Suppliers for Shipping Supplies?

I use Priority Mail whenever possible to take advantage of the free boxes, tape, Delivery Confirmation, and the discounts and convenience of printing labels online. However, I often need larger boxes than available from USPS for shipments containing multiple items. Until recently, I had a local supplier for my supplies and I saved on freight by picking them up, but the company has now stopped carrying shipping supplies and I need to order supplies soon.

Anyone have a favorite supplier you use for such supplies? I have access to shredded paper from time to time,so don't always need peanuts, but do need heavy duty larger boxes, heavy duty packing tape, single-face corrugated cardboard, and stretch film plastic.

Here's a link to a great way to pack pottery, from Out of the Fire Studio:
http://www.howtomakepottery.com/packing_pottery_to_ship.html

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ceci on December 29, 2011 at 10:40am

I've found FREECYCLE to be a great resource for supplies for free.  If you haven't heard of it go to www.freecycle.org and look up your state and city.  You can request items or offer items.  Everything is free! The objective of freecycyle is to keep usable items out of our landfills.   In fact I'm going to pick up 2 or so lawn garbage bags full of bubble wrap bags this morning.  I've been getting these from the same lady for the last 2 years!  I've also gotten tons of packing peanuts on freecycle.  I haven't had to pay for any of this stuff in years.

Permalink Reply by Sharon Ivy on December 30, 2011 at 3:00am
Oh, that's awesome, Ceci! I have heard of Freecycle, but didn't even think of it for my supplies. Thanks so much!
Permalink Reply by Patricia Bridges on February 8, 2012 at 7:33pm
I use uline.com
I buy boxes and bubble wrap etc from them. I ship too many items to rely of used stuff.
Permalink Reply by Sharon Ivy on February 8, 2012 at 7:56pm

Thanks, Patricia!  I have seen them online and wondered about them.  Good to know. 

I did post to my local Freecycle, mainly looking for peanuts, but never got a response. Thought it would be a good time at Christmas since folks would likely be throwing away lots of packing material from gifts and such.

Permalink Reply by Tracy Shea on September 22, 2012 at 6:34pm

This might sound crazy, but I actually design my Etsy pieces to fit the free boxes from USPS. I sell my bigger stuff to shops, galleries, and at shows. Sometimes I have to scrounge boxes for folks ordering multiple items, but I do pretty well with the regional rate boxes, too. Then, at least, I know what the shipping will cost.

Permalink Reply by Patricia Bridges on September 22, 2012 at 6:47pm
Priority mail using USPS boxes is more costly than using your own box. Especially when shipping within 500 miles. I also find that many scrounged boxed are compromised and can end up with breakage. Click and ship online and save time and money:)
Permalink Reply by JUDITH FREDERICK on May 11, 2013 at 10:19am

Find yourself a local electronics store and make friends with them.  They go through an enormous amount of peanuts and bubble wrap.  There stock is light weight and fragile so the peanuts and bubble wrap is in like new condition.  I have all I need.  If you are a big seller, find more than one store.

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