place where it rains a lot, or in a very humid place in the summer. Also, I like to think that the ziplocks prevent any small getting on the item along the way.
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Post by bettyblackbent on Feb 24, 2015 17:27:46 GMT
I also like some kind of inner plastic bag or wrap because I think it tends to make it less likely that the item will get cut when the buyer opens the bag/package. Kind of keeps it from clinging to the inside of the box/tyvek, ykwim?
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Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2015 18:41:25 GMT
I also like some kind of inner plastic bag or wrap because I think it tends to make it less likely that the item will get cut when the buyer opens the bag/package. Kind of keeps it from clinging to the inside of the box/tyvek, ykwim? Yes, that and sometimes the bags are a bit smelly. Even if it doesn't smell while in your possession, exposure to heat or dampness can make them smelly which can transfer to the clothing.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2015 3:44:54 GMT
I use thin clear bags, to ship most item and stiff paper to wrap others. They are about a 12x15 size for most clothing and are 1 mil. I have those tiny ziplock to store jewelry separately, but ship most of it in a box within the shipping bag.
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Post by kat on Feb 26, 2015 7:47:24 GMT
I use plastic zip-lock style bags and poly mailers. I rarely use tissue unless there is beading or glass buttons that need extra cushion. I do this too. I have an assortment of 1 gal., 2 gal, and 2.5 gal. I am always checking the bag aisle in stores and pick up any close outs or great sale items. If I sold more items, I'd probably find them cheaper in bulk, but this works for me.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 27, 2015 16:12:57 GMT
I use generic Ziplocs for almost everything. My preferred brand are the Great Value (Wal-Mart) freezer bags. They have that little white strip I can write what is in the bag.
After photographs and measurements, the item is folded and zipped up, air squeezed out condenses the size. Item is placed in appropriate tote (ie: shirts, skirts).
Sale comes in... open tote, grab bag, print label, slip bag into mailer. Done.
I have pets and use a woodstove. I think keeping the item in the zipper bags helps to keep it clean.
I would not use a printed plastic shopping bag for clothing. One got wet once on my counter, the ink bled onto the counter and never fully cleaned away. Would hate to think what would happen if a nice item was dropped on a porch in the rain.
HOWEVER, those plastic bags are immensely awesome to reuse as stuffing material in boxes (of non breakable items). They are lightweight, free, and abundant.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 27, 2015 21:03:27 GMT
Greenkim - Thank you. I never dreamed in a million years that the ink from a plastic shopping bag would bleed. Very good to know.
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val2525
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Post by val2525 on Feb 28, 2015 5:35:04 GMT
I'm the odd man out. I fold my stuff around a piece (or half piece) of card stock, wrap in tissue, put in ziplock and then in appropriately sized mailer. I've never (yet) had a complaint about water damage, damage by buyer while cutting open the package, or wrinkles.
I usually have 8x10, 9x12 and 10x13 on hand (9x12 I use the most of). I keep white poly mailers in the same size and order a few larger sizes in the winter in small quantities.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2015 5:46:35 GMT
I don't buy all that much personal clothing online, but I was a bit astounded at how some seller's just use a cardboard FRE to jam jeans into...after charging $8 for shipping. That will never be my method of madness for profit. I've got a reputation to uphold.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 7, 2015 15:11:11 GMT
My WM quit carrying the cheap shipping tape, now they only carry the duck brand tape. Makes me cry paying that much for tape. Need to check out other stores in the area and see if they still have the cheap stuff. Not like you need anything real sturdy to hold on a label. I do keep heavy shipping tape on hand for sealing boxes.
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