Proper etiquette for sending sensitive (computer) items

[Beythain]

Hello guys, I've never gotten into the FS/FT business, but thinking about it now. Never really wanted to go into that route due to all the horror stories and e-shocks on trolls and scams, but I guess now it's something I must face rather than run away .

So anyway, I want to sell some hardware components (like RAMs, hard drives, etc. smaller components), and I am wondering what good procedures I should take. I've read the rules in the FS/FT section, trollhunters.com, etc. and it was a good guide, but incomplete due to my experience (or lack thereof). I suppose USPS is a good way to build experience, and I believe I should always get a confirmation. So anyway, here are my list of questions:

1) What kind of packaging should I use? Does USPS supply boxes or can I use those big brown envelopes and put some soft paddings in them?

2) What type of mailing package should I use? I've heard and seen USPS priority often so I assume that's the easiest way to go.

3) What do I have to do to get a confirmation whatever? I know you have to pay a little extra, but does that include tracking number? Receiver's signature?

4) Should I know anything else? I certainly don't want to do anything bad to buyers, and I definitely don't want to get ripped off and scammed.

Not sure where to post this question, so ended up with Off Topic. If it should be elsewhere... if the admins or mods can move this thread it'd be appreciated.

Thanks to everyone in advance.

 

[cbrsurfr]

You can get priority mail boxes, tubes, envelopes, and tape direct from USPS.com.

 

[Schfifty Five]

I could have sworn I read this exact same thread last week.

 

[Beythain]

If there was a similar thread recently, I must have missed it. I couldn't find any through the search engine. Are the prices for mail boxes, etc. from USPS expensive? And can anyone answer my other questions? I just don't want to short-change someone because that's not right. So sorry if I sound redundant or dumb, but I'm just trying to get this right since it's my first time doing this so I want it as smoothly for both myself and the buyer.

 

[Injury]

The ideal thing to do is ensure that it can drop from a height of about 5 feet and still be safe. If you have to question if it would be safe... it probably isn't.

-Don't reuse boxes. They get beat up enough getting shipped once, their integrity has already been comprimised.
-Bubble wrap all over the place. All around, secured and taped up so it doesn't slide out.
-Packing peanuts SUCK. Do not use them as a form of cushioning because things can still move through them. Use them only to fill dead space around an already secured item.
-Leave no dead space. The box should be filled snugly, but not too tight. If there is empty space, it stands to get crushed there and rip the box wide open. If it is too tight, it's likely that the box will split when being handled and break wide open.
-Anti-static bags for all PC parts. It's better to stick it in a bag than wonder if the item is safe without it.
-A retail box is not a safe box. Manufacturers ship multiple retail boxes in another box with more of them... do not simply stick a label on it and call it safe.
-Always cover your boxes so that you can't tell what is inside. If someone sees a computer box sitting on your porch, it's more likely to get swiped.... if it makes it that far.
-Always get confirmation, regardless of if the buyer wants it or not. Just tell them it's not optional. If they can't spring for 50 cents, then you should step up to the plate and buy it anyway.
-If you aren't willing to eat the cost of something should problems occur, buy insurance on it.

That's a good start, but not a definitive guide.

 

[Yossarian]

reusing boxes isn't a problem. just pack the contents well.

delivery confirmation is free if you print your own USPS label online, which you should.

 

[Beythain]

Thanks everyone! For delivery confirmation able to be printed online... is it this page with the printed labels? https://sss-web.usps.com/cns/landing.do

And what is the price for insurance? I couldn't find anything on the USPS website, perhaps just don't know where to look for. And lastly, I have a silly question (another one)... how do I pre-bubble wrap the boxes if I have to buy them at the postal office? I don't think I just do it right then and there... Sorry for all these questions, guess I'm just confused on whether I should use the priority flat rate envelopes, the flat rate boxes, or what are my other options? Like I said, for now I'm mostly looking to sell smaller items like RAMs and whatnot. Thanks.

 

[Yossarian]

Yes that's the site. USPS will ship you priority mail boxes for free. It takes up to 2 weeks to receive them.

Insurance is calculated based on the declared value. The site will let you input that on the final page when you're filling out the form.

Rates are on here somewhere--
http://www.usps.com/all/ratesandfees/welcome.htm

For small stuff you don't want to use the flat rate boxes. It's cheaper to use a regular priority mail box and just pay by the pound.

 

[Beythain]

Oh dear... there's so many options. What options should I go with? People have told me insurance for sure, but what about signature confirmation? When I click on signature confirmation, it seems to talk about tracking information (tracker via USPS site). So far it seems like the normal priority mail since I doubt RAMs or the likes are over 2 pounds. What other options should I tack on?

 

[simms]

It's very simple. Priority with delivery confirmation, packaging is free from USPS.

DONE.