{"id":247326,"date":"2019-05-21T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-05-21T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stamps.com\/?p=247326"},"modified":"2025-11-13T15:18:22","modified_gmt":"2025-11-13T15:18:22","slug":"reusing-boxes-5-tips-to-help-you-stay-out-of-trouble","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stamps.com\/article\/reusing-boxes-5-tips-to-help-you-stay-out-of-trouble\/","title":{"rendered":"Reusing Boxes – 5 Tips To Help You Stay Out of Trouble"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Reusing boxes can make you feel good.  You\u2019re saving the environment!  You\u2019re reducing waste!   You\u2019re saving money!  But are you making a mistake?  Well, that depends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cover Unfamiliar Markings <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

First of all, it is extremely important to cover all markings and symbols with which you\u2019re not familiar.  When I first started selling on eBay, I sent a pair of shoes in a box marked “ORM-D.\u201d  Packages bearing this mark contain hazardous materials. The package didn\u2019t get far.  It was held hostage in a city 45 minutes away.  The Postal Service wanted me to pick it up.  I drove to the agreed upon location\u2014an out-of-the-way USPS warehouse. I was shipping shoes, I tell you. Shoes! What a nightmare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hide or Remove Old Address Labels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, be sure to cover or remove any old address labels.  As an eBay newbie, I had several boxes returned to me because the USPS only saw the original address label which showed the destination address as being my own!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid Alcohol Containers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sending items via the USPS in boxes that once contained alcohol can also be a problem.  I would avoid using them.  According to the USPS website, beer, wine, and liquor may not be sent through the mail. If you want to reuse a box for shipping that has alcoholic beverage labels on it, remove all logos and labels, so your package will pass through the mail system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check the Stability of the Box<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you plan to reuse a box, make sure it hasn\u2019t lost its strength.  For example, a box that has endured the process of traveling across the United States is often not strong enough to protect the products you are shipping.  If you\u2019re sending a stuffed animal, you might be OK.  But don\u2019t expect Grandma\u2019s dishes to arrive safely if you\u2018re shipping them in a box that has already seen the other side of the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make a Good Impression<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, think about the impression you are making on your customer.  If you are planning to recycle boxes, reuse those boxes that are clean and professional looking.  I belong to quite a few eBay-related Facebook groups.  Every once in a while someone will post a picture of a box they received from an eBay seller that originally contained adult diapers. Not good!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reusing boxes is a good idea, as long as you\u2019re smart about it.  Stick to professional-looking, clean, sturdy boxes, and you\u2019ll stay out of trouble.  Follow these tips, and your shipping journey will be smooth sailing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t forget \u2013 the USPS provides sellers free boxes for products being shipped via Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express.  And they\u2019ll ship these free shipping supplies<\/a><\/a> to your work or home for free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Author<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Miriam Otto is an eBay blogger and credentialed teacher with 13 years\u2019 experience selling on the site.\u00a0 She was a frequent guest on\u00a0eBay Radio<\/em>\u00a0and has participated in eBay seller panels and projects.\u00a0 Her blog,\u00a0The eBay Life, is an all-in-one resource for eBay sellers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Reusing boxes can make you feel good.  You\u2019re saving the environment!  You\u2019re reducing waste!   You\u2019re saving money!  But are you making a mistake?  Well, that depends. 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